The Philippine university that pioneered English instruction and helped shape modern collegiate sports

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1900, National University was the first private, non-sectarian institution in the Philippines to adopt English as its primary language of instruction. Beyond its academic legacy, the university played a foundational role in the country's collegiate athletics, helping to establish the leagues that define student sports today.

Established by Mariano F. Jhocson Sr. on August 1, 1900, as Colegio Filipino, the institution began in a private residence in Quiapo, Manila. Jhocson Sr. initially managed the school as its director, instructor, and janitor. Following a series of name changes, including Colegio Mercantil and National Academy, the school achieved university status on June 17, 1921, under the name National University. Senator Camilo Osías became the first university president that same year, overseeing the rapid expansion of academic programs, including the Colleges of Education, Commerce, Pharmacy, and Dentistry.

The university has long been a central figure in Philippine sports history. It was a founding member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1924. In 1938, the university was one of the institutions that departed to form the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, a league in which it remains a prominent participant today. The university's athletic identity is anchored by its mascot, the Bulldog, with varsity teams competing in twelve different sports, ranging from basketball and volleyball to fencing and chess.

In 2008, the SM Group acquired majority ownership of the university, marking a new era of growth. This transition has fueled a significant expansion of the institution's physical footprint, including the development of numerous satellite campuses across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The main campus in Sampaloc, Manila, continues to evolve, with recent projects like the 12-storey expansion building designed to accommodate thousands of additional students. Today, the university maintains a diverse academic portfolio, offering dozens of undergraduate degrees and basic education programs, while upholding its status as a pioneer in the Philippine educational landscape.

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