The Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) held its Presidential Investiture and Installation Ceremony for the 2026–2031 term at the Philippine International Church on June 26, 2026.

The event formally installed Dr. Arceli Rosario for her second term as University President. The ceremony also inducted the newly elected vice presidents: Dr. Susy Jael for academics, Mrs. Aileenmae Silverio for finance and operations, and Dr. Restituto Bualoy for student services. Additionally, 93 associates and assistants took their collective oath of office.

The ceremony, themed “Anchored in Christ, United in Mission, Propelled by Vision,” emphasized the spiritual weight of leadership. Pastor Danilo Fiecas, Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (SLPUM) executive secretary, described the ceremony as a representation of a solemn transfer of trust, “entrusted first by God, then by the church, and finally by the University community.”

The keynote address was delivered by Pastor Roger Caderma, Southern Asia-Pacific Division president. Caderma stated that the positions represent a “sacred task” and urged the new administration to focus on character and Christ-centered service. “The first strength of AUP must never be its building, must never be its program, must never be its reputation, but must always be Jesus Christ.” He further defined the AUP’s identity through its initials: “A stands for anchored in Christ, C stands for Christ-centered service, and E stands for engaged in mission.”

During the event, Pastor Gerardo Cajobe, SLPUM president and AUP board chairman, read the official minutes from the February 24, 2026, board of trustees meeting. The records noted that Dr. Adil later formally communicated his intention to retain his current position as Adventist Medical Center College president, thereby declining the election at AUP, which led to the subsequent election of Dr. Bualoy.

Dr. Rosario Reinstalled as President

Dr. Arceli H. Rosario, the first woman to serve as president of the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP), now begins her second term (2026–2031) following her re-election on February 24, 2026.

The heart of the event featured the presentation of symbols, including the presidential regalia, the medallion, and the ceremonial mace. During her oath of office, Dr. Rosario pledged to “place the interest of the university above personal interest and preference,” vowing to defend its integrity and nurture its people.

Following the solemn investiture and public affirmation of her leadership, a closer look at Dr. Rosario’s career and credentials highlights her longstanding commitment to Adventist education. Arceli Rosario is an educator, researcher, and author who has devoted 43 years of service to Adventist education. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education, with a major in English, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration. Pastor Caderma offered the dedicatory prayer for the president following her investiture rites, which included the ceremonial robe, medallion, seal, and certificate of appointment.

​New Vice Presidents Installed

The ceremony also installed AUP’s incoming vice presidents, each receiving regalia and a certificate of appointment before taking their oath and receiving a dedicatory prayer.

Dr. Susy Jael, a nurse educator with more than 30 years of experience in nursing education and healthcare service, was invested as vice president for academics. Jael earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Loma Linda University and previously served as assistant vice president for academics, dean of the College of Nursing, and chair of the Graduate Nursing Program. Pastor Maximino Cadalig, North Luzon Philippine Union Mission executive secretary, prayed over her investiture.

Mrs. Aileenmae Silverio, a certified public accountant and magna cum laude alumna of AUP’s accountancy program, was re-invested as vice president for finance and operations. She first served as vice president for finance and operations from 2022 to 2026. Silverio joined AUP in 2018 and rose through roles as an accountant, a quality assurance officer for finance and operations, and an assistant vice president for finance before her appointment. Pastor Abner Roque, former North Philippine Union Conference president, delivered her dedicatory prayer.

Dr. Restituto Bualoy, a pastor and educator who joined AUP in 2018 and served as chair of the College of Theology from 2019 to 2023, was invested as vice president for student services. Bualoy holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, major in religious education, from AUP, and his pastoral ministry spans more than three decades of church and district service. Dr. Reuben Rafanan, former AUP president, offered his dedicatory prayer.

93 Associates and Assistants Take Their Oath

Beyond the four administrators, the ceremony recognized the breadth of AUP’s leadership bench, as 93 associates and assistants were sworn into their posts in a collective oath-taking led by Dr. Jeimylo De Castro, AUP board member. Pastor Daniel Malabad, North Luzon Philippine Union Mission president, offered the dedicatory prayer for the associates and assistants. The moment underscored that advancing AUP’s mission rests not solely on its top officers but on a wide network of leaders serving across the AUP’s colleges and offices.

Looking Ahead: The University’s Dreams for 2026-2031

In her inaugural address, Dr. Rosario outlined an ambitious roadmap for the “quinquennium,” highlighting AUP’s 110-year history of growth from a humble “nipa hut” to a premier institution.

Rosario cast a vision for the new term built around six institutional strategic goals: transforming spirituality, excellence in teaching and learning, committed Christian service and ministry, excellent organizational stewardship, qualified and committed personnel, and effective institutional relations.

She shared a vision for the AUP Medical Center, a teaching hospital project valued at 894 million pesos, with phase one expected to be completed by March 2028. Dr. Rosario also emphasized academic milestones.

As Dr. Rosario closed her address, she invited the community to look forward with confidence: “The future is exciting. We wait on God’s blessings on tiptoes like the manna that will surely fall in the morning.”

As AUP’s newly invested leaders begin their 2026-2031 term, the University invites its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to continue holding hands together in fulfilling its mission of providing quality Bible-based education that nurtures students for academic excellence, Christ-like character, and exemplary service, anchored in Christ, united in mission, and propelled by vision toward the next chapter of its 110-year legacy.