By Karren Jay G. Asgar
The official poster for CPU’s Christ Emphasis Week for the 1st Semester of SY 2026-2027, themed “Fully Alive! (Reject the Thief, Follow the Shepherd),” anchored on John 10:9–10.
Central Philippine University (CPU) celebrated Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) convocations for the first semester of School Year 2026–2027 from August 10-14, 2026, carrying the theme, “Fully Alive! (Reject the Thief, Follow the Shepherd),” anchored on biblical text of John 10:9-10.
The celebration began with the Opening Celebration on August 7 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium (RMA), featuring Rev. Karel Grace D. Victoria as speaker.
This was followed by the NSTP/ROTC Convocation on August 8 at the RMA, where Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa delivered the message, and the School of Graduate Studies Convocation at the Conference Room, Educational Media Center (EMC), with Rev. Albert Mark A. Java serving as speaker.
From August 10 to 14, CPU held a series of convocations for students from its pre-collegiate, undergraduate, and post-graduate programs. The gatherings were conducted at various venues, including the RMA, University Gymnasium, EMC, and Jose U. Santos Multi-Purpose Hall. The convocations were also livestreamed online, allowing members of the Centralian community to participate even when they could not attend the gatherings in person.
On Monday, August 10, the Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) convocations were conducted following the cancellation of classes due to bad weather. Rev. Albert Mark A. Java served as the speaker for the convocations, which were also livestreamed online.
The week’s convocations featured speakers who shared messages centered on the CEW theme. Rev. Martha Mae E. Luces ministered to the Kindergarten Department, while Rev. Faye Grace C. Caver spoke before the Elementary Department. Pastor Lloyd U. Basco led the Junior High School convocations, while Rev. Albert Mark A. Java, Ms. Raphah G. Cortel, and Rev. Victoria served as speakers for the Senior High School Department.
At the collegiate level, Atty. Albert Jan Matthew A. Java, Pastor Norman Lao, and Hon. Judge Mark Anthony D.R. Polonan delivered messages during various college convocations. The College of Medicine held a special convocation featuring Dr. Cecile G. Dagohoy, while the College of Law conducted an evening convocation with Pastor Wayne Young as guest speaker.
Adding to the week’s activities were booths of Campus Religious Organizations (CROs) at the RMA lobby. The booths provided students and members of the community with opportunities to learn more about the organizations, check their schedules of gatherings and fellowship activities, and find avenues to strengthen their faith and grow in their walk with the Lord.
The CEW celebration also featured its official theme song, “A-L-I-V-E,” composed and performed by Code N Chords of the CPU College of Computer Studies. The group won the Live Theme Song Competition held on August 4, earning the opportunity to have its composition serve as part of this year’s CEW celebration.
Through the week-long activities, CEW provided members of the Centralian community with opportunities for worship, reflection, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
The celebration will culminate in the Praise Jam on August 14 at 4:00 p.m. at the Big Field, bringing together the Centralian community for an afternoon of worship, music, and fellowship.
Through CEW, CPU continues to uphold its commitment to holistic Christian education by providing opportunities for spiritual formation and encouraging students and employees to deepen their faith and live out Christian values within and beyond the University community.