The Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, now known as CPU-CARES or the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences, has journeyed from humble beginnings to become one of the nation’s premier institutions of agricultural education.
Today, it proudly stands as the only Center of Excellence in Agriculture in both Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region, a distinction that reflects decades of visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and academic excellence.
In recent years, CPU-CARES has consistently ranked among the top agricultural schools in the Philippines, with its graduates achieving remarkable passing rates in the government licensure examinations for agriculturists.
Guided by the vision of Central Philippine University—”A University committed to Exemplary Christian Education for Life, or EXCEL, and responsive to the needs of the total person and the world”—CPU-CARES embodies the institution’s mission of forming graduates distinguished by competence, character, leadership, and a spirit of service. It continues to nurture professionals who are not only technically proficient but also socially responsible, ethically grounded, and spiritually guided in their pursuit of nation-building.
During my years as CPU Director for Planning and Development, with responsibilities that included alumni affairs, resource generation, public relations, student recruitment, and university publications, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary contributions of CPU agriculture graduates. Across communities, government agencies, academic institutions, and private enterprises, they have consistently demonstrated excellence and leadership.
Agriculture alumni remain among the university’s most active and accomplished graduates, spearheading innovations in agriculture, championing rural development, and rendering distinguished public service.
Indeed, few colleges can match the breadth of influence demonstrated by CPU-CARES alumni. No other academic unit in CPU has produced as many presidents of state universities, colleges, and local community colleges.
Its graduates have become elected mayors, provincial board members, councilors, heads of national and local government offices, scientists, deans, principals, professors, instructors, researchers, content writers, successful agri-entrepreneurs, technocrats, plant breeders, ministers, missionaries, spiritual leaders, policy makers, civic organizers, overseas professionals, and business leaders in enterprises of every scale. Their achievements testify to the holistic education and transformative values that the college has imparted through the years.
The college traces its w in Jaro, Iloilo City through the vision and pioneering efforts of American agriculturist Burl Alba Slocum. It became the first agricultural school established outside Luzon and among the earliest colleges of agriculture in the Philippines.
Initially offering instruction in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, crop production, animal husbandry, and farm management, the college progressively expanded its academic horizons to include agronomy, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, and agricultural education.
It likewise strengthened its research and extension functions in response to emerging concerns related to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and natural resource management.
In 1964, the college further solidified its academic stature by becoming a founding member of the Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines. As the agricultural profession evolved to address increasingly complex environmental and developmental challenges, the college adopted its present identity as CPU-CARES, reflecting its broader mandate and interdisciplinary focus.
Today, CPU-CARES offers three flagship degree programs: the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management.
These programs equip future professionals with expertise in crop and animal sciences, agribusiness, engineering technologies, renewable energy systems, environmental planning, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
Complementing these degree offerings are specialized training programs such as Animal Production NC II, the Diploma in Poultry Production, and the Diploma in Environmental Resource Management and Technologies.
Through these initiatives, CPU-CARES continues to advance agricultural innovation, scientific inquiry, and community transformation while remaining faithful to its Christian ideals of service and stewardship.
This year’s Diamond Celebration marks a historic milestone in the life of CPU-CARES. More than a commemoration of longevity, it is a celebration of lives transformed, communities empowered, and a legacy of excellence sustained through generations. It offers an opportunity to honor the pioneers who built the institution, recognize the achievements of its alumni, and inspire future leaders who will carry its mission forward.
Highlights of the celebration include the Diamond Anniversary opening ceremony, featuring the unveiling of a commemorative marker and the launching of the official celebration theme.
A grand alumni homecoming will reunite graduates from different generations to share stories of achievement and enduring friendships.
Academic excellence will be showcased through the Diamond Lecture Series, where distinguished national and international experts will discuss climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and future-ready food systems.
The Student Innovation Expo will exhibit groundbreaking research, agri-technologies, environmental prototypes, and entrepreneurial initiatives developed by students and faculty.
Community engagement remains central through an Extension Caravan offering agricultural training, seed distribution, veterinary services, and environmental awareness campaigns. Farmers’ forums and stakeholder dialogues will strengthen partnerships among the college, local government units, industries, and communities.
Cultural and spiritual celebrations—including a night of worship and Thanksgiving, a cultural gala, legacy presentations, and unity games—will foster gratitude, fellowship, and institutional pride.
The celebration will culminate in a Vision Forum that will chart the strategic direction of CPU-CARES for the next 25 years, focusing on digital agriculture, climate-smart farming systems, environmental protection and global competitiveness.
As CPU-CARES honors its remarkable past and celebrates its vibrant present, it boldly embraces the future—remaining steadfast in its mission to educate, innovate, and serve. Through faith, excellence, and commitment to nation-building, CPU-CARES continues to cultivate not only productive fields, but lives of purpose and leadership for generations to come. | NWI
