About
The University of Asia and the Pacific is a private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning that offers some of the most outstanding academic programs in Asia. All programs of study at UA&P are grounded in liberal education, which prepares students for their specific specialization by giving them a well-rounded education that cultivates genuine intellectual discipline—a prerequisite to acquiring any specialized knowledge.
An intrinsic part of education in UA&P is mentoring, through which the University’s interdisciplinary offering of knowledge, skills, and values is reinforced through regular, confidential conversations between the student and his or her mentor.
In its institutional programs and activities, UA&P puts due emphasis on the individual, the family, the community, and the world. Each unit of the University thus strives to be a center of excellence, particularly in three areas: values formation, people development,and research and communication. These are the hallmarks of UA&P as an educational institution.The formation of UA&P students is facilitated by an environment conducive to learning, qualified and dedicated teachers, a superior faculty-to-student ratio, and well-maintained facilities.
Liberal Education
The liberal education program is the bedrock of university studies in UA&P. The University focuses on developing the whole person, as well as combines breadth of learning and professional specialization, in its educational programs. Our students go through a strong liberal education program in their first years in the University. Thereafter, they begin to take subjects in their chosen field of specialization. If they choose a five-year program and meet all its academic requirements, they may graduate with a master’s degree in five years.
As they take up these various areas of knowledge, the students are trained to look at ideas with a critical eye, an analytical mind, and ethical judgment, and to understand issues from differing points of view. And as the subjects are taught using a multidisciplinary approach, the students learn to make connections across disciplines and see the big picture while understanding the complexity of each part. The liberal arts program also trains students to communicate ideas clearly, precisely and persuasively in speech and in writing.
Unitas
While we are constantly looking toward the future, we never lose sight of who we are. Our directive is, and will always be, that of unity. With the UA&P motto, UNITAS, we remind ourselves of our desire to achieve unity in many aspects: unity within the university community, unity between faith and reason, and unity between religion and life. It reflects the commitment of everyone in UA&P toward the pursuit of wisdom, which necessarily entails a unity of life.
Mentoring
Unique to our University, our mentoring program—augmented by our deep appreciation for the liberal arts—nourishes the development of each of our students and brings the integration of knowledge, skills, and values down to the personal level. By treating students as individuals through focused, one-on-one sessions with qualified mentors, we put into practice our belief that higher education should be a singular, meaningful experience that develops the person in every aspect.
UA&P and Opus Dei
The spiritual formation in UA&P is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church. Opus Dei ensures the doctrinal and moral soundness of the other aspects of formation imparted in the University.
Founded by St. Josemaría Escrivá in 1928, Opus Dei strives to spread the universal call to holiness and apostolate. His spiritual legacy underpins the University’s educational principles, which guide all policy and procedural decisions and actions: lay spirituality, freedom of conscience, love for the poor, care for details, passionate love for the world, love for the Church and the Pope, Christian identity, and collegiality in governance.
Milestones
Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao and Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas established the Center for Research and Communication (CRC), a private, not-for-profit think tank that catered to private sector businesses by analyzing developments in the business economic environment and translating their implications on business strategy.
CRC was formally inaugurated in its second site: 1607 Bocobo St., Malate, Manila.
The first batch of Master of Science in Industrial Economics (MSIE) students graduated.
CRC moved to its new site in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
The Center for Food and Agribusiness (CFA) was established.
Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, then prelate of Opus Dei, reminded CRC of the challenge of St. Josemaría Escrivá to consider putting up a university in the soonest time possible owing to its greater influence on society.
The CRC-College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) accepted its first batch of 158 undergraduate students.
The first Equatorial Rites was held.
The Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory was inaugurated.
The first batch of CRC-CAS students graduated. The School of Economics, the School of Education, and the Center for Management were established
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved CRC’s conversion into the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). UA&P was formally established by CHED and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao was installed as UA&P’s first president. The Regional Vicar of Opus Dei in the Philippines, Fr. Ramon Lopez, is conferred the honorary title of Vice Grand Chancellor of the University. UA&P put up a straight five-year master’s program (combined undergraduate and graduate program).
The School of Management (SMN) was established. UA&P held its first Graduation Rites.
Mr. Mario D. Camacho was installed as the second University President. The APEC Communications Building was completed.
The University’s Honorary Grand Chancellor, Bishop Javier Echevarría, visited UA&P.
Dr. Jose Maria G. Mariano was installed as the third University President.
The 1st Marketing Communication Effectiveness Awards (precursor of the Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards) is launched, the only award in the country that salutes marketing communications campaigns that carry both business and societal values. The first Eucharistic procession in UA&P was held.
The School of Communication (SCM) was established.
Bishop Javier Echevarría visited UA&P for the second time. The School of Education was renamed the School of Education and Human Development in line with its three interrelated areas of faculty concentration: education, psychology, and human capital development.
The School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE) was established.
The School of Law and Governance (SLG) was established. UA&P became the first university in the Philippines to publish a sustainability report following the reporting framework of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
The School of Law and Governance (SLG) was established. UA&P became the first university in the Philippines to publish a sustainability report following the reporting framework of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
UA&P switched on its 300kW photovoltaic solar power system. The Parking and Sports Building (PSB) was completed.
Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog was installed as the fourth University President.
CHED designated the Teacher Education program of UA&P as a Center of Development. UA&P put up a six-year integrated university program (combined junior college/senior high school, undergraduate,and graduate program).
CHED officially granted Autonomous Status to UA&P. The Institute of Law was established under the School of Law and Governance. The University celebrated its Golden Jubilee.
The Institute of Law of the School of Law and Governance produced its first batch of seven graduates for the Juris Doctor program. The Institute of Law of the School of Law and Governance produced its first batch of seven graduates for the Juris Doctor program. The conversion of the former Multi-Purpose Court (MPC) to the University Student Commons (USC) was completed
The ALB Library expansion project was completed.
The Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr. Scholarship Endowment was created in honor of the Founding Chairman of CRC and its successor institution, UA&P.
The School of Law and Governance was renamed the School of Social Sciences, Law, and Governance to recognize the valuable and indispensable role of the social sciences in the profound understanding and effective practice of law and governance. The University created CORE or Continuing Real-World Education: a brand of programs that are curated, relevant, and responsive to the market’s current needs.
The University’s Honorary Grand Chancellor, Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz, visited UA&P. The School of Communication was renamed the School of Media and Marketing to better reflect the school’s core offerings and clarify its scope.
Our Mission
We mold individuals who are committed to serving the common good by instilling in them the love of wisdom, solidarity, and excellence.
Wisdom
Seeking truth and knowledge, integrating faith and reason.
Solidarity
Uniting in community with others to attain a shared purpose.
Excellence
Striving to achieve the highest standards of professional competence.
The complete University Credo, Mission Statement, and Statement of Principles (Institutional Goals and Ideals) of UA&P may be viewed here.
Board of Trustees
Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (Chairman)
Mr. Omar T. Cruz (Vice Chairman)
Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog (President)
Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas (Vice President)
Ms. Shirley M. Sangalang (Treasurer)
Mr. Manuel F. Ayala
Ms. Judy Rosario G. Cam
Mr. John Eric T. Francia
Mr. Paul Joseph M. Garcia
Dr. Roberto Miguel S. Roque
Ms. Ma. Esther O. Santos
Mr. Francisco C. Sebastian
Mr. Miguel Alissandro V. Tan
Mrs. Grace Q. Tomelden
Dr. Antonio N. Torralba
Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees
Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (Chairman)
Mr. Omar T. Cruz (Vice Chairman)
Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog (President)
Ms. Shirley M. Sangalang (Treasurer)
Ms. Judy Rosario G. Cam
Mrs. Grace Q. Tomelden
Roberto Miguel S. Roque
Mr. Anthony C. David (Corporate Secretary)
Management Committee
Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog
President
Mr. Guillermo Ma. B. Pablo III
Vice President for Administrative Affairs
Dr. Amado Salvador P. Saquido
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Marya Svetlana T. Camacho
Vice President for Faculty Affairs
Dr. Roberto Miguel S. Roque
Vice President for Business Development and Alumni Affairs
Mr. Anthony C. David
University Secretary
Institutional Assessment
UA&P submitted itself to CHED’s Institutional Sustainability Assessment (ISA), in which the following five key results areas were assessed:
- Governance and management (including management of resources);
- Quality teaching and learning (including competency, programs, and faculty);
- Quality of professional exposure, research, and creative work (including linkages);
- Support for students (including learning resources and support structures), and;
- Relations with the community (including extra-curricular linkages, service learning, outreach).
Having been assessed by CHED for institutional enhancement and sustainability, the University made it to the ranks of one of the autonomous higher educational institutions in the country in 2016. The validity period of autonomous status of UA&P has been extended to three more years from June 1, 2021 to May 30, 2023, by virtue of CMO NO. 7, series 2021. Application for the renewal of autonomous status was filed in December 2023, pending outcome of evaluation by CHED’s Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance (OIQAG). As such, the University shall continue to enjoy the benefits of its status as an autonomous institution of higher education provided by CMO No. 19, s. 2016.
Rankings
UA&P was placed in the 2020 edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Participating for the first time in the THE Impact Rankings, UA&P submitted data on the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), where UA&P ranked 201-300th among the 766 participating universities from 85 countries; and SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), where the University ranked 500-600th.
Sustainability Reporting
The University has earned international credits from Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), an Amsterdam-based international independent organization that provides the world’s widely used standards on sustainability reporting and disclosure in three areas of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. The Sustainability Reports have gained for the University the following outstanding record:
- UA&P is the first academic institution in Southeast Asia to have produced a Sustainability Report following the GRI framework in 2012.
- It is the first university in Asia to produce a report in 2014 that is ‘In Accordance’ with the GRI G4 Guidelines – Comprehensive option that is externally assured and which successfully completed the GRI Materiality Disclosures Service.
- UA&P, in keeping with its mandate to be socially relevant and responsive to the needs of its stakeholders, included a fourth perspective—academic performance—in its sustainability reports.
The University received the 2019 Organizational Mark from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for its 2014-2017 Sustainability Report (SR) with the theme “Taking Stock of our Footprints and Imprints”. The organizational mark is a formal confirmation by GRI that the submitted report has undergone and successfully completed the Materiality Disclosures Services.
The third Sustainability Report, which covers the reporting period of 2014-2017, marks another achievement of the University for its disclosure according to international sustainability performance standards and for being the first academic institution in Southeast Asia to produce a sustainability report based on the 2019 GRI Standards issued by the Global Sustainability Standard Board (GSSB), the GRI’s independent standard-setting body. The set of GRI standards include three universal standards—economic, environmental, social— and thirty-three topic-specific standards.
The sustainability reports may be accessed here.
About AQA
Formally established in May 2014 as Quality Assurance Office (QAO), the Academic Quality Assurance Office (AQA) is entrusted with the full responsibility of the management, enhancement, and assessment of processes and procedures governing, among others, accreditation of programs for continuing quality improvement.
UA&P submits its academic programs in the undergraduate and graduate levels for evaluation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and by external accrediting agencies such as the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities – Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA), including international accreditation by the International Advertising Association for the Integrated Marketing program of UA&P.
AQA, which forms part of the Quality Management Team (QMT) of the University alongside Business Process Analytics (BPA) and Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), continues to intensify UA&P’s initiatives for the development of the culture of quality across academic and administrative units.
