Prof. Dr. Ananias C. Sabijon, Jr. speaks on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in research during the webinar Ģ����Ƶ�From Campus to Career: Professional Readiness and Responsible Use of AI in ResearchĢ����Ƶ� on May 2, 2026.

Prof. Dr. Ananias C. Sabijon, Jr., a University Full Professor and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) at Ģ����Ƶ (CPU), addressed over 50 DOST scholars and undergraduate students across Western Visayas (Region VI), Negros Occidental, and the National Capital Region (NCR) on May 2, 2026, delivering a pointed message on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic research.

Prof. Dr. Sabijon is a recipient of the Dr. Juan Salcedo, Jr. Science Education Award and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) Fellows Program. He has received training in teaching and educational administration from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong (SAR), and Valparaiso University (VU) in Indiana, USA. Currently, he is an Associate Member of the Department of Science and Technology National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) and a registered author, writer, editor, and subject matter expert with the National Book Development Board (NBDB) of the Philippines.

Speaking at the webinar Ģ����Ƶ�From Campus to Career: Professional Readiness and Responsible Use of AI in Research,Ģ����Ƶ� organized by the Department of Science and Technology ScholarsĢ����Ƶ� Association in Region VI (DOST-SAIS), Dr. Sabijon emphasized that AI tools such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, and Claude should serve as assistants, not replacements for human intellect and ethical judgment. The virtual event, held via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, drew participants from various higher education institutions in Negros Occidental and other provinces in Region VI, with a special focus on STEM and laboratory-based disciplines where data integrity and technical precision are paramount.

Aligning with the publication of Agrawal et al. (2015), Dr. Sabijon urged students to leverage generative AI as Ģ����Ƶ�bicycles for the mindĢ����Ƶ� (a metaphor quoted from Steve Jobs) to speed up discovery, provide clarity, and help understand complex ideas. He introduced the concept of prompt engineering, demonstrating how well-constructed prompts guide AI to produce accurate and relevant information while reducing the risk of error. However, he also warned against the uncritical acceptance of AI-generated content. Ģ����Ƶ�While AI tools are effective helpers in doing research, they are not substitutes for factual knowledge bases . . . and researchers, teachers, students, and other stakeholders must adopt both critical skepticism and a verification-first mindset,Ģ����Ƶ� he said.

Significant parts of the session addressed the growing problems of AI hallucinations and fabricated references. Dr. Sabijon operationally defined hallucinations as outputs that, despite appearing coherent and plausible, are factually incorrect or lack logical consistency. He cited a disturbing case in which a manuscript passed rounds of peer review despite nearly 80% of its cited references being nonexistentĢ����Ƶ�a phenomenon he called Ģ����Ƶ�the citation crisis.Ģ����Ƶ� To counter these risks, he presented to the participants the Ģ����Ƶ�ResearcherĢ����Ƶ�s Defense Toolkit,Ģ����Ƶ� which includes mitigation prompts, verification tests (checking Digital Object Identifiers [DOIs]), the Ģ����Ƶ�canĢ����Ƶ�t find rule,Ģ����Ƶ� and consensus searches across multiple sources. He also discussed institutional responses such as AI policy development and publication, AI screening tools, and the responsibility of students to verify every citation.

Moreover, Prof. Dr. Sabijon presented standardized disclosure protocols for AI-assisted scholarly work, providing participants with AI-Assisted Research Disclosure Templates aligned with UNESCOĢ����Ƶ�s 2026 guidance on generative AI in education and research. He also introduced, citing the publication of Chan (2026) and other authors, the human-in-the-loop (HITL) model, where humans remain active contributorsĢ����Ƶ�not passive recipientsĢ����Ƶ�in the decision-making loop, and detailed the TACO Framework (Think, Ask, Check, Own) for humanĢ����Ƶ�AI cognitive partnership. Ģ����Ƶ�With AI, the learning process and goal should be augmented, not artificially replaced,Ģ����Ƶ� Dr. Sabijon stressed. Ģ����Ƶ�The HITL is not a technical compliance requirement; it is the intellectual safeguard.Ģ����Ƶ�

According to Miss Jessa Mae Donasco, a third-year Chemistry student at Technological University of the PhilippinesĢ����Ƶ�Visayas and the Deputy Director for External Affairs of DOST-SAIS, who extended the formal invitation to Dr. Sabijon to serve as the resource speaker, Ģ����Ƶ�Dr. SabijonĢ����Ƶ�s research-based presentation and insights on the productive uses of AI, its technical risks, academic integrity, and the importance of maintaining a human-in-the-loop approach were greatly appreciated and truly valuable to the DOST scholars.Ģ����Ƶ�

Prof. Dr. Sabijon concluded by challenging the scholar-participants to let their work be defined by character and competence, not shortcuts. Using the ancient parable of the blind men and the elephantĢ����Ƶ�in which each man, touching a different part, describes the same creature as a spear, snake, tree, or ropeĢ����Ƶ�he drew a parallel to artificial intelligence: Ģ����Ƶ�AI today is much like that elephant.Ģ����Ƶ� He then underscored the necessity of a critical and multidisciplinary approach to fully comprehend AI.

On a personal note, Prof. Dr. Sabijon expressed gratitude to CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy for granting him permission to officially serve as resource person and to DOST Region VI officials and personnelĢ����Ƶ�particularly Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, Miss Jessa Mae Donasco, Ms. Lesley Feil H. Ferrer, and Mr. Leo A. LozadaĢ����Ƶ�for the opportunity to share his research findings, insights, and experiences as a researcher, professor, and administrator regarding AI.

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(From LĢ����Ƶ�R): Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol Jr., Director of the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center (CESLC); Assoc. Prof. Annalie D. Gilongos, CPU NSTP Coordinator; Dr. Amy Castigador, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA); Dr. Jelvit Amor C. Alicante, Chairperson and Focal Person of the CPU GAD Committee; Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Vice President for Administration; and Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises pose for a photo opportunity after Ģ����Ƶ received six citations during the 5th Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Awards held at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center in Iloilo City on May 21, 2026.

Ģ����Ƶ (CPU) strengthened its standing as one of the leading higher education institutions in Western Visayas after securing six prestigious citations during the 5th Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Awards held on May 21, 2026, at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center in Iloilo City.

The awards, conferred by the Commission on Higher Education in celebration of its 32nd anniversary and the 6th National Higher Education Day, highlight CPUĢ����Ƶ�s sustained commitment to academic quality assurance, institutional advancement, and community engagement.

These recognitions underscore CPUĢ����Ƶ�s outstanding performance in key areas of institutional excellence. The awards received are as follows:

1. Award for Excellence in Research
2. Award for Excellence in Community Extension
3. Award for Excellence in Peace Education Implementation
4. Award for Excellence in Gender and Development Implementation
5. Award for Excellence in National Service Training Program (NSTP)
6. Top Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on Internationalization Programs and Initiatives

The university delegation was led by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, together with Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises; Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; and other key university officials.

Notably, during the 4th CHED Regional Quality Awards, CPU also received several citations, including recognition as a higher education institution for its support to CHED Gender and Development Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI) endeavors; Outstanding Board Performance Awards, including Rank 7 Top Performing School in the November 2024 Chemical Engineering Licensure Examination (83.33%), Rank 1 Top Performing School in the April 2025 Electronics Technician Licensure Examination (100%), Rank 7 Top Performing School in the November 2024 Pharmacist Licensure Examination (90.59%), and Rank 4 Top Performing School in the May 2025 Chemical Engineers Computer-Based Licensure Examination (92.31%); the World Ranking Award under the Quacquarelli Symonds Asia University Rankings (851Ģ����Ƶ�900 band); Autonomous HEI in Region VI Award; Awards for Excellence in Community Extension and Linkages, Internationalization Initiatives, Peace Education, and National Service Training Program (NSTP); the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug Strategy Innovative Awards for Higher Education; and the World Rankings Award from Times Higher Education.

CPUĢ����Ƶ�s latest haul of honors further reinforces its role as a premier academic institution committed to producing competent graduates, advancing research and innovation, and serving communities through transformative education.

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Ģ����Ƶ NSTP delegation participates in the 20th National Congress of NSTP Educators and Implementers held on May 13Ģ����Ƶ�15, 2026 at the Grand Astoria Hotel, Royce Convention Hall in Zamboanga City.

The Ģ����Ƶ (CPU) National Service Training Program (NSTP) delegation joined the 20th National Congress of NSTP Educators and Implementers held at the Grand Astoria Hotel, Royce Convention Hall in Zamboanga City.

The delegation was led by NSTP Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Annalie D. Gilongos, together with Ma. Leen Gahum, Hannah Lee Canlas, Shirley Dario, Charissa June Deocampo, Melanie Hermano, and Novi Pascua.

With the theme Ģ����Ƶ�Championing NSTP through a Whole-of-Community Approach: Shaping Youth as Nation-Building,Ģ����Ƶ� the three-day national gathering brought together NSTP educators, implementers, and stakeholders nationwide to strengthen collaboration and advance the implementation of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC).

Throughout the congress, discussions centered on key plenary sessions including Ģ����Ƶ�Strengthening NSTP Implementation and NSRC Operationalization via the CHEDĢ����Ƶ�s A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda for Inclusive and Sustainable Development,Ģ����Ƶ� Ģ����Ƶ�NSTP and National Resilience: Youth Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction and Community Preparedness,Ģ����Ƶ� Ģ����Ƶ�Reimagining NSTP in the 21st Century: Innovation, Digital Engagement and Youth Empowerment,Ģ����Ƶ� and Ģ����Ƶ�From Milestone to Momentum: Assessing NSTP and NSRC Through PSNEI Research Outputs and Shaping Policy Directions for the Next 20 Years Under RA 9163,Ģ����Ƶ� alongside other collaborative exchanges and best practices shared by various institutions and agencies.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis served as keynote speaker during the opening program on May 13, 2026, emphasizing the role of higher education institutions in advancing civic engagement and nation-building.

The delegation from CPU actively took part in plenary sessions, discussions, and collaborative exchanges throughout the event, gaining insights on current strategies and emerging directions in NSTP implementation and civic engagement.

CPUĢ����Ƶ�s participation in the three-day national congress reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening NSTP and NSRC implementation through continued engagement in national dialogues and capacity-building initiatives. The delegation likewise gained valuable insights on best practices and innovations in civic engagement, further strengthening its role in advancing youth development and nation-building.

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Student leaders and award recipients gather for a photo during the Panther Legacy and Panther Good Governance Awards at the Educational Media Center.

To honor the dedication and hard work of academic organization and student leaders, the Ģ����Ƶ College of Arts and Sciences held its annual Panther Legacy and Panther Good Governance Awards last May 14, 2026, at the Educational Media Center.

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from CAS Provincial Council Governor John Lloyd T. Panizales, followed by messages from the outgoing officers. In a symbolic passing of the torch, the newly elected student leaders were formally recognized and took their oath of office, pledging their commitment to the CAS community before delivering their collective vision for the upcoming term.

The afternoon session resumed with a message from Mariel Shree Yu, CPU Biological Society President and League of Presidents Chairman. Before proceeding to the main awards, presidents from the collegeĢ����Ƶ�s various academic organizations took the stage to share messages of gratitude regarding their leadership journeys.

Individual excellence and collaborative engagement took center stage during the special awards presentation. Kris Anne H. Masangkay, President of the Junior Social Worker’s Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) – CPU Chapter, was named Most Outstanding President for her exemplary organizational leadership. Meanwhile, the CPU Biological Society (BioSoc) took home the Akbay Alalay Award, a distinction given to the organization that most effectively boosted student participation in both College and Council initiatives.

The main highlight of the ceremony focused on the presentation of the sub-seals of governance. The Seal for Transparent and Accountable Governance, which recognizes fiscal discipline, accountability, transparency, and proper financial management practices, was awarded to APPS-CPU, BioSoc, PsycSoc, and the JSWAP-CPU Chapter. Honoring the ability to establish effective mechanisms that encourage meaningful student participation, the Seal for Innovative Governance was presented to ACS-CPU, APPS-CPU, BioSoc, PsycSoc, and the JSWAP-CPU Chapter. Meanwhile, demonstrating prompt sensitivity and responsiveness to their constituentĢ����Ƶ�s needs earned APPS-CPU, BioSoc, and PsycSoc, the Seal for Responsive Governance.

For the fair and consistent implementation of organizational laws and policies, the Seal for Predictable Governance was claimed by a wide coalition of groups including ACS-CPU, APPS-CPU, BioSoc, CCC, PsycSoc, and the JSWAP-CPU Chapter. A commitment to preserving culture and enhancing artistic interests brought the Seal for Conservative Governance to ACS-CPU, APPS-CPU, BioSoc, PsycSoc, ELS, and the JSWAP-CPU Chapter. Lastly, the Seal for Participative Governance, which honors the establishment of effective mechanisms that encourage active student involvement was successfully captured by ACS-CPU, APPS-CPU, BioSoc, and ELS.

To be awarded the Seal for Good Local Governance or SGLG, an academic organization must successfully secure all six of these seals. This year, the ultimate SGLG distinction was officially awarded to the CPU Biological Society and Association of Political Science and Public Administration Students – CPU, recognizing their absolute excellence across all pillars of governance.

The celebratory event concluded with a closing message from BM Femy Ceanne C. Ombega, followed by a documentation session to capture the memorable gathering of CAS leaders.

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CPBC delegates gather in front of the Rose Memorial Auditorium during the 9th Biennial Assembly at Ģ����Ƶ.

Anchored on the theme, Ģ����Ƶ�From Brokenness to Wholeness: A Journey Towards Healing and Restoration,Ģ����Ƶ� the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) successfully held its 9th Biennial at the Rose Memorial Auditorium of Ģ����Ƶ, from May 20 to 22, 2026.

The three-day event kicked off on the morning of May 20 with a fellowship and special presentation, followed by an afternoon opening program that formally set the assembly in motion. In his opening address, CPBC President Rev. Dojie Gumata, reminded the delegates of the core purpose of the gathering.

Ģ����Ƶ�We gather here not because everything is perfect, but because we believe in a God who restores what is broken,Ģ����Ƶ� Rev. Gumata emphasized.

The opening day also showcased the warm recognition of Kasapulanans from all over the Philippines who travelled to attend the event. The first day concluded with the  Kinasadya Sang Mga Kasimbaham, a vibrant evening fellowship where members of the convention gathered for praise and worship.

Day two focused on spiritual deepening and organizational matters. The morning sessions commenced with a Sanctuary Hour and a Biblical-Theological Reflection. Rev. Rosan Valencia-Tabaodaja, one of the featured guest speakers, delivered a moving message that resonated deeply with the attendees.

Ģ����Ƶ�We may experience brokenness, but if God is still present, our story is not over,Ģ����Ƶ� Rev. Valencia-Tabaodaja shared.

The afternoon session marked a major milestone for the convention with the official launching of the PastorĢ����Ƶ�s Benefit Fund, which was immediately followed by an afternoon worship service. The second day closed with an evening business meeting to address key organization matters.

The final day of the assembly was highlighted by a closing worship and celebration of the LordĢ����Ƶ�s Supper. CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy served as the guest speaker, delivering an inspiring message to the delegation. The day also featured the formal installation of the newly elected CPBC Officers and an awarding ceremony.

The 9th Biennial Assembly officially concluded with an evening Victory Night, celebrating the collective success of the event and the strengthened fellowship among the Baptist churches in the Philippines.

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(From left to right) Prof. Mizpah C. Villalobos, Ms. Jirah D. Bulquerin, RCh, and Ms. Aira Rose P. Panadero pose for a photo during the poster presentation at the Talabacon 2026 National Oyster Conference held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.

The Ģ����Ƶ delegation took part in the Talabacon 2026 National Oyster Conference held from May 18 to 19, 2026, at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, with CPU undergraduate research prominently featured in the poster presentation session.

The two-day conference was organized by Ģ����Ƶ, the University of the Philippines Visayas, and the University of the Philippines Diliman Marine Science Institute, and supported by the Department of Science and TechnologyĢ����Ƶ�Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), together with other partner institutions.

The conference opened with welcome remarks, one of which was delivered by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, who emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborative research in advancing marine science and aquaculture in the country.

CPU delegation composed of Centralian students; Ms. Panadero (3rd from left); Dr. Rolando V. Pakingking, Jr. (4th from left); Dr. Villalobos (3rd from right); Dr. Evelyn Grace D. Ayson (4th from right), Director of the University Research Center; and Ms. Bulquerin (2nd from right) pose for a photo during the Talabacon 2026 National Oyster Conference held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.

Across the first day, plenary sessions centered on aquaculture technologies and biosecurity concerns, including broodstock and hatchery development for the tropical oyster (Crassostrea iredalei), improvements in Philippine oyster production and quality, and studies on the diversity, prevalence, and virulence of Ostreid Herpesvirus-1 (OsHV-1) under the VIROYS program.

The second day focused on marine biology and ecology, featuring discussions on the fisheries and reproductive biology of the gold-lip pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima), as well as the distribution, abundance, and ecology of pearl oysters (Pteriidae) in the Philippines.

The poster presentation session featured a CPU undergraduate thesis presented by Jirah D. Bulquerin, RCh, a 2024 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, titled Ģ����Ƶ�The Potential of Oyster Shells in Improving Quality Parameters of Used Cooking Oil.Ģ����Ƶ�

The study, conducted under the supervision of thesis adviser Ms. Aira Rose P. Panadero and Project Lead Dr. Mizpah C. Villalobos, explores the use of oyster shells as a sustainable material for filtering and improving used cooking oil.

Prior to its presentation at the national conference, the research achieved an academic milestone after being accepted for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal.

Dr. Villalobos highlighted the significance of the achievement for the universityĢ����Ƶ�s research community, saying, Ģ����Ƶ�In my 20 years here in CPU, it is my first time to experience our former BS Chem undergraduate student presenting their thesis at a prestigious national conference like this,Ģ����Ƶ� during an interview.

CPUĢ����Ƶ�s participation reaffirms the universityĢ����Ƶ�s commitment to advancing research excellence and strengthening collaboration in marine science and aquaculture, while continuously supporting the development and presentation of innovative undergraduate research in national academic platforms.

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Rev. Dr. Alton Ezra BigelowĢ����Ƶ�s legacy lives on through the Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Award, the highest honor of Ģ����Ƶ bestowed upon graduates who exemplify excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, ministry, and Christian character.

Every university reveals its deepest values through the names it chooses to honor its buildings, memorials, and awards. They embody the ideals an institution desires future generations to imitate. At Ģ����Ƶ, the highest distinction granted to a graduating student is the Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Award. This naturally raises a profound question: Why Alton Ezra Bigelow?

Why would CPU choose the name of a missionary educator from the early twentieth century to represent the highest ideal of a Centralian graduate?

The answer may be found not merely in what Alton Bigelow accomplished, but in what he came to symbolize in the life and soul of Ģ����Ƶ itself.

Rev. Dr. Alton Ezra Bigelow was far more than a teacher or missionary. He was a theologian, linguist, editor, administrator, institution builder, mentor, and visionary. Arriving in Iloilo in 1907 under the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, Bigelow devoted nearly three decades of his life to the Philippines. He became one of the original incorporators of the Jaro Industrial School, later served as Acting Principal from 1918 to 1922, founded the School of Theology in 1926, edited the first Hiligaynon Protestant newsletter, revised the Hiligaynon Bible, and helped shape the Christian culture of the campus.

Yet many missionaries served CPU faithfully. Why then was Bigelow singled out for the universityĢ����Ƶ�s highest recognition? Perhaps because Bigelow represented the complete integration of CPUĢ����Ƶ�s motto: Scientia et Fides, Science and Faith.

His life united intellectual excellence with Christian discipleship in a manner that is rarely seen. Historically, Bigelow was not only concerned with producing educated students. He was deeply concerned about producing transformed people.

One of his surviving theological statements reveals this clearly. In one remarkable declaration, Bigelow wrote: Ģ����Ƶ�I believe that the development of character is manĢ����Ƶ�s most fundamental concern.Ģ����Ƶ� He further stated: Ģ����Ƶ�This development can only be achieved in proportion as man gives himself in service to others.Ģ����Ƶ� These words are deeply significant because they precisely reflect the spirit embodied in the Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Award. The award does not recognize academic excellence alone. Rather, it honors a student who excels in academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and Christian ministry.

The award also reflects BigelowĢ����Ƶ�s theology of education. For Bigelow, education was never merely the transfer of information. Education was the formation of Christian character through service, faith, discipline, and moral responsibility. He believed that intellectual achievement without spiritual formation was incomplete.

Another statement from Bigelow reveals the Christ-centered foundation of his philosophy: Ģ����Ƶ�I believe that Jesus Christ is the concrete revelation of this character of God.Ģ����Ƶ� This theological conviction explains why Bigelow invested not only in classrooms but also in worship life, church life, and student ministry. In 1913, he organized what became known as the Ģ����Ƶ�school churchĢ����Ƶ� on campus. Students led prayers, Scripture reading, choir music, and worship participation. This eventually developed into what later became the University Church.

In many ways, Bigelow was attempting to build not simply a school but a Christian community.

His intellectual contributions were equally remarkable. Bigelow was a gifted linguist who reportedly spoke five languages. He produced a monumental 555-page Visayan-English and English-Visayan Dictionary containing more than 14,000 entries, one of the earliest major linguistic works on Hiligaynon and Visayan usage. He also published a Visayan grammar book in 1913.

At the request of the American Bible Society, he revised the Hiligaynon Bible originally translated by Rev. Eric Lund and Rev. Braulio Manikan. He likewise collaborated with Mrs. J. A. Hall in producing an Ilonggo hymnal in two editions: one with musical notation and another containing text only. These are major achievements.

Bigelow helped shape the intellectual and spiritual language of Protestant Christianity in Western Visayas. Through his dictionaries, grammar books, Bible revisions, and hymnals, he contributed to the preservation, systematization, and theological use of Hiligaynon itself. Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose later observed that Bigelow Ģ����Ƶ�did much to shape the theology of churches and the opinion of the public on Protestant churches.Ģ����Ƶ�

His influence extended beyond theology and education into the physical environment of CPU. Bigelow loved plants, trees, and campus beautification. Historical accounts credit him with planting the TravelerĢ����Ƶ�s Palm near Roblee Science Hall, the Anahaw trees along the road between Lopez Hall and Weston Hall, and the Royal Palms in front of the old Rose Memorial Auditorium. These details may seem small at first glance, yet they are profoundly symbolic.

Bigelow planted institutions, but he also planted trees. He cultivated minds, but he also cultivated landscapes. He nurtured faith, but he also nurtured beauty. Even today, Centralians walk under trees planted by a man who died almost a century ago. This alone becomes a metaphor for his enduring influence.

There is also something deeply sacrificial about BigelowĢ����Ƶ�s story. During his years in the Philippines, he endured repeated personal tragedies, including the deaths of his wives and long separations from his children. Yet, he continued to serve with remarkable dedication.

Therefore, one may conjecture that CPU did not honor Bigelow merely because he was brilliant, but because he embodied sacrificial Christian service. Former student Eleuterio Plagata recalled, Ģ����Ƶ�Dr. Bigelow was more than just a teacher. To us in the older days he was like a father.Ģ����Ƶ� Another former student and colleague, Abe S. Gonzales, described him as: Ģ����Ƶ�an inspiring mental and spiritual mentor.Ģ����Ƶ� These testimonies are important because they reveal that BigelowĢ����Ƶ�s greatest impact may not have been through his books, offices, or titles, but rather through the lives he transformed.

The Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Award, therefore, becomes more than an academic distinction. It is a declaration of what CPU believes a graduate should be. Not merely intelligent but morally grounded. Not merely accomplished but service-oriented. Not merely successful but faithful.

Perhaps this is why the award is not given solely to the student with the highest grades. Academic honors already exist for this purpose. The Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Award instead recognizes the graduate who best embodies the Central Spirit in its fullness: scholarship, leadership, service, ministry, and Christian character united together.

Dr. Elma S. Herradura wrote in Volume II of Scientia et Fides: The Ģ����Ƶ Story, Ģ����Ƶ�Another proof that the university has not allowed fides to be outstripped by scientia is the fact that the coveted Alma Mater prize is given to the college graduate who best exemplifies the Central ideals not only of scholarship but also of Christian character. And this award is named Alton Bigelow Memorial Award, in honor of the man whose main interests were preaching and translating the Scriptures.Ģ����Ƶ�

In another portion of his theological reflection, Bigelow wrote: Ģ����Ƶ�Because I believe these things I devote my life in loyalty to my Master to bring all others to a like stand.Ģ����Ƶ� This statement may ultimately explain why his name stands above all others in CPUĢ����Ƶ�s commencement traditions.

The highest award of CPU bears the name of Alton Bigelow because he represented what Central hoped education could produce: a life in which knowledge serves faith, leadership serves humanity, and character serves God.

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CPU NSTP delegation joins 20th National Congress of NSTP Educators and Implementers in Zamboanga City

CPU CAS holds Panther Legacy and Panther Good Governance Awards

CPBC holds 9th Biennial Assembly

Centralian joins poster presentation at Talabacon 2026 National Oyster Conference

Why is the highest award of Ģ����Ƶ named after Alton Bigelow?

Prof. Dr. Sabijon Speaks to DOST Scholars on Ethical Use of AI in Research

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