By Mikee Natinga Norico

On June 25, 2026, Central Philippine University (CPU) gathered its faculty and staff for the annual Faculty and Staff Conference held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium under the theme, “Kapistahan sa CPU: Fostering Excellence, Integrity, and Transformative Service.”

The day-long gathering served as a platform for institutional alignment, collaborative dialogue, and a celebration of the University’s progress. The event underscored CPU’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and sustainable impact in education. Attended by administrators, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel, the conference opened with a devotional led by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

In his welcome remarks, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of fostering excellence, integrity, and transformative service in advancing the University’s mission.

The morning plenary sessions focused on promoting mental health and psychological well-being within the academic community through the theme, “Finding Calm in Times of Psychological Stress.” Resource speakers discussed key aspects of suicide prevention, psychological safety, and postvention in educational settings.

Dr. Japhet G. Fernandez De Leon, MD, FPPA, FPSCAP, presented “Prevention: Suicide Risk Assessment for Non-Clinicians: What Faculty and Staff Should Know,” equipping attendees with practical knowledge on recognizing suicide risk. Teri S. Del Rosario-Ramos, RPsy, RPm, delivered a lecture on “Proactive Strategies for Creating Psychologically Safe and Trauma-Informed Classrooms,” while Gleen Kenneth P. Esguerra II, RPsy, MAP, RPm, CFPE, discussed “Postvention: Responding After a Suicide Attempt or Death in the School Community.” The sessions concluded with an open forum, allowing faculty and staff to raise questions and discuss concerns related to the topics presented and other University matters.

A highlight of the morning conference was the President’s report delivered by Rev. Dr. Dagohoy, who presented the University’s accomplishments for Academic Year 2025–2026. His report highlighted CPU’s academic milestones, quality assurance achievements, student successes, alumni support, institutional development, research and innovation initiatives, expanded partnerships, infrastructure improvements, and continuing service to communities. It underscored the University’s commitment to providing Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) through faith-driven education, innovation, and excellence in service.

Following the report, another open forum provided faculty and staff with the opportunity to engage directly with members of the University’s executive leadership. Joining Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy in addressing questions and concerns were Dr. Merle P. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs; and Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension.

During the lunch break, video presentations highlighting several University initiatives were screened, including the Entrepreneurship Program of the CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI), the Sustainable Campus Committee’s efforts to promote awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and the launch of the Resource Generation Committee’s Brick by Brick Challenge.

The afternoon program featured organizational updates from CPU RAFLU Vice President Stephen A. Yuson and CPU Faculty Association President Engr. Ferdinand T. Monoso. Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Dean of the College of Law, also delivered a lecture titled “Safe Spaces, Productive Places: Building Respect at Work,” emphasizing the importance of cultivating a respectful and inclusive workplace. Meanwhile, Ms. Ella Kathrina A. Gutierrez, HR Career Development Officer, introduced the University’s newly hired faculty and staff through a presentation from the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO).

The conference also recognized outstanding accomplishments through the Pagdayaw Quality Award 2026, presented by Dr. Anna May Y. Zerrudo, Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center (QAAC). The awards honored academic and administrative units, faculty members, and programs for their exemplary commitment to quality assurance, research, internationalization, and community engagement. The recognition of CPU’s World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI)-ranked entries likewise highlighted the University’s continued achievements in global innovation.

To keep the atmosphere lively and engaging, raffle draws were held during both the morning and afternoon sessions, giving attendees the chance to win cash prizes and household items. This added a fun and exciting touch to the conference, much to the delight of the faculty and staff.

The conference concluded with the Consecration and Litany of Commitment led by Assoc. Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, Chairperson of the Religion and Ethics Department, followed by the singing of the CPU Alma Mater Song. Pastor Justine P. Mije, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministries, delivered the closing prayer, bringing to a close a day of reflection, learning, recognition, and renewed commitment to CPU’s mission of excellence and transformative service.