The University of Mindanao is the largest private, non-sectarian university in Mindanao located in Davao City on the Southern Philippine island. Torres, Sr.
The University of Mindanao (UM), then the Mindanao Colleges (MC), was opened in Davao City to the public in July 1946. It was the first school to offer tertiary education in Southern Mindanao primarily to provide learning opportunities to the indigenous natives and pioneers of Mindanao. It is hoped that their children shall attain college education which was then a luxury that only few elite famil
ies could afford. It was a dream come true for CPA-Lawyer Guillermo E. and his friends, Engr. Brigido Valencia, Atty. Pedro Quitain, Atty. Dominador Zuño, Mr. Pedro Lat, Atty. Jesus Occeña, Dr. Manuel Babao, Mr. Nicasio Torres and Dr. Concepcion de Asis. During its first year of operation, there were only 13 teachers with 381 students and four (4) rented rooms in Borgaily Building used as classrooms. The programs which originally operated with permits were:
Six (6) years complete Elementary Program
Two (2) years Secondary Program (1st and 2nd year levels)
Two (2) years Elementary Teacher Certificate
Two (2) years Associate in Commercial Sciences
Two (2) years Associate in Arts
The first commencement exercise was held on April 23, 1948 with 30 graduates from college and 50 graduating students from high school. The community witnessed the expansion of Mindanao Colleges from 1949 to 1962. Branches were established to give more educational opportunities to many financially deprived students in the neighboring provinces of Davao City. These are MC Digos and MC Sta. Ana in 1949; MC Peñaplata and MC Tagum in 1950; MC Guianga, MC Tibungco and MC Panabo in 1951; MC Cotabato in 1959 and MC Bansalan in 1962. Enrolment increased right at the main campus at Bolton Street in the heart of Davao City, which remains to be a fitting symbol of the courage and tenacity of purpose of Atty. Guillermo E. Torres, Sr., the founder and the first President of MC. On December 21, 1966, MC was chartered as the University of Mindanao, Inc., the first private, non-sectarian university in Mindanao. The University Charter was signed by the Honorable Pedro Parcasio, then Acting Secretary of Education. The University status brought on new and greater responsibilities and a new image which left no space for complacency but only one decision – No turning back. Much has been said and written but more has yet to be done to continue the educational heritage envisioned by the late Guillermo E. Today, UM in Davao City has four (4) campuses – the Main Campus along Bolton and Bonifacio Streets, the Matina-Ma-a Campus and the Technical School Campuses in Sta. Ana avenue and Toril. The bigger Matina-Ma-a campus is turned into a learning center worthy of its vision – with separate buildings for each of the colleges, in the concept of the premier state university. DPT and GET buildings are completed in which the former houses the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Architecture and Fine Arts while the latter, GET Building, is used by the Colleges of Criminal Justice and Education. A four-storey Business and Engineering Building was constructed to meet the growing population of the University. This building houses the Colleges of Accountancy and Engineering. The science and engineering laboratories are also housed in this building. The entire fourth floor is used as the University Library and a space for the University Museum. UM continues to improve its facilities. It is committed to construct and develop state-of-the-art facilities and these include the audio-visual rooms, auditorium, libraries, speech laboratories, mini-hotel, engineering and science laboratories, different learning resource centers, computer laboratory centers, e-learning and computerized language centers. The delivery of quality education is also a commitment. This is manifested by the fact that Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Economics, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, and Computer Engineering programs have been considered Centers of Development by the Commission on Higher Education. The Bachelor of Elementary Education and the Bachelor in Secondary Education were identified as Centers of Excellence and Center for Teacher Training of DepEd. On the other hand, the University of Mindanao has been granted the Autonomous Status by the Commission on Higher Education. This recognition is granted to colleges and universities with long tradition of integrity and untarnished reputation, commitment to excellence, and sustainability and viability of operations. UM is one of the two universities in Davao Region to have been granted this recognition.
24/06/2026
JUST IN | UM Advances in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026
The University of Mindanao has climbed to a higher placement in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, marking its third consecutive year of global recognition for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From 1501+ in 2025, UM moved up to the 1001–1500 bracket, ranking among 1,603 institutions worldwide evaluated for sustainability impact. The University excelled in 14 out of 17 SDGs, with standout improvements across key areas.
Notable leaps include SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), all jumping from 1001+ to 601–800. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) also rose from 1001+ to 801+. Beyond these, UM made its debut in four SDGs: 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land).
This upward trajectory reflects UM's growing commitment to quality education, community engagement, responsible governance, and strategic partnerships that drive real change.
As the largest private university in Mindanao and the country's only PQA Level IV institution, UM remains committed to delivering accessible, relevant, and future-ready education while building a more sustainable world.
Choose a university whose impact speaks for itself.
Join the FREE UM Online Information Drive and discover the programs, opportunities, scholarships, and support services that can help you achieve your goals at the University of Mindanao.
Still deciding on your course? Tag your friends and register today.
Already enrolled at UM? You are welcome to join and learn more about your college and the opportunities ahead.
Please note that the Zoom link and event instructions will be sent only to registered participants.
23/06/2026
ADVISORY | In celebration of the University of Mindanao Administrative Employees Association (UMAEA) Anniversary, please be informed that there will be no on-site enrollment on June 26, 2026.
On-site enrollment operations will resume on June 27, 2026.
Please be guided accordingly. Amping, mga ‘Ga!
22/06/2026
ADVISORY | Here are the official payment channels of the University
Please be advised that the official payment channels of the University have been updated. Students, parents, and stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the updated list of accredited payment facilities for their official transactions.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
22/06/2026
Attention Incoming 1st-Year College Students!
Still undecided on your course, mga Ga? Join our FREE Online Information Drive via Zoom on June 25–26, 2026 | 1 PM–5 PM and discover the program that fits you best at the University of Mindanao.
Our colleges and offices will also be present to answer your questions about tuition, scholarships, admission, and more.
June 25, Thursday | 1 PM – 5 PM
College of Accounting Education
College of Architecture and Fine Arts Education
College of Business Administration Education
College of Computing Education
College of Criminal Justice Education
June 26, Friday | 1 PM – 5 PM
College of Engineering Education
College of Hospitality Education
College of Health Sciences Education
College of Teacher Education
College of Arts and Sciences Education
Be part of a university that polishes diamonds in the rough.
20/06/2026
To the fathers who taught us our very first lessons, not from books, but from the quiet way they loved, sacrificed, and stood firm for their families.
Thank you for the sleepless nights, the unwavering support, and the gentle strength that never faltered. You are our first heroes, our first teachers, and our forever home.
From the University of Mindanao—Salamat, Papa! Happy Father's Day!
20/06/2026
Still wondering where you truly belong?
With the biggest campus and the most courses in Mindanao, there's really no excuse not to find your place here.
At the University of Mindanao, belonging feels like this. Friends who actually get you. Laughter that echoes across the fun field. A community that cheers you on, no pressure, just presence.
It's not about fitting in. It's about finding your people, your place, your home.
And if you're still searching? Maybe you're closer than you think.
The College of Teacher Education - Bachelor of Physical Education Program of the University of Mindanao, in partnership with the Fakulti Pendidikan, PKO Program of Universitas Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya, Indonesia, proudly launches its first-ever Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Program on June 22, 2026.
This initiative brings together students and faculty from the Philippines and Indonesia in a meaningful academic and intercultural exchange centered on Sports Psychology. The COIL program will run from June 22 to July 18, 2026, providing a four-week international learning experience that promotes global perspectives, collaborative learning, intercultural competence, and cross-cultural understanding.
This milestone initiative reflects the University of Mindanao's commitment to internationalization, academic excellence, and the development of globally competent future educators, coaches, and sports professionals.
18/06/2026
18/06/2026
Questions? Ask GA!
Meet GA! (Generative AI Support Agent) - the University of Mindanao's AI-powered assistant designed to provide instant and reliable information anytime, anywhere.
With GA!, you can:
• Get answers to frequently asked questions and university policies
• Access grades and account information securely through Google login
• Plan your enrollment based on your curriculum
• Estimate fees before enrollment
• Evaluate credits for shifting and transferring students
Available 24/7 and capable of understanding English, Filipino, and Bisaya, GA! helps you find the information you need without waiting in line or visiting an office.
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