By Cyrus A. Natividad

Despite of the rain, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Pastor Justine Palmes Mije and CPU Board of Trustees Member, Engr. Rey Cordova gave a wreath of flowers to the tomb of Ms. Anna V. Johnson, a pioneer missionary who started the Baptist Missionary Training School in 1904.

Despite the downpour, the Memorial Service for CPU’s 118th Foundation Day; supposedly to be held at the Philippine-American Cemetery in Jaro, Iloilo City pushed through; thanks for the ever-ready CPU staff and CPU EMC and TV Crew who swiftly cleared out the already installed cameras and equipment at the venue and transported it back to CPU.

The memorial service was held instead at the Ground Floor of the Henry Luce III Library. The program started with the traditional singing of the American National Anthem, ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and the Philippine National Anthem, ‘Lupang Hinirang’.

The lighting of candles in memory of the dearly departed was led by University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, during the Memorial Service for the CPU 118th Foundation Day at the Henry Luce III Library.

A silent moment of meditation was observed, and a litany of remembrance followed. “Faith of our Fathers, Living Still” was the Hymn of Remembrance.

In her words of encouragement, Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza- Chairperson, Religion and Ethics Department, CPU College of Theology talked about Women Empowerment, with very relevant expositions and illustrations based on the Bible.

Villeza expanded her topic which was focused on women. She said “Our Centralian women deserve to be acknowledged especially on this 118h Founding Anniversary of Central Philippine University.” She explained that “Women Empowerment is not about being empowered to carry what men have; even beyond that- for women to be above men. Women empowerment is an equality of rights and responsibilities that can result to better relationship. It is followed with underlined respect between both genders.”

The lighting of candles, in memory of the dearly departed (as their names were mentioned) was led by University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. The singing of the closing Hymn “Central Spirit” followed.

The closing Prayer and Benediction was given by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, University Church Senior Pastor. The Liturgy was prepared by Pastor Neva Grace L. Fabila.
A prepared breakfast followed. The ceremony was attended by CPU Administration officials and personnel, faculty staff and alumni.