University of Southern Philippines Foundation

Can you imagine a university rising from the ashes of war? That’s the story of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, right here in Cebu City. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation, or USPF as it’s commonly known, has a history as vibrant as the city itself. Founded in 1927 as the Southern Institute, it began humbly with just 121 students in a rented building on Colon Street. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation quickly expanded, adding a commerce college and then liberal arts, civil engineering, and law. It even changed its name to Southern College in 1937, reflecting its growth. But World War II brought devastation. The buildings were destroyed, except for the facade of the Administration Building. Undeterred, the school reopened in 1945 at a new location in Lahug, using surplus materials from the US Army. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation continued its rise, adding postgraduate programs and eventually becoming the University of Southern Philippines in 1949. The Mabini campus expanded, but foreseeing future congestion, a new Lahug campus was established in 1962, which now serves as the main campus. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation transitioned to a non-profit foundation in 1959, solidifying its commitment to education. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation faced another setback in 1989 when a fire ravaged the Mabini campus Administration Building. Classes were temporarily consolidated at the Lahug campus. Under the leadership of Dr. Ronald R. Duterte, the Mabini campus eventually reopened. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation has continued to evolve, adding new programs like nursing and information technology. It also boasts a Learning Resource Center offering technical-vocational training. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation has a rich history, marked by resilience and a dedication to providing quality education. From its humble beginnings to its current multi-campus presence, USPF has become a cornerstone of education in Cebu City.