Humble Beginnings (1964–1970s)

The institution was established in 1964 as a two-year Bible college under the leadership of Stanley Wilson and Flora Wilson.

• The first campus was located in Iloilo City, on a property acquired in 1962 through the leadership of Roy Copelin and Erna Copelin.
• By 1973, the college expanded into a four-year degree program, graduating its first batch of degree holders.
• In 1975, an administration and classroom building was constructed, strengthening its academic foundation.
• By 1977, a five-year bachelor’s program was introduced to prepare students for graduate-level theological education.

A Strategic Move: Expanding the Vision (1985–1986)

In 1985, the Board of Trustees made a pivotal decision—to relocate the college to Cebu City, the central hub of the Visayas.

This move aimed to:

• Reach more students from Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao
• Expand facilities to accommodate 300–500 students

The transition was completed in 1986, with classes temporarily held in Mabolo District church facilities and nearby rented spaces.

That same year, through the leadership of Kyle Greene and Roy Copelin, a 1.2-hectare property was acquired from the Ouano family.

With the help of international Work and Witness teams, this site was developed into what is now the CPNC campus—home to:

• Administration Building
• Chapel
• Dormitories
• Laboratories
• Student Center
• Cafeteria
• And more

This marked a significant milestone in expanding the college’s reach across the Visayas and Mindanao.

Leadership Through the Years

CPNC’s growth has been shaped by faithful and visionary leaders:

• Stanley Wilson (1964–68; 71–74; 76–79)
• Wilfredo Manaois (1975)
• Denny Owens (1979–1980)
• Florencio Angeles (1980–82)
• Alvin Orchard (1982–84)
• Julie Macainan-Detalo (Interim 1985; President 1987–2010)
• Jerry Tingson (OIC, 2010–2011)
• Inocencio Cabantug Jr. (2012–2014)
• Stephen Gualberto (OIC, 2015–2016)
• Larnie Tabuena & Annabelle Tabuena (2017–2021)
• Annie Jean Montecastro (OIC, 2021–2022)
• Gilbert Montecastro & Merlita Montecastro (2022– October 2025)
• Rev. Leo J. Mahanlud (OIC President November 2025 – Present)

Expanding the Mission: Basic Education

To deepen community engagement and strengthen holistic education, CPNC established its Basic Education Department:

• Preschool – 1991
• Elementary – 1998
• Junior High School – 2006
• Senior High School – 2015

This expansion allowed the institution to:

• Build stronger ties with the local community
• Serve as a training laboratory for Theology and Religious Education students

Academic Recognition and Accreditation

To deepen community engagement and strengthen holistic education, CPNC established its Basic Education Department:

• Accredited by Philippine Association of Bible and Theological Schools in 1995
• Granted permit by the Commission on Higher Education in 1998
• Achieved full recognition in 2000 for:
  • o Bachelor of Arts in Theology (Pastoral Ministries)
  • o Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education

Impact Through the Years

In its 60-year legacy, CPNC has produced hundreds of graduates:

• 155 - Bachelor of Arts in Theology
• 142 - Bachelor of Theology
• 155 - Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education
• 13 - Bachelor of Religious Education
• 49 - Pastoral Leadership Diplomas

Today, CPNC alumni serve as:

• Pastors and educators across the Philippines
• Missionaries in countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and Thailand
• Church leaders in the United States and New Zealand

A New Name, A Renewed Vision

In 2021, VNBC was officially renamed Central Philippine Nazarene College (CPNC).

This change reflects a broader vision:

To become a center of ministry training and Christian education—mentoring transformational leaders for generations to come.

Celebrating 60 Years of God's Faithfulness

As CPNC marked its 60th Founding Anniversary in 2024, the institution stands on a strong foundation:

• Honoring a rich legacy of faith
• Celebrating the commitment of the present
• Anticipating a future of greater impact and transformation

Looking Ahead

CPNC continues to move forward with one enduring purpose:

To shape lives, strengthen faith, and send leaders into the world—equipped to transform communities for Christ.