Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes encouraged Centralians to establish a legacy of excellence and faith.
Social media nowadays has a feature which shows your “memories” or enable you to “rediscover your day.” This is because we love to dwell on the fond memories that we have. Along this vein, Central Philippine College President, Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes, wrote to Centralians in 1949, “As one of your teachers and counsellors, I hope and trust that you are happy in your memories… But I hope that they are not too satisfying. Those who do not have some inter-mixture of disappointment in their memories will never press on to a higher achievement. As true Centralians, you consider life as an ascending pathway; thus, tomorrow must be better than today.
Rev. Forbes became Acting President of Central Philippine College on September 19, 1947. He handled the tremendous job of rehabilitation, reorganization and administration. He also taught philosophy, the subject nearest to his heart; English; sociology; education; and Bible. As a pastor, he emphasized the Christian education that Central offers. He said, “There is a great place for the kind of Christian education that is being offered here at Central. More and more, the Philippine government will need good Christian leaders of faith and integrity.”
As we face a world today in which success is sometimes defined by the amount of material resources that we have, we have to be reminded of the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10 that says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
In the same manner, Central Philippine College President, Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes, wrote to the class of 1950, “May every sacrifice that your parents and you have made bear some very real fruitage in providing you a means of success, and as Centralians, you know success to be measured in terms of spiritual values, rather than in material emoluments.”
However, Rev. Forbes was not just a philosopher. He was also “a doer, an indefatigable worker, a man of action.” The 1955 CPU Golden Book of Remembrance says this about him: “He would often be seen not only directing, but also working with the road workers. He was just as friendly with them as with the faculty and students. When walking the campus, he can be seen setting a stone in its right place or pulling out some unsightly weed or picking up pieces of paper. Rev. Forbes bending over a hoe, or carrying some stray piece of lumber or scrap iron, or pushing the lawnmower, was a common sight.”
All throughout these years, Centralians from 1905 up to the present, are challenged to excel in every endeavour that they face, and to become exemplary in their actions. Rev. Forbes has left us a challenge to make a lasting mark in this world—“As Centralians, each of you must make a worthy achievement in the realms of service to our present day community life. The College program has endeavoured to make you aware of the standards of Christian citizenship in a deeply troubled world. It has sought to inspire you to commit your life to that valiant struggle for a world of justice and brotherhood (sisterhood).”
(References: Centralite 1949, 1950, Golden Jubilee Year 1905-1955 Souvenir Program)
Hon. Antonio T. Carpio, Senior Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines with CPU Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Vice Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, and Mr. JM Suelo, President, CPU Republic President.
With the aim of enlightening Centralians on significant issues affecting the country, the Central Philippine University administration, Board of Trustees and the CPU Student Republic invited Hon. Antonio T. Carpio, Senior Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines to talk about the West Philippine Sea sovereignty at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on March 8, 2019.
The opening prayer was led by CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico.
Hon. Antonio T. Carpio encouraged Centralians to be aware of national and international events in order to be aware of the issues that affect the country.
For the opening remarks, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona thanked Justice Carpio not only for being passionate in educating the Filipino people about the issues being faced by the country but also for inspiring Filipinos to love the Philippines and defend its sovereignty. “JusticeCarpio is a man competent enough to take on the issue on the West Philippine Sea. He is a man who took on the responsibility of educating us today for the purpose of protecting the next generation of Filipinos.”
Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Vice Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, introduced Hon. Antonio T. Carpio.
In his talk, Justice Carpio presented the economic and political significance of the South China Sea. “The South China Sea, to me, is the most important waterway in the world today. It is a very small sea which occupies 2.7% of the ocean’s surface but it is critical for world trade and for world security. $5.3 trillion in ship-borne goods traverse the South China Sea every year. Four leading exporting countries use the South China Sea for maritime and export trade.”
A Centralian asks a question during the open forum.
Justice Carpio goes on to discuss China’s historical claim on the West Philippine Sea. According to him, such rights have no bearing as the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea extinguished all historical rights of all states. Instead the UN convention gave each state an exclusive economic zone, also invalidating China’s nine-dash-line claim.
A growing need to education and enlighten Filipinos – Justice Carpio encouraged Centralians to help raise awareness on territorial disputes currently being faced the country by being updated on national and international events. He also highlighted the importance of being united as a nation as we uphold our claim on the West Philippine Sea. After his talk, Justice Carpio answered questions from CPU students.
It was then followed by a short message given by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. In his message, Dr. Robles, thanked Hon. Carpio for sharing his time and expertise. He also hopes that Centralians the lessons they learned from Hon. Carpio’s talk will help them make wise decisions in the future. “This [forum] shows that we need more things to learn to make wise decisions that will affect not only our future but the of the next generation’s future.”
After which Dr. Robles, Atty. Corvera and Atty. Bedona presented a token and plaque of appreciation to Justice Carpio.
The closing remarks was then given by CPU Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia.
Dr. Peter Lerrigo (2nd from left) was welcomed by Centralians when he arrived at the airport. He was with Rev. William O. Valentine when they started Jaro Industrial School in 1905.
The history of Central Philippine University is rich with lessons that Centralians can learn from. Here are lessons from that we can glean from the life and ministry of two CPU Presidents: Dr. Peter H. J. Lerrigo and Dr. Almus O. Larsen.
Dr. Peter H. J. Lerrigo, a missionary doctor and President of CPU in 1950-52, posed a soul-searching question: “Did it ever occur to you that you leave behind in Central upwards of a hundred teachers and administrative workers all of whom have a stake in you? ‘In what way?’ you say. Well, you are the product of the combined impacts upon you of parents and other ancestors, friends, companions, and especially teachers. Picture, if you will, these latter: the hundred teachers you leave behind. Their faces are a mixture of pride and gloom, and just about now, they are quoting the words of attributed to the infant Father of his country, George Washington, ‘I did it with my little hatchet,’ and adding perhaps, ‘Why didn’t I make a better job of it?’”
Furthermore, Dr. Lerrigo, emphasized the freewill and personal accountability of all Centralians: “But there is one thing they (faculty and staff) didn’t do to you. They did not have the final say about how you were going to turn out. This was, is, and will be determined by choices made in your own heart, in company with that “spirit of the Divine” who lives there if you let Him. So you, yourself, and not your remote ancestors, nor your recent teachers, have the final say. And you can change the trend in any of these directions, either now, or in the future. It might be a good thing to look at your trends and see where they are likely to lead as you mingle in society. We have great faith in you. Justify it!”
President Almus O. Larsen was passionate about raising a generation of brave Centralians by reiterating that one of the educational objectives of the school is to fight for freedom.
Dr. Lerrigo established the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital in 1902 with the money given to him by the Rockefellers who were his friends and fellow church members. Together with Rev. William O. Valentine, they started Jaro Industrial School, now CPU, in 1905. His friendship with the Rockefellers brought about another donation so that the school was able to buy the 24-hectare campus in Jaro. He was responsible for the development of the college day celebration in 1950 and of the start of Christian Emphasis Week in 1951. He is also remembered as the president when the Rose Memorial Hall, a building in honor of a Hopevale Martyr, Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose, was constructed
The “Central Spirit,” the bond that binds all Centralians, was explained by Dr. Lerrigo. He was in his late 70s when he became president of Central: “There is something about the Central fellowship which is not too often found elsewhere. It is a ‘something’ of straightforward and open-eyed friendship between the very young, the older youth and even the aged which means a two-way flow of life, thought, happiness, and understanding and that puts us all into the category of the wise men bringing gifts. We are free at Central. Yes, there are bonds and prohibitions, but they grow out of the nature, purpose, and atmosphere of the place. The understanding spirit accepts them as part and parcel of the Spirit which originated Central and breathes into it the breath of every day’s new life… There are occasional flaws in the fellowship and its practice. These are thrown into high relief by the uniform prevalence of the democratic spirit of give and take which emphasizes the occasional lapse.”
President Lerrigo highlighted that CPU promotes freedom and equality not just in the campus but in our country: “We are not only free but we are equal at Central; equally privileged to give and to receive, to love and be loved, and to be an articulate functioning unit in the Republic. It is a Republic of democratic spirits who for the most part, almost unconsciously, live and rejoice in the ties that bind but do not hamper.”
Dr. Almus O. Larsen, President of Central Philippine University when it celebrated its 50thanniversary, reiterated that one of the educational objectives of the school is to fight for freedom. He was trained as an educator up to his master’s degree, and then received a Doctor of Education, honoris causa.
He wrote, “We are now fifty! And mature! Mature minds can only develop where freedom of thought and of the individual conscience before God prevails. Centralians have been nourished for fifty years on a philosophy that maintains the right of every individual to religious and intellectual freedom. The right to inquire, to hear, to speak, to accept personally Jesus as Lord and Savior are not rights we hold privately but rights that we share with others. We have found it our duty, therefore, as thoughtful citizens, to protest the suppression of these freedoms wherever it may occur, knowing that if they are lost, the democratic way of life will be replaced by a fascist or communist way.”
It is good to re-examine ourselves since 1955 if we have accepted the challenge of President Larsen to stand for what gives freedom: “May we reaffirm, then, as we approach the next milestone, that the indispensable condition for the preservation and enrichment of our Christian democratic heritage is the full and free examination and exchange of ideas in all of living.”
Dr. Larsen was man of great faith and was passionate in sports. He served as a Sunday School teacher, and as president of the Association of Christian Schools and Colleges in the country. As a sportsman, he would play softball and wholeheartedly supported the sports program of the university. He was the president of the West Visayas Private School Athletics Association.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Tomohiro Yanagisawa, Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. Executive Officer officially signs the partnership.
Central Philippine University and Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. signed a partnership agreement at the Administration Building Conference Room on February 7, 2019. The agreement between the two parties aims to provide employment and training opportunities for CPU nursing graduates in Japan. It also seeks to establish cooperation and mutual trust and pursue a formal, integrated, and long-term agreement between CPU and Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President and Mr. Tomohiro Yanagisawa, Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. Executive Officer. Present during the signing are Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean, CPU College of Nursing and Prof. Anna May Y. Zerrudo, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office of International Relations and Cooperation.
Starting April 1, 2019, Japan will be accepting foreign caregiving staff. This is in line with the Japanese government’s revisions on its Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act which created a new residence qualification for the “designated skilled labor” visa.
Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. hopes to invite Centralian nursing students to join in a mentoring program until graduation for definite employment in Japan.
After the signing, Atty. Alibogha and Prof. Zerrudo gave the representatives of Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. a tour of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building and the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory.
CPU hopes that the said agreement will open more doors for global competitiveness in nursing practice and education. The university believes that the partnership is an opportunity for the university to showcase and promote the Centralian brand of nursing to Japan.
Services that Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. offers include medical support, long term care, child care, health care, language education and therapy.
Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on (fifth from right) has made initiatives for CPU to partner with numerous universities around the globe.
Students of CPU Iloilo City and CPU Extension Schools abroad, Myanmar, Vietnam and Japan, among others, are highly satisfied with the quality of education that CPU Graduate School provides. Dean of Graduate Studies and Director of the Office for Transnational Programs, Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, announced this good news in a recent interview in CPU TV’s public affairs program, Looking Forward.
Moreover, government agencies like the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam (MOET) recognizes the quality educational programs that Central Philippine University extends to their country. It is likewise satisfied with the relationship of their students and the well qualified Filipino teachers that CPU sends to their universities.
CPU’s transnational programs and scholarship exchanges, according to Dr. Libo-on, is well-coordinated with the Commission on Higher Education at the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam and with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in CPU. The program provides good exposure for CPU teachers in other countries.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, was particularly mentioned by Dr. Libo-on as very supportive of the transnational programs.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Engr. Constantino M. Senon and Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean, CPU College of Engineering together with the students faculty and staff of the college.
Recollecting memories as CPU College students—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering held a talk entitled “If I were an Engineering Student Again” at the University Church on February 6, 2019.
The opening prayer was led by Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne, faculty member, Electrical Engineering Department.
It was then followed by the welcome remarks given by Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean, CPU College of Engineering. In his message, Engr. Molina highlighted the importance of reflecting on and learning from past experiences not only to apply its lessons to the present but to mentor future engineers that they too may gain a heart of wisdom.
Engr. Ceasar Rico S. Acanto, Chairperson, Electrical Engineering Department, introduced CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, as first speaker.
A graduate of the CPU Electrical Engineering program in 1964, Dr. Robles shared his journey as a working student. He encouraged aspiring Centralian engineers to tread their academic and professional journey with excellence, faith, and perseverance.
Engr. Jeriel G. Militar, Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Department introduced Engr. Constantino M. Senon, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Batch 1967 and the current Senior Vice President Emeritus of Stantec, Washington, USA.
Engr. Senon, who is a frequent speaker of the college’s seminars and lectures, talked about the importance of pursuing knowledge and experience. According to him, it is a crucial skill to love learning and to be open to new ideas.
Both speakers shared their testimony and emphasized that one’s faith in God and surrender to His will that will make one not only a successful engineer but a happy and purposeful person.
After the talks, an open forum was held. After which Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo, Chairperson, Packaging Engineering Department gave the closing remarks.
Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man and CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with CPU Administration officials and CPUAAI officers.
Promoting Philippine-Korean friendship—The Republic of Korea ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man, visited Central Philippine University on January 28, 2019. Ambassador Han paid a courtesy call on CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; after which the ambassador spent time with CPU faculty, staff, and students in an open forum at the 4th Floor Henry Luce III Library.
For the welcome remarks, Dr. Robles talked about CPU’s growing partnership with numerous South Korean universities and its cultural and academic bond through the hundreds of South Korean students studying in the university.
According to Ambassador Han, 2019 marks the 70th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea. Thus, it is important to look back on the breakthroughs and the future opportunities and partnerships in store for both countries: “This year marks the 70th year of establishing our diplomatic ties. It’s quite fitting and timely to elevate and deepen our ties in many different areas including the academic sector.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with CPU Administration officials talk with Ambassador Han.
In his message, Ambassador Han discussed about the milestones of the inter-Korean summits between North and South Korea, the US-DPKR Singapore Summit joint statement, and the bilateral relations of the Philippines with South Korea. He also talked about the impact of the ASEAN Chairmanship of the Philippines during the ASEAN 2017 Summit and the possible cultural, academic and people to people exchange and opportunities in tourism, education, and employment.
Partnering with various government agencies, Ambassador Han aims to encourage 2 million Koreans to visit the country this year. He highlighted the potential of Iloilo City to be a tourism hub in the region.
Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man highlighted the strong bond of South Korea and the Philippines.
Expressing his optimism in the relationship between the Philippines and South Korea, Ambassador Han looks forward to more partnerships and exchanges in tourism and research.
After his message, Centralians asked about his stand on climate change, the diplomatic relations between South Korean and the Philippines, and the economic, educational and cultural partnerships both countries can look forward to.
Dr. Lily F. Apura, alumna, CPU College of Theology and faculty, Siliman University talked about the importance of contextualizing our social engagement.
Celebrating the life, love, and works of Rev. Genaro “Totik” D. Diesto, Jr., Central Philippine University held the 11th Rev. Dr. Diesto Genaro “Totik” D. Diesto, Jr. Memorial Lecture at the Celis-Ancheta Chapel, CPU College of Theology on September 21, 2018.
The invocation was led by Prof. Excelyn C. Landero, Chair, Religion and Ethics Department of the CPU College of Theology. It was then followed by the words of welcome by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. In his message, Dr. Robles emphasized the importance of remembering the legacy of Rev. Dr. Diesto in order to emulate and to preserve his legacy.
Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, College of Theology, in his message, encouraged the participants to learn from the testimony of Rev. Dr. Diesto whose life sought to glorify God first and foremost.
Prof. Evangelica D. Padernilla, on behalf of the Diesto family, thanked CPU for their continuing support to the memorial lecture. She shared the meaning of the word “Totik,” Rev. Diesto’s nickname, which is a combination of toto, a Hiligaynon term of endearment for a son, and diutik, which means “small.” Mrs. Padernilla also hopes that beyond the lectures, participants would be able to translate into action all that they have learned.
As a tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Diesto Diesto, Lean Hope D. Atanoso, faculty, College of Theology, read a poem written by Omega Diesto-Moore, sister of Rev. Diesto. The poem was written when Dr. Diesto was in poor health. It tells a story of a younger Diesto who was full of life and talked about the love of a sister for her brother. It can be recalled that “Totik” was actively involved in the CPU Republic and became an activist during the Martial Law years while enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science. He was imprisoned for his activism and this imprisonment opened his eyes and eventually led him to commit his life to full-time ministry. He enrolled at the CPU College of Theology and finished his Bachelor of Divinity degree, cum laude.
Dr. Margen A. Java, Director of the CPU Student Development and Programs, performed a binalaybay, an ode to Rev. Diesto Sr. and written by Rev. Elias Arandela, a friend of Rev. Diesto.
Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, faculty, CPU College of Theology, introduced the seminar lecturer, Dr. Lily F. Apura, CPU alumna and faculty, Siliman University. Rev. Dr. Apura, in her lecture entitled “Contextualizing our Social Engagement,” talked about the importance of understanding ourselves and understanding others through love, faith, and practice in order to improve our social engagements.
After the lecture, an open forum moderated by Pastor Elizer G. Geromiano, President, Convention Baptist Ministers Association, was held. The declaration of commitment and the hymn of declaration then followed. Lastly, the closing prayer and benediction was led by Pastor Joshua Z. Zonita, Faculty, College of Theology.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the CPU College of Law for its earnest efforts to promote excellence.
The Central Philippine University College of Law held a testimonial dinner at Diversion 21 Hotel on August 11, 2018 for its faculty members who recently finished their Master of Laws degree.
The opening prayer was led by Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs. It was then followed by the opening remarks by the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, who commended Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean CPU College of Law, for his dynamic leadership. Dr. Robles also expressed the University’s support in providing CPU faculty and staff opportunities for further studies: “The University is always supportive of the desires of our faculty, or our deans or staff to advance themselves in the area of education. We hope that in the future [we can provide our own] program for Master of Laws.”
Guest Speaker, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, Chairman, Legal Education Board, congratulated the Master of Laws graduates: “I will begin by addressing the reason for tonight’s affair—the 15 law professors of the CPU College of Law who are being honored for successfully earning their Master of Laws degree through the faculty development program of CPU. I am warmly and happily congratulating all the 15 of you for your individual and personal achievements in earning the coveted L.L.M. degree. Of the approximate 60,000 plus lawyers in the country, you now belong to the elite few.” Hon. Aquende also encouraged the graduates to continue their passionate devotion to legal education and to pursue excellence in their legal practice.
Guest Speaker, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, Chairman, Legal Education Board encouraged the graduates to continue their passionate devotion to legal education and to pursue excellence in their legal practice.
In can be recalled that on August 31, 2017, 15 CPU College of Law alumni and faculty—Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Atty. Joshua C. Alim, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Jr., Atty. Ian Thomas Besana, Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Atty. Eugenio S. Hautea, Judge Globert J. Justalero, Atty. Liza Lyn S. Lamason-Garcia, Atty. Suzette A. Mamon, Judge Renato D. Muñez, Atty. Noel C. Siosian, Jr., Judge Meliza Joan P. Berano-Robite, Judge Gemma B. Tady and Atty. Salvacion T. Venus—received their Master of Laws degree from San Beda College (SBC) Graduate School of Law.
For the response on behalf of the honorees, Judge Renato D. Muñez Sr., faculty member, CPU College of Law, highlighted the importance of the law degree in shaping the concept of equity and justice: “Tonight is the night of law. That is the law that delineates and defines what is right and what is wrong. The concept of what is right and wrong to a high degree is performed and exercised by persons possessed of adequate learning and skills, of sound mind, moral character and one who acts at all times under the heavy trust of dedication to uphold the majesty of law.”
The Master of Laws graduates together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean CPU College of Law, Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, member, CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, member, CPU Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital.
For the closing remarks, Dean Bedona expressed his gratefulness to Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, former University president, for encouraging him to be dean of the College of Law. He also thanked Dr. Robles for his continuous support for the college.
The said faculty development program is in view of the mandatory requirements of the Legal Education Board (LEB), that effective school year 2016-2017, only those with Master of Laws degree can teach in the College of Law. CPU provided scholarships to its law professors as part of the University’s faculty development program.
Also present during the event were Mrs. Angel Robles, wife of the University president; Dr. Pulido, and his wife Dr. Dorothy B. Pulido; Rev. Job A. Santiago, member, CPU Board of Trustees; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, member of the CPU Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles shares his plans, goals and message for the university to Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.
The Central Philippine University TV aired its first episode of President’s Time on August 20, 2018. The talk show, hosted by CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, featured University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
The goal of President’s Time is to give the university president the opportunity to share his plans, goals as well as to report the achievements of the University. The program also relays the challenges being faced by the university so that Centralians may also take part in its growth and development.
During the interview, Dr. Robles expressed his appreciation to CPUTV for initiating the said program, “I’m glad that you have initiated this opportunity for the president to communicate with our viewers.”
As the University prepares to celebrate its 113th founding anniversary, Dr. Robles recalls his experience as a CPU student: “I was here under three missionary presidents—Dr. [Almus Oliver] Larsen, Dr. [Joseph Turner] Howard and Dr. [Linnea Agnes] Nelson. And of course, the first Filipino president, Dr. [Rex D.] Drilon I was here until his death. But the following year, my wife and I left the country. And we’re happy to be back. What is important is serving CPU and making sure that its mission is accomplished.”
According to Dr. Robles, being a student under the leadership of the American missionaries taught him about the importance of offering one’s professional career unto the Lord, “Those were the days when you think about people serving not because it’s a job for them, but because they are here on a mission. So I consider my tenure as a mission instead of a job. We believe that they came here purposely for evangelism and for our education. They have accomplished that so eventually they transferred all responsibilities to us Filipinos.”
Through the unanimous vote of the Central Philippine University Board of Trustees and with the affirmation of the CPU Corporation during the annual corporation meeting held on April 20, 2018, Dr. Robles will be extending his term of service as University president for another five years. He will have served the university for 15 years come November 1, 2023.
Now on his third term as university president, Dr. Robles shares the improvement in the collection rate of tuition fees which eventually helped finance many renovations and constructions in the campus. “The first term was basically knowing what has to be done and we found out its lack of monetary resources. The major problem was our collection rate of tuition fees, we started in 2008 with about 85% collection rate and during the first term then we will able to discover the problem and now we have reach a point where we have more than 98% collection rate. With that we were able to save enough to renovate many of our buildings.”
In the last three years, the university invested more than 40, 000, 000 million pesos to improve its facilities. “[We were also able] to construct a new building for the Senior High School, combining all the requirements not just the building but [also] the new facilities, transformers, generators and it will cost us more than 270, 000, 000 and all from our savings. We did not borrow any money or obtain grants from big donors, unlike the previous structures that we built.”
It was also under Dr. Robles term where the university strengthened its national and international linkages particularly with other Asian universities namely: ZhengZhou University of Industrial Technology, Korea University of Media Arts, Tongmyong University, Korea and many others.
CPU also accomplished accreditation feats: The Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Liberal Arts of the College of Arts and Sciences received a Level IV status with validity from April 2017 to 2022. On the other hand, the Masters in Public Administration program received a Level II status effective December 2016 to 2019 while the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry got a Level III status with validity from April 2017 to 2022. The Masters of Arts in Nursing degree offered by the College of Nursing and Allied Sciences received Level III status effective December 2016 to December 2021. The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Masters in Business Administration programs of the College of Business and Accountancy got Level IV status with April 2017 to April 2022 validity.
The university ranked no. 1 in Western Visayas 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 for Academic Year 2016-2017, as ranked by LocalPulse. CPU is the only university from Western Visayas to make it in the Top 20. The list also showed that Central Philippine University ranked no. 18 all over the Philippines with five points earned from designated four academic programs of Central Philippine University, namely, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering and Teachers Education as Centers of Development and two academic programs, namely, Agriculture and Business Administration of the College of Agriculture Resources and Environmental Sciences and College of Business and Management as Centers of Excellence as announced by CHEDRO VI Memorandum No. 001, Series of 2016.
Dr. Robles also highlighted the importance of ISO Accreditations in maintaining the autonomous status of the University. CPU is the only autonomous university in Iloilo City granted by the Commission in Higher Education.
Emphasizing Christ as the cornerstone of the university, Dr. Robles commended the recently finished Christ Emphasis Week. According to them, the said celebration is a testimony of CPU’s commitment as a missionary school: “It is a very important part of student life in the CPU campus. We need our students to understand more what it means to be a Christian. We profess to be a Christian university, but do we really do that? The life of our faculty and staff are basically a good witness for our students. So if we don’t treat our students properly, then that’s not the Christian way. We need to live a life that can be an example to our students, following the teachings of Christ, so that our students can be role models for other universities to emulate. We should practice what we preach.”
Ending the interview, Dr. Robles expressed his desire to accommodate more international students and construct more facilities and classrooms, and for the university to reach greater heights through cooperation and unity.
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