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.
10/07/2026
CONGRATULATIONS! UM College of Business Administration Education for producing TOPNOTCHER in the July 2026 Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination!
TOP 9: Donnamae D. Tormis
Congrats, Ga!
Mabuhay, University of Mindanao!
10/07/2026
JUST IN | Congratulations to all BS in Real Estate Management students of the University of Mindanao for successfully passing the July 2026 Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination!
Kudos to the College of Business Administration Education!
Mabuhay, University of Mindanao!
10/07/2026
The University of Mindanao proudly celebrates our 67 newly licensed Architects in the June 2026 Licensure Examination for Architects.
With an outstanding 89.71% first-time passing rate, UM once again surpassed the 85.08% national passing rate, reflecting the University's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the success of its future professionals.
Congratulations to our newly licensed Architects! Your achievement is a testament to your hard work, perseverance, and the quality of a UM education. The entire UM community celebrates with you.
10/07/2026
Your favorite online tambayan is back!
Join the University of Mindanao TikTok Live Series for campus updates, student stories, fun games, special guests, exciting prizes, and more.
Follow our official TikTok page and turn on notifications so you never miss a live session.
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/
See you online, mga 'Ga!
09/07/2026
Forgot your UM email password?
It happens! Follow the step-by-step guide to securely reset your password and regain access to your UM account.
Need additional help? Visit the Admission Office if you can no longer access your registered contact information.
Get back on track and continue your journey with UM. Enroll today and take the next step toward your future.
09/07/2026
First time logging in to the UM Student Portal?
No worries! We've prepared a quick step-by-step guide to help you access your account with ease. Just follow the instructions, and you'll be ready to explore your Student Portal in no time.
Your journey starts with one login. Your future starts with one decision.
Welcome to the University of Mindanao, mga 'Ga!
09/07/2026
Turn your passion into purpose, your skills into opportunities, and your dreams into successful careers at the University of Mindanao - College of Hospitality Education.
With industry-relevant education and hands-on learning, UM-CHE prepares you to thrive in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Your journey starts here. Invest in a future filled with endless possibilities.
Enroll now in our programs:
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
Choose UM-CHE. Choose excellence. Choose a future where you belong—because UMatter.
umindanao.edu.ph
09/07/2026
IN PHOTOS | University of Mindanao Unveils President's Wall and Institutional History Exhibit
The University of Mindanao unveiled the President's Wall and inaugurated the Institutional History Exhibit yesterday, July 8, 2026, two symbolic installations launched in time for the University's celebration of its 80th Founding Anniversary this month.
Led by UM President Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr., the event brought together members of the Executive Committee, Management Committee, Branch Directors, Heads of Offices, librarians, and staff to celebrate the University's enduring legacy and eight decades of excellence.
The President's Wall pays tribute to the visionary leaders whose steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment have shaped the University's growth and development over the decades. Featured on the wall are the University's three presidents:
• Atty. Guillermo E. Torres Sr., Founding President (1946–1989)
• Dr. Dolores P. Torres, Second President (1989–2007)
• Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr., Third President (2007–Present)
In his opening remarks, President Torres thanked the offices and individuals whose collective efforts brought the President's Wall and Institutional History Exhibit to life.
He also emphasized the invaluable contributions of the UM community across all ranks from years past to present in positioning the University into the academic stronghold that it is today.
Located at the LIC Lobby, these permanent installations are more than displays of history. They serve as enduring reminders of the University's legacy—honoring the individuals who laid its foundation, celebrating the milestones that define its journey, and inspiring future generations of the University of Mindanao community to carry forward its tradition of excellence.
As the University of Mindanao celebrates 80 years of transforming lives through quality education, the President's Wall and the Institutional History Exhibit stand as lasting symbols of its proud past and its continued vision for the future.
Photo | Instructional Media Services
07/07/2026
Choosing a university is one of the biggest investments you will make. The best investment is the one that gives you more.
At the University of Mindanao, you gain more than a degree. You receive quality higher education, experienced mentors, industry relevant programs, modern learning environments, and a strong foundation for your future at an affordable cost.
For generations, UM has been home to topnotchers in Mindanao and thousands of successful professionals who continue to make an impact in their communities and industries.
More value. More opportunities. More reasons to choose UM.
Invest in your future. Invest in the University of Mindanao.
06/07/2026
LOOK | The University of Mindanao honored its outstanding BS Architecture graduates for their exceptional performance in the June 2026 Licensure Examination for Architects during a recognition ceremony held today, July 6, 2026, at the President's Office, UM Bolton Campus.
Led by UM President Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr., the University awarded incentive grants to Top 4 Katrina Isabel Muriel H. Templa and Top 8 Chriza Maye D. Peñaflor. The College of Architecture and Fine Arts also received an institutional incentive in recognition of its commitment to academic excellence.
Congratulations to our topnotchers and all our new architects for bringing pride and honor to the University of Mindanao!
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