National University (NU) is set to expand its presence with 20 new campuses across the Philippines by 2028, aiming to provide quality, accessible, and affordable education to Filipino youth.
Since its partnership with SM in 2008, NU has revitalized its mission to democratize education, starting in Metro Manila and now reaching provinces like Laguna, Batangas, and Bacolod. NU places campuses near residential and commercial centers, ensuring convenience for students and fostering a community-focused educational environment.
NU’s expansion follows the philosophy of Dynamic Filipinism, focusing on innovative educational practices. Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr., NU President and CEO, emphasizes the relevance of NU’s programs in engineering, accounting, information technology, tourism, nursing, and other health sciences, tailored to regional demands and industry needs.
According to Dr. Ermita, “The programs that NU offers are those that are not only within the NU scope of expertise and experience but also the ones that are relevant in their respective industries.”
By opening campuses in key cities like Bacolod, Las Piñas, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Naga, NU contributes to local economies and community development.
Dr. Ermita states, “In Bacolod, we hope to provide quality, updated, innovative education to the young Bacolodnons – both in content and in instructional method that reflect the NU standard of quality education. This is an education that is sustainable. It continuously improves, and is never stagnant.”
NU is committed to maintaining affordable education without compromising quality. Investments in infrastructure, laboratories, faculty development, and sports facilities ensure a conducive learning environment promoting academic excellence and student success.
Currently, NU has 11 campuses:
- NU Main Campus in Sampaloc, Manila;
- Nazareth School in Sampaloc, Manila;
- NU MOA in Pasay;
- NU Fairview in Quezon City;
- NU East Ortigas in Pasig;
- NU Laguna in Calamba;
- NU Lipa in Batangas;
- NU Dasmariñas in Cavite;
- NU Baliwag in Bulacan;
- NU Clark in Pampanga;
- NU Bacolod, opening in August.
NU Las Piñas and Cebu campuses are set to open next year. Campuses in Pangasinan, Isabela, Davao, Iloilo, and Naga are set to open in the next three years.
Dr. Ermita highlights, “As we expand, we have a lot of faculty members who are, in a sense, returning residents to their hometown. We understand that there is the growing cost of education. Meaning, it’s one thing to pay the tuition fee, and another thing to cover the expenses of going to school including having to spend for a dorm, for food, throughout the whole four years.” He adds that NU hopes to bring education closer to students’ homes.
In 2008, SM acquired majority ownership of NU, reviving the university after a major fire in 1998. The partnership has boosted NU’s student population from 1,800 to 55,000, intending to reach 100,000 by 2027. The opening of NU Bacolod and NU East Ortigas in August is expected to contribute to this growth.
“The objective of NU is to produce productive individuals, professionals, and entrepreneurs. We hope that they are able to fulfill their career and life objectives. Our motto is ‘Education that works,’ and education that works also means it’s sustainable and relevant. But our mantra, as always directed by our chairman, Hans Sy, and the family, is quality, affordability, and accessibility. That’s why we keep our tuition fee very affordable and promote accessibility through the expansion,” says Dr. Ermita.
Graduates from the 124-year-old university excel in various fields, including engineering and architecture. NU’s collaboration with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on the 10,000 Digital Civil Servants Project demonstrates its proactive role in national development, training government personnel in digital skills to support the country’s digital transformation agenda.
NU’s expansion, aligned with the SM group’s dedication to responsible growth, reaffirms its mission to provide an “Education that works.” This expansion strengthens NU’s leadership in higher education and its commitment to socio-economic progress and community empowerment nationwide.
The SM Group through the SM Foundation, Inc. has also collaborated with IBM Philippines for the establishment of Asia Pacific College where Filipinos enjoy scholarships and quality education.
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