By Keziah G. Huelar
The seminar aims to equip Centralian faculty, staff and students with trauma management skills.
Advocating for efficient response during emergencies—Central Philippine University held a Trauma Emergency Management Training at the College of Nursing, Audio Visual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Hall on April 4, 2019.
For the opening remarks, Prof. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director, CPU RCECC highlighted the importance of promoting the safety and security of the CPU students, faculty and staff.
The seminar featured as guest speaker, Dr. Roy Joseph Trinidad, Diplomate, Philippine Board of Surgery, Fellow Philippine College of Surgeons, Fellow Philippine Society of General Surgery, Specialized in General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Medical Director of International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)-Philippine Chapter.
Mr. Prim C. Vergara III demonstrates how to apply first aid to a trauma victim.
Attendees included Chief for Search and Rescue Group of CPU; Mrs. Luz Evelyn Buensuceso, Consultant; university clinic physicians; nurses; clinical secretary; student assistants headed by Dr. Ma. Carmen Salcedo; the Medical Clinic Coordinator; and clinical instructors from the College of Nursing serving as first aiders in the university.
The training focused on different Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) in the Philippines, the different scenarios of “On-site Trauma Management,” “Triage Management” and Table Top Exercise on Incident Command System (ICS) focusing on Bomb Blast Incident Scenario. In the afternoon, the training focused on a simulation exercise (SimEx) on Mass Casualty Incident Management.
For the closing remarks, Mr. Prim C. Vergara III, Technical Assistant to the President and Occupational Safety and Health Officer, emphasized the “dream and need” of CPU in conducting trauma and disaster management seminars for its employees. The said initiative was started by the CPU Nursing Batch 1968 through their continuing donations for Occupational Safety and Health Program of the university.
By Keziah G. Huelar
The annual Honors and Awards Program is a recognition of outstanding Centralians and of God’s faithfulness to the university.
An ode to our hardworking awardees and thanksgiving to the Lord for a fruitful 2018-2019 school year – the Central Philippine University Senior High School held its Honors and Awards at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on March 28, 2019.
The event started with a musical meditation.
It was then followed by the invocation and singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Asst. Prof. Lloyd U. Basco, faculty, CPU Junior High School.
In behalf of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio gave the words of welcome. In his message, Dr. Rio recognized the awardees for their hard work and perseverance.
Ms. CPU 2018 Chris Sain Lyn N. Bongars is one of the awardees.
After which a song number was rendered by Fervince T. Benoman, member, CPU Symphonic Band.
In behalf of the mothers, Mrs. FelisaS. Gatilogo, in her message, thanked the university for the guidance and encouragement they poured out to their children. For the message for the fathers, Prof. Ernesto S. Saquibal highlighted the importance of gratefulness and hard work in reaching one’s dreams.
The presentation of honors and distribution of awards was led by Dr. Rio, Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, Junior High School Principal, Mr. Michael S. Maravilla and Dr. Carmen P. Santos, Basic Education consultant.
The awards given were: the academic awards, the scholarship awards, the cash awards and the special awards. After which, Miss Joy Lyn F. Visto, faculty, CPU Junior High School led the closing prayer. It was then followed by the singing of the Alma Matter Song and the recessional.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPUES Principal together with the CPU Elementary School faculty and staff.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness to CPU and honoring our young achievers – the Central Philippine University Elementary School held Honors and Awards Program at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on March 28, 2019.
The CPUES Boy Scout Marshalls led the Entrance of Colors.
Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Christian Education Director, University Church gave the opening prayer. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by Viza Gale Q. Espada, Grade 5, Excel.
In behalf of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico gave the welcome remarks. In his message, Rev. Gico recognized the hard work and dedication of the awardees. “Today we give honor to whom honor is due. I believe that this recognition program is one of the anticipated events – a time when all the efforts which have been expended will be recognized.”
After which the scholarship and incentive awards, special awards and sports awards were given. It was then followed by the presentation of the academic awardees by Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPUES Principal.
The awarding of academic medals by the parents was assisted by Dr. Robles, Dr. Rio, Prof. Jaco, Ms. Donna D. Jimena, Assistant Principal and Dr. Carmen P. Santos, Consultant.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, led the prayer for the awardees.
For the closing remarks, Miss Ruth Marie B. Trance, Chairperson, Honors and Awards Committee congratulated the awardees, their parents and the CPUES faculty and staff and God almighty for the blessings received this school year 2018-2019.
It was followed by the singing of the Alma Mater Song led by Viza Gale Q. Espada, Grade 5, Excel and then, the recessional.
By Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The old CPU seal.
Have you ever wondered who designed the seal of Central Philippine University and the story behind it?
Section 2 of Article IX of the CPU Corporation Constitution and By-law states that “Unless otherwise revised per Section 1 hereof, the present logo of the University, circular in shape with the circumferential inscription *CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY *ILOILO CITY*, with the relief map of the Philippines in the inner circle, with lines issuing as rays from Panay Island, with the inscription “SCIENTIA ET FIDES” and “1905”, shall be the seal of the University. This seal bears the University colors gold and blue, with the letters, map, lines and stars on blue against gold.”
The CPU seal was designed by Dr. Francis Howard Rose in 1923 when the school became Central Philippine School in 1923. A year later, CPS became Central Philippine College in 1924. It was adopted by the CPC Board of Trustees in 1924. It is stated in Section 1 of Article IX that the seal should “depict the history and the objectives of Central Philippine University as an education institution.” Indeed Dr. Rose’s design is an embodiment of that provision in the CPC, and later CPU Constitution and By-laws.
The “rays” coming from Jaro, Iloilo City, Panay Island are numbered 12. Why do you think is this so? Since Rose was a pastor, the reason could have been theological in nature. As of this time there are no extant sources that explains this. But in all probability what these 12 rays signify are the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, and as such CPU must continue to be a disciple of Jesus doing the mission of proclaiming the Gospel in every opportunity. These “rays” that represent “light” emanates from the area where Central Philippine University is located. Dr. Rose has made a bold declaration that from the center point of our country, Centralians must continue to bear witness that Jesus is the light of the world and should be at the center of our lives.
More than just a symbol of representing the university, the CPU seal is a testimony of the mission and vision of the university to produce exemplary Christian learners for life.
Another interesting design is the addition of the 12 arcs outside the circle. From 1923 up to 1952, all Centralite issues and extant pictures show that the seal has no arcs. Starting in 1954 in the Centralite, Central Echo and CPUR extant pictures, the seal has now 12 arcs up to the present time. In the same manner, the symbolical meaning of these 12 arcs comes from the 12 disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
What about the motto of CPU which is Scientia et Fides? Scientia is a Latin word that means Science or Knowledge while Fides means Faith. Dr. Francis Rose envisioned that CPU must integrate science and faith in its curriculum. One can imagine Dr. Rose who was assigned to the Department of Zoology of Central Philippine College in the 1930s saying, “Here at Central we teach biology or the study of life and living organisms; but at the end of the day, the bottom line of teaching biology is teaching the students how great is our God and how beautiful is our world.”
So every time you see the CPU seal, think about the meaning behind the symbols and say to yourself, “I am going to live up to what CPU stands for.”
By Keziah G. Huelar
Showcasing the best of Central, Mr. Mauro Somodio has been dubbed as the “The Great Advertiser of CPU” by students from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands whom he convinced to the study in the university.
Mr. Somodio is a graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. As the Vice President of the Australasia Chapter of the CPUFOAA, Mr. Somodio has been consistently showcasing CPU to the people of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. As an officer of the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association (CPUFOAA) Mr. Somodio has not only been promoting Centralian activities in their respective regions but he has also been encouraging enrollment of foreign students by endorsing CPU as an academic institution of excellence.
Promoting CPU to the people of Solomon Island, Mr. Somodio shares that he and his wife, Cecilia Somodio went to Papua New Guinea last June 2013 for a holiday. In their return to Australia they met Levi Wayne Delemani and his four friends – all from Solomon Islands. Delemani and his friends were planning to study in the Philippines. Mr. Somodio and his wife encouraged them to study in CPU. “CPU education is world class so I encouraged them to study there. I left my business card with him and his brother Mr. Kristen William. They contacted me to apply at CPU with his other friends and classmates. In 2015, there were about five of them who accepted to study at CPU. However, at that time CPU was not listed as priority list of NTU or Solomon Island Government Scholars, so these students went to other Pacific Island universities.”
During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Mr. Somodio knowing that there will be a meeting of the community leader brought CPU brochures in order to promote the university. “When I was in Papua New Guinea, I stayed in one of the local hotels and I brought with me CPU brochures. At that time, there was a regional meeting of community leaders, so I got the opportunity to talk [to them about CPU].”
When asked about his personal journey as a Centralian, Mr. Somodio recalls the meeting Dr. Bernabe Cocjin, a CPU Professor and the former president of West Visayas State University at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños back when he attended a national convention.
Dr. Cocjin’s kindness and help greatly touched Mr. Somodio. “I was carrying a lot of things for a demonstration competition. All of a sudden, a man tapped me and the back and said – do you want me to help you carry your things? [That moment really moved me].”
The said meeting with Dr. Cocjin was Mr. Somodio’s first encounter with the Central Spirit. Before they parted ways, the former gave him a handwritten note to look for the Dr. Andresito A. Millamena.
Upon arriving at CPU, he approached a man to ask him where he can find Dr. Millamena to his surprise the person he was talking to was Dr. Millamena himself. Mr. Somodio recalls the encounter as divine intervention – that indeed God wanted him to study in CPU.
Dr. Millamena eventually referred Mr. Somodio to the Work Students Office. He maintained his scholarship as work student up until he finished his degree. Three years after graduation, he attended a post-graduate study in agriculture at the Oregon State University.
He held a supervisory job at the San Miguel Corporation Poultry Farm in the Philippines for a while. Immigrating to Australia in 1986, he started as assistant postal officer in Melbourne, became an employment officer, migrant liaison officer, and lately as advertisement representative for Filcom Publishing in Queensland, Australia.
As long-time President of the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland and of the Kahirup Society of Queensland, Mr. Somodio had been very successful in highlighting the cultural heritage and cultural values of Filipinos in the multicultural society of Australia. His commendations from the Department of Immigration and Cultural Affairs of Australia speak of his invaluable contributions to the alleviation of ethnic tensions leading to greater cohesion and harmony among people from different backgrounds.
Through his leadership and inspiration, the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland and the Kahirup Society of Queensland, Mr. Somodio had been regularly sending delegations to the Philippines every January. At Central Philippine University, particularly, these organizations have so far given scholarship support to 59 poor but deserving students from six provinces in Western Visayas. He also arranged the visit of Pres. Juanito M. Acanto to nine (9) universities in Australia in 2000, leading to establishment of Memoranda of Cooperation between CPU and some of these institutions.
Fast forward to 2019, Mr. Somodio is part of the active pool of alumni that keeps the Central Spirit renowned throughout the globe.
To further promote CPU in the international community, Mr. Somodio encourages the CPU faculty and staff to look for opportunities of studying outside the country. According to him, attending post graduate courses will encourage foreign enrollment. “As an alumnus I witnessed the growth of CPU. I believe that if our faculty and staff will be given opportunities to travel outside the country attending post-graduate courses in their field of specialties we can encourage more international enrollment. We also have to market our seminars. The conferences, seminars, workshops organized by CPU have high international standards. If we market them in the region, more partnership programs between universities especially in South East Asia and Pacific Islands including Australia and New Zealand will be established.”
His support and promotion of Central is overwhelming and his fervent efforts to make CPU known throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and other countries throughout the globe is a tell-tale of his great love for the university.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Jeffrey Kuan receiving a certificate of appreciation from the seminar committee.
Two relevant forums were conducted by Central Philippine University School of Graduate Studies on March 28 -29, 2019 at 5:30-7:30 PM. The first was a “Forum on Strategic Decision – Making and Best Practices in two Academic Institutions: Canada and USA Experiences.” The second was a “Forum on Leadership and Governance in an Academic Institution: The Myanmar Experience”.
The first forum was held at the CPU EMC Conference Hall and the second at the Audio-Visual Room of the Loreto Tupaz Building. The first forum had two foreign Resource Speakers. They were introduced by Professor Renia De La Peña (Coordinator, MPA/MAELL Programs) as Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon, Former Principal of Knox College in Toronto, Canada and Dr. Jeffrey Kuan, President Claremont Theological Seminary in Clairmont, California, USA.
The Resource Speaker on the 2nd evening, was introduced by Dr. April Ann De La Gente (Faculty, School of Graduate Studies) as Dr. Samuel Ngun Ling, Rector Myanmar Institute of Theology in Myanmar.
The Canada and USA experiences dealt on the issue of making strategic decisions and best practices; how managers and leaders cope up with peer pressures and settlements with business partners and the “Higher Ups”. Both speakers put up with persuasion and influence as powerful tools in diffusing conflicts in the organization and business.
On the other hand, the Myanmar experience presented by Dr. Ling, provided insights on how a country under Martial Law was able to sustain operation and management of their educational systems. “Much of Biblical understanding has helped our educators to stay on the right path”, Ling contended.
By Keziah G. Huelar
The “War on Waste” Advocacy aims to raise a generation of environmental stewards.
The Central Philippine University Elementary School’s War on Waste was launched on September 11, 2018. Seven months later, the said environmental campaign was able to gather 4,160.85kg of PETBot, 273.4kg of Plastic, 721.84kg of Tin Cans and 54.6kg of Aluminum from 133 elementary pupils.
The said materials will be sent to a materials recovery facility for recycling. To date, the committee remitted back to the pupils Php 35, 737.98.
The CPU Sustainable Campus Committee examining the booklets and handing out cash in exchange of the recycled materials remitted. The said initiative is under the “WOW TTC” Advocacy of CPU Elementary School and the CPU Sustainable Campus Committee.
The “War on Waste” Trash to Cash campaign started by giving out booklets to elementary pupils to record amount of recycled materials remitted to the committee. “Trash to Cash” encourages CPU elementary students to gather recyclable materials in exchange for cash and to promote love for CPU through environmental stewardship and campus cleanliness.
The campaign was an initiative of the CPU Sustainable Campus Committee composed of Mr. Prim Vergara III, Technical Assistant to the President and Occupational Safety and Health Officer; Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications; Engr. Jeriel Militar, Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering; Engr. Aries Romallosa, Department Coordinator, College of Agriculture, Research and Environmental Science; Dr. Stella Fernandez, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Mrs. Hermely Jalando-on, CPU Purchasing Officer; and Engr. Amy Castigador, Director, Office of Institutional Advancement.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Engr. Felix Ojario, member of CPU Engineering Batch 1979, looks forward to their batch reunion.
Looking Forward CPUTV program Wednesday edition’s guest was one of the longest serving faculty of the College of Engineering –Engr. Felix Ojario. A member of CPU Engineering Batch 1979, Ojario announced their Batch’s Grand Reunion and Ruby Jubilee (40 years) celebration on April 26-27, 2019.
Members of Batch ‘79 who will come from different parts of the country and the world – will have an early morning convergence-breakfast in CPU on the 26th before proceeding to their hotel – in Diversion 21. The organizing committee has prepared several activities to be enjoyed by the alumni. Long lost camaraderie and the memory lane will be there to be enjoyed. “Reminiscing the past, Enjoying the Present and Looking Forward to the Future”, is the theme of Batch’s `79 Reunion, Ojario said.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Centralian camaraderie – the growing number of new alumni chapters is a strong testimony of the Central Spirit.
Central Philippine University Alumni Association has a new alumni chapter created during a Centralian Fellowship and Organizational Meeting on March 28, 2019 (Thursday) 6PM at the Ancient Dynasty Kitchen at SM City Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The event was attended by twenty Palawan Centralians.
The said establishment of the new chapter was made possible through the initiative and efforts of Mr. Carl dela Peña, Chairperson, CPUAAI Membership Development Committee.
CPUAAI President Engineer Isagani Jalbuena was present, with CPUAAI Board Member and CPU Outreach Director Levi O. De Los Santos and Liaison Officer Tina Hortelano. Palawan Centralians Mr. Lara Ho and CPU Board Member Engr. Carl de la Pena welcomed everyone after an opening prayer by Pastor Dennis de los Reyes (CPU Bachelor of Theology 2003).
The Election and Induction of Officers was presided by CPUAAI President Jalbuena.
Following are the elected Palawan Centralian Officers:
President: Rev Harold Penacerada
Vice President: Engr. Carlo Plagata
Secretary: Mrs. Lut De Guzman
Treasurer: Janelyne Yu Lara
Auditor: Mr. Madeline Dajay
PRO: Mr. Rey Gloria
Business Manager: Pastor Dennis de los Reyes
Muse: Madel Thelia Lucena
Board of Directors:
Christopher Caipang
Francis Lara Ho
Joseph Dajay
Debbie Delos Reyes
Adviser: Engr. Benjamin Dofitas (Ret. Col.)
The move to organize the CPU AA-Palawan Chapter, the 159th CPU Alumni Chapter around the world was initiated by Mr. Carl De la Peña, member of the CPUAAI Board of Trustees and CPU Board of Trustees.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The graduates of ROTC at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park.
On Saturday 30 March 2019, the ROTC Graduation and Oath Taking of the Reservist and Downing of Ranks Ceremony were held at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. Four hundred and eighty two (482) CPU ROTC Cadets received their certificates in military training.
The program started with a processional at 0800H (military time). Annalie D. Gilongos, NSTP Coordinator gave the Welcome Remarks. The candidates for graduation were presented. Major Jo-An D. Petinglay, (PA), CPU ROTC Commandant. MSg Florante G. Geruldo (Res) PA read the Orders and Declaration of Graduates. 1LT Argie G. De Leon (Res) PA, Assistant Commandant, Introduced the Guest Speaker Dr. Irving L. Rio, VP for Academic Affairs, Central Philippine University.
The CPU cadets were dressed in fatigue uniform with buffed metal accessories and shiny black shoes. They marched in cadence – following orders from their officers. It can only be the same discipline and unity of the CPU ROTC through the years. It continues in the tradition of excellence that gave the ROTC many awards. The consistent performance and quality of discipline among the cadets CPU ROTC unit was once again shown during this year’s Tactical Inspection.
Centralian ROTC graduates dedicate themselves in the service of the community and for the glory of God.
Previous to the graduation, the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection was held for the CPU ROTC Unit. The Inspection Team arrived in CPU on 26 February 2019 and made a courtesy call to the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles at 0730H (military time). The commandant, Major Jo-Ann D. Petinglay briefed the President on the activity of Central Philippine University ROTC Unit (Headquarters of the 604th Community Defense Center, 6RCDG, ARESCOM).
At 0830H, LTC Nathaniel R. Villasor PA (RES), Chairman, RAATI Team was introduced by Major Petinglay. He was to assume the command and control of the CPU ROTC Unit immediately during the period of evaluation which ended up at 1130H.
The Evaluation included the Ceremonial Parade, Rank Inspection, Simultaneous Company Drill, Theoretical Exam and Military Stakes; Small Unit Leadership Tactics and Administrative Inspection.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Mr. Francis Lara Ho (second from right) with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on.
An epiphany – a dazed sunrise peaks as an orchestration of sound and sight reveals the beauty of the university campus, footsteps and conversations about life, love and study echo the air, it is another dawn at Central.
For Francis Lara Ho such a display is credited to the faithfulness of God and His abundant grace. A graduate of the CPU College of Nursing in 1994, much of Ho’s life is grounded in his commitment to serve God and share His gospel to the four corners of the world.
His testimony is one of unwavering faith and overwhelming favor.
A nurse, missionary and businessman, Ho shares that his faith as a believer flourished during his stay as a student in CPU. “Here in CPU my faith grew. I was a believer before I came [to CPU] but when I came here it was like being planted in a garden where it is so fertile – and so here, my roots got deeper, my trunk got stronger, my branches grew a lot of fruits that allowed me to weather the storms of life.”
Coming back to CPU was a powerful experience for Ho, his purpose was not only to re-visit memories of the campus but to research and gather information for a production of a movie based on the lives of the Hopevale martyrs. “We want to produce the very powerful story [of the Hopevale martyrs]. [Visiting the site where the martyrs died] I did not expect to shed a few tears – it was sacred ground to put yourself in the position of the missionaries where they bled and died and because of that we [left] with inspired and transformed hearts.”
According to Ho, they plan to premier the said movie on December 2020 and have it globally distributed by February 2021.
Mr. Francis Lara Ho together with CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, CPBC General Secretary.
Sharing his desire to produce such a movie, Ho highlighted the significance of the martyrs’ testimony in encouraging believers to live their faith to the fullest and share the gospel to all nations.
As for his experience in the ministry, Ho has served as missionary in the countries of China, the Middle East, the United States and many others. Although the journey was not easy, Ho shares that God has been continually faithful in providing him strength and perseverance to uphold the gospel. “I left Iloilo with God’s promise that he will provide and strengthen and [He never failed me].”
Ho encourages his fellow Centralians to walk with God and to pursue His will and purpose. “If you’re a Centralian here or out there, walk with God. I’m not that old; I’ve seen the world; I’ve been to many countries; I worked as a missionary, a nurse and a businessman and it all boils down to one thing – your relationship with God, nothing else matters. Impact people’s lives by inspiring them with your life, impact them for Christ. And lastly, be proud of your legacy as Centralians.”
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Dr. Eduardo J. Gonzaga and his family devoted their lives in the service of Centralians.
Have you passed by the Gonzaga Mansion near Gate 7 and wondered who owned it before it was donated to CPU?
The original owner of the house which is now a CPU hostel was the Gonzaga family, led by their patriarch Dr. Eduardo J. Gonzaga, an eye surgeon. Dr. Gonzaga was the Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees when Central Philippine University celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1955.
Writing in the context of 1955, Dr. Gonzaga reflected on CPU’s role in relation to the Philippines and the whole of Asia: “In the dynamic nationalism that is burning in the hearts of the Asiatic countries and elsewhere, there is an outstanding need for a unique institution like Central Philippine University. For here, the cardinal principles of democracy, freedom of worship, freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of press are taught and practiced by the faculty and students. The future leaders of the Orient must be grounded in these democratic doctrines or Truth dies and Tyranny reigns supreme.”
Dr. Gonzaga was particularly thinking about what was happening in China when the communists took over the country in 1949.
Dr. Gonzaga challenged the Centralians to always shine in whatever they do, and for the university to excel in the country. He said, “…When I spoke to a group of Central people, I pointed out to them a motto that has always challenged me and which, I think, should challenge you: ‘Second best is never good enough.’ This seems a very idealistic precept, but it rings true against the anvil of experience.” Dr. Gonzaga, at that time, was referring to the historical milestone that CPU has achieved since its very humble beginning. The university status of the school was just two years old from April 1, 1953.
As Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Gonzaga reminded everyone of the value of hard work and the legacy of the work study program of the university: “Central, as far back as I can remember, has taught us the dignity of labor and, along with it, the power to think. She has taught us the virtues of truth and honesty and has awakened in our consciousness a most important thing called conscience. These cannot be found in your textbooks, and there is no other place where these are more clearly seen and lived than in Central.”
Recalling his time as a student of Jaro Industrial School, he wrote, “Thirty-five years ago I stood looking at the four buildings that made the Jaro Industrial School There were only a few of us then, a mere handful compared to your more than two thousand. Most of us then wore bakya instead of shoes, and some were barefooted. Many of us were working students and poor boys… It has not been an easy task, the going being uphill as most of us can remember. We are by no means on ‘that top’ yet, but the past has shown us that we can eventually get there.”
If Dr. Gonzaga were alive today, then he would see that his vision has been fulfilled. CPU is now the only university in Iloilo which has an autonomous status granted by the Commission on Higher Education. It ranks no. 1 in Western Visayas, and no. 18 in the Philippines for the most number of academic programs hailed as Centers of Development and Centers of Excellence based on the list of the Commission on Higher Education.
The son of Dr. Eduardo and Mrs. Anita Gonzaga is Dr. Otoniel Gonzaga, a world renowned tenor who was the first and the last Filipino tenor to sing Verdi’s Otello. Central Philippine University conferred the honorary Doctor of Music degree to Otoniel for his extraordinary achievements in the field on March 2001. A few years ago, the Gonzaga family donated the Gonzaga Mansion to Central Philippine University which is situated in two lots. The adjacent lot, which was bought by Central Philippine University, will soon be the place where a modern dormitory will be built.