By Cyrus A. Natividad

It was coincidental that I pass through the corridor of one of the oldest buildings of CPU. It’s called Valentine Hall. To my very young mind as a fresh high school graduate visiting the University, I wondered why there is a memorial building dedicated to a saint Valentine, or so I thought.

It was not so long before I can dig up the history of this old building. I sought someone who readily explained to me why there is a Valentine Building at Central Philippine University.

CPU was founded by the American Baptist Missionaries in 1905. Rev. William Orison Brown Valentine became the first principal of the institution which they named Jaro Industrial School.  Rev. Dr. Valentine established the first school in the country to teach that “there is dignity in labor.” He was so dedicated in his mission work, giving education to students who are willing to work and study. It was his labor of love that developed the small school for boys into what is now one of the best Universities in the country.

The Old Valentine Building survived the test of time, and stands as a symbol of love for education in the campus. Previously, this building was the home of the CPU Administration. At the present time, it houses the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences. There is now a new Valentine Annex Building, but the old one represents a memorial of the founder of the University. A photo contest entitled “Sights of Central” was launched, thanks to the Office of Communications for organizing the event, and one of the winners is the entry of Barry Jone Matutina — a meaningful picture of the old Valentine.

The old Valentine building is considered a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.