Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
A. Brief History of the Adventist University of the Philippines
The Adventist University of the Philippines traces its roots and humble
beginnings from missionary-oriented people who had a strong desire to develop young
people for usefulness in life, more specifically to prepare efficient workers in the
different branches of Christian service, and ultimately for citizenship in the coming
kingdom of God.
In 1915, A. G. Daniels visited the Philippine Islands and laid plans for the
organization of an academic institution. Daniels was followed by L. V. Finster who
reported that in 1916, I. A. Steinel and O. F. Sevrens and their families had arrived to
supervise the building of the Philippine Seventh-day Adventist Academy on a five-acre
land located at Calle Luna, Pasay, Rizal now popularly known as Pasay City. The school
formally opened on June 12, 1917 with 36 students among whom 12 were girls. The lone
school building had its classrooms on the first floor and dormitory for the boys on the
second floor. The girls stayed in an old mixed-material house which already stood on the
land when the latter was bought at a cost of Php 6,500.00.
In 1925, at the Spring Council of the Far Eastern Division, it was voted that the
academy be authorized to carry fourteen grades, adding one grade each year towards
1927, and that the name be changed to Philippine Junior College. Elder W. B. Amundsen
was elected principal in 1927 until the year 1931.
At the end of 1927, a tract of land consisting of 26 hectares was purchased in
Baesa, Caloocan, then part of the Rizal province, at a cost of Php 65,951.95 for the
purpose of having a larger space to accommodate the increasing enrollment. Prof. L. M.
Stump, president of the college in 1931 directed the construction of the buildings. Then in
1932 the school finally moved to Baesa Campus. In that same year FED permitted the
junior college’s elevation to a senior one naming it Philippine Union College (PUC). The
successful years of PUC were owed to the missionary efforts of administrators, teachers,
students, and church members who did much of the labor with or without monetary
rewards. Visionaries of the Baesa era inspired by a missionary spirit composed and
adopted the school song “Shine on Forever” in 1934.
Seventh-day Adventist Missionary enthusiasm, voluntarism, and idealism have
been the driving force behind the people participating in the development and growth of
PUC. No material gain was ever expected; only the desire to make the school “Shine on
Forever” was the focus for training people for service and preparing them for heaven –
the long awaited kingdom of God, where Jesus Christ reigns forever. World War II was
not able to stop PUC from shining on. And even after the war, the school continued to
radiate with the growing number of graduates topping the Nursing National Board
examinations and excelling in the field of Science, especially in Biology, and in the
various academic fields.
The ever multiplying number of PUC enrollment has inspired the administration
to purchase yet a bigger property which comprises 165 hectares of land located at Puting
Kahoy, Silang, in the province of Cavite in 1972. The same missionary spirit that inspired
the pioneers in the past, has stimulated the administrators, faculty, and students to work
hard, sacrifice time, energy, and effort; leaving behind the conveniences of life in the city
just to move to the new PUC ‘mountain’ location. The year 1979 saw the first batch of
freshmen and sophomore students in this new campus and in 1981, with the movement of
the juniors and seniors from Baesa, the campus transfer was completed.
Growing is a package of joy, crises, and pain which PUC experienced in all levels
of its community existence. Through all these PUC has kept on “shining.” On August 1,
1996 in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 7722 and by the virtue of Resolution
No. 132-96, Series of 1996, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted PUC
the long- awaited University Status entailing the change of the school’s name from
Philippine Union College to Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP).
“Shine on Forever, Dear AUP,” a compelling command that knows no limit,
keeps inspiring University leaders, workers, and students from all over the world to strive
harder to reach the heights of excellence. Students kept on topping board exams and other
academic competitive tests which helped pave the way for the University to acquire
Deregulated Status on October 22, 2001 and to eventually be awarded an Autonomous
Status on October 27, 2003 for the meritorious achievement in the provision of
instruction, conduct of research, community extension service, high performance of
graduates in licensure examinations, and for maintaining a tradition of integrity,
excellence, and untarnished reputation in educational service.
Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Nursing Programs are accredited
Level III; Accountancy, Master in Business Administration and Master of Arts in
Education Programs are accredited Level II by the Association of Christian Schools,
Colleges and Universities Accrediting Agency, Inc. (ACSCU-AAI).
AUP is accredited as a Level III institution by the Accrediting Association of
Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities with headquarters at the
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.
Administrators, faculty, staff, students, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church
unwaveringly rally behind Adventist University of the Philippines in its commitment to
its Mission, Vision, Philosophy, and calling to “Shine on Forever.”
B. About AUP
Adventist University of the Philippines is a private institution of higher learning, a
Christian boarding school dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence and Christian
values. AUP’s aim is to “train people for service and prepare them for eternity”
C. Philosophy
The work of education and the work of redemption are one: to restore in man the
lost image of his Maker through the harmonious development of his mental, physical,
social, and spiritual faculties.
D. Mission
The Adventist University of the Philippines exists to provide quality Christian
education that facilitates the growth of students so that they may lead lives that are
personally satisfying and may contribute to the welfare of the church and the society that
sustain them.
E. Vision
As a Bible-based institution of higher learning, AUP envisions to become a
world- class center of academic and Christian excellence.
F. Strategic Goals
1. To develop spiritual programs which will lead members of the
University community to a saving, growing relationship with God and a loving,
caring relationship with each other.
2. To create a conducive learning environment that will stimulate high
quality educational experience for faculty, staff and students in a Christian
setting.
3. To foster an academic climate that will promote excellence in research and
publication, that will invigorate both undergraduate and graduate education.
4. To attract, develop, and retain competent faculty and staff who will be
committed to the philosophy, mission, vision, and values of the University.
5. To create an environment that will be proactive and responsive to the needs
of students.
6. To instill a positive work attitude in students.
7. To establish an efficient and effective regular communication with
stakeholders to enhance the image of the University and to establish the
goodwill to support its programs.
8. To expand the internal and external sources of funding the University
programs.
9. To provide efficient and cost-effective services by the support services
departments.
10. To collaborate with the community, constituency, and stakeholders in
the provision of academic and spiritual outreach programs, and humanitarian
services.
G. General Objectives
As the University approaches the ideals expressed in the preceding philosophy,
the educational community will demonstrate the following behaviors as evidenced by:
1. Relationship to God and to fellowmen
a. A knowledge and love of God as the Creator and Redeemer of mankind by the
study of God’s Word—the Holy Bible.
b. An abiding love for one’s country, making it a peaceful and safe place to live
in, leading one to do all he/she can to preserve and improve its natural
resources.
c. A deep love and respect for fellow men with efforts to make life comfortable,
enjoyable, and meaningful to everyone.
d. A high regard and respect for human life, doing all one can to preserve and
prolong it.
2. Curriculum and Instruction
a. Meeting the needs of the clientele through systematic evaluation and revision
of the curricula.
b. Utilizing the best instructional materials and methods to ensure quality
education.
c. Employing qualified and competent faculty and staff in the teaching and
educational community.
d. Upgrading instructional facilities to enhance student learning, leading to a
higher quality of education.
e. Conducting research to help improve the University and the community.
3. Leadership Capabilities and Management Commitment
a. Leading out in projects for community environment.
b. Developing management skills to mobilize people for self-reliance and
community services.
c. Educating the community to become responsive to change and development.
4. Healthy Lifestyle
a. Understanding, appreciating, and applying the basic principles of healthful
living as presented in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy.
b. Cultivating a lifestyle that will guarantee optimum health.
c. Educating the people on healthful living in their communities.
5. Community Extension Services
a. Instructing the educational community on community extension services.
b. Developing leadership and management skills in spearheading community
extension service projects.
6. Sustainable Development
a. Developing the right attitude and appropriate knowledge in conserving,
protecting, and enhancing the environment.
b. Exercising leadership skills in the communities to serve, to protect, and to
enhance the environment toward sustainable development.
c. Initiating activities and research toward sustainable development.
7. Academic Linkages
a. Fostering and maintaining linkages with other local and international
academic institutions
b. Forging and maintaining linkages with government and non-government entities in and out of
the Philippines.
c. Upgrading instructional facilities so students can acquire quality education.
d. Conducting research to help improve the University and the community.
8. The Value and Dignity of Labor
a. Understanding the Biblical instruction about labor.
b. Knowing the values and benefits of labor.
c. Participating in activities that will improve labor skills.
d. Providing opportunities for work education.
e. Improving the work education program.
9. Preparation of Graduates
a. Acquiring skills and knowledge essential to scholastic progress, self- reliance,
and economic independence.
b. Showing competence in the use of the mental, physical, social, and spiritual
faculties in the pursuit of knowledge to improve oneself and the quality of
human life.
c. Total commitment to the use of acquired knowledge, developed attitudes, and
learned skills for the service of God and one’s community.