Manila Central University: A Century of Excellence in Education

Manila Central University (MCU), located in Caloocan City, Philippines, stands as a distinguished private higher education institution with a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service. Founded in 1904, MCU has evolved from its origins as a pharmacy school into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of programs. This article delves into the history, academic offerings, student life, and overall significance of Manila Central University.

Historical Overview

The story of Manila Central University begins with Dr. Alejandro M. Albert, who in 1904, established the Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila. This institution holds the distinction of being the first pharmacy school in the Philippines managed and run by Filipinos. Classes were initially held in a building along Rizal Avenue, with Dr. Albert serving as the founder and director.

Early Years and Transformation

In 1908, the Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila produced its first graduates, including Filomena Francisco Guerrero and Matilde Arquiza Arroyo, who became the first Filipina pharmacists. Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr., a graduate of the school, placed second in the Pharmacists Licensure Examination in 1913.

By 1915, the Escuela transformed into the Manila College of Pharmacy, with Dr. Leon Ma. L. Guerrero, Antonio C. Llamas, Feliciano P. Paterno, and Atty. Tanchoco as incorporators. The college gained authorization to confer postgraduate and doctoral degrees in Pharmacy and was housed in a new building in Manila.

Expansion and Challenges

In 1929, responding to the need for dental education, the College of Dentistry was founded, leading to the institution being renamed the Manila College of Pharmacy and Dentistry. Dr. Genaro Felizardo organized the college and served as acting head until Dr. Jose Francisco was appointed as the first dean.

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The college expanded its competencies in mineral analysis in 1936 and began offering secondary education through Albert High School in 1938. However, the onset of World War II in 1941 forced the college to close its doors. The Japanese forces occupied and looted its facilities, leaving only the shell of its buildings.

Post-War Reorganization and University Status

After the war, Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr., took on the task of reviving the college. In 1945, he and his wife, Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco, reopened the school with a new wing, the College of Liberal Arts. The institution was renamed the Manila College of Pharmacy and Liberal Arts.

Further expansion followed in 1946 with the establishment of the College of Education, the Normal Department, and the Elementary Department. The Board of Trustees reorganized the college into the Manila Central Colleges, with Atty. Filemon Tanchoco as chairman.

In 1947, the College of Medicine was added, along with the College of Nursing and the Graduate School in Business Administration. By 1948, with its diverse range of programs, the Manila Central Colleges was granted university status and became known as the Manila Central University (MCU). Atty. Tanchoco became the first MCU president.

Relocation and Continued Growth

In 1949, MCU acquired a 10-hectare campus in Caloocan City and began relocating the university there. The campus was inaugurated the same year, and the MCU Hospital, Nurses’ Home, gymnasium, and auditorium were constructed.

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Throughout the following decades, MCU continued to expand its academic offerings, establishing the School of Midwifery in 1955 and the College of Optometry in 1959. The Graduate Pharmacy building, housing the Industrial Pharmacy and Research Laboratory, was erected in 1953.

Leadership and Milestones

Following the death of Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco in 1963, Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco became MCU’s second president in 1964. In 1966, Luningning Tanchoco-Estanislao assumed the role of Administrator of MCU Hospital.

In 1971, the MCU Hospital and the College of Medicine were converted into the Filemon Dionisio Tanchoco Medical Foundation (FDTMF). Later, Lualhati Tanchoco Gonzalez became MCU executive vice president in 1977 and MCU president in 1994.

Recent Developments

In 1985, the MCU Bagong Silang Health Center was established as a community extension program. The University Integrated Community Extension Programs and Services (UNICEPS) was launched in 1991, involving multiple colleges in a holistic approach to community development.

In 1996, all colleges were consolidated on the Caloocan campus. In 2003, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted MCU autonomy and deregulated status due to its academic excellence. In March 2009, Dr. Aristotle Tanchoco Malabanan was installed as the university's fourth president.

Academic Profile

Manila Central University offers a wide array of courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, including bachelor's degrees in various fields of study. While specific details on all available programs and courses may require further inquiry, MCU is known for its strong emphasis on health sciences.

Fields of Study

MCU is particularly renowned for its programs in:

Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Nursing
Medical Technology
Physical Therapy

In addition to these health-related programs, MCU also offers courses in:

Business Administration
Accountancy
Information Technology
Computer Engineering
Civil Engineering
Education
Liberal Arts

Tuition and Admission

Tuition fees at MCU vary depending on the program, with health-related programs generally having higher fees due to laboratory subjects, clinical rotations, and specialized facilities. The admission process typically involves completing an application form and submitting required documents such as high school report cards and birth certificates. Some programs may also require entrance examinations or interviews.

University Ranking

Manila Central University ranking is 53 in the country.

University Logo Elements

The university logo comprises various elements that symbolize its mission and values:

Torch of Knowledge: Symbolizes learning and the pursuit of knowledge.
Minerva: Represents the Goddess of Wisdom, embodying the university's commitment to intellectual growth.
Caduceus: Symbolizes the science courses offered by the university, particularly in the health sciences.
Book: Represents education courses and the importance of literacy.
Mortar: Represents Pharmacy, the first college founded at MCU.
Academic Freedom: The circle symbolizes a strong foundation, while the triangle represents justice and equality.
Mercury: Represents the fast delivery of service.
Laurel and Leaves: Symbolize prestige and honor.
1904: Commemorates the year of the university's founding.

Student Life and Services

Student life at MCU is vibrant and community-oriented, with opportunities for students to join academic organizations, cultural clubs, sports teams, and service-oriented groups. The university provides various facilities and services to support student learning and development, including:

Well-equipped laboratories and simulation centers for health science programs
A library and learning resource center with study spaces and research materials
Sports facilities and student activity areas
Scholarships and financial assistance programs
Trained security personnel and CCTV cameras to ensure campus safety

Community Engagement

MCU is committed to community service through its University Integrated Community Extension Programs and Services (UNICEPS), which involve multiple colleges in a holistic approach to community development. These programs provide medical, dental, optometry, and laboratory services, as well as literacy, sports, livelihood, health education, and environmental sanitation initiatives.

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