Building the nation’s future, one graduate at a time: The Mapúa Centennial story

As an institution of academic excellence, Mapúa University is globally recognized as one of the world’s best universities, and the Philippines’ premier engineering and technological school. To date, Mapúa steadily upholds this tradition of excellence not only in engineering, but also in the fields of physical sciences, architecture and design, information technology, communication and media studies, business and management, and health sciences. It has also integrated a Senior High School, successfully developing and implementing diverse curricula that contribute to the advancement of the nation and the world.

Since its inception on January 25, 1925 by Don Tomas Mapúa (the Philippines’ first registered architect) who founded Mapúa Institute of Technology, with BS Architecture and BS Civil Engineering as its initial programs, the University has always been at the forefront of nation-building, producing visionaries from all walks of life who have shaped industries and raised the Philippines’ global standing. Admirably, what started out humbly with only 75 students then has grown into leaps and bounds with thousands of learners that have benefitted from its research and its cutting-edge curriculum spanning across its campuses located in Makati, Laguna, and Davao, and its time-honored main campus at the heart of Intramuros, Manila.

Now on its 100th year, Mapúa University looks back with great pride on all its achievements—through its graduates who have become today’s innovators, visionaries, and thought leaders—and also looks forward to more years of fostering excellence, ingenuity, and social responsiveness, the very core characteristics it possesses as an institution.

Premier education equals quality graduates

At the helm of Mapúa University is its President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo who recently shared his thoughts with the Inquirer about the profound impact of Mapúa graduates across various industries. The University has ceaselessly produced an anthology of successful alumni who have become topnotchers, innovators, and breakthrough leaders who have helped shape various industries and elevated the Philippines’ global standing.

As a former student and the current University president, Dr. Maestrecampo has had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how Mapúa University has grown and evolved—transforming not only in its infrastructure and academic offerings but in its very essence. “When I first stepped onto this campus, the vision for excellence was already clear. From the days when we were learning in more traditional settings to now, when we have embraced the future with advanced technology and digital platforms, the transformation has been nothing short of inspiring. What strikes me the most is how the university’s spirit of excellence, integrity, and relevance has remained unwavering throughout this evolution,” the true-blue Mapúan mused.

Steeped in its century-long commitment to producing skilled professionals, Mapúa takes pride in its notable graduates such as Diosdado Banatao (hailed as the ‘Bill Gates of the Philippines’) who revolutionized the computing world with his pioneering work in microprocessor technology; William Torres (the ‘Father of Philippine Internet’) who laid the foundation for the country’s internet infrastructure, facilitating the digital transformation of the Philippines; and Dr. Leon Chua (the ‘Father of Nonlinear Circuit Theory and Cellular Neural Networks’) who invented Chua’s Circuit, which researchers now use to design secure communication systems. Meanwhile, Arturo Alcaraz, the “Father of Philippine Geothermal Energy”, pioneered efforts in sustainable power generation, contributing significantly to the country’s pursuit of sustainable power generation.

In 1929 alone, Mapúa was acclaimed for one of its earliest achievements as the first batch of its civil engineering graduates successfully conquered the Engineering Board Exams with an overwhelming passing rate of 92%, only three years after the Philippine Government recognized it as a legitimate learning institution.

“Mapúa’s legacy continues through the groundbreaking work of its alumni and students. Carvey Maigue’s James Dyson Award-winning AuREUS technology, which harnesses solar energy from upcycled crop waste, and Mark Kennedy Bantugon’s Pili Seal, a sustainable aviation sealant, showcase the university’s commitment to solving global challenges. Adding to this impressive roster is Jeremy de Leon’s Make-roscope, an affordable and accessible microscope designed to democratize scientific exploration for students. These inventions reflect Mapúa’s ongoing role in equipping learners with the skills to make lasting impacts both locally and globally,” Dr. Maestrecampo beamed.

Molding the future game changers

Mapúans seem to be always a notch ahead of their counterparts, owing to the University’s rigorous, forward-thinking educational framework which equips students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to excel and become catalysts of change in their respective fields.

As explained by Dr. Maestrecampo: “The relentless pursuit of excellence, unwavering commitment to innovation, and profound dedication to building a sustainable future are defining characteristics deeply embedded in every Mapúan. For 100 years, these core principles have guided and nurtured generations of graduates who continuously shape the landscape of their industries—whether in engineering and sciences, architecture, technology, arts, or business. Moreover, what distinguishes Mapúans is their ability to stay ahead of industry trends while remaining deeply rooted in the university’s mission to build a better future.”

Dr. Maestrecampo also noted that at Mapúa University, students are forged to become future builders and breakthrough leaders, and to make this happen, Mapúa has integrated programs that developstudents with technical expertise, data-driven problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary knowledge that enable them to contribute to energy innovation, advanced infrastructure, and cutting-edge technologies. Because of this, students who graduate and leave the august halls of the University are ready to foray into the open road, undaunted as they are armed with Mapúa’s core values.

“With a strong focus on research and practical applications, Mapúa ensures that its graduates are prepared to implement transformative solutions that drive economic growth, enhance public services, and promote sustainability—solidifying their role as leaders in shaping a progressive and resilient nation,” he added.

Advancing academic excellence

Through the years, Mapúa University has not only been touted to be the premier engineering and technological school in the Philippines, but it has also ensconced itself as a top 100 university in Southeast Asia, for the fifth straight year. This year (and for the third year in a row), Mapúa was recognized by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) as one of the best schools in the world, placing 1501+, and joining four other Philippine universities. Mapúa also continues to solidify its position among the top institution with its recent recognition in the 2025 THE-WUR Subject Rankings: the top spot among Philippine universities in Computer Science (801–1000) and Engineering (1001–1250), and a shared top spot in Physical Sciences (801–1000).

Dr. Maestrecampo emphasized that Mapúa’s excellence extends beyond academics, highlighting its role in fostering holistic learning. This is exemplified by achievements like their recent NCAA Season 100 Senior Men’s Basketball Championship victory, which broke a 33-year drought. He explained that these accomplishments, both academic and athletic, demonstrate how Mapúa continually raises the bar for holistic learning and contributes to Philippine education as a whole. “Through these accomplishments, Mapúa continually redefines the standards of holistic learning and the Philippine education as a whole. These milestones reflect the university’s enduring mission to remain at the forefront of education, empowering its students and graduates to excel and lead in the 21st century,” he noted.

100 years of ideal pedagogy, in retrospect

As Mapúa University stands at the dawn of its next century, it envisions a future defined by innovation, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to transforming lives and building the nation through world-class education. The University’s co-intelligence project focuses on “learning with,” “learning about,” and “working with” AI to revolutionize teaching and learning. This means integrating AI across the curriculum, developing AI tools to enhance instruction and student engagement, and providing students with a robust understanding of AI’s capabilities and implications within education.

“The university has grown from a place of learning to a beacon of progress, where we are not just taught to excel in our respective fields but to think critically, collaborate, and act with purpose, relentless in adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the world while staying true to its core values,” Dr. Maestrecampo emphasized.

“Mapúa also strengthens its leadership in digital education by expanding its globally recognized online programs and integrating emerging technologies into its curriculum. These initiatives are designed to provide students with flexible, high-quality learning opportunities, preparing them for the demands of the digital economy. Furthermore, the university emphasizes upskilling and reskilling, creating pathways for lifelong learning to ensure that both students and professionals remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing workforce,” he added.

Hinged on its commitment to sustainable innovation and transformative research, Mapúa also focuses on mindful solutions that address environmental and socio-economic concerns. Championing the advocacy of sustainability, it boldly confronts the critical issues of our time by integrating ESD principles into the curriculum, offering specialized programs that train students to become engineers of a sustainable future, and actively working towards the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) through research projects. With these pillars of progress, the university steps into its next 100 years, not merely as an institution, but as an enduring force of transformation, building the future of the nation and the world.

“The way we are now integrating sustainability, digital education, and transformation, as well as lifelong learning into everything we do, reflect a deep commitment to shaping our students for the future, while staying grounded in the values that have always defined us. It has been inspiring to witness how Mapúa’s commitment to building the future has only deepened with time. As we celebrate our centennial year, I am proud to be part of a community that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible,” Dr. Maestrecampo concluded.

The University’s intricate history is a huge victorious mosaic of nostalgic achievements and milestones which it has accomplished, then melded together in a span of 100 solid years. But a more promising future awaits as Mapúa’s journey has only just begun. Indeed, it is fitting to mark Mapúa University’s leadership and legacy, as one that is exceptionally built for and beyond glory.

Be part of Mapúa’s legacy of excellence. Visit admissions.mapua.edu.ph and begin your journey to world-class education today.

Mapúa University is the country’s premier engineering and technological school and one of the best universities in the world. It is among the top 6% of the world’s higher educational institutions, and one of only five Philippine universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) 2025. It is a Quacquarelli Symonds-rated 4 Star institution and among the top 100 universities in Southeast Asia. Mapúa University is one of the iPeople schools, a Yuchengco-Ayala education partnership, providing first-class education for a century through academically excellent programs in Engineering and Sciences, Architecture and Design, Information Technology, Communication and Media Studies, and Senior High School. Mapúa also provides access to international education in Business and Management, Health Sciences, and Medicine through its collaboration with Arizona State University, the most innovative university in the US. Learn more about Mapúa University at mapua.edu.ph.

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom/JC