By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

The official seal of the CPU Golden Lions.

The CPU Golden Lions name has become synonymous with Central Philippine University’s sports teams, but the story behind its creation is more than a decade old. The school, which began as Jaro Industrial School in 1905, did not have an official name for its athletes for many years, although some old articles and photos indicated that they were referred to as players of the “Gold and Blue,” the school’s official colors. However, this name did not catch on, and no definitive name was ever mentioned in any Central Songs dedicated to the athletes.

It was not until 2007, when three Centralians—Mr. Rinand C. Escuban, Director for External Affairs; Dr. Randy Pabulayan, Director of University Research Center (URC); and Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Assistant Director for External Affairs—met with CPU President Dr. Juanito M. Acanto in Marbel, South Cotabato, Mindanao, that the idea of coming up with a name for the CPU sports teams was first discussed. After brainstorming, they came up with the name CPU Golden Lions, inspired by Biblical passages.

However, the idea of having an official name for the CPU varsity teams did not immediately catch on. From 2007 to 2010, the idea only circulated among coaches and sports directors. During Ms. Trinidad Sorongon’s tenure, the idea gained some traction, and Pastor Kim de la Cruz proposed the name “CPU Golden Eagles,” which was used by the teams until 2011. Later, under the leadership of Atty. Alejandro S. Somo as the new Sports Director in 2012, the name “Golden Eagles” was up for discussion because it was already in use by the University of San Agustin. It was then that Rev. Jalando-on was tasked with proposing a new name, and the coaches ultimately voted for the “CPU Golden Lions” name. The name has now been used for more than 10 years since the time of Atty. Alejandro S. Somo, the late Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an and the current Director, Engr. Marc Hermel G. Agriam.

The name was inspired by several Biblical passages, including Proverbs 30:30, which reads, “The lion, which is mightiest among beasts, does not turn back from anything,” and Proverbs 28:1, which states that “The godly are as bold as lions.” Another passage, 2 Samuel 17:10, reads, “The bravest are those whose heart is like the heart of a lion.” These verses reflect the qualities that Centralian athletes embody, namely, bravery and godliness. Additionally, Jesus, the prime example of Centralians, is called the “Lion of Judah” in Revelation 5:5.

In 2016, the proposal to change the name of the CPU Gym to the “CPU Golden Lions’ Den” was put forth. It was deemed necessary because the CPU Varsity Teams, known as the CPU Golden Lions, needed an official home to call their own, and the symbolic home for any school’s sports program is the gymnasium. Therefore, it was fitting for the CPU Golden Lions to have an officially recognized home, and the name “CPU Golden Lions’ Den” was chosen.

For Centralians, the CPU Golden Lions name is more than just a moniker for the school’s sports teams; it is a testament to the qualities that Centralian athletes embody and a reminder of the inspiring story behind its creation.