The story of CPUAAGTA began in 1978 when Dr. Ravelo Argamaso, a Centralian from New York, visited Toronto to meet fellow Centralians living in the city. During his visit, Dr. Argamaso inspired Rick Falco and Rev. Godfrey Catanus to establish an alumni chapter. Rick Falco organized a gathering of Centralians in the Greater Toronto Area at the basement of what was then the Salvation Army Citadel, now the home of the First Filipino Baptist Church. This meeting marked the birth of CPUAAGTA, with Rick Falco elected as the founding president. The following year, in 1979, Rev. Godfrey Catanus was chosen as the second president of the organization.
Mr. Reuel Nuñez, a former Treasurer of the University, contributed by establishing CPUAA GTA’s publication, “The Link,” which continued for several years. In 1980, the Toronto Centralians hosted a picnic at the park in honor of delegates from the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) who attended the World Baptist Conference. Mrs. lndependencia Q. Drilon, the chapter adviser since its inception, welcomed Dr. Eliza U. Griño, who joined her daughter Mary Ann in Toronto. Together, Mrs. Drilon and Dr. Griño provided invaluable support to the organization.
Over the years, Toronto has been graced by the presence of distinguished Centralians such as the late Moley Familiaran, Dr. Joseph T. Howard (CPU president in the early 60s) and his wife Irma Lee, Dr. Agustin Pulido, and Aurora Alerta Lim. In 2003, Dr. Juanito Acanto, then the CPU president, attended the 3rd CPUAA Grand Global Reunion.
As the years go by, Centralians continue to spread across the globe, realizing their dreams and making significant contributions in their professions. Today, we witness the Lord Jesus Christ’s blessings upon the Central Philippine University Alumni Association in the Greater Toronto Area. May the Central Spirit continue to guide us in the years to come.
To God be the glory!