By Roselle Mitch G. Anas
Alumni and guests gather at the University Gym for the 2026 CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming & General Assembly on October 3, 2026.
With the theme “Central Spirit: Uniting Generations,” the Central Philippine University (CPU) held its 2026 Grand Alumni Homecoming & General Assembly at the University Gym on October 3.
The program opened with a musical performance by the CPU Symphonic Band headed by Mr. Ascension O. Bautista, followed by a welcome dance by the CPU Tumandok Dance Company (CPUTDC), headed by Asst. Prof. Randy A. Lero, the artistic director and adviser.
As the opening ceremonies commenced, Rev. Roger T. Quimpo led a devotional followed by a welcome message from Dr. Anita Illenberger, president of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI).
“Centralians are very fortunate. We gravitate to the best of two worlds. One world is for the Centralians who never have any qualms and without reservations who gave their best, and their millions for the cost of CPU. Another is for those Centralians whose pockets are not that deep, but their hearts are so big that in every little way, they give— their talent, their time, and whatever treasure they have. This best of two worlds is right here in CPU,” Ilenberger shared.
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, also delivered a welcome message, sharing his perspective on the meaning of the Central Spirit.
“You can’t explain it. You have to experience it. It is that shared undeniable bond you feel the moment you meet a fellow Centralian anywhere in the world,” Dagohoy said, recalling his experience of meeting a Centralian couple during a boat tour with his wife, Dr. Cecil Dagohoy, in Canada.
“It is a shared foundation of Scientia et Fides, Science and Faith, that unites us,” Dagohoy added.
Dr. Matt P. Palabrica, chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, also expressed his gratitude to everyone who gathered for the event.
One of the highlights of the homecoming was the presentation of nominees for the CPUAAI Board of Trustees and Alumni Nominees to the CPU Corporation by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on. He encouraged the attendees to cast their votes.
The second part of the program, Pasidungog, honored Centralians who excelled in board examinations and emerged as topnotchers, as well as Centralians who demonstrated exemplary leadership by claiming presidential positions in higher education institutions.
The third part highlighted the presentation of the Together We Build campaign, presented by Atty. Doriedel G. Lozanes. The segment recognized the donors and supporters of the campaign through a symbolic turnover of checks in favor of CPU.
The donors included the Pablo and Adela Guillergan Family, Rodney and Kathy Leyble Kriewall, CPU Alumni Association Midwest USA, CPUFOAAI, Engr. Lee Plagata Jr., Mrs. Easter Arora, Northern California Chapter, BSN CLASS of 1981, Arlita Pang of BSN Class of 1977, and University President Rev. Dr. Ernest B. Dagohoy and his wife, Dr. Cecil G. Dagohoy.
For transparency, Dr. Illenberger explained that the Resource Generation campaign is not simply about raising funds or constructing another building, but about “building opportunities, strengthening the university, and creating a legacy for future generations of Centralians.”
The presentation was followed by the induction and recognition of new officers of various alumni chapters, the induction of new honorary members of the CPUAAI, the pledge of the alumni led by Dr. Illenberger, and the proclamation of 2026 Alumni Homecoming King & Queen.
Gloria C. Ardaña and Timothy Nelson D. Arandela, representing the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES), were proclaimed the Alumni Queen and King 2026, respectively.
The following were the runner-up pairs from various CPU units. Terrence Albert P. Ikalina and Nicole S. Colot of the College of Nursing (CON) were named 1st Runner-Up; Ed Cresencio and Hera Tropel-Cresencio of the College of Education (COED) placed 2nd Runner-Up; Mary Grace Bernabe and Michael John Mojica of the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) secured 3rd Runner-Up; while Ma. Teresa Venus and Lee Romulo Plagata Jr. of the Junior High School (JHS) were named 4th Runner-Up.
“The Alumni King and Queen 2026 is a fundraising campaign of the CPUAAI, wherein 20% of cash votes will go to the college, 20% will go to CPUAAI, and 60% will be given to the Resource Gen.” Illenberger emphasized.
The announcement of election results was led by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, with 667 alumni attendees recorded. A total of 625 ballots were collected. The following are the winners:
CPUAAI Board of Trustees:
- Rufino “Pinoy” Gonzales
- Zacaria Bedona
- Lee Romulo Plagata
- Jerome Juarez
- Francis Griño
Alumni Nominees to CPU Corporation:
- Lilia Delicana
- Rey L. Balogo
The newly elected board of trustees will be inducted into office in December 2026, during the Festival of Lights, with their term beginning on January 1, 2027.
The presentation of election results was followed by the recognition of CPU Alumni Jubilarians, celebrating their respective anniversary milestones.
To share a glimpse of the 2028 Global Grand CPU Alumni Reunion (14th CPU Alumni Global Reunion – Outside the Box Edition) scheduled for June 15–23, 2028, the event showcased the teaser video and invited alumni to attend. It will feature a cruise event in Seattle, Alaska, and Victoria BC, hosted by the CPU British Columbia – Washington State Alumni Chapter.
The event concluded with the singing of the Alumni Theme Song, led by Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne, followed by the closing prayer and benediction led by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian.
Mr. Carl dela Peña, champion of the 19th CPU Alumni Invitational Golf-For-A-Cause Tournament – CPU Alumni Category, and the Senior Category, held at Sta. Barbara Centenary Golf Course, on October 3, 2026.
Adding to the celebration, the homecoming featured the 19th CPU Alumni Invitational Golf-For-A-Cause Tournament which took place at the Sta. Barbara Centenary Golf Course, where Mr. Carl dela Peña won in the CPU Alumni Category as well as the Senior Category.