Manila: The University of the East (UE) is opening its doors wider for future students as it waives the college entrance examination for the school year 2026-2027 to mark its 79th founding anniversary this week. In a news release Monday, UE president and chief academic officer Zosimo Battad highlighted the university’s unwavering pursuit of academic excellence for nearly eight decades, serving as a gateway to education for generations of Filipinos.
According to Philippines News Agency, Battad expressed pride in the university’s long-standing commitment to providing affordable, quality education to Filipino youth, and its role in nation-building through education, medical care, and cultural and sports excellence. As part of the anniversary celebrations, UE will offer free college entrance tests, career talks, and open house tours on October 9 and 10, 2025, at its Manila and Caloocan campuses for Grade 12 students and other prospective first-year college students for the 2026-2027 academic year.
This year’s anniversary, themed ‘Discover the UEverse,’ includes various activities such as masses, a research forum, and employee recognition rites, led by UP professor and former Education undersecretary Dina Ocampo. Battad emphasized that the initiative underscores UE’s mission to make quality higher education more accessible.
Established in 1946 as the Philippine College of Commerce and Business Administration, UE achieved university status in 1950. In 1990, it was acquired by business tycoon and philanthropist Lucio Tan, who views education as a crucial investment in the country’s future. Besides its main campus on Recto Avenue and its Caloocan campus, UE also operates the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC) in Quezon City, recognized as one of the country’s top medical schools.
UE also maintains a strong presence in sports, with the UE Red Warriors competing in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball. The Red Warriors boast one of the longest championship streaks in UAAP basketball history, securing seven consecutive titles from 1965 to 1971.
