Rev. Dr. Armando S. Kole encouraged the graduates to have a heart of gratitude.

Central Philippine University held its College Baccalaureate Service for the second semester of the academic year 2017-2018 last Sunday morning, April 22, 2018.

The processional of the graduating students along with faculty, staff, administrators and worship participants started at 8:00AM. Proud parents, family, and friends of the candidates for graduation watched with joy as their loved ones ascended the stairs of Rose Memorial Auditorium of CPU.

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed everyone to the occasion. In expressing his congratulations to the students, Dr. Robles read a verse from Jeremiah 29:11, “ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He thanked the parents for their love and support for their sons and daughters, sustaining them in their needs in order to graduate.

Cherry Lae Marie Omena, BSBA MM, summa cum laude, led the reading of the Word.

Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church, led in the Call to Celebration. Rev. Samuel R. Escubin, Associate Pastor, University Church, led the invocation. Cherry Lae Marie Omena, BSBA MM, summa cum laude, then read the Word and the Anthem for the Baccalaureate was sung by the CPU Bahandi Singers.

The Baccalaureate speaker, Rev. Dr. Armando S. Kole, was introduced by Pastor Ruth G. Lunasco, Associate Pastor, University Church. In his message, Rev. Dr. Kole reminded the graduating students how fortunate they are to receive their education from Central Philippine University and encouraged them to look back, “Be grateful and thank your teachers and your school.”

Kole’s message was filled with insights to prepare the graduates for a new world. He challenged them to be committed to the truth and to always aim for the truth; not to rely on one’s ideas alone but to always reckon with God for wisdom and understanding. He assured the graduating students that “no matter how dim it is at the start, anyone who struggles will reach the sun. In any field of study, you must aspire for excellence.” Kole’s core message was that despite graduating, everyone could still be “a nobody until God becomes a somebody” in their career.

Pastor Mary Grace F. Labis, Associate Pastor, University Church, said a Prayer of Thanksgiving. The Commissioning and Prayer for the Graduates was made by Rev. Chris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. Rev. Quimpo led the benediction as the Bahandi Singers offered a Send Off number for the graduates.

Graduates together with their friends and family eagerly listening to guest speaker Rev. Dr. Armando S. Kole. 

A note on the speaker: Rev. Dr. Kole was born in Victorias City, Negros Occidental on February 5, 1956. He earned his Bachelor of Theology degree from the College of Theology, CPU in 1979. He holds two master’s degrees: a Master of Divinity from the Asian Theology Seminary and a Master of Theology, Major in New Testament from the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology at St. Andrews Theological Seminary. He earned his Doctor of Theology with focus on Historical-Systematic Theology Studies from the Asia Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary. He had held various positions in the past including the presidency in both the Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC). Rev. Dr. Kole had also taught at CPU College of Theology and the Asian Theological Seminary in Bacolod City and had been actively involved in international ministry. He is presently a member of the Board of Trustees of CPU and Iloilo Mission Hospital. He is the outgoing President of the Convention Baptist Bible College, and the incoming President of the Bacolod Christian College (formerly Bacolod Christian Center).