PHINMA Education opens new facilities to widen access to higher education for the underserved
PHINMA Education is set to welcome 12,000 more students in its campuses with the inauguration of two new academic facilities: the ten-storey Ramon V. del Rosario (RVR) Building at Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA in Cebu and the Aurora Building at PHINMA St. Jude College Quezon City (SJC QC). The developments support the network’s commitment to bring affordable, quality higher education to underserved communities.
“Our dream is to build SWU PHINMA into an accessible world-class university – to provide access to those who need a world-class education more than most, the lower middle to even the lower income families of this country. We shall endeavor to expand opportunities, not restrict them, for this broader segment of society by applying PHINMA Education strategies of bare bones and no frills to keep our university affordable while at the same time providing an outstanding education.” said PHINMA Education President and CEO Chito Salazar.
The inauguration of the RVR building at SWU PHINMA held last December 12, was joined by the del Rosario family, PHINMA and PHINMA Education board members led by Chairman and CEO Ramon R. del Rosario Jr. The building honors the legacy of PHINMA Founder Ambassador Ramon V. del Rosario whose principles of integrity, service, and nation-building are the driving force behind the PHINMA Education Network.
It also marks the celebration of 10 years of SWU PHINMA under the network. As the university enters its next decade, it is strengthening efforts in community engagement, social programs, and research focused on addressing local challenges in Sambag Uno, Sambag Dos, and the wider Cebu City community.
In Quezon City, PHINMA Education also formally opened the Aurora Building at PHINMA St. Jude College in Cubao, marking the institution’s expanded presence in the city and supporting local government efforts to widen access to affordable, future-oriented education. The Aurora Building complements PHINMA SJC QC’s 18th Avenue campus—formerly Republican College—and is designed to accommodate up to 5,000 students.
“By opening this campus, we are doing more than expanding access to education. We are reminding young people that they have the power to change the course of their lives. Here, anyone can pursue a college education, become a licensed professional, find meaningful work, and finally honor the sacrifices of their families.” said PHINMA Education Philippines Country Head Happy Tan.
The inauguration, held last December 15, was attended by PHINMA Education Chairman Ramon R. del Rosario Jr.; Vice Chairman Dr. Magdaleno B. Albarracin Jr.; President and CEO Dr. Chito B. Salazar; PHINMA Education Philippines Country Head Happy Tan; and PHINMA SJC COO Liz Occiano-Delos Angeles. The Quezon City Government was represented by Atty. Thomas De Castro, Action Officer for District 3, on behalf of Mayor Joy Belmonte. Officials noted that the development aligns with the city’s education agenda, which includes improving access to learning opportunities and strengthening support for the growing student population.
With the opening of the Aurora Building, PHINMA SJC QC will expand its academic offerings, including programs in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Education, as well as new degree programs in Engineering and Architecture. These additions respond to industry needs and the increasing demand for higher education options in Quezon City and nearby areas.
PHINMA Education is the largest private school network in Southeast Asia, serving more than 178,000 students across the Philippines and Indonesia. It is a subsidiary of PHINMA Corporation, a Filipino-owned conglomerate with strategic interests in education, housing, hospitality, and construction focused on building the nation and making lives better.