National University (NU) celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2025 with a major milestone—the launch of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas, both located within SM properties.
This expansion increases NU’s total number of campuses to 14, further solidifying its dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education to more Filipinos. With these additions, student enrollment is expected to reach 85,000, reinforcing NU’s mission to shape future generations through learning.
“We have been expanding with the purpose of making quality education more accessible, which is at the core of the SM Group’s commitment to social good. To us, giving back means ensuring excellence in education reaches more Filipinos, regardless of their background. The Sy family has always pursued excellence at NU—whether in academics, infrastructure, or sports,” said Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr., president and chief executive officer (CEO) of NU.
The expansion aligns with the shared vision of NU and the SM Group to drive positive change through education and community development. By establishing campuses in key locations, NU is breaking barriers and creating new opportunities, ensuring that more students across the country have access to higher education.
Henry Sy, Sr. strongly believed that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Since 2008, the Sy family has continued to uphold this principle, supporting NU’s growth and development.
NU maintains an open admissions policy and invests in assessments to identify the necessary interventions that help Senior High School (SHS) graduates become college-ready. This initiative aligns with SM’s broader commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that a diverse range of students can pursue higher education and unlock new opportunities for social mobility and growth.
NU’s dedication to academic excellence is also evident in its growing international reputation. Recently, the university received a QS 3 Stars rating, earning 5 Stars in Employability and 4 Stars in Teaching, Social Impact, Facilities, and Good Governance. These ratings, awarded by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global authority in higher education analytics and evaluation, underscore NU’s adherence to world-class educational standards.
“We are committed to building NU’s international credibility,” Dr. Ermita emphasized. “This recognition from our global peers affirms our dedication to students and graduates. Our chairman, Dr. Hans Sy, values research and faculty development, which is why we are transforming NU into a research-oriented university. This vision aligns with the SM Group’s long-standing advocacy for education and social progress.”
As part of this transformation, NU is working towards ensuring greater international mobility for its students, enhancing their global competitiveness and employability. With strong backing from SM, NU continues to create pathways for students to thrive in the global marketplace.
Reflecting on NU’s journey and its aspirations, Dr. Ermita concluded, “Our students can overcome challenges through hard work, dedication, patience, humility, strength, and conviction. With unwavering support from the SM Group, we continue this journey of success, driving social good through education.”