𝗖𝗣𝗦𝗨 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆; 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Through a special program and with the presence of special guests, Central Philippines State University commemorated its 12th University Charter Anniversary last October 19 at the Main Campus’ Covered Court. 

The teaching and non-teaching personnel from all CPSU campuses and extension classes gathered for the occasion, which had the theme “Together We Thrive: Celebrating 12-Year Milestones of Achievement”—celebrating the rich history and recent feats of the institution. 

In his welcome remarks, the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Engr. Marc Alexei Caesar B. Badajos recounted, “We are proud to impart what we have achieved not only to you students but also to the community within the past year alone. Firstly, we were able to admit 2000 students who were the best among 10,000 applicants throughout the province. Secondly, we have reached a 60% to 70% passing percentage rate all over our programs, significantly above the 30% that we used to garner half a decade ago. Thirdly, 82 of our faculty were reclassified, producing new three (3) professors in the university. Fourthly, to support the academic personnel, we have 93 additional non-teaching personnel who are now holding key positions in CPSU.” 

Engr. Badajos also highlighted several infrastructure achievements, including earning P100 million to support system-wide infrastructure and spending P50 million on facilities and equipment for the flagship agriculture program; the installation of Landbank automated teller machine (ATM) for stakeholders; achieving 100% internet connectivity across campuses via Starlink, successfully disposing all of unserviceable vehicles and equipment; receiving a patent for the land title of a portion of the Main Campus with only two extension campuses left to title; two undergraduate programs subjected to Level Four accreditation; and the institution serving as a reference for 100% compliance in all its programs. 

Acknowledging their contributions to the growth of the university, Negros Occidental Sixth Congressional District Representative, Hon. Mercedes “Cheding” K. Alvarez, the first president of Negros State College of Agriculture (NSCA), Dr. Marcelino A. Dechavez; former CPSU President, Dr. Freddie C. Maningo; and former Negros Occidental Sixth Congressional District Representative, Hon. Genaro “Lim-ao” M. Alvarez, Jr. received the Mt. Ballo Award, the highest distinction CPSU confers. 

In addition, the Founder’s Award was also conferred to the Abada and Hilado Families in recognition of the late Senator, Hon. Esteban R. Abada, and the late Congressman, Hon. Carlos M. Hilado, who was vital in the establishment of the Negros Occidental National Agricultural School. 

Former Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) President and former CPSU faculty, Dr. Joel P. Limson, shared his fond memories in the university as well as profound life tips for Cenphilians to remember. 

“12 years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to achieve excellence in education. I won’t use the word ‘quality’ because for higher education institutions, forget the ‘quality’ but remember the word ‘excellence’. Quality means meeting the minimum requirements, but we should aspire more than the minimum requirements,” expressed Dr. Limson in his keynote address.

Noontime show It’s Showtime’s Ms. Bela Padilla made the event more vivacious as she sang several songs and interacted with the audience—swinging the crowd in a pendulum of laughter and "kilig.”. 

Congresswoman Alvarez, the primary author of the R.A. 10228, which mandated the conversion of the Negros State College of Agriculture into the Central Philippines State University, made Ms. Padilla’s visit possible; she also sponsored the prizes for the raffle draw for the event. 

Rev. Fr. Alfred Carmelo N. Suanque, JCL, with Rev. Fr. Ritchie Villaflor led the Eucharistic Mass Celebration earlier that morning.