Brief History

ABOUT US

The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) boasts of diverse program offerings, a highly competent teaching force, and complete facilities to ensure that its students receive quality instruction and skills-based education. As a testament to its pursuit of excellence, USPF’s programs have been granted accreditations by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). USPF is also among the few institutions in Region 7 to have the Level III accreditation status.
USPF has over 50 course offerings in the fields of arts and sciences, business management and accountancy, computer studies, engineering and architecture, education, and health sciences. The university aims to produce a pool of conscientious professionals in these various fields who will respond to the needs of the community.
Today USPF has a growing population of international students. For over 60 years as a university and 90 years as an academic institution, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation has served the nation by producing professionals in different fields of specialization thereby making USPF true to its commitment.
Today USPF has a growing population of international students. For over 60 years as a university and 90 years as an academic institution, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation has served the nation by producing professionals in different fields of specialization thereby making USPF true to its commitment.
Under the leadership of the current university president Atty. Paulino A. Yabao, USPF has a growing population of both local and international students. In the near future, USPF envisions being a premier educational institution that responds to the high demands of producing globally competitive graduates. University of Southern Philippines Foundation will then become the hub for a technology-based academic institution that promotes professionalism, integrity, excellence and social responsibility. USPF will continue to respond to the needs of the community and its clientele by innovating programs and creating avenues for quality student services.

History

Agustin Jereza, Virgilio Gonzales, Miguel Sanson, Mrs. Natividad Villa-Albino, Felipe Ouano, Fructuoso Ramos, Hipolito Andrada, and Dr. Jose Mirasol felt the need to establish a private, non-sectarian educational institution that could offer high standards of instruction but within the reach of the average man in the community.
On May 14, 1927, these notable men and women founded the University of Southern Philippines, which was called Southern Institute at the time. The school offered a complete elementary course and the first two years of secondary education to 121 students at a rented building in Colon Street, Cebu City. In 1929, the school produced their first fifteen graduates.
Collegiate courses were opened in 1933. With the offering of complete collegiate courses in the Arts and Sciences, Education, Commerce, Law, the Southern Institute changed its name to The Southern College in 1937. Sadly, the Second World War razed the school buildings to the ground, with the exception of the façade of the Administration Building. The U.S. Army occupied the campus. The school was reconstructed and re-opened at Camputhaw (now Lahug) in 1945.
Having attained university status, the name Southern College was changed to University of Southern Philippines on July 8, 1949.
In 1959, USP was converted into a non-stock, non-profit foundation. On May 28, 1959, it was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a foundation.
In 1962, Engr. Agustin Jereza established the USP Lahug Campus, which is located in Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City.
In 1977, the University celebrated its Golden Jubilee.
USPF is a member of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). To date, 12 programs are accredited by the PACUCOA and an additional 6 programs have undergone an Orientation Visit in preparation for the Candidate Status.

This 2024, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation celebrates 97 years as an academic institution and 75 years as a university staying true to its commitment to serve the nation by producing professionals in different fields of specialization.

USPF continues to be a premiere educational institution that responds to the high demands of producing globally competitive graduates, who uphold the values of professionalism, integrity, excellence, and social responsibility.

#TransformingLivesSince1927