By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Central Philippine University (CPU), spearheaded by the University Church, will celebrate Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) for the 1st Semester of School Year 2026-2027 from August 10 to 14 with the theme, “Fully Alive! (Reject the Thief, Follow the Shepherd),” anchored on John 10:9–10.
The celebration will commence with the Faculty and Staff Opening Celebration on August 7, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Rose Memorial Auditorium (RMA), featuring Rev. Karel Grace D. Victoria as the speaker. This will be followed by the NSTP/ROTC Convocation on August 8 at 8:00 a.m. at the RMA, where Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa will deliver the message, and the School of Graduate Studies Convocation at 9:00 a.m. at the Educational Media Center (EMC), with Rev. Albert Mark A. Java serving as speaker.
From August 10 to 14, the University will hold a series of Christ Emphasis Week convocations for its pre-collegiate, undergraduate, and post-graduate programs. Gatherings will take place at the Rose Memorial Auditorium (RMA), University Church (UC), Educational Media Center (EMC), and the Elementary Gymnasium.
This year’s celebration brings together an inspiring lineup of speakers who will share messages centered on the theme, “Fully Alive! (Reject the Thief, Follow the Shepherd).” Rev. Martha Mae E. Luces will minister to the Kindergarten Department, while Rev. Faye Grace C. Caver will speak before the Elementary Department. Pastor Lloyd U. Basco will lead the Junior High School convocations, while Rev. Albert Mark A. Java and Ms. Raphah G. Cortel will serve as speakers for the Senior High School Department.
For the collegiate level, Atty. Albert Jan Matthew A. Java, Pastor Norman Lao, and Hon. Judge Mark Anthony D.R. Polonan will serve as speakers in the various college convocations. The College of Medicine will hold a special convocation featuring Dr. Cecile G. Dagohoy, while the College of Law will gather for an evening convocation with Pastor Wayne Young as the guest speaker.
The week-long observance will culminate in the Praise Jam on August 14 at 4:00 p.m. at the Big Field.
Through CEW, CPU reaffirms its commitment to holistic Christian education by fostering opportunities for spiritual renewal, deepening the faith of the Centralian community, and nurturing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and firmly grounded in Christian values.