NU opens first Cebu campus

CEBU, Philippines — The SM Group has announced to open its first National University (NU) campus in Cebu later this year.

This development is part of a broader effort to provide quality education and increase access to learning opportunities for Filipinos, a core mission that reflects the Sy family’s longstanding commitment to social good.

“We've been expanding with the purpose of providing more access to quality education, which is core to the SM Group's commitment to social good. For us, giving back means ensuring that excellence in education reaches more Filipinos, regardless of their background. The Sy family has always aimed for excellence at NU—whether in academics, infrastructure, or sports,” said Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NU.

As NU marks its 125th anniversary in 2025, the institution is celebrating with a major milestone—the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas, both strategically located within SM properties.

These additions bring NU's total campus count to 14, with the new locations expected to drive student enrollment to over 85,000.

The expansion reflects a shared vision between the SM Group and NU to foster positive change through education and community development.

According to Ermita, the Cebu campus is particularly significant, as it strengthens NU’s presence in the Visayas, extending its mission of delivering accessible and quality education to a broader demographic.

True to its inclusive vision, NU maintains an open admissions policy, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.

To ensure that Senior High School (SHS) graduates are college-ready, NU implements targeted assessments that determine necessary interventions, allowing a wider pool of students to pursue higher education. This initiative aligns with the SM Group's aspiration of creating opportunities for social mobility through education.

Henry Sy, Sr., whose philosophy that “education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty” has been a guiding principle for the family, continues to inspire the Sy family’s support of NU since acquiring the institution in 2008.

NU’s commitment to academic excellence has also gained international recognition. Recently, the university achieved a QS 3 Stars rating from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a leading global authority in higher education. NU received 5 Stars in Employability and 4 Stars in Teaching, Social Impact, Facilities, and Good Governance, showcasing its dedication to adopting global best practices in education.

“We are focused on building international credibility for NU,” Ermita emphasized adding that this recognition from international peers is a reflection of its commitment to students and graduates.

“Our chairman, Dr. Hans Sy, recognizes the value of research and faculty development, which is why we are transforming NU into a research-oriented university. This is in direct alignment with the SM Group's long-standing advocacy for advancing education and social progress,” Ermita added.

As part of this global vision, NU aims to increase international mobility for its students by ensuring their credentials are recognized worldwide, giving them a competitive edge in the global marketplace.