By Mikee Natinga Norico
(From L–R): Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol Jr., Director of the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center (CESLC); Assoc. Prof. Annalie D. Gilongos, CPU NSTP Coordinator; Dr. Amy Castigador, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA); Dr. Jelvit Amor C. Alicante, Chairperson and Focal Person of the CPU GAD Committee; Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Vice President for Administration; and Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises pose for a photo opportunity after Central Philippine University received six citations during the 5th Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Awards held at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center in Iloilo City on May 21, 2026.
Central Philippine University (CPU) strengthened its standing as one of the leading higher education institutions in Western Visayas after securing six prestigious citations during the 5th Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Awards held on May 21, 2026, at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center in Iloilo City.
The awards, conferred by the Commission on Higher Education in celebration of its 32nd anniversary and the 6th National Higher Education Day, highlight CPU’s sustained commitment to academic quality assurance, institutional advancement, and community engagement.
These recognitions underscore CPU’s outstanding performance in key areas of institutional excellence. The awards received are as follows:
- Award for Excellence in Research
- Award for Excellence in Community Extension
- Award for Excellence in Peace Education Implementation
- Award for Excellence in Gender and Development Implementation
- Award for Excellence in National Service Training Program (NSTP)
- Top Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on Internationalization Programs and Initiatives
The university delegation was led by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, together with Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises; Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; and other key university officials.
Notably, during the 4th CHED Regional Quality Awards, CPU also received several citations, including recognition as a higher education institution for its support to CHED Gender and Development Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI) endeavors; Outstanding Board Performance Awards, including Rank 7 Top Performing School in the November 2024 Chemical Engineering Licensure Examination (83.33%), Rank 1 Top Performing School in the April 2025 Electronics Technician Licensure Examination (100%), Rank 7 Top Performing School in the November 2024 Pharmacist Licensure Examination (90.59%), and Rank 4 Top Performing School in the May 2025 Chemical Engineers Computer-Based Licensure Examination (92.31%); the World Ranking Award under the Quacquarelli Symonds Asia University Rankings (851–900 band); Autonomous HEI in Region VI Award; Awards for Excellence in Community Extension and Linkages, Internationalization Initiatives, Peace Education, and National Service Training Program (NSTP); the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug Strategy Innovative Awards for Higher Education; and the World Rankings Award from Times Higher Education.
CPU’s latest haul of honors further reinforces its role as a premier academic institution committed to producing competent graduates, advancing research and innovation, and serving communities through transformative education.