Was it fate or pure chance that brought forth the Southwest MIT School Structure? Here we stand before a place of learning and innovation. This is a place where young minds are shaped and futures are forged. Let’s delve into the story of this institution. It stands as a testament to the pursuit of knowledge.
The Southwest MIT School Structure is part of Mapúa University. Mapúa University was founded in 1925. Tomàs B Mapúa established it. He was the first registered Filipino architect. He graduated from Cornell University in New York.
Initially, it was named the Mapúa Institute of Technology. It began as an architecture and civil engineering school. It was the first in the Philippines to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. In 1925, there were 75 students and 15 faculty members. Classes were held in a rented building on Carriedo Street.
During World War II, the campus became a garrison for Japanese forces. Classes were suspended. The institute suffered damage. Rehabilitation efforts included leasing the “De Luxe Fashion School” in 1948.
In 1951, the Mapúa family acquired land in Intramuros. This became the main campus in 1956. Construction finished in 1963. All college programs moved here in 1973.
Óscar M Mapúa Sr. took over the presidency after his father’s death in 1965. He was a civil engineering graduate from MIT. The institute gained prominence in engineering. Its students often topped licensing exams.
In 2000, the Yuchengco Group of Companies acquired the institute. Oscar Mapúa Jr oversaw this transition. In 2002, the RCBC Building in Makati became the Makati campus. The School of Information Technology was established there.
There was a controversial plan to rename the institute Malayan Colleges. Students and alumni protested. However, the institute clarified that “Mapúa Institute of Technology” would still apply to certain colleges.
In 2017, the Commission on Higher Education granted university status. The institute was renamed Mapúa University.
Mapúa University has several buildings on its Intramuros campus. The Juan Mapúa Memorial Hall houses administration offices. The South Building contains multimedia arts and engineering facilities. The West Building includes the canteen and library. The North Building houses science and engineering departments. The Yuchengco Innovation Center is for research and development.
The Makati campus occupies a site on Pablo Ocampo Street. It hosts the senior high school and business programs.
Mapúa University offers many programs across its campuses. It shifted to an outcome-based system in 2006. It launched online programs in 2020.
The university shifted from a quarter system to a trimester system in 2024-2025.
Mapúa has achieved recognition in global university rankings. Several of its programs are Centers of Excellence. It has also received accreditation from ABET.
Mapúa has pioneered innovations. It was the first to use an RFID card system called “CARDINAL Plus”. It also has its own SIM card with school announcement services. The Mapúa Robotics Team has developed projects for the Philippine government.
Mapúa University continues to evolve adapting to the changing needs of its students and the nation. The Southwest MIT School Structure stands as a reminder of Mapúa’s commitment to excellence. It fosters innovation and prepares future leaders. As we conclude our visit, consider the legacy of Mapúa University. Its dedication to education shapes not only buildings but also lives.