Mapúa University is set to mark a century of academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1925, the university has transformed from its humble origins with only 75 students into a thriving community of thousands across its campuses in Makati, Laguna, and Davao. This remarkable growth has solidified its status as one of the leading educational institutions in the Philippines and beyond.
During a media launch on 17 October 2024 at the Mapúa Cardinal Cinema in Makati City, Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, the University’s President and Chief Executive Officer, reflected on the institution’s journey. “The legacy that Mapúa has built since 1925 is the result of our collective efforts to gain local and international recognition. The same efforts allow our educators to empower learners from all walks of life, in building pathways to promising careers,” he stated.
Over the years, Mapúa has expanded its program offerings from two initial engineering and architecture courses to a robust selection of over 70 undergraduate degrees and more than 50 graduate programs. While its roots are firmly planted in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), the university has broadened its curriculum to include disciplines such as business, health sciences, and media studies, reflecting the evolving demands of the global job market.
Mapúa’s commitment to innovation is evidenced by its recognition in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, marking its debut alongside three other Philippine universities. The institution also boasts a Quacquarelli Symonds 4-Star rating, ranking among the top 100 universities in Southeast Asia. These accolades highlight Mapúa’s pursuit of academic excellence and its dedication to preparing students for successful careers.
To further align with industry demands, Mapúa has recently introduced cutting-edge programs in energy engineering, data science, game development, financial technology, and business intelligence. The goal is to equip students with specialized skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. In a historic achievement, Mapúa and its sister institutions became the first school system in the Philippines to receive Quality Matters (QM) certification for select online courses, ensuring high standards of educational quality.
Dr. Lilibeth Sabino, Mapúa’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the university’s focus on developing a technically competent and agile workforce. “As industries continue to evolve so are the bachelor programs that we offer. Our new programs are designed to grow the technically competent and agile workforce that industries need. We ensure that students develop future-proof skills that can be easily applied to any work site. This strategy is why Mapúa graduates are highly preferred by employers and excel in board exams — in the last two decades, we’ve had over 400 topnotchers. They have industry-relevant hard skills and exceptional soft skills,” she noted.
In its efforts to make quality education accessible, Mapúa has launched philanthropic initiatives such as Mapúa Snippets, which provides free interactive micro-videos to enhance English and Math skills for elementary students, and STEMTeach, a free online professional development initiative for junior and senior high school STEM teachers. These resources are available on the new MapúaX platform, which hosts various online courses and micro-credentials for lifelong learners.
In addition, the university’s partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) has led to the introduction of new programs in health sciences and nursing, further enhancing Mapúa’s educational offerings. Through this collaboration, students are gaining access to cutting-edge educational tools, including modules on Artificial Intelligence (AI) that prepare them for the future workforce.
As Mapúa approaches its centennial celebration, the institution is not only focused on its rich history but also on a grander vision for the future. With plans to expand its facilities and programs, including the upcoming Medicine wing at the Mapúa-Arizona State University Human Health Learning and Innovation Center, Mapúa is committed to fostering sustainable socio-economic growth through innovation, digital transformation, and lifelong education.
Mapúa University’s century-long journey is a testament to its unwavering dedication to excellence, shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators. As it celebrates this milestone, the institution looks forward to continuing its legacy of educational success and making a significant impact on society.