By Cyrus A. Natividad

Some of the members of the CPU Board of Trustees with Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mrs. Angel Robles during the Testimonial Dinner.

The distinguished tenure of Dr. Teodoro C. Robles as President of Central Philippine University concluded on October 31, 2023, marking the transition to the leadership of Dr. Ernest Howard Buenaventura Dagohoy, a fellow Centralian, effective November 1, 2023. The handover was commemorated with a testimonial parade and a couple of testimonial dinners.

In a distinguished testimonial program, the CPU Board of Trustees organized a Testimonial Dinner to honor Dr. Teodoro C. Robles on Thursday, October 26, at the Iloilo Convention Center (Functions 2, 3 and 4). This significant event was preceded by a Contract Signing and Turnover ceremony for the incoming University President, Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. The official document was formally signed by Dr. Dagohoy, the 18th President of Central Philippine University, and Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, along with witnesses.

The Testimonial Dinner, a momentous occasion, featured impactful speeches by Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, who emphasized that Dr. Robles assumed leadership at a crucial juncture when CPU needed a visionary leader. Atty. Von Lovel Bedona provided the opening remarks, setting the tone for an evening filled with appreciation and gratitude.

The foot parade during the Centralian Fest was made in honor of the outgoing CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.

The testimonials were rich with insights, with members of the CPU Board of Trustees expressing their admiration for Dr. Robles’ exemplary leadership. CPU Board of Trustees Corporate Secretary Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa and CPU Board of Trustees Corporate Treasurer Dr. Carmen P. Santos, both distinguished members of the Board of Trustees, shared their perspectives on Dr. Robles’ contributions to the university. Additionally, Dr. Rowena Libo-on, the former Vice President for Finance under Dr. Robles, offered valuable insights into his financial stewardship.

The Testimonial Dinner served as a fitting tribute to Dr. Robles, recognizing not only his administrative acumen but also his profound impact on the university community. The event underscored the shared commitment of CPU and its leadership to uphold a legacy of excellence and visionary leadership.

A heartfelt testimonial parade and review was also made by the CPU ROTC Cadets on Friday, October 27, 2023, 1500H (military time) at the CPU Grandstand Area.

Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, who served as CPU President from 2008 to 2023, was lauded during the parade, a manifestation of excellence and success during his administration. In his address, Dr. Robles expressed gratitude to the CPU ROTC, acknowledging their achievements, including producing High Military Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and consistently topping the Annual Tactical Inspection for Western Visayas for three consecutive years.

The testimonial parade, a tradition of excellence, showcased the readiness and discipline of the CPU ROTC Unit. Dr. Robles, flanked by the Commandant and the NSTP Coordinator, took a military jeep to review the entire battalion of cadets. The impressive performance, accompanied by the CPU Symphonic Band, reflected the unit’s outstanding record in several Regional Tactical Inspections.

Colonel Peter C. Bedonia, the Commandant of the CPU ROTC Unit and a Centralian Engineering Graduate, expressed gratitude for Dr. Robles’ support in renovating the ROTC Headquarters, equipping it with modern communication systems and functional offices.

In a similar event, the CPU Republic celebrated the Centralian Fest from October 23 to October 27, 2023, with literary-musical contests. The foot parade of students from the campus to Jaro and back was a testimonial parade in honor of the outgoing CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. The fest engaged student organizations and departments under the CPU Republic (CPUR).

On October 27, the Human Resource Department spearheaded a Testimonial Dinner for the couple Dr. Ted and Angel Robles at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The program included opening remarks from CPU Vice Presidents, an inspirational message by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V Sian, and an enjoyable skit titled “Nag-i15a.”

The evening continued with departments and offices presenting their tributes to Dr. Robles through video presentations and heartfelt messages. Despite the rain outside, the attendees remained, demonstrating their appreciation for fifteen years of Dr. Ted Robles’ exceptional leadership. The testimonial dinner concluded with singing, tributes, and expressions of gratitude for the enduring legacy of Dr. Robles and his wife, Ma’am Angel.