With more than 84,000 students nationwide, the university now operates campuses in seven cities outside the capital, where most faculty and staff are hired locally.
“We bring talent back to the provinces. NU offers a standardized salary matrix applicable to all our employees across the country. This approach has helped NU make our recruitment more appealing to applicants in provincial regions,” said NU president and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita.
A closer look at the numbers
Local hiring dominates across National University’s provincial campuses, based on employee data.
• NU Cebu: 100 percent local hires in its first academic year
• NU Laguna: 99 percent of employees hired locally
• NU Baliwag: 98 percent local workforce
• NU Bacolod: 96 percent local hires, with limited transferees from other campuses
• NU Dasmariñas, NU Lipa, NU Clark: local employment ranges from 96 percent to 98 percent
Competing for talent, not draining it
By keeping compensation standardized across campuses, NU reduces the need for educators and professionals to move to Metro Manila for better pay.
This also allows provincial campuses to attract and retain talent while letting employees build careers close to home.
An added bonus: NU campuses are located within SM developments, placing schools near transport hubs and everyday services.
Full circle, local impact
“NU is part of SM’s corporate social responsibility. By allowing the campus to be a part of the SM community, accessibility is achieved and affordability is maintained. Transportation hubs are also located near most of the mall-based campuses, allowing safety and convenience for the students and employees,” Dr. Ermita said.
NU’s expansion shows growth does not require moving people out of the provinces.
As it marked its 125th year, the university underscored a model where progress stays local.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
