By Farah Dhea B. Galvez, BA Comm-4 Centralian Link Intern
Alumni, students, guests, faculty, and staff of the CPU College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES) gather during the Opening Program on September 26, 2026, in celebration of the college’s 75th Anniversary.
From September 23 to 27, 2026, the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES) of Central Philippine University (CPU) celebrated a monumental milestone: its 75th Anniversary Celebration. Embracing the theme “75 Years of Cultivating People, Advancing Resilience, Resource Stewardship, Empowering Excellence, and Sustainability (75 Years of CARES),” the four-day event brought together students, faculty, local producers, and distinguished alumni to honor three-quarters of a century of agricultural leadership and community service. The celebration unfolded through three major event pillars: the Agri-Fair & Exhibit, the Time Capsule Installation and Book Launch, and the Grand Alumni Gala & Awards Night.
The festivities commenced on September 23 with the grand opening of the Agri-Fair & Exhibit at the Lenwood Edge Building (LEB). Serving as a vibrant marketplace and innovation showcase, the four-day exhibition invited local farmers, regional vendors, and CARES partners to display their organic produce and agricultural innovations to the Centralian community.
Students and visitors across various academic departments gathered throughout the week to sample local produce, explore sustainable farming technology, and experience the rich agricultural culture of the region.
On September 25, the focus shifted to historical preservation and academic literature during the Time Capsule Installation, Book Launch, and Seminar at LEB Room 105. The morning began with the official unveiling of the 75th Anniversary Time Capsule Marker, designed to preserve the milestones and memories of the current CARES generation for future Centralians. Following the unveiling, a dedicated presentation highlighted the importance of honoring institutional history while steering the college toward sustainable growth. A key highlight of the morning was the author’s talk by Dr. Manuel C. Palada, author of History of the College of Agriculture. Dr. Palada shared his journey of documenting the college’s evolving story, offering profound insights into how past achievements continue to shape CARES’ ongoing mission in environmental and agricultural education.
The culmination of the anniversary began early on September 26 with a ceremonial Caravan and Entrance of Colors from the Iloilo Provincial Capitol to the CPU Campus at 6:00 AM. The morning program featured inspirational addresses from Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles, Jr., Dean of CPU-CARES, and Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President. Guest speaker Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, MNSA, CESO III (Director IV of the Agricultural Training Institute), delivered a keynote speech reflecting on the rich history of Philippine agriculture and CPU-CARES’ enduring role in national development. The morning continued with Milestone Recognitions, the official Launching of the CARES Endowment Fund, presentations of the Diamond Alumni Candidates, cultural performances, including an Arnis exhibition, and fellowship games.
The grand finale took place the following evening, September 27, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel for the Alumni Gala & Awards Night. Mr. Eugene Glenn Paraico, Vice President for Mindanao of the CPU-CARES Alumni Association, Inc. (AAI), opened the evening with welcome greetings, followed by an address from CPU President Rev. Dr. Dagohoy. The night’s guest speaker, Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño (President of Guimaras State University and CPUCA Batch 1987), delivered a speech celebrating the shared heritage of Centralian agricultural leaders.
Highlights of the evening included the presentation of The Outstanding CPU-CARES Alumni Awards, the formal coronation of the Diamond Alumni Queen, and the singing of the Alma Mater song. Dr. Matt P. Palabrica, Chairperson of the CPU Board of Trustees, formally brought the anniversary program to a close before guests transitioned into an evening of fellowship and celebration.
As CPU-CARES closes this 75th chapter, the college reaffirms its commitment to empowering people, protecting resources, and advancing resilient agricultural education for generations to come.