PHINMA Education expands campuses to widen access for underserved

Insider Spotlight

• PHINMA Education opens new academic buildings in Cebu and Quezon City
• Facilities will accommodate thousands of additional students from underserved communities
• Expansion reinforces the network’s affordable, no-frills education model
• Developments align with local government goals to broaden access to higher education
  
  

PHINMA Education is expanding its physical footprint to reach more underserved Filipinos, inaugurating two new academic facilities that will allow the network to welcome thousands of additional students across its campuses.

Why it matters

The move supports PHINMA Education’s long-standing mission to make quality higher education accessible to lower middle- and lower-income families, addressing persistent gaps in access to college education in urban communities.

The developments

The network recently inaugurated the 10-story Ramon V. del Rosario Building at Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA in Cebu, alongside the Aurora Building at PHINMA St. Jude College Quezon City. 

Combined, the facilities are expected to accommodate up to 12,000 more students in the coming years.

What they’re saying

“Our dream is to build SWU PHINMA into an accessible world-class university—to provide access to those who need a world-class education more than most, the lower middle to even the lower income families of this country,” Chito Salazar, president and CEO of PHINMA Education, said in a press release. 

“We shall endeavor to expand opportunities, not restrict them, for this broader segment of society by applying PHINMA Education strategies of bare bones and no frills to keep our university affordable while at the same time providing an outstanding education,” Salazar added.

In Cebu

The inauguration of the RVR Building at SWU PHINMA, held on Dec. 12, 2025, was attended by the del Rosario family and PHINMA leadership led by chair and CEO Ramon R. del Rosario Jr. 

The building honors PHINMA founder Ambassador Ramon V. del Rosario, whose values of integrity, service, and nation-building continue to guide the education network.

The opening also coincides with the 10th anniversary of SWU PHINMA under the PHINMA Education Network. As it enters its next decade, the university is strengthening its focus on community engagement, social programs, and research addressing local issues in Sambag Uno, Sambag Dos, and broader Cebu City communities.

In Quezon City

PHINMA Education also formally opened the Aurora Building at PHINMA St. Jude College in Cubao last Dec. 15. The facility complements the institution’s 18th Avenue campus and supports efforts by the Quezon City government to widen access to affordable, future-oriented education.

“By opening this campus, we are doing more than expanding access to education. We are reminding young people that they have the power to change the course of their lives,” said Happy Tan, PHINMA Education Philippines country head.

“Here, anyone can pursue a college education, become a licensed professional, find meaningful work, and finally honor the sacrifices of their families,” Tan added. 

What’s next

With the Aurora Building now operational, PHINMA SJC QC will expand programs in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Education, and introduce new degrees in Engineering and Architecture to meet growing industry and community demand.

PHINMA Education, the largest private school network in Southeast Asia, serves more than 178,000 students across the Philippines and Indonesia and continues to focus on expanding access to education as a core nation-building strategy. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma