ROXAS City – Multi-awarded educator Dr. Expedito Señeres was inducted last August 23, 2010 as the first president of Filamer Christian University (FCU) – the first private university in Capiz.

The school, formerly known as the Filamer Christian College, was granted university status recently in accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994) and by virtue of Resolution No. 186-2010 dated July 14, 2010 of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) en banc led by Emmanuel Angeles, chairman.

Filamer Christian University is the first so far to be granted university status within one year from the time of its application and after completing all the standards and other requirements set forth by CHED.

Señeres, a resident of Dao, Capiz, now carries on his shoulder the responsibility of spearheading the educational institution’s aim of providing quality education in a Christian atmosphere.

The 70-year-old Señeres is one of the institution’s thousands of successful alumni having finished high school there.

Expected to attend Señeres’ induction are CHED Commissioner Mona Ricafort, Cynthia Barrera of the CHED national office, Dr. James Tan of Grace Academy, CHED Region 6 Director Virginia Resurrection and Central Philippine University (CPU) President Dr. Ted Robles.

The program was held at the University’s gymnasium.

Currently, Filamer Christian University is conducting a feasibility study to determine the viability of offering more courses, especially those not yet offered by other schools in Capiz.

Among the courses being considered are Law and Dentistry.

Despite the school’s university status, Señeres assured Capiceños that there will be no increase in tuition. Instead, FCU will set a high standard for its faculty members who are required to have doctorate degrees.

Currently, 50 percent of FCU faculty members have master’s degrees while 25 percent have doctorate degrees, including Señeres.

FCU, an affiliate of the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, is a sister school of CPU and Iloilo Mission Hospital in Iloilo City.

Filamer Christian University was established in 1904 as a home for orphans and poor children.
Initially named as the Capiz Home School, it was under the care of the American Baptist Missionaries and offered elementary education.

In 1949, the school was granted high school level status. After three years, it became the Filamer Christian Institute.

In 1985 it became the Filamer Christian College.

“After 106 years of hard work and by the grace of God, we have finally attained our dream of becoming a university," Señeres said.

Source: Sammy Julian (Panay News)