Leonardo “Onat” Magno life is a testimony of hope and perseverance.
At the height of his career in the Philippine National Police in the late 90s, for then Police Chief Superintendent and now Rev. Leonardo Catedral Magno, working with the government was a great privilege and an opportunity to spread the Centralian legacy of hard work and faith.
As Squadron Commander of the 601st Liaison Squadron and later of the 801st Aviation Security Squadron, Captain Magno held powerful positions in military operations. Then as Director of Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, he wielded influence within the scope of Air Transportation and Business within the International Airport Operation.
Magno studied at CPU from Kindergarten, Elementary, High School, and finished his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1968. Magno recalled his humble beginnings as a work student at Central Philippine University. He recalled his struggles and expectations, wishes and faith, as he worked forward into a better future. He had only God to depend on.
“You know that when you are at the peak of success, sometimes you look back with mixed emotions,” Magno recounted. “And when you come back to the present, what comes next is the validity of your success.” He later became a member of the CPU Corporation and a member of the CPU Board of Trustees.
He also recalled an emotional moment when Mr. Mariano Caipang was at the VIP Lounge of the Manila International Airport (MIA). He was making his rounds of the facilities when he passed by Mr. Caipang. The University Treasurer during his elementary days hugged him with great admiration. It was a wonderful reunion between them especially when they recalled a specific event during his elementary days. “Onat” was in the elementary grade at CPU when he begged Mr. Caipang to allow him to take the exams as his parents were not be able to pay the tuition fees. Out of compassion for Onat, Mr. Caipang signed the promissory note so that Onat could take the exams.
In that chance meeting at the MIA VIP Lounge, Onat saw tears fall from Mr. Caipang’s eyes—tears of joy, tears of gratitude for God’s kindness for leading Onat to what he has achieved. He held Mr. Caipang for the last time, confident that what they shared was a legacy of faith and determination that Central Philippine University has taught them.
After his retirement from government service, Police Chief Superintendent Leonardo Magno felt God’s calling and became a pastor. He is the resident pastor of Villamor Evangelical Church since 2008.
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