I am very pleased to convey my warmest greetings to the officials, staff and students of the Central Philippine University on the occasion of the University’s 94th Anniversary.  

Through the years, the University has been at the forefront of bringing quality education to our people.  It has directly elevated countless Filipinos into a life full of many possibilities as it continues to graduate thousands more.  That the University continues to hone its students in the various fields of learning remains its valuable contribution to the development of an empowered citizenry.  
  
Again, allow me to congratulate the men and women behind this momentous event.  I encourage you to make even more significant inroads by pursuing higher levels of academic excellence and expanding your invaluable services to reach more of our people, especially the poor for whom education truly makes a big difference.  

Congratulations and Mabuhay ang Central Philippine University!  
 
 

JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA

CPU gave a posthumous “Distinguished Service Award” to  Atty. Rosario Salas-Doromal through a special recognition program in her honor last September 28 at the University Church.  Her accomplishments for CPU made her as one of the forebears of the Central Spirit.  

Born on September 28, 1898 in Dumangas, Iloilo, Atty. Doromal spent her 94 fruitful years on humanitarian services. She died of Cardiac arrest on March 8, 1993 at Iloilo Mission Hospital.  

Atty. Rosario Salas-Doromal, an outstanding leader, patriot and philanthropist, had done so much for the growth and development of the University as member of the Board of Trustees for 35 years.  She joined the Board of Trustees in 1932 and worked actively in various committees of the board.  

Atty. Doromal was one of the persons who looked for a qualified dean who would head the newly opened College of Law in 1939.  In the same year, she worked with the committee that searched for a new president to solve the crisis brought about by the resignation of then college president, Dr. Harland F. Stuart.  

She and Don Ramon Lopez held the first post-war meeting of trustees on February 2, 1946 and major decisions which included the renewal of contracts of all members of the faculty and staff and the appointment of the new president, were made.  

In 1959, Atty. Doromal was tasked to head the Achievement Fund Campaign to stabilize the finances of CPU.  As member of the Long-Range Planning Committee created by the Board of Trustees in 1963, she helped define the relationship between CPU and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.  Her committee recommended the implementation of a recruitment program for faculty; improvement of curricula; strengthening of Alumni-Alma Mater relationship; acquisition of new facilities; increase of scholarship assistance; upgrading of faculty and staff salaries; and creation of the offices of Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Development.  

She was a member of the Special Committee of Agreement that sought the approval of the statement of “Principle for the Basis of Agreement with CPU, CPBC and ABFMS” in 1965.  She was also a member of the Board of Trustees that elected Rex D. Drilon as the first Filipino President of CPU in 1966.  The Endowment Fund for Ramon and Rosario Salas Doromal Professorial Chair  which she established in 1985 resulted in similar grants to CPU from other donors.  

Her three of six children, 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and one great grandson survived Atty. Rosario Salas-Doromal.  Her children are former Silliman University President, Quintin S. Doromal who is married to Pearl Gamboa-Doromal; CPU Trustee Ramon S. Doromal, Jr. who is married to Gaudelia Vega-Doromal, and Rosario D. Arandela who is married to Atty. Teotimo Arandela.