By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Danielle Virl L. Idemne (left) and Eunice B. Temporal (right) pose for a photo opportunity during the 2026 ACUCA Student Camp at Chung Yuan Christian University in Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
Danielle Virl L. Idemne, a fourth-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student, and Eunice B. Temporal, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, joined the 2026 Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) Student Camp held at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, from August 17 to 21, 2026.
The five-day camp carried the theme “Communities for the Good” and brought together representatives Christian universities and colleges across Asia for discussions, worship, fellowship, and cultural exchange.
Temporal, who serves as Governor of the College of Nursing Student Council for Academic Year 2026 to 2027, said she felt a mix of “pure excitement, shock, and nervousness” when she learned that she was selected to represent CPU.
“Going abroad to represent CPU and our country at the ACUCA Student Camp is a monumental step for me,” she said.
She mentioned that the opportunity allowed her to engage with leaders and students from across Asia, exchange perspectives on community building, and showcase the “excellence and spirit” of CPU.
Idemne, meanwhile, said she felt “a mixture of gratitude and excitement” upon learning of her selection.
Temporal and Idemne, along with participants from ACUCA member institutions, pose for a group photo during the 2026 ACUCA Student Camp.
Aside from being a fourth year BECEd student, Idemne serves as national Auditor of the Convention Baptist Youth Fellowship of the Philippines, Team Captain of the College of Education Debating Team, Youth Representative of the University Church’s Board of Christian Education, Associate Editor of Centralite 2027, Kidzone Volunteer, and member of the Programs Promotion Committee of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Gems.
During the camp, Idemne and Temporal joined delegates from Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, India, and other parts of Asia in discussions and fellowship focused on faith and community building.
Temporal focused on economic vulnerability during the camp, which she said broadened her understanding of community care and the challenges faced by different communities.
“Despite our diverse cultures and backgrounds, I realized we share common ground by navigating similar societal, systemic, and faith-based challenges in our respective nations,” she noted.
She described her experience at CYCU as transformative and said she went home with “lifelong friendships, fresh perspectives, and an unforgettable experience.”
Idemne described the camp as “a relief and a reminder that God knew I needed,” particularly recalling the worship and fellowship she shared with participants from different countries.
“The worship and fellowship with the participants from all over Asia reminded me of the Great Commission and how wonderful it would be if the entire world could experience more of Christ,” Idemne said.
The camp also encouraged the two students to reflect on how their Christian faith could shape their roles in their respective communities.
For Temporal, one of her key takeaways was the importance of being a “faithful presence” in building communities for the good.
“Genuine community transformation does not start with grand gestures, but with how we embody Christ’s love in our daily actions and systemic choices,” she emphasized.
As a nursing student, Temporal connected the discussions on economic vulnerability with her experiences during clinical rotations, where she has seen how financial hardship can affect health, dignity, and access to basic care.
She encouraged the CPU community to respond to social concerns through faith, professional excellence, and service. “Building ‘Communities for the Good’ means stepping into spaces of vulnerability with humility, professional excellence, and ethical integrity.”
Idemne also encouraged fellow Centralians to remain grounded in their faith amid challenges. “The world may feel overwhelming at times, but may we always remember that God is good all the time and that He is still sovereign.”
She expressed hope that the CPU community would continue to grow in its faith in Jesus and remain rooted in the good found in Him.
Through their participation in the 2026 ACUCA Student Camp, Idemne and Temporal gained new perspectives from fellow Christian students across Asia while representing CPU in an international setting centered on faith, fellowship, and building communities for the good.