Central Philippine University

By Teodoro C. Robles


CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles gave a speech in the commemoration of the 115th Foundation Day of Central Philippine University.

Since its founding more than a century ago, Central Philippine University has always withstood the test of time. It has evolved from a humble school for boys to an esteemed academic institution in Western Visayas where students from all walks of life are united with a common vision – to become mature Christians with a heart to be of service to others. The university that we call home stands as it is today – strong, resilient, faithful, – but not without having to endure natural wear and tear, not without having to bear witness to the casualties of war, and not without having to mourn over the loss and passing of the men and women behind Central.

Time and time again, CPU has proven that it shall rise above the tide. This has been especially true at present as Central faces the harsh realities and the labyrinth of challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, only a handful of us are here inside the campus as many have opted to work from home. The grounds that not too long ago were filled with students’ idealism, creativity, and energy are now almost empty areas occasionally serving as venues for interactions among people one or two meters apart from each other. Like Central Philippine College whose operations were interrupted by the Second World War, Central Philippine University had to be on a temporary lockdown until it is safe for all the employees and students to be back inside the campus.

However, like the many generations of Centralians who have come before us, the American Baptist missionaries who sailed to the Philippines armed only with their courage and faith, the Hopevale martyrs who sacrificed for the greater good and for a bigger cause, we, members of the CPU community, should not be disheartened despite the challenges we now face and endure. Now is not the time to be dissuaded from doing what is just, right, and humane. Each of us is being challenged by the times to live up to the Christian values and ideals that our university has been established for, to treat others with compassion and understanding, to show genuine care for the people we work with, and to anchor our lives to Him whose love knows no bounds.

Over the course of time, the university will be tested, it will be challenged to evolve and to adapt, but our founders, our forefathers, those who built and rebuilt Central Philippine University have full trust that the ones who will step into its hallowed portals and the ones who will be called to lead, the faithful and courageous stewards of God’s abundance and blessings, shall weather the storm.

The tie that binds us all – the Central Spirit – shall live on as we become good stewards of what the Lord has given to us – our dear old Central.