Marking the University's resilience and triumphs for almost a decade, CPSU celebrated its 9th Charter Anniversary through an online program which was also streamed live on Facebook last October 19, 2021.
Inspirational messages from key officials and guests of honor who extended their felicitations to the University's milestone graced the said event.
Dr. Fernando Abello, Vice-President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), commended the commitment and contribution of all stakeholders, partners and founders of the University for their dedicated service to the institution as it advances its goals to national development. He likewise stated how the blessing and inauguration of the Founder's Park gave highlight to the occasion which had been a long dream of the alumni organization of CPSU as their way of giving tribute to the great founders who guided the school in achieving development.
Dr. Mae Flor Posadas, Vice-President for Research and Extension, also recognized the role of CPSU as a breeding ground for excellence in instruction, research, extension and production, focusing on innovation and technology translated in the various programs, projects and activities undertaken by its main and extension campuses.
CPSU President, Dr. Aladino Moraca, reminisced his college years as an alumnus of the institution during his speech, and emphasized how the institution had been instrumental in bringing him closer to his dreams. He expressed his gratitude to the legislators who supported the initiative in creating and converting this institution into a University and also to the great founders whose initiative and hardwork were enjoyed by the younger generations of today. He also offered his gratitude to the partner institutions such us the Kansas State University and other partner agencies.
"Our dream is to develop young people who will become entrepreneurs in the future with the heart to improve the economy of this country," Dr. Moraca added.
In response, the primary author of the R.A. 10228 that created Central Philippines State University (CPSU), Atty. Mercedes K. Alvarez, the former representative of the 6th district of Negros Occidental, shared in her message on how CPSU had been dear to her heart. She then recalled how she defended for the convertion of NSCA into a State University that paved the way for R.A. 10228 signed last October 19, 2012 which also established today's CPSU.
"I am sure that excellence and compassion will continue to define CPSU's culture and most of all, CPSU will continue to be a family to all as it is to me," Atty. Alvarez concluded.
Another distinguished guest, the 1st President of NSCA, Dr. Marcelino Dechavez, applauded the victorious milestone of the University bringing pride to its founders proving the University's motto that, "Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today."
His grand daughter, CPSU's external stakeholder, Dr. Ami Demebie Dechavez Kasis, and the benefactor of the Dr. Marcelino A. Dechavez Scholarship Program, expressed her congratulations to CPSU and stated her desire to also assist its students by providing assistance to those whose interests are in the fields of Agriculture, Forestry, and Animal Science.
The next part was the showing of the documentary video narrating the University's transformation from its humble past as an agricultural institution to becoming a promising University in the present through the "CPSU: Then and Now".
Following this portion was the virtual "Pasidungog 2021" to give recognition to the invaluable contribution of its founders, pillars, various stakeholders, partners, and personnel. Distinguished among them were Hon. Genaro Alvarez, Jr., Congressman of the 6th District of Negros Occidental and the primary author of R.A. 9141 which created the Negros State College of Agriculture (NSCA). With him were Atty. Mercedes Alvarez, Dr. Dechavez, and Dr. Freddie Maningo, the first CPSU president.
Several Pasidungog Awards were then given in various categories such as for the Sustaining Retirees of the University, for the LGU partners led by the Governor of Negros Occidental, Gov. Eugenio Lacson, the respective city and municipality mayors and vice-mayors in the extension campuses, as well as other government officials who had been identified as partner linkages of the institution.
Other awards given were Education Sector Award, Research and Development Domain Award, Champions of Environment Advocacy Program and Development, Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the person of Hon. George Largado, Military Law enforcement, also in the field of Mass Media which extended commendations to the CEO of the Radio Bandera Sweet FM Doc. Ramel Uy and Sir Julio Yap, also to the Builders and Industry partner linkage, Diocese of Kabankalan led by Most Reverend Louie P. Galbines, Student Services and Affairs, Sustainable Agriculture Advocacy in the Community, Awardees of Outstanding GAD practitioners coming from the different campuses and the Loyalty Award for the invaluable services of various personnel to the University.
The program ended with the announcement and awarding of Student Leaders as well as the winners for the competitions held during the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the University through the SSG and Sports and Cultural Office. The said program was facilitated by the Office of the Student Services and Affairs and virtually attended by CPSU personnels, students, faculty and staff, stakeholders, alumni and supporters of the institution.
By: J.Belera, BSABE 4 & J.A.Emoy of The Cenphilian Publication