DR. REX DRILON: AN EPITOME OF EXCELLENCE

         by: Angeli Joyce Yap Dy

         

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” 

– Aristotle 

          Dr. Rex Divinagracia Drilon, the first Filipino President of Central Philippine University subsequent to the administration of Americans, was born in Dumangas, Iloilo on April 21, 1905. He had finished early education in his hometown and graduated his secondary course in 1925 and his Associate in Arts (known then as pre-law) in 1927 with honors at Central Philippine College, former name of CPU.

In 1931, Drilon obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree as scholar of Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon, with a major in English and a minor in philosophy and his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Master of Arts in Editorial Writing from the University of Missouri in 1937.

After his education, he taught in High School and College English classes in the country, particularly at Central Philippine College (1938 to 1939), and abroad. He operated as Assistant Professor of Political Science and Acting Secretary to the President of the University of the Philippines.

Dr. Drilon had an affluent experience in journalism both in the Philippines and in the United States.  He was an editor of the Filipino Student Bulletin, an organization of Filipino students in the United States that was published under the patronage of the Student Christian Movement in America and subsidized by the International Y.M.C.A. in New York City. He was also a feature and editorial writer of the Columbian Missourian, a contributor to the Philippine Examiner, and an active member and board of editors of other national and local newspaper industries.

In recognition of his expertise in journalism, he was elected as the president of the Iloilo Press Club in 1952. He was also a co-author of a government-approved textbooks, Contemporary Philippine Social Problems that is for high school curriculum, and Philippine Government. He was a well-rounded person with various skills and talents.

Returning to Central Philippine College during postwar, Drilon led the English Department from 1945 to 1947. He portrayed a major role in the reopening of the destroyed institution and in establishing the distinctive new colleges.  He also contributed his support to rallying forces of making Central Philippine College as a university, which was formally achieved on August 1, 1953.

 On June 1, 1966 is the beginning of the memorable journey and treasured legacy of Drilon as the First Filipino President of Central Philippine University.


His works are: Government-approved textbooks (co-author),Contemporary Philippine Social Problems (high school) and Philippine Government Book.