Ever wondered about the sprawling campus that once held the title of “largest university in Asia”? Welcome to the University of the East. Right here in Manila’s vibrant heart beats the University of the East a private nonsectarian institution. Founded in 1946 as the Philippine College of Commerce and Business Administration its story is one of remarkable growth and resilience.
Initially housed in a humble rented room on Dasmariñas Street 110 students enrolled in CPA review classes. These aspiring accountants were the seeds of a future giant. The dedicated business teachers led by Dr Francisco T Dalupan Sr had a simple yet powerful goal: to help their war-torn country rebuild. Their efforts paid off. Four of those initial 110 students achieved top spots in the 1947 CPA board examinations.
This early success fueled ambitious expansion. On September 11 1946 five educators formally established the Philippine College of Commerce and Business Administration. By 1947 enrollment surged to 350 students. New academic units were added. The college soon outgrew its initial space and relocated to its current location on Claro M Recto Avenue.
The University of the East’s continued success led to government approval for new colleges. Liberal Arts Business Administration Dentistry and a Graduate School of Business Administration were all established. This marked a significant turning point. On July 4 1951 the institution was granted university status. It was officially renamed the University of the East. Dr Dalupan became its first president.
The University of the East continued to expand. Colleges of Law Medicine and Engineering were added. The Graduate School of Education later merged with the Graduate School of Business Administration. A second campus opened in Caloocan in 1954. The University of the East’s medical school the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center was established in Quezon City in 1957.
This remarkable growth continued until the 1970s. The University of the East boasted an astounding enrollment of over 67000 students at its peak. It was during this era that the University of the East earned its claim to fame as “Asia’s largest university.” The institution became a cornerstone of Philippine education. It produced numerous prominent alumni across diverse fields.
The 1980s brought economic challenges. The peso devalued inflation soared and wages increased. Strikes among faculty personnel and students hampered operations. Enrollment declined. A takeover by a foreign religious group was even narrowly averted. Financial troubles and academic decline threatened the University of the East’s very existence.
However the University of the East’s spirit remained unbroken. Dr Isidro D Cariño became president in 1984. He implemented crucial measures. These included personnel reductions cost-cutting and leasing of school facilities. The University of the East also introduced new programs like a ladderized curriculum and executive courses. Scholarships were offered to attract accounting and engineering students.
These measures were successful. The University of the East survived its financial crisis. It began to recover its strength. Businessman Lucio C Tan invested heavily in the institution acquiring it in 1990. The University of the East implemented substantial infrastructural improvements and academic reforms.
Today the University of the East stands tall. It’s a testament to perseverance. It’s a symbol of Philippine resilience and a beacon of higher education. The University of the East continues to educate countless students shaping the future of the Philippines. Its history is a captivating story of growth challenges and ultimately triumph. The University of the East legacy is written in the success of its alumni. Its future remains bright.