Founded on November 1 1947 Manuel L Quezon University MLQU opened its doors. Eighteen professors and six co-founders including prominent figures like Associate Justice Jose Benedicto JBL L Reyes started the university. They began training 643 law students in an old building on Mendiola and Legarda Streets.
MLQU’s School of Law quickly gained recognition. Its first graduates achieved a remarkable 97.5% passing rate in the bar examinations. The following year they surpassed that with a 100% passing rate. Three graduates even made it to the Top Ten. This early success established MLQU’s reputation for legal excellence.
The university expanded rapidly. It moved to a new location on R Hidalgo Street. New academic units were established including Schools of Arts and Sciences Education Commerce and Business Administration Engineering and Architecture. Graduate studies were also added. The university officially gained its status in 1958.
Over time MLQU added Schools of Criminology Architecture and Secretarial Education. The School of Information Technology is the latest addition. It boasts two campuses. Monzon Hall is located on R Hidalgo Street in Quiapo. The Arlegui Compound houses the Basic Education Department. The Research Center named after Justice Arsenio P Dizon stands adjacent to Monzon Hall.
In 2014 a significant shift occurred. Construction magnate Jose Acuzar acquired ownership of the university. A year later the School for Professional Advancement and Continuing Education SPACE was launched within the Victoria Sports Tower Condominium along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. This marked MLQU’s move to Quezon City.
On Quezon City Day August 19 2016 MLQU officially relocated. The move was dubbed Manuel is Home in Quezon City. The university’s expansion continues with plans for additional locations. It is an important step toward serving more students and alumni.
MLQU is undeniably proud of its impressive alumni. They include former Senate President Blas F Ople Senator Wigberto Tanada Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo and numerous Supreme Court justices. Many other prominent figures graduated from MLQU showcasing its lasting impact. The legacy of Manuel L Quezon University continues to inspire future generations of leaders in the Philippines.