Our vision is 'A University committed to Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) and responsive to the needs of the total person and the world."
The mission of Central Philippine University is to carry out a program of spiritual, intellectual, moral, scientific, technological, and cultural training, and allied studies under influences that strengthen Christian faith, build up character and promote scholarship, research, and community service.
Our quality policy is to fulfill the mission and realize the vision of Central Philippine University; we commit to consistently provide superior services by integrating Christian values, academic excellence, the highest level of professionalism, and quality consideration in every aspect of our operations. We maintain a quality management system that complies with international standards. We continually improve to achieve global excellence that satisfies the university community's expectations, partner institutions, and the general public.
The Central Philippine University (CPU) Libraries are composed of Henry Luce III Library (Main Library) and the following Department Libraries: College of Law at the second floor of the New Valentine Building, the High School Library at the second floor of the New High School Complex and the Elementary Library at the ground floor of the Elementary School Building. The Theology Library and the Graduate Studies Library are housed at the Main Library.
The Main Library can seat 1,300 persons High School Library, 150 Elementary Library, 125 College of Law, 30, and the Graduate Studies Satellite Library, 30. The total seating capacity of the University Libraries is 1,650. The Library follows the Dewey Decimal Classification system. The Sears List of Subject Headings and the Library of Congress Subject Headings are the subject authority list's primary sources. The CPU Libraries have linkages with academic institutions, development agencies, government agencies, non-government organizations, and others to share print and non-print materials.
CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY is a non-stock, non-profit Christian Institution of higher learning. A well-rounded program of education is offered under influences that strengthen faith and build up character. It was founded in 1905 as the Jaro Industrial School by missionaries of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. It started as an Elementary Vocational School for poor boys who worked for their board and tuition. Perhaps it was the first school in the Philippines to teach that labor is an honor. The school also had the distinction of having organized the first student government in the country - the Jaro Industrial School Republic, and one of the oldest student's newspapers - the Central Echo.
Dr. William 0. Valentine, the first principal, worked hard to have the school incorporated and recognized by the government. His objectives were reached in 1913, the year when the school began to admit female students also. In 1915, the first two years of high school were opened. In 1920, the third and fourth-year classes were added, and the following year, the first batch of high school graduates were turned out.
To satisfy the growing desire of young people for education, a junior college was opened in 1923, and the name of the school was changed to Central Philippine College. The senior college was established in 1936, and by 1940 five degrees were offered: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Theology, and Bachelor of Religious Education.
The war broke out, and with it came destruction and death. The college buildings were destroyed. The enemy massacred eleven American missionaries. Central students, faculty, staff members, and alumni joined the guerrilla movement or the Civil Resistance Government. Many of them laid down their lives for democracy and freedom. The "Central Spirit," however, did not die in the night that was World War II. As soon as the war ended, the college was reopened by loyal faculty members and returning missionaries caught by the war in America. Destroyed buildings were reconstructed, and new ones were built with funds from friends at home and abroad. Postwar reconstruction resulted in a well-laid, attractive campus.
CPU has grown much in physical plant and educational programs, but it has remained true to its mission as a Christian institution whose motto is Scientia et Fides (Knowledge and Faith). It is affiliated with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. It maintains fraternal ties with the International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches (known before as the American Foreign Mission Society) and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia. The university is also a member of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACCU) and the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA).
