In honor of the hard work and dedication of Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, Central Philippine University’s third Filipino president from 1996-2005, the university renamed the Junior High School Building into Juanito M. Acanto Hall on April 19, 2018. Former CPU President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido and incumbent CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, as well as Board of Trustees Chairman Von Lovel Bedona and members of the Board, were present at the ceremony.

Dr. Acanto was born on April 5, 1937 in Barrio Badiangan, Janiuay, Iloilo to Baptist parents, Ruperto Acanto and Tabitha Maca. Christened with the name Juanito by his parents, the boy grew up to become a brilliant lawyer. He passed the Integrated Bar Examinations in 1961, and worked in his legal profession, eventually becoming a Municipal Judge of Janiuay, Iloilo. Dr. Juanito M. Acanto also served as Dean of the CPU College of Law from 1993-1997. In June 1998, the Board of Trustees elected him as President of Central Philippine University. He had served Central Philippine University for 18 years, including nine years as CPU President and other positions in the College of Law and as Regular, Ex-officio Member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Acanto made a stint in public service after he was elected Board Member of the Province of Iloilo from 1988 to 1998 and from 1980 to 1986. He was a well-respected public servant of his Ilonggo constituents

Dr. Acanto obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration from The International School of Missouri, USA in 1998; his Master of Management, Major in Public Management, from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas in 1990; his Bachelor of Laws at Central Philippine University in 1961; and his Associate in Arts (Pre-Law), also at Central Philippine University in 1957.

The Junior High School Faculty and Staff prepared a short program. Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed everyone and acknowledged Dr. Acanto, the Honoree, before the unveiling of the marker. In his message Dr. Robles made mention of the importance of remembering people behind the progress and development of an institution, adding that “it is not enough to name buildings in honor of the missionaries; it is also important to name a building in honor of a former CPU President, being that this project was realized during his term of office”.

A Litany of Dedication was read after the unveiling of the marker. In his response, Dr. Junito M. Acanto mentioned the blessings that God showered upon Central Philippine University during his watch. He was sentimentally thankful for the remarkable development that made CPU more beautiful.

He looked back to the memorable times and mentioned the Smile Hill to be his inspiration. “All this blessings were sent by God to the University during my time,” said Dr. Acanto.