Foundation University (Philippines)
_logo.png){kind=logo} | |
Former name | Foundation College (1949–1969) |
|---|---|
| Motto | Veritas |
Motto in English | Truth |
| Type | Private, non-sectarian basic and higher education institution |
| Established | July 4, 1949 |
| Founder | Dr. Vicente Guzman Sinco |
Academic affiliations | PAASCU, PACUCOA, International Association of Universities (IAU) |
| Chairman | Victor Vicente G. Sinco, AIA |
| Chancellor | Charlotte V. Cariño, DBA |
| President | Victor Vicente G. Sinco, AIA |
Administrative staff | 200 |
| Location | Dr. Miciano Road Dumaguete , , Philippines 9°18′20″N 123°18′00″E / 9.30556°N 123.29998°E |
| Campus |
|
| Alma Mater song | 'Foundation University Hymn' |
| Colors | Maroon and Grey |
| Nickname | Greyhounds |
Sporting affiliations | UNIGAMES, PRISAA |
| Website | www |
.svg)  Location in the Visayas .svg) Location in the Philippines | |
Foundation University, also referred to by its acronym FU or simply Foundation (or FoundationU), is a private non-sectarian basic and higher education institution in Dumaguete, Philippines. It was founded by Dr. Vicente Guzman Sinco, former president of the University of the Philippines and an alumnus of Silliman University.[1] It offers over 60 specialized higher education areas of study accredited with the PAASCU, CHED, and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation. The university is known as the birthplace of Negros Oriental's Buglasan Festival. The university is also known as an eco-friendly school. In 2013, Foundation University was awarded as the Regional Champion and in 2015 and 2026 as the National Campion by the DENR - Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for being the Most Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Campus in the Philippines.
History
[edit]
The university was established as Foundation College on July 4, 1949. It was granted university status by the Department of Education on January 28, 1969. The university offers many undergraduate courses such as in the fields of elementary education, secondary education, accountancy, business, nursing, information technology, computer science, agriculture, engineering, law and many others. The university has schools for elementary and high school.
Established on the eve of the country's independence, it was then known as the Foundation College. The college was founded by Dr. Vicente Guzman Sinco, a known educator and legal luminary during his time.[1][a] Sinco envisioned the college to contribute to the overall national program of development. During the time of the college's founding, Filipinos were still in the process of building the nation.[4]
The college had a three-fold function — instruction, research, and community action. The success of this mission was recognized in 1963, when Foundation College received international recognition and was invited to become a member of the International Association of Universities. The college was the first institution in the Visayas and Mindanao to receive this honor, and the first institution in the world that was not a full university to become a member of this organization.[4]
On January 28, 1969, the Philippine Department of Education granted the college a university charter.[4]
Recognitions
[edit]ISO 21001:2018 Certification
In 2026, Foundation University obtained the ISO 21001:2018 certification, an international standard for Educational Organizations Management Systems (EOMS). The certification recognizes educational institutions that implement management systems designed to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of educational services.
The certification was awarded following a comprehensive external audit that evaluated the university's academic operations, administrative processes, and learner support systems against internationally recognized quality management standards.
The scope of the certification covered the design, development, and delivery of curricula, as well as key academic support services, across the institution's educational divisions. These included the Foundation University Law School, Non-Baccalaureate Programs, and Graduate School, as well as the Foundation Preparatory Academy, which encompassed Early Childhood, Basic Education, and Tertiary Education.
The ISO 21001:2018 certification reflected the university's implementation of learner-centered educational management practices and its commitment to continuous improvement in curriculum delivery, student services, and institutional governance. The certification also aligned the university with internationally recognized educational management standards, which may facilitate academic collaboration, student mobility, and credit recognition with partner institutions abroad.
2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings[5]
In 2026, Foundation University was included in the 2026 edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings, which assess universities worldwide based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The university's inclusion followed the submission of institutional data and supporting evidence, which were evaluated using the THE Impact Rankings methodology. The assessment considered areas such as research, institutional stewardship, outreach, and teaching, alongside documented policies and publicly available evidence related to the SDGs.
According to the 2026 rankings, a total of 1,646 universities from 116 countries were evaluated. Foundation University was one of three universities in Dumaguete City included in the rankings. Its highest-performing SDG categories were SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The university also participated in the assessment for SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
Following its inclusion in the rankings, the university stated that it intended to use the evaluation results to further develop its academic programs, resource management practices, and institutional partnerships. In the same year, university administrators, faculty members, staff, and student leaders participated in a Sustainable Development Goals workshop facilitated by Brian Joseph Bango of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
National Champion in the DENR-EMB's Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools[6]
In 2026, Foundation University was recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), as one of five national champions in the Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools in the Philippines. The university was one of five higher education institutions selected from 78 public and private schools across all educational levels nationwide and was the only higher education institution in the Visayas to receive the recognition that year.
Foundation University had previously been named a regional champion in the competition in 2013 and was recognized as a national champion in 2015. After the competition was suspended from 2019 to 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it resumed in 2025. For the 2026 edition, Foundation University advanced to the final seven institutions that underwent on-site validation following the initial screening and evaluation process.
The biennial search, established in 2009, is administered by the DENR–Environmental Management Bureau in partnership with the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and other public and private organizations. It supports the implementation of the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan, the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 (Republic Act No. 9512), and the National Environmental Education Action Plan 2018–2040.
Participating institutions are evaluated on environmental and climate change dimensions in school operations, the integration of environmental sustainability into the curriculum, and the presence of active campus environmental organizations. During the 2026 evaluation, Foundation University was also assessed on its waste management and pollution prevention programs, efficient resource utilization, maintenance of green spaces, climate change mitigation initiatives, and the integration of sustainability practices into its academic and administrative operations.
According to the university, approximately 80% of its campuses were powered by solar energy in 2026, with additional solar panel installations planned as part of its environmental sustainability program. University officials also reported initiatives in energy and water management, waste reduction and diversion, green infrastructure, and biodiversity conservation as part of the institution's sustainability efforts.
International Linkages
[edit]Foundation University maintains academic partnerships with several international institutions and organizations as part of its international engagement initiatives. Its partner institutions include Skilio Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, Guangdong Industry Polytechnic in China, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) in India, the Make a Difference (MAD) Course in the United Kingdom, and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand.
The partnerships support collaboration in areas such as academic exchange, research, faculty development, curriculum enhancement, and professional training. They also provide opportunities for joint academic activities, intercultural engagement, and institutional knowledge sharing through exchange programs, seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects involving students, faculty members, and partner institutions.
These international collaborations form part of the university's broader efforts to expand its academic and research linkages beyond the Philippines. Through cooperative agreements with overseas institutions, Foundation University participates in initiatives that promote cross-cultural learning, collaborative research, and the exchange of academic and professional expertise. The partnerships also contribute to the university's continuing efforts to strengthen its educational programs, encourage innovation in teaching and learning, and broaden opportunities for international academic cooperation.
Colleges and Schools
[edit]
Academic units of the university are organized into nine colleges and several other schools and departments.[7]
- College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Biology, Broadcasting, English, Mathematics, and Political Science, each with a four-year curriculum.
The college provides instruction in their respective disciplines through coursework that includes biology, journalism and media production, linguistics and literature, abstract and applied mathematics, and political theory and governance. It also maintains a broadcast studio that supports practical training for students in the Broadcasting program.
- College of Business Administration
The College of Business Administration offers undergraduate programs in Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Management Accounting, and Business Administration with majors in Financial Management, Human Resource Management, and Marketing Management. All programs have a four-year curriculum and include internship opportunities.
The college also conducts student-led financial literacy programs in partnership with local communities and participates in national academic and professional business organizations through its student programs and organizations.
- College of Education
The College of Education offers four-year undergraduate programs in Elementary Education, Physical Education, and Secondary Education with majors in English, Science, and Social Studies. The college prepares future educators through discipline-based specialization, pedagogical training, and classroom practice for careers in elementary and secondary education.
- College of Computer Studies
The College of Computer Studies offers four-year undergraduate programs in Computer Science and Information Technology. The college provides instruction in computing through a curriculum that integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, emphasizing software development, emerging technologies, and innovation. Students undertake project-based learning and have developed technology solutions for the university and the wider community, including a queueing system for the Business and Finance Office, ArtHimo, a virtual museum showcasing student artworks, EduFURm, a school forms management system for the Basic Education Department, and Tornare, a virtual campus tour application. The university also partners with the Cisco Networking Academy to offer networking and information technology education and certification programs.
- College of Nursing
The College of Nursing offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that prepares students for professional nursing practice through classroom instruction, clinical training, and community-based learning. The college maintains clinical training partnerships with leading hospitals in Negros Oriental, providing students with supervised hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. It has consistently achieved high performance in the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination, including a 100% first-time passing rate in 2021, and has received recognition from the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for producing licensure examination topnotchers and batches with a 100% passing rate[8].
- College of Agriculture
The College of Agriculture offers four-year undergraduate programs in Agriculture with majors in Animal Science and Crop Science. The curriculum provides foundational training in both disciplines before students pursue their chosen specialization. Instruction combines classroom learning with laboratory, field, research, and internship experiences in areas such as livestock and poultry production, crop management, pest management, and sustainable agricultural practices.
The college maintains its own instructional and research facilities, including a working farms and laboratory spaces located in Amlan and Tanjay City, that support hands-on training and applied research in agriculture. It also operates an Oyster Mushroom Laboratory, which serves as a venue for student learning, experimentation, and livelihood-oriented production activities.
- College of Law and Jurisprudence
The College of Law and Jurisprudence offers a Juris Doctor program designed to prepare students for legal practice and other careers requiring advanced knowledge of the law. Instruction emphasizes legal analysis, case method learning, and the development of critical thinking and advocacy skills, including training in the Socratic method.
The College of Law and Jurisprudence has produced numerous members of the legal profession. In early 2026, 44 of the graduates of the college passed the Philippine Bar Examinations, which cover core areas of law including Political and Public International Law, Commercial and Taxation Law, Civil Law, Labor Law and Social Legislation, Criminal Law, Remedial Law, and Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises.
- College of Hospitality Management
The College of Hospitality Management offers four-year undergraduate programs in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management. The curriculum provides training in service operations, guest relations, tourism planning, and hospitality administration, with emphasis on cross-cultural communication and industry practice.
- College of Criminology
The College of Criminology offers a four-year undergraduate program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology. The curriculum provides instruction in law enforcement principles, criminal justice, forensic science, and crime investigation, including areas such as fingerprint analysis and evidence handling.
- School of Industrial Engineering and Technology
The School of Industrial Engineering and Technology offers a four-year undergraduate program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. The program focuses on the analysis, design, and improvement of integrated systems involving people, materials, information, and energy, with emphasis on efficiency, productivity, and systems optimization.
Instruction combines theoretical coursework with applied learning experiences and industry engagement through partnerships with organizations and cooperatives. These include collaborations with local and regional entities that support systems analysis, process improvement, and practical training opportunities. The program prepares graduates for careers in industrial systems design, operations management, and related engineering and technology fields.
In 2026, two graduates of Foundation University's Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering program were among the top examinees in the 16th Certified Industrial Engineer (CIE) Examination held on April 26, 2026, placing fourth and twelfth nationwide. The university also recorded an institutional passing rate of 83.33%, exceeding the national passing rate of 72.5%.
- The Graduate School
The Graduate School offers post-baccalaureate programs leading to master’s and doctoral degrees in education, business, and public administration. Graduate-level instruction is designed to provide advanced academic training and professional specialization for individuals who have completed undergraduate studies.
Master’s programs include the Master of Arts in Education (with majors in Administration and Supervision, English, and General Science), Master in Business Administration, and Master in Public Administration, each with a two-year curriculum. Doctoral programs include the Doctor of Public Administration (three years) and Doctor of Education (four years). These programs emphasize advanced research, professional practice, and leadership development in their respective fields.
- Department of Architecture and Fine Arts
The Department of Architecture and Fine Arts offers undergraduate programs in Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science in Architecture. The programs provide instruction in visual arts and architectural design through a combination of theoretical coursework, studio-based practice, and applied learning.
Fine Arts students are trained in disciplines such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media, and have access to studios and exhibition spaces that support artistic practice and the presentation of student work. Architecture students engage in coursework focused on design principles, spatial planning, and structural concepts. The department includes initiatives such as Estudio Damgo, a program in which architecture students design and develop community-oriented projects intended to address local needs and provide social benefit. In 2026, it recorded an institutional passing rate of 91.67% in the Licensure Examination for Architects.
- Foundation Preparatory Academy
Foundation Preparatory Academy is an educational institution offering basic education programs from preschool through senior high school. The school provides Preschool/Kindergarten, Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School education, designed to support learners through successive stages of academic and personal development.
The Preschool and Kindergarten program focuses on early childhood development, emphasizing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, social interaction, and physical growth through structured and play-based learning. The Grade School program builds on these foundations through a curriculum that includes core subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and social studies, with an emphasis on critical thinking, character development, and collaborative learning.
The Junior High School program continues academic progression through Grades 7 to 10, supporting deeper conceptual understanding and skill development across subject areas. The Senior High School program (Grades 11–12) prepares students for tertiary education or career pathways through academic and technical-vocational tracks, alongside training in communication, leadership, and applied problem-solving skills.
Foundation University’s iPadayon Program is a technology-enhanced learning initiative introduced in 2009, integrating iPad-based instruction into classroom teaching. The program was among the first of its kind in the Philippines and is designed to support digital learning through the use of mobile technology.
The initiative transforms classroom instruction into a more interactive and flexible learning environment, enabling students to engage in collaborative, inquiry-based, and technology-supported activities. It emphasizes the development of creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy skills, with the goal of preparing learners for higher education and future careers in a technology-driven society.
Foundation University is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Buglasan Festival, a provincial cultural festival in Negros Oriental. The festival traces its origins to initiatives undertaken by university officials, faculty members, and cultural workers in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
According to accounts by members of Sandurot Promotions, a cultural organization that produced events such as the Miss Dumaguete, Miss Silliman, and Miss Foundation pageants, the concept of a province-wide festival was first discussed during informal meetings in the late 1970s. The group envisioned a "festival of festivals" that would bring together the traditional dances, legends, and cultural celebrations of the municipalities and cities of Negros Oriental.
In 1979, Bobby Flores-Villasis, then Cultural Officer of Foundation University, reorganized the university's folk dance troupe with the support of university president Marcelino Maxino. Choreographer Loury U. Lacson, a member of the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, assisted in the development of the troupe.
The opportunity to establish a provincial festival arose in 1981 after Negros Oriental received an invitation to participate in the Fourth National Philippine Folk Festival in Manila. Organizers proposed a province-wide cultural competition in which each municipality and city would present performances based on local legends, myths, or traditional dances. During the planning process, the name "Buglasan" was adopted, deriving from "Buglas," the historical name of Negros Island.
The inaugural Buglasan was organized through a collaboration among Foundation University, Sandurot Promotions, the provincial chapter of Balikatan sa Kaunlaran, and cultural workers from across Negros Oriental. The event served as the province's selection competition for participation in the national folk festival.
The festival was not held regularly in the succeeding years but was revived and expanded in 1990 as part of the centennial celebration of Negros Oriental. The Provincial Government of Negros Oriental subsequently adopted and institutionalized the event as the annual Buglasan Festival, also known as the "Festival of Festivals," featuring cultural presentations and street dancing by participating municipalities and cities throughout the province.
Foundation University continues to commemorate its cultural heritage through its own annual campus celebration, the Kasadyaan Festival, which traces its origins to the university's earlier Christmas Mardi Gras celebrations.
Media and Publication
[edit]The university supports student journalism through Foundation Time, its official student newspaper, as well as Civitas 360, a digital media platform for magazine issues.
Since October 2012, the university has its own radio station called Greyhound 101.[11]
Since October 2012, Foundation University has operated its campus radio station, Greyhound 101. The university later expanded its student-led broadcasting initiatives through FU Net Radio, an online radio platform.
The university also produces iGreyhound, a weekly television program that airs every Thursday on Fil Products Channel 6 and is livestreamed through Foundation University's official Facebook pages. In addition, it produces the Speak Podcast and the student-led Speak101 Podcast, which alternate between seasons and are distributed through the same platforms. These programs feature university news and events, discussions on topics relevant to the institution, and interviews with notable alumni, faculty members, students, and invited guests.
Notes
[edit]- ↑ Dr. Vicente Guzman Sinco was a professor, and later the eighth president of the University of the Philippines. He was also one of the delegates who signed the UN Charter for the Philippines.[1] During his time, Sinco wrote many books and was a known constitutionalist. Today his works are being quoted by known legal authors such as Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas[2] and Hector S. De Leon.[3]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "Vicente G. Sinco" Archived 2011-07-21 at the Wayback Machine. National Historical Institute. Retrieved 2009-11-07.
- ↑ Bernas, S. J., Joaquin G. Bernas (2003). The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. REX Book Store Inc. p. 35. ISBN 971-23-3738-3.
- ↑ De Leon, Hector S.; De Leon; Hector M. Jr. (2005). Administrative Law: Text and Cases. REX Book Store Inc. p. 2. ISBN 971-23-4017-1.
- 1 2 3 "Established on July 4, 1949" Archived January 6, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Foundation University. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
- ↑ https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/foundation-university
- ↑ https://pia.gov.ph/news/denr-names-foundation-university-among-top-eco-friendly-schools-in-ph/
- ↑ "Colleges" Archived 2008-11-19 at the Wayback Machine. Foundation University. Retrieved 2009-12-12.
- ↑ https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/features/105387/dumaguete-city-schools-post-100-passing-rate-in-nursing-exam/story/
- ↑ https://www.foundationu.edu.ph/ipad-program
- ↑ https://dumaguete.com/festivals-negros-oriental/buglasan-festival-negros-oriental/
- ↑ "DYFU to start School on the Air". Archived from the original on 2017-12-04. Retrieved 2019-03-07.
