HISTORY
HIGHLIGHTS 1932-2017
The 1930's
1932
In a luncheon tendered by Dr. Mariano V. de los Santos, then President of the University of Manila, at his home in Balintawak, it was decided by the attendees composed of then college and university presidents, at the suggestion of Justice Jose Abad Santos and Conrado Benitez, that an association of private universities be formed to set higher standards for private educational institutions and to promote the interests of private education in the country. From there the Association of Filipino Private Universities and Colleges (AFPUC) was born. Among the leaders in attendance were Senator Camilo Osias of National University, Dr. Nicanor Reyes, Sr. of Far Eastern University, Jorge Bocobo of the University of the Philippines, Francisca Tirona- Benitez of Philippine Women’s University, Tomas Mapua of Mapua Institute of Technology, and Don Vicente Fabella of Jose Rizal College then.
1933
AFPUC was formally organized with Camilo Osias elected as president.
1935
Mrs. Francisca Benitez headed an AFPUC delegation that petitioned to President Manuel L. Quezon to dispense with taxes from schools that did not pay dividends. The same represenation was made to then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jose Yulo, with the House Ways and Means Committee. The campaign resulted in the passage and enactment of the law to this effect and Speaker Yulo himself informed Mrs. Benitez of its passage.
The 1940's
1940
Former AFPUC President Nicanor Reyes, Sr. was appointed member of the National Council of Education.
1941
Former AFPUC President Camilo Osias was appointed Acting Director of the Office of Private Education.
1946
AFPUC opposed the 1% tax on gross income of private schools.
1947
AFPUC changed its name to “Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities”, as motioned by Chancellor Laurel, and voted unanimously in a meeting at the National Teachers College.
PACU held its First National Educational Conference.
1949
The Second National Educational Conference was held at the Arellano Hall, Far Eastern University. PACU continued to lodge their opposition to the One Percent Assessment Act and formed a committee composed of President Manuel V. Gallego, Vicente G. Sinco, Benjamin Salvosa, Leoncio B. Monzon, and Perfecto Laguio to contest RA 74.
The 1950's
1950
PACU lobbied for the ammendment of RA 74 and abolition of the one percent assessment tax.
1951
Justice Domingo Imperial was awarded the PACU Public Service Award.
PACU member and school owner Francisco Dalupan, founder of the University of the East, together with 25 other educators, pioneered the Philippine Accrediting Association of Universities and Colleges (PAAUC), designed to evaluate academic programs and was patterned after accrediting organizations in the U.S. Two years later PACU published the very first non-governmental accreditation manual in the country titled, “Handbook of Rules and Standards for the Approval and Accreditation of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities.”
1952
PACU disputed a memorandum of the Bureau of Private Schools (BPS) that limited the admission to teacher-training and other professional courses to high school graduates who belonged to the upper half of their class. Secretary of Justice Oscar Castelo then ruled the memorandum to be illegal.
1954
Dr. Mariano de los Santos forged an agreement with then Committee on Free Asia (now known as Asia Foundation) to implement the Student Activity Program (SAP) with student interests being foremost in PACU’s agenda. A special committee on SAP was composed of Chancellor Manuel Gallego as chair, Dean Edgardo L. Paras and Dr. Helena Benitez as members, and a secretariat headed by Prof. Amado C. Dizon, PACU Executive Officer.
1956
PACU was requested by the Secretary of Education to conduct a survey and evaluate the Philippine educational system. PACU instead suggested to create a government commission to which it would extend assistance in its endeavors. To protect the names of reputable private schools, PACU demanded for a published list of diploma mills. For the benefit of students and schools, PACU also called for the publication of bar and board examinations.
1957
PACU actively participated in the 1957 Educational Conference with President Mariano V. de los Santos as conference chairman. In that conference Rep. Carmen D. Consing, then chair of the House Committee on Education, supported PACU’s stand and promised to work for the repeal of RA 74.
In a meeting on September 14, PWU Vice-President Helena Benitez suggested to create the PACU Cooperative Graduate School. With the approval of BPS of the PACU M.A.T. program which was a consortium among PACU graduate schools, the aim to help students of member schools was realized.
PACU also protested the encroachment by the different examining boards in the making of curricula.
1958
PACU fought to repeal RA 1881 (Spanish Law) to reduce the required 24 units of Spanish courses and advocated that 12 units be compulsory while 12 other units be optional.
The 1960's
1961
In collaboration with two other groups, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU), PACU founded the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) as the umbrella organization of all private educational organizations in the Philippines. Later, two other groups joined forces with COCOPEA, namely, the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU) and the Association of Philippine Private Technology-based Institutions (APPTI). PACU President Pablo L. Meer sat as the first chair of COCOPEA.
PACU objected to the Aldana circular that exempted the graduates of government teacher-training institutions from annual teacher-selection examinations, which PACU deemed discriminatory to graduates of private teacher-training schools.
1962
President Fernando Bautista advocated that regional offices of the BPS be authorized to issue special orders to expedite the release of transportation and other expenses to effect savings on the part of private schools.
PACU schools adopted a self-imposed limitation of 12% on return on investments. PACU also cooperated with Dean Daniel M. Salcedo on a self-improvement project designed to improve instruction and end the disenfranchisement of high school graduates who wished to pursue higher education.
1965
A meeting of student council presidents sponsored by the PACU Special Committee on Student Affairs was held to study and promote worthwhile student affairs.
A model set of rules and criteria was issued to PACU member schools for such administrative details as faculty classification,salary scales and fringe benefits.
Dr. Virgilio de los Santos proposed that the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence be awarded to graduates of a four-year-course in law.
1966
PACU participated in the first revision of the Manual of Regulations of the Bureau of Private Schools orginally drafted back in the 1940s.
1967
In the midst of developing its existing resources, PACU executive officer Dr. Amado C. Dizon, sent out questionnaires to get constructive feedback on its accreditation program. On behalf of its members, PACU entered into an agreement with the Asia Foundation for book donations. President Virgilio de los Santos ordered the printing of a PACU brochure, “Serving the Nation Through Education.”
1968
PACU co-signed a trust agreement with the Department of Education and the Development Bank of the Philippines for the administration of the War Damage Fund appropriated for private education.
In a joint effort with CEAP and ACSCU, the creation of the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE) was made possible which extends financial assistance to private educational associations and their members to promote the welfare of private education. With the help of both Philippine and United States governments and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), FAPE was formally launched on November 5. FAPE has since become a symbol of the government’s regard for private education as an integral part of Philippine life.
1969
There was unprecedented increase in PACU membership through the efforts of President Virgilio de los Santos even in the face of increasing violent student demonstrations in Manila for which PACU sought the assistance of Mayor Antonio Villegas in ensuring the safety of the academic community.
The 1970's
1970
PACU’s active role in the passage of legislation and introduction of amendments to existing laws was helped by tapping some of the more brilliant minds in the academe such as Dr. Amado Dizon.When Congress enacted The Tuition Fee Law, RA 6139, which specified that student fees may be increased by not more than 15% per annum, member-schools of PACU conducted an intensive lobbying campaign against its passage.
1973
PACU succeeded in implementing accreditation for its members milestone and noteworthy achievement given the turbulent times and the darkest moments of Philippine education following the imposition of Martial law in 1972.
1974
President Ferdinand Marcos amended RA 6139 with PD 451 whereby 60 percent of any increase in tuition fees must be used to increase the salary of school employees, and 40 percent for institutional development.
1977
The Department of Education upheld PACU on the individual institution’s right to give its own entrance exams in addition to the National Collegiate Entrance Examination. Other notable PACU activities included its participation in the revision of the elementary curriculum and the study it conducted on the retirement systems for school personnel.
1979
PACU succeeded in amending Sec. 6 of Rule II of MECS Order No. 19 (which would have disqualified members of the school’s governing board from being appointed or designated to administrative positions).
The 1980's
1980
PACU participated in the New Delhi UNESCO-Paris Draft Convention on Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees.
1981
PACU took part in the MECS-sponsored Conference on Educational Development and the lifting of Martial Law. It also held a Conference on Financial Strategies in Times of Scarcity.
1987
The toppling of the Marcos Regime by People Power Revolution in 1986 paved the way for social and political reforms such as the reconsideration by the Supreme Court on the consolidated cases on tuition fee, declaring, among others, that Sec. 3 of PD 451 had been repealed by Sec. 42 of BP 232 in the 1987 Constitution.
1989
RA 6728 was enacted by Congress which provided assistance to students and teachers in private schools and required consultation on any tuition fee increase. Violent student protests persisted and PACU suspended classes for four days due to the government’s inability to protect them.
The 1990's
1990
Congress enacted Joint Resolution No. 2, which mandated the review and assessment of the entire educational system, and from this the Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) was created. With PACU’s extensive experience and expertise in governance and management, private financing of education, and human resources development, the association played a significant role in EDCOM’s final recommendations for the overhaul in all levels of education in the public and private sectors.
1991
When Congress passed RA 7079 providing for the development of campus journalism, PACU issued a model set of guidelines for the implementation of this law in private schools.
1992
In consultation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) , PACU conducted a study on retirement systems for private school employees. PACU also made representations with Congress for the enactment of RA 7641 which provided for retirement to qualified private sector personnel in the absence of any retirement plan in the establishment.
The second revision of the Manual of Regulations for Private Schools under then Education Secretary Armand V. Fabella was also a high point in PACU’s history. To date the revised manual has been regarded as “The” guidebook of all private shcool operations.
1994
Congress passed RA 7731 which PACU had been lobbying for, abolishing the NCEE. PACU had early on argued that the NCEE disenfranchised students of their basic right to education.
1995
With the enactment by Congress of RA 7877 declaring sexual harassment unlawful, PACU issued to member schools a model set of rules and regulations to implement the law on campuses.
1996
PACU initiated work for the joint promulgation by DOLE, DECS, CHED and TESDA of labor standards unique to private schools.
1997
Together with other members of COCOPEA, PACU suspended classes for one day in protest over the approval of the second reading of the proposed Magna Carta of Students in the House of Representatives.
PACU also verbalized its strong stance on other policy concerns of private schools. To this effect, PACU drafted a bill titled, “An Act to Enhance Excellence in Private Educational Institutions, to Provide for their Financing and Taxation, and for other Purposes.
PACU enshrined a no-consultation-on-freshmen-tuition provision in the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) guidelines. It was carried over to the CHED order the following year.
When CHED issued new policies and standards on the grant of university status and the General Education Curriculum, PACU in consultation with other members of COCOPEA, convinced CHED to dispense with the retroactive provision on the former. Likewise, they also pushed for an alternative to the General Education Curriculum.
1998
During the 65th anniversary celebration of PACU on June 27 at the Edsa Shangri-la Hotel, its “founding fathers” were honored with a commemorative plaque awarded to the family representatives of the late Jose Abad Santos, Conrado Benitez, Vicente Fabella, Tomas Mapua, Camilo Osias, Nicanor Reyes, Sr., and Mariano de los Santos.
The 2000's
2000
With the start of the new millenium, PACU, under outgoing PACU President Nestor M. Feliciano and incoming PACU President Maria L. Ayuyao, identified its goals for the future. It acknowledged the growing impact of technology on education, recognized the need to refocus on the human resource aspect of private education, and reassessed its voluntary accreditation programs.
PACU also continued to address issues such as the affordability of private education; the amount of government assistance to teachers and students; new faculty career models; and the evolving concept of academic freedom.
2001
PACU successfully held a seminar series called “E3” or “Emerging Education Executives” management seminar.
2002
This year highlights the transition of three PACU presidents, outgoing President Maria Ayuyao, incoming PACU President Edilberto de Jesus (promoted as Deped Secretary within a month) and the next PACU President Virgilio C. Bautista.
2003
The PACU Board, under President Virgilio C. Bautista, launched a nationwide “Voter Education Program” to educate and prepare
student voters on the responsibility and value of voting for the 2004 elections.
2004
PACU reactivated its website with links to sites of its member schools. Technological Institute of the Philippines’ president, Teresita U. Quirino, was inducted the next PACU President.
2005
In October 2004, when House Bill No. 2536 was introduced, PACU strongly opposed its passage. The bill sought to amend Article 281
of the Labor Code whereby the probationary period of employment of academic personnel in private schools was shortened. PACU’s
stance was the bill violated the freedom of schools to determine who may teach, what may be taught, and who may be admitted to study.
2006
PACU filed a petition in court to declare CHED Memorandum Order No. 14 null and void. CMO No. 14 was created to regulate increases of various school fees for school year 2006- 2007.
PACU raised explicit concerns on certain house bills such as one that placed a cap on tuition and other fee increases as well as proposed amendments to Sec. 42 of Batasan Pambansa Blg. 232. (Education Actof 1982)
On the House bills proposing amendments to RA 7722 creating the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). PACU and COCOPEA made known their position that the bills should provide measures to eliminate discrimination between public and private higher education institutions, and minimize political interference in the exercise of CHED powers.
PACU with COCOPEA engaged in a dialogue with the Commissioners of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on the manner
with which the PRC published results of licensure examinations. PRC accepted COCOPEA’s recommendation, resulting in the promulgation of Resolution No. 2006-375, series of 2006.
PACU presidency transitioned from Teresita Quirino to Vicente Fabella.
2007
PACU and COCOPEA reached an agreement with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the creation of a body that would review CHED’s policymaking structure to align it with its mandate of developmental supervision of all higher educational institutions in the country.
In response to PACU’s concerns on accreditation, the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities – Commission on Accreditation drew up a revised accreditation plan that includes an outcomes-based factor.
A highlight of PACU’s 75th Anniversary celebration was its new Vision and Mission Statements during the term of PACU President Gonzalo T. Duque.
2008
PACU signed agreements with various industry and government institutions to enhance and expand the scope of its corporate and social responsibility.
During the second appointment of PACU President Vicente K. Fabella, PACU became an associate member of the Association of Universities in Asia and the Pacific (AUAP).
2009
PACU joined COCOPEA member associations in a two-day strategic planning workshop for academic years 2009-2011 at the Ateneo de
Manila University.
With PACU as lead association, COCOPEA held a symposium on the “Global Economic Meltdown: Its Impact on Private Education in the Philippines” at St. Paul University-Manila.
PACU launched its Academic Management Seminar Series at Far Eastern University.
