Ateneo de Manila University

Established in 1859 by the Society of Jesus, Ateneo de Manila University has witnessed a fascinating evolution. Ateneo de Manila University initially began as a small private school in Manila. It was originally called the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. The Jesuits, having returned to the Philippines in the 19th century after their expulsion from Spanish lands, took on the task of managing this school. The Ateneo de Manila University holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Jesuit-administered institutions of higher education in the Asia-Pacific. The university’s journey has been marked by several relocations. A fire in 1932 destroyed the original Intramuros campus, prompting a move to Ermita. The Battle of Manila in 1945 caused further destruction. This led to the final move to the present Loyola Heights campus in Quezon City in 1954. The former Ermita site now houses Robinsons Manila. Ateneo de Manila University has played a significant role in Philippine history. Students actively participated in protests against the Marcos dictatorship and the 1986 People Power Revolution. In 1969, Fr. Pacífico Ortiz, SJ, became Ateneo de Manila’s first Filipino president. A significant change occurred in 1973 when women were first admitted to the college. The university has also been a pioneer in academic developments. In 1991, the Ateneo Law School became the first in the Philippines to offer the Juris Doctor degree. In recent years, Ateneo de Manila University has continued to grow and innovate. It established the School of Government in 1996 and opened a new campus in Rockwell Center in 1998. The university has also demonstrated a commitment to social action, exemplified by its partnership with Gawad Kalinga. Ateneo de Manila University stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to education. From its humble beginnings to its present status as a leading Philippine university, the Ateneo de Manila University continues to shape the future of the nation.