Central Philippine University

Central Philippine University

Pamantasang Gitnang Pilipinas
File:CpuLogo.svg Seal of Central Philippine University
Former names	Jaro Industrial School (1905-1923) Central Philippine College (1923-1953)
Motto	Scientia et Fides (Latin)
Motto in English	"Knowledge and Faith"
Type	Private
Established	1 October 1905
President	Dr. Teodoro C. Robles
Students	11,700
Location	Iloilo City , Iloilo , Philippines 10°43′49″N 122°32′56″E
Campus	Urban 24 hectares [59.30 acres] (Main Campus) 14 hectares [34.49 acres] (CPU Zarraga Farm/CPU Farm) 24 hectares [59.30 acres] (San Rafael Agricultural Land) 14 hectare [34.49 acres] (Guimaras Agricultural Land) 2.9 hectares [7.16 acres] (CPU Centennial Village) 5.3 hectares [13.09 acres] (CPU Heritage Ville Subdivision) 8.6 hectares [21.25 acres] (Iloilo Mission Hospital) 6.9 hectares [14.57 acres] (Capiz Emmanuel Hospital)
Hymn	Central, My Central
Colors	Gold   Blue
Affiliations	ACUCA, UBCHEA, ACSCU, PAASCU, ATESEA, CPBC
Website	www.cpu.edu.ph

Central Philippine University (commonly referred to as Central or CPU) is a private research university located in Iloilo City, Philippines. It was established in 1905 by American Baptist missionaries, it is the first Baptist university and the second American Private university in the country and in Asia. It was originally founded as an elementary school for poor boys, and later in 1913, women where gradually admitted to the school, which eventually started offering high school education in 1920. In 1923, the school started offering college degrees, and in 1953, attained university status. CPU was probably the first institution in the Philippines to teach that labor is honor. As an institution founded by American missionaries, CPU was initially run by American administrators. After the Second World War, Filipinos were gradually given larger administrative responsibilities which eventually resulted in the appointment of its first Filipino president in 1966.

Central has close ties to the Baptist Church and various Protestant Churches. Although affiliated with a religious denomination, it accept students regardless of religious affiliation and imposes whether a students is to accept religious requirement or not, with exception to those who are taking theology course. The university is affiliated with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches and maintains fraternal ties with the International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches (known before as the American Foreign Mission Society). CPU also has close ties with Silliman University, it's sister institution.

Central pioneered in its College of Nursing in training women for the professional Nursing in the Philippines, which was established by Presbyterian missionaries as Union Mission Training School for Nurses in 1906. Same in that year also, the CPU Republic (Central Philippine University Republic), the official student governing body of the university was organized, and has the distinction, until today, as the first and oldest student government in the country.

Central Philippine University is one of few private higher educational institutions in the Philippines that have been granted full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the same government agency that accredited some of its programs as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development.

The University is one of the ten educational institutions in the Philippines that is ISO certified. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a network of the national standards institutes of 153 countries, on the basis of one member per country. The Bureau of Product Standards has been the Philippines representative to ISO, of which the said institute has accredited the university in having a International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification.

The University's television channel, the CPU TV Channel, is the first such, institution–based cable TV channel in Asia. and perhaps the first university to be declared by as a tourism site by a local government unit in the world.

Presently, CPU provides instruction in the kindergarten all the way up to the post-graduate levels. In the undergraduate and graduate levels, it's covered disciplines include the Arts, Sciences, Business, Accountancy, Computer Studies, Education, Engineering, Tourism, Nursing, Theology, Law, and Medicine.

History

Dr. William Orison Valentine, the Founder of Central

Central Philippine University was founded in 1905 as the Jaro Industrial School by Protestant missionaries under the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. It started as an Elementary Vocational School for poor boys who worked for their board and tuition. Dr.William Orison Valentine, the first principal and the founder, worked for its incorporation and recognition by the Philippine Government. In 1913, his objective was realized and in the same year the school also admitted its first female student. In 1915, it opened its first high school program, starting with first and second year classes, adding third and fourth year classes in 1920. The following year the school graduated its first high school batch.

The old Rose Memorial Hall in the 60's, which was burned down by a fire in 1995. The site of the hall now stands the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park.

To accommodate the need for tertiary education in the area, a junior college was opened in 1923 and the name of the school was changed to Central Philippine College. Senior college started to be opened in 1936 and by 1940 five degrees were offered namely: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Religious Education.

When war broke out during the Second World War, the college's buildings were destroyed. Eleven American missionaries were massacred by the occupying Japanese forces and several students, faculty, staff and alumni joined the guerrilla movement. Some died in the process. After the war ended, the college was reopened by remaining members of the faculty as well as by returning missionaries. Reconstruction was made possible through funds coming from friends at home and abroad.

On the 1 April 1953, the college gained government recognition as a university, converting the college into what is now known as the Central Philippine University.

From its founding, Filipinos were gradually given larger responsibilities in its administration. In 1966 the first Filipino president, Dr. Rex D. Drilon, was elected; and in 1968 the entire university property - land, buildings, and equipment - was turned over by the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society to the Filipino corporation of CPU. Since 1973, all members of the Board of Trustees and administrative officials of the university have been Filipinos.

Through the years, CPU has grown from an elementary school with 17 pupils to a university with an enrollment of over 12,000. The 24-hectare campus, which was originally chosen for its quiet and relative isolation, is now a community by itself, with more than 30 buildings used for classrooms and support facilities.

CPU has grown much in physical plant and in educational programs, but it has remained true to its mission as a Christian institution whose motto is Scientia et Fides (Knowledge and Faith). It is affiliated with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches and maintains fraternal ties with the International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches (known before as the American Foreign Mission Society) and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia. The university is also a member of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU) and the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA).

Campus

Aerial View of the Football Field or the Big Field - 1960

The main campus of Central seats on a 24 hectare (59.30 acres) of land in Iloilo City, dotted by Royal palm, Hawaiian palm, Anahaw and Acacia trees, which is considered as one of the most beautiful in the country. Its main gate bares its motto: Scientia et Fides which in English means Knowledge and Faith. All of its buildings on its main campus where rebuilt after the World War II, but since then, before and after the World War II, the university's buildings are being the best well-known examples of American, American Colonial and Modern designs in the country. .

The old university library, Lopez Memorial Hall, donated by Eugenio Lopez III, a Spanish-Filipino business magnate, but now houses the College of Law.

University and college buildings provide most of the outstanding architectural. They include the University Church, noted for its signature Malay design with buttresses; the Henry Luce III Library, one of the largest libraries in the Philippines; Engineering Building (houses the College of Engineering and its research facilities; Valentine Hall; Rose Memorial Auditorium; Franklin Hall; Loreto D. Tupaz Building (houses the colleges of Nursing and Medicine); Weston Hall; and Stuart Hall are among the best known that boosts American colonial and Modern architectural designs, of what the university is famous of. The University maintains various campus cruisers, a numbers of golf carts or tram-like vehicle and a mini-bus (20-30 seater) used to ferry visitors around the campus.

The beauty of the Central’s main campus is enhanced by many parks, gazebos, gardens and open spaces, including Big Field, Half Moon, Alumni Garden, Santos Park, Nuñez Centennial Garden, Caipang Tree Park, the Glen at the Catedral, the Prayer Garden, the CPU-CAS Butterfly Garden, and the University Botanical Garden.

The university has a campus beautification team of landscapers and gardeners in maintaining gardens and parks and open spaces of the main campus, is also one of the reasons why the university is declared and designated as tourism site by the Iloilo City Council, which is the only one in the country and perhaps in the whole world. The Iloilo City Council expressed optimism that CPU and the city government will mutually benefit from all forms of tourism-related partnership, especially because the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Tourism. This implies that CPU will be included in brochures as a recommended tourist destination. The university is also entitled to seek support from the Department of Tourism for any tourism-related projects.

The university’s main farm, separate from the main campus, located in the municipality of Zarraga, Iloilo, is a 14 hectare agricultural farm of the university and its College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences. The farm has hectares of rice and vegetables fields, and sanctuary of various farm animals for Animal Husbandry program of the university, and also where the CPU Crop Research Laboratory (originally located in the main campus of the university, and later moved to the farm) is located and with other Agricultural and Fisheries Research Facility.

Central is one of the three schools in the country that showcases its grandest festive of lights. The Promenade of Lights or Festival of Lights and Music at Central, an annual joint project of CPU and the CPU Alumni Association, with the lighted figurines, trees and buildings, nativity scenes, and colorful lanterns attracting thousands of local and foreign tourists during the Christmas season. The Opening of Lights (Festival of Lights and Music at Central) remains one of the notable features of the CPU campus. It opens in first week of December and is highlighted with a fireworks display on the opening ceremony. Lighted trees, buildings and figurines, Pampanga, Capiz shells and native lanterns placed along the major campus roads and nativity scenes add to the festive atmosphere.

Buildings

Valentine Hall

Valentine Hall, which is located in the main campus is a monument to the founder and benefactor of Central: William Valentine, a Baptist missionary. The memorial hall to the benefactor of the university, now houses the Colleges of Education and Arts and Sciences of the university.

College Buildings

Some of the university's main campus buildings are a best known example and collections of American Colonial buildings, of all where rebuilt after the World War II, which was really ravaged and destroyed. Central's has fourteen basic, undergraduate and professional schools and colleges that housed in various buildings for each of them, where much of them are located on the main campus. Each college buildings consists of a set of various type of classrooms, a cafeteria, a variety of other amenities—such as study spaces, libraries, performance spaces, faculty rooms. The Central's College of Theology, which is housed in the Anna V. Johnson Hall, is considered as the only residential college in the university, where it's residents are limited to the students of the said college. The Engineering building, housed the university's College of Engineering.

Roblee Science Hall served as a laboratory building, where science and laboratory experiments classes are held by the Colleges and departments of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.

Loreto D. Tupaz (Centennial Nursing Building) and Anatomy Buildings (separate from the Loreto D. Tupaz Building located south of the University Church), located south and beside the Big Field, was built in the 2002. Loreto D. Tupaz served and houses the colleges of Nursing and Medicine. Valentine Hall and the New Valentine Building, named after the university's benefactor and founded William Orison Valentine, located in the Half Moon field, both houses and maintains the offices of the Graduate School, College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Accountancy.

Rose Memorial Auditorium

The renowned auditorium-theater Rose Memorial Auditorium is located on the main campus of CPU, in was built to replace the old Rose Memorial Hall (now CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park), which was burned down in 1995 by a fire. Today, the auditorium is renowned for being a venue for various international and local musical concerts, plays and conventions by famous solo or group singers and international organizations conventions. Except for holding as venue for concerts and conventions, the auditorium-theater hosts as a venue for the Central's semestral religious and non-religious convocations and university cultural activities.

Henry Luce III Library

Main article: Central Philippine University Library

One of the largest libraries in the Philippines, the Henry Luce III Library was donated by the philanthropist Henry Luce III, the elder son of the founder and editor in chief of Time Inc.. The modern piece of architecture was built in has replaced the Eugenio Lopez Memorial Hall, the old library of the university. The University Library have a total holding of about 236,307 pieces of print materials distributed at the different sections of the three storey Main Library and the departmental libraries.

University Church

Main article: University Church, Central Philippine University

The Central Philippine University Church is located on the east side of campus, facing the east towards the football field and considered as a university icon. It was established in 1913 as Central Baptist Church. The new structure, was built between 1964, and is noted for it's Malay Architecture, and considered as one of the most beautiful and iconic Protestant churches in the Philippines. It is independent from the University and is a member of Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches

Sustainability

The University well-landscaped and sustained, clean, and green main campus is also endowed with many attractive amenities Parks and Gardens. In 2006–Present, All buildings in the main campus were painted with predominantly eco-friendly green color. Considering in 2012, The Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines had visited the university to check and inspect some trees that to be cut down for clearing purposes and expansion of the university. The said Philippine government agency also, has chosen the university to put its Air Quality Monitoring System unit, which is the only in Iloilo City and the province, which monitors clean air quality standards in city and in the university's main campus. The unit is operated jointly by the university with DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources).

In 2005, The CPU New Millennium Tree (CPU NMT) for Sustainable Development was launched, environment friendly fund generating project, in the main campus. The university project is designed to fulfill important human needs and heighten the consciousness of the necessity to preserve an environment for the future of the university. The concept is rather simple-we simply planted several thousand mahogany trees and campaigned for donors/sponsors that supported New Millenium Trees.

Academics

Principals of Central Philippine University
William O. Valentine, (Colgate/Chicago); 1905–1906; 1907-1914
Charles L. Maxfield, 1906-1907
Francis H. Rose, 1914–1916; 1938-1941
Henry W. Munger, 1916-1917
Mary J. Thomas, 1917-1918
Alton E. Bigelow, 1918-1922
Harland F. Stuart, Ed.D.(Harvard); 1922–1923
Presidents of Central Philippine University
Harland F. Stuart, Ed.D.(Harvard); 1923–1928
R. Fred Chambers, 1941-1942
J. Morris Forbes, 1947-1950
Peter H. J. Lerrigo, 1950-1952
Almus O. Larson, 1952–1956; 1957-1961
Linnea A.Nelson, Ed.D (UC Berkeley); 1956–1957, 1965-1966
Joseph T. Howard, 1961-1965
Rex D. Drilon, 1966-1971
Agustin A. Pulido, Ph.D. (Indiana), 1971–1996
Juanito M. Acanto, 1996-2008
Teodoro Robles, (CPU/Montana State); 2008-Present[a]

Rankings

In 1999, the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) released a report that CPU ranks No. 1 among 39 Higher Educational Institutions in the entire country in terms of highest number of Level III accredited programs (6 out of 8). These are the Colleges of Agriculture, Art & Sciences, Commerce, Education, Engineering, and Nursing.

Effective April 2006, four programs in the School of Graduate Studies attained Level III accreditation. These are the Doctor of Education, Master of Arts in Education, Master in Business Administration and Master of Arts in Nursing. An institution with highest level of accreditation (Level IV) is entitled to more benefits like a bigger subsidy from the government.

The 2010 report which is released by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Central Philippine University ranked 31st (2nd in Western Visayas and in Iloilo after University of the Philippines Visayas). Board examinations in all courses of all universities and colleges in the Philippines where the bases of the average passing rates. Top colleges and Universities in Philippines: University of the Philippines Visayas - 6th Place, Central Philippine University - 31st Place, University of San Agustin - 51st Place and West Visayas State University - 52nd Place. In the 2010 Accountancy Board Exam : Central Philippine University and UPV got in the top places. Central, as released by Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is the Top 3 Performing School in 2008 until present.

In previous to present Nursing licensure examination Category-A of 1,000 or more takers, CPU got 7th Place.

In Web Rankings, a Sydney-based (Australia) academic search engine, 4ICU, released early the first week of January (2012), its web ranking of the 11,000 universities and colleges websites in 200 countries. CPU ranks and top as 16th most searched tertiary education institution in the Philippines.

Academic Units

Central Philippine University is one of few private higher education institutions in the Philippines that have been granted full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education. Some of its programs have likewise been recognized by the same agency as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development.

The University academic programs operate on a semester system in which the academic year is divided into three terms (Including Summer [March or April–May]): June to October, and November to December, December to March. The school year typically begins in early June and ends in mid-March. However, the two Basic education schools of the university: Elementary School and High School, runs on a non-semester system, but has a summer term classes, offered by each basic education schools.

Presently, the university confers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees all accredited by either PAASCU (a member of FAAP), ACSCU-AAI, ACSC-AAI, ATESEA and assisted by EDPITAF in its 13 schools and colleges. The university offers also International Programs for foreign students, while the university's Review and Continuing Education Center offers review and training programs.

Undergraduate

The Mary Thomas Hall and garden is named after Mary J. Thomas, the fifth and the first woman head of the school. It Houses before the High School, but now houses College of Computer Studies

The entrance of the College of Engineering building, with the slogan "Where ideas are turned into Reality"

Central Philippine University is organized into seven undergraduate colleges: Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences; Arts and Sciences; Business and Accountancy; Computer Studies; Education; College of Engineering; Hospitality Management; College of Nursing; and College of Theology. The College of Engineering of the university is the country's DOST/ESEP School for Western Visayas, and the first to offer Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering in the country.

Colleges

• College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business and Accountancy
• College of Computer Studies
• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• College of Nursing (Having the distinction as the first nursing school in the Philippines, the college produced the first trained nurses in the country in 1909.
• College of Theology
• Dr. Lucio C. Tan College of Hospitality Management

Graduate

Central offers a variety of doctors and masters postgraduate research degrees in Social Sciences, Business, Education, Information Technology, English Studies & Communication, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Psychology/Counseling, Agriculture, Engineering, Divinity, Medicine, Law.

The postgraduate Academic programs are offered in the Colleges and Schools of School of Graduate Studies; Medicine, the university's College of Medicine was established in 2003, is the youngest college and professional school of the university; College of Law confers the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, which was changed to Juris Doctor (JD) degree in 2012 in lieu of it.

Basic Education

Central offers basic academic programs: Kindergarten, Complete Elementary Course and Academic Secondary Course. The university's three Basic education departments: Kindergarten, Elementary and High School are all Accredited by ACSCU-AAI as Level II. The high school department of the university, except as Accredited by ACSCU-AAI as Level II, the high school of the university is a EDPITAF-assisted and DOST/ESEP Division Leader School.

Library System

Main article: Central Philippine University Library

The Henry Luce III Library, the main library of the university, is the biggest library in terms of volume in Western Visayas and one of the largest in the Philippines. Henry Luce III Library was donated and built by Henry Luce III, a philanthropist, and the elder son of the founder and editor-in-chief of Time Inc., and has replaced the old university library, which is housed in the Eugenio Lopez Memorial Hall. The library has more than 200,000 volumes including holdings of special collections like the 40,000 United Nations Documents, World War II Documents, American Studies Resource Center, Meyer-Asian Collection, Food and Agriculture Organization and Elizabeth Knox Sacred Music Collection.

The Central Philippine University Library is a system, and is composed of the Henry Luce III Library (Main Library) and the local libraries of the College of Law, High School, and the Elementary School. The libraries for Theology and the Graduate Studies, formerly housed at Johnson Hall and the Alumni Building, respectively, are now housed at the Main Library. The main library building has a seating capacity of 1,000 persons, High School Library 150; the Elementary Library, 125, and the College of Law, 42. The total seating capacity of the University Libraries at present is 1,320. At present, the University Libraries have a total holding of about 236,307 pieces of print materials distributed at the different sections of the three storey Main Library and the departmental libraries.

Central's Henry Luce III Library, is the 11th World Bank Knowledge for Development Center in the Philippines, which is launched in 2008. The Knowledge for Development Centers are hubs for dialogue and research on development issues established by the World Bank in key cities around the country in partnership with leading state and private universities.

The ten other Knowledge for Development Centers are located in Mindanao (University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao, the Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga, and the Notre Dame University in Cotabato), the Visayas (Silliman University in Dumaguete City and University of San Carlos in Cebu City), and Luzon (Saint Paul University in Tuguegarao, Asian Institute of Management in Makati, Ateneo de Naga University in Naga, Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa, and at the World Bank Office in Pasig).

Medical Centers

Iloilo Mission Hospital Medical Arts Building, which was completed in 2009

Iloilo Mission Hospital aerial perspective view of the Main Building and the Centennial Building. Established by the Presbyterian missionaries, Iloilo Mission Hospital has a distinction as the first and oldest Protestant hospital in the country

Although institutionally distinct from the University, Iloilo Mission Hospital and Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, supports the academic institution by serving as its base facility for the internship programs of the university's colleges and schools. Iloilo Mission Hospital is the base hospital of the university and serves as a teaching hospital for university's Colleges and Departments of Nursing, Medicine, Medical Laboratory Sciences, while the College of Theology (for its chaplaincy program). Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, however, Established in 1913, in Roxas City, Capiz, only provides the facilities for clinical training for students of the College of Nursing and the Medical of the university. Affiliated also to Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, except for CPU is its other sister institution, Filamer Christian University.

Iloilo Mission Hospital, is a 230 bed, located separately from the main campus of the university, with various and comprehensive services available to the university's students and to the community in general. The Iloilo Mission Hospital was established in 1901 by Mrs. Andrew J. Hall, missionaries of the Presbyterian Foreign Mission Board to serve as a venue for the treatment of health care to the very poor, and has the distinction today as the first mission and Protestant hospital in the country. . The hospital had moved many times, from its first and second locations in the City Center of Iloilo in 1901 and 1905, and the third site in Jaro District, where the hospital stands until today, was purchased with the help of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society and the local community, because more space was needed for the expansion of the hospital, and in 1931, the new building was completed. The hospital pioneered in its School of Nursing in training women for the professional Nursing in the Philippines, which was established in 1906, with three graduates considered as the first three pioneering nurses in the country .

The other Medical Center of the university is the CPU Birthing Center, which is autonomous and located on the main university's campus. The CPU Birthing Center provides low-cost, high-quality services to the community. Upon approval of the Board of Trustees, construction of the building was done in 2006. The Central Philippine University Birthing Center (CPUBC) is also a PhilHealth accredited. This accreditation entitles patients who are members or dependents to PhilHealth benefits. CPUBC offers delivery services, postpartum care and well-baby checkup. The Center conducts free prenatal check-up. Mothers’ classes are held every other month.

Research and Extension

Central, a research university, is engaged in collaborative research and community extension programs. Some of the university's research centers, facilities and institutes, are university or privately endowed, and are all autonomous or dependent from the university. The university, through had some notable contributions in local and national research and development in the Philippines, with the collaboration of its colleges and research centers and institutions, and holds Research and Development Week annually. Research is a central element of the university's mission and academic undertakings, for its colleges like Engineering, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences, are all among others. CPU is the Department of Energy's Affiliated Renewable Energy Center (AREC) for Western Visayas and one of the most active among the 21 such Centers in whole Philippines. The University has a Rockefeller Endowed Soil Laboratory (through Rockefeller Foundation). In broadcasting extension program, the CPU Educational Media Center, houses the CPU TV Channel and CPU Campus Radio, is the training center for the broadcasting programs of the university.

The university collaborates and cooperates, through its College of Agriculture with the former Philippine Seed Board (now Philippine Rice Research Institute) that collaborates with the International Rice Research Institute, since 1954 in rice varietal trial), participated as a member of the PhilRice Seed Production Network, recognition of research efforts in Western Visayas by conducting the Annual Regional Research Symposium which was initiated in 1979 in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture Region 6 of the Philippines and later with Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC). Development of several machines and farm equipment of one of its faculty members and students, which won him several national awards, attracted the attention of commercial and government agencies all over the Philippines and other countries of the world. CPU-CARES Collaborates RDE activities with the Western Visayas Agricultural and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) and the Western Visayas Regional RDE Network.

The World Bank's - Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) in the campus of Central Philippine University, is the 11th in the Philippines, and is the only in the Western Visayan region and one of the Universities in the Philippines, that the World Bank launched it's Knowledge for Development Center. The Knowledge for Development Center in CPU is a hub for dialogue and research on development issues established by the World Bank in Central Philippine University and other key cities around the country in partnership with leading state and private universities.

Research centers and extension programs of the University include the CPU-KDC (Knowledge Development Center; Henry Luce III Library; Central Philippine University Research Center (CPU Research Center); CPU - Crop Research Laboratory; CPU-Affiliated Renewable Energy Center (CPU-AREC); CPU-Affiliated Non-Conventional Energy Center (CPU-ANEC); ATC-Appropriate Technology Center; CPU CARES Rockefeller (Endowed) Soil Laboratory (CPU Rockefeller Soil Laboratory); CPU - Social Science Research Institute; CPU - University Computer Science Center; CPU Lifestyle and Fitness Center; Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center; CPU Educational Media Center (CPU TV Channel and CPU Campus Radio); Iloilo House of Refuge; CPU Crop Research Laboratory; CPU Farm (CPU Zarraga Farm); CPU Water Laboratory.

Cultures and Traditions

Scientia et Fides

Is a Latin phrase which means “Knowledge and Faith”. Chosen by the University as its motto, this phrase is attributed to founding of the University by its founders. The motto is the guiding principle of every Central students. Each student who enters the portals of dear old Central is envisioned to exit the gates with these two seemingly opposing qualities, ready to serve the community and the world.

Festival of Lights and Music at Central

The Festival of Lights and Music at Central, is one of the top and attracting destinations for thousands of local and foreign tourists during the Christmas season in the Philippines. The festival is an annual joint project of CPU and the CPU Alumni Association, with the lighted figurines, trees and buildings, nativity scenes, and colorful lanterns. The Opening of Lights (Festival of Lights and Music at Central) remains one of the notable features of the CPU campus. It opens in first week of December and is highlighted with a fireworks display on the opening ceremony. Lighted trees, buildings and figurines, Pampanga, Capiz shells and native lanterns placed along the major campus roads and nativity scenes add to the festive atmosphere.

University Day

University Day is part of a month-long event (sometimes referred to as the U-Day), which is held on the last week of July until August. The celebration is characterized by class reunions, alumni, fraternity and organizational gatherings, concerts, exhibits, booth-building, awarding ceremonies (e.g. the Outstanding Centralian Awards), and university games within the school walls. The month-long celebration is traditionally commenced by an early morning worship service called, "Service", at the University Church and on the highlight day, it is culminated with a city-wide parade held on the any of the chosen day of the first to last week of August. Traditionally, the parade is characterized by the use of floats, with each float representing a particular college, department, or school.

Foundation Day

Foundation Day is part of a day to a week celebration, in honor of the pioneers. conducted by the Central community to commemorate the founding of the University. This event is held on the 1st day of October, of which the University is founded.

Student Life

Sports facilities

The University has adequate playgrounds and facilities for those who are interested in sports and athletics. The CPU Gymnasium can serve as a venue for the following sports: basketball, sepak takraw, badminton, table tennis, lawn tennis, and volleyball as well as live concerts. Outdoor sports such as soccer and softball can be played at the football grounds, CPU Softball Field and the ground situated at the Half-moon Drive. CPU also has varsity teams for almost every major sport. A regular participant of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) and the Philippine University Games (UniGames). The University hosted the 14th Philippine University Games (UniGames).CPU takes pride in having an Olympic size swimming pool. The University Tennis Courts is also available for use by students and tennis enthusiasts. CPU's Olympic-sized swimming pool is the most modern and biggest school-based pool in Western Visayas. It provides a very convenient swimming area for PE students, athletes, alumni and friends of CPU. Central Philippine University is famed for it's football games. In 2010, saw the match of the Philippine Football Federation-Azkals.

Student Government

The CPU Republic holds the distinction of being the oldest student government in the country. The CPUR serves as a training ground for students in the field of leadership and good citizenship. The CPUR employs a modified Parliamentary form of government. The government consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and the judiciary. The executive department is headed by the prime minister elected among the eight senators and voted by the members of the parliament which is composed of the senators and representatives of different colleges. The prime minister heads the government with the help of the ministers and deputies of different government departments. The vice president (voted at-large) heads the parliament (legislative department). The members of the parliament is composed of the eight senators (voted university-wide except for the elementary and kindergarten departments) and 13 representatives (one per college/department). The CPUR president (voted at-large) acts as the head of state and sits with the Board of Trustees of the University as an ex-officio member. The judiciary department is composed of the Supreme Court which is handled exclusively by the College of Law.

Organizations

Students are encouraged to form groups that enhance their desire for study.The Student Organization Committee (SOC) acts as the regulatory body for all student campus organizations. It approves the registration and supervises the activities of student campus organizations. There is a Foreign Students Organization that assists the university to invite more foreign students to attend CPU.

Classification of campus organizations: Academic organizations seek to assist the advancement as well as broaden the academic proficiency of its members, Culture and arts organizations assist and develop appreciation for culture, as well as foster artistic expression among its members and enhance appreciation for wholesome art., Sports organizations develops interest in sports and assists the university to train sport enthusiasts to improve their skills., Religious campus organizations belong to the evangelical faith that professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, acknowledge the Bible as the sole authority in matters of faith and conduct, and live in accordance with the Christian principles., Special organizations are not included in the above classification but that believe in the vision and mission statements of Central Philippine University and whose practices conforms to the Philippine Constitution, orders of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other laws issued by the duly constituted authorities. A program of cultural, recreational, and social activities and opportunities is offered. Every effort is made to create a wholesome environment conducive to the development of a well-rounded personality.

Dormitories and Faculty Housing

CPU has various dormitories, which could provide living accommodations to some 223 up to 500 students. Franklin Hall, is for male residents; Weston Hall ,for female residents; while Anna V. Johnson Hall, where the College of Theology houses, is considered as the only residential college in the university, where its living accommodation is limited to the said college; are all located on the main campus, and there is also Nurses home in each hospitals of the university. American Village is located inside the campus with various houses for the university faculties and a hostel for visitors.

There are also two residential villages located separately from the University: the CPU Centennial Village, a 2.9-hectare subdivision only for the faculty members of the university. The CPU Centennial Village has 185 saleable units with 6 types of housing models and CPU FA Heritage Ville Subdivision/CPU Heritage Subdivision is located and adjacent, just few meters away from the location of CPU Centennial Village in Anilao, Pavia, Iloilo. It provides residential community amenities for the faculty and administrative staff of the university.

Living in the dormitories and villages is considered a privilege that is granted to the students and faculties who comply with the rules and regulations of the University. Formal admission procedures is followed before admitting anyone to the dormitories and villages of the university.

Student Publications

The Central Echo (CE) is the official student publication of CPU. It was founded in 1910, five years after Jaro Industrial School opened. It is one of the oldest student publications in the Philippines. The Central Echo, from its humble beginnings as The Hoe, evolved to be one of the best college student publications in the region: It has been recognized as Second Best Magazine and Fifth Best Newspaper by the Philippine Information Agency-Region 6 in 2009 . It's produced several prominent journalists. It has also been known for its fearless Editorial/Opinion sections. Its "In the Dumps" corner always draw attention due to the raw comments and reactions of students. Recent issues of CE magazine focused more on empowerment, leadership, involvement and awareness. CE circulates twice in a regular semester and a summer literary folio every summer. In 2010, CE celebrates its 100th foundation year.

Every college in the university has its own publication. Campus journalists bind themselves into a fellowship for camaraderie, mutual benefit and protection. Known as CPU Press Club, it is considered the first of its kind in Western Visayas. Some of the student writers are associate members of the Iloilo Press Club and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines.

Notable Alumni

Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. is a lawyer and former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). is one of the notable alumni of Central

Notable alumni who are prominent among others of the university include Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr., former SEC chairman of the Philippines (1995–2000) and 2010 Philippine Vice-Presidential Candidate; Alfonso A. Uy, Former President of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce; F. Landa Jocano, The First Filipino Anthropologist; Former Silliman University's and Central Philippine University's President Agustin A. Pulido; Most Outstanding Iloilo Awardee for Medicine of the Iloilo Press Club, Inc. (1997), One of the 25 Most Outstanding Citizens of West Visayas for medicine (2006), Most Outstanding Physicians of the Iloilo Medicine Society (1986), (2012) Outstanding Chest Physician and Philippine College of Physicians former president Rene I. Juaneza; The first Nurses in the Philippines: Nicasia Cada, Dorotea Caldito, Felipa De la Pena (Gumabong), graduated from Iloilo Mission Hospital School of Nursing (Now Central Philippine University College of Nursing), the oldest Nursing school in the Philippines. Danny Fajardo, the President and owner of the Philippine renowned and leading newspaper Panay News.; Loreto D. Tupaz, Pioneer of Modern Nursing and considered as the Florence Nightingale of the Philippines

Central also has notable alumni in fields of politics and public service (international,national and local level of service) include Atty. Julius Alegrado, Lawyer at Presidential Management Staff; Congressman Edgar Espinosa; Congressman (Iloilo's Fourth District) Ferjenel Biron; Atty. Roy Villa, Former Vice-Mayor of Pilar, Capiz; Atty. Leo Tito Ausan, Philippine Consul General Dept. Foreign Affairs (Germany, Europe); Hon. / Atty. Daisy Avance-Fuentes Former SEC (Philippines) Chair and South Cotabato Governor; Sally Zaldivar Perez, Former Governor of Antique Province; Nelson Sarmiento Regional Director of Civil Service Commission (Philippines); Rodolfo Cabado Board Member of the Province of Iloilo; Judge Eugene Cabardo, Regional Trial Court; Judge Renato Munez, Regional Trial Court, Cadiz City; Perla Guillergan-Londres, One of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (1966); Nemia Temporal-Dungo, United Nations Head of Department of Education; Edwin I. Lariza, President of Philippine Assoc. of Social Workers, Inc- Western Visayas and One of the Ten Most Outstanding Social Worker in the Philippines; are all among others.

Notes and references

Footnotes

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References

• Nelson, Linnea, A. and Herradura, E. (1965 or 1970), The History of Central Philippine University, Central Philippine University Press. {{citation}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: year (link)

External links

• Central Philippine University Official website
• Centralians Online Alumni online community
• CPU Students & Alumni from Cabatuan, Iloilo Alumni website
• Central Philippine University Republic (CPU Republic) CPU Official Student Governing Body - CPU Republic
• Central Philippine University Official Yearbook. Official yearbook website
• Central Philippine University Official Publication Official publication website
• Central, My Central at YouTube