By Roselle Mitch G. Anas

Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) stage dazzles as Central Philippine University (CPU) celebrates its 2026 Alumni Grand Homecoming Gala Night on October 3, 2026.

With the theme “Central Spirit: Uniting Generations,” Central Philippine University (CPU) 2026 Alumni Grand Homecoming celebrated its Gala Night at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) on October 3, 2026, bringing together alumni from different generations.

The evening began with an invocation led by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the CPU University Church, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Assoc. Prof. Rona L. Idemne.

Adding to the celebration, the CPU College of Nursing Cultural Dance Troupe opened the program with a cultural dance performance. Following the performance, CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered his welcome remarks.

Following the opening ceremonies, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy led the Induction Ceremony of the newly elected CPU Foreign Office of Alumni Affairs, Inc. (CPUFOAAI) officers. Dr. Irma May A. Fernandez-De Leon was inducted as the new CPUFOAAI President, alongside the newly elected officers for 2026–2027.

Joining Fernandez – De Leon in the new CPUFOAAI leadership were Erlinda (Neneng) Galanto as First Vice President; Edward Pormilos as 2nd Vice President – U.S.A.; Norma Vandusen as 2nd Vice President – Canada; Jose Denzel Daquiado as Vice President – Region CAN East; Daryl J. Dela Cruz as Vice President – Region CAN West; Arlene Tupaz Poblador as Vice President – Region USA West; Jonathan Gapilango as Corporate Secretary; Josephine Portante as Assistant Corporate Secretary; DG P. Delicana as Corporate Treasurer; Melba Debulgado as Assistant Corporate Treasurer; and Daphne Grace P. Bellen as Corporate Auditor. Meriam Amy, Easter Arora, Pancho Lamigo, and Rick Falco were elected as members of the Board of Directors (BOD) At-Large.

As part of the coronation segment, the candidates for Alumni King and Queen 2026 were presented. The Grand Alumni Queen 2020 Ms. Etha L. Pelopero delivered her farewell speech, followed by the farewell walk of the Alumni King and Queen 2025, Dr. Raymund H. Parasala and Ms. Na. Olivia D. Donesa.

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and CPUAAI President Dr. Anita Illenberger join the cake-cutting during the 2026 Alumni Grand Homecoming Gala Night at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) on October 3, 2026.

Representing the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES), Timothy Nelson D. Arandela and Gloria C. Ardaña were crowned Grand Alumni King and Queen 2026, respectively.

Joining the newly crowned Grand Alumni King and Queen were the runner-up pairs from the College of Nursing (CON), represented by Terrence Albert P. Ikalina and Nicole S. Colot, who were named 1st Runner-Up; the College of Education (COED), represented by Ed Cresencio and Hera Tropel-Cresencio, who were named 2nd Runner-Up; the College of Hospitality Management (CHM), represented by Mary Grace Bernabe and Michael John Mojica, who were named 3rd Runner-Up; and the Junior High School (JHS), represented by Ma. Teresa Venus and Lee Romulo Plagata Jr., who were named 4th Runner-Up.

Thereafter, the newly crowned Grand Alumni King and Queen were serenaded by Richmond G. Espiritu. BGen. Ezza James P. Enriquez (Ret.), CPUAAI Trustee, later led the prayer for dinner, after which guests gathered and enjoyed an intermission number from Iloilo’s Singing Host, Elaisha L. Pomida.

Culminating the evening, Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, CPUAAI President for 2026 Affairs and Co-Chair of CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming 2026, delivered the closing remarks and prayer.

The program concluded with the singing of the CPU Alma Mater Song, followed by a dance and raffle draw, with music by the Totong Villaruz Band.

The Gala Night brought together Centralians from different generations in an evening that celebrated alumni leadership, fellowship, and their shared connection to their alma mater under the spirit of this year’s theme.