ILOILO CITY – New Central Philippine University (CPU) President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy outlined his long-term plans focusing on academic excellence and medical research as the 18th university president during his investiture recently.

REV. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (first row, ninth from left) with the Board of Trustees and corporation of Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City during his investiture as the 18th university president. (Cicero Omero II)

“We will continue to pursue excellence in the delivery of educational instruction, align all programs to national accreditation standards, attract outstanding students by offering substantial scholarships and financial assistance, expand our educational, cultural, and professional exchange programs, hire top faculty, upgrade our facilities, and tirelessly find ways to be at par with other institutions of higher learning in the Philippines, Asia, and around the world,” said Dagohoy.

Dagohoy urged CPU to consider medical research by establishing a research laboratory on-campus or at the Iloilo Mission Hospital, its affiliate training hospital in Jaro District here, for the school to make a mark in the community.

He is looking for money through philanthropy to fund this expensive endeavor.

“We will solicit the generous support of individual donors, family foundations, private or corporate foundations to fund our research enterprise,” Dagohoy said.

Also part of his long-term plans are faculty and staff development and boosting student success and alumni engagement.

Dagohoy assured the CPU Board of Trustees and corporation that his five-year leadership until 2028 is anchored on spiritual vitality as CPU’s history as an educational institution is linked to the American Baptist Mission when it was established in 1905.

Prior to becoming CPU president, Dagohoy served as adjunct professor of theology and ministry at Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas. He also worked in various organizations stateside and in the country.