Founded on July 15, 1964, the UE College of Fine Arts Architecture and Design(CFAD) was originally established at the UE Ramon Magsaysay Research Center for Sciences, Humanities and Culture located on Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City. The Cultural School embraced three disciplines in its Conservatory – Music, School of Fine Arts and the Ballet School. It was formally opened on August 3, 1964, and was later renamed the School of Music and Arts. In a very short period of time, the School made a name especially in the Fine Arts, when the students garnered awards in various art competitions. It eventually evolved into quality institute of learning, contributing new names to Philippine art.
In May 1981, in the course of new developments in the University, the school of Music and the Ballet School were phased out, and the School of Fine Arts had to transfer to UE Caloocan Campus. Twelve years later, the School was elevated to College status.
Today, the UE College of Fine Arts continues to make its mark as among the premier art institutions in the country, offering students opportunities to develop into professional visual artists. With its focus on both comprehensive and fundamental art training and digital art technology, the students are kept abreast of the aesthetic and creative demands of the times.
The late National Artist Col. Antonio Buenaventura (retired) served concurrently as the Director of the School and the conservatory; known ballerina and ballet master Joji Felix Velarde headed the Ballet School while a noted music critic, pianist and educator who later became the School’s Assitant Directress, Prof. Vilma R. Santiago Felipe, was Secretary Registrar. The late Prof. Pablo J. Victoria, then a well-known artist, led the School of Fine Arts and developed it for ten intensive years, leaving a tradition and foundation for the present CFAD. In 1974, after a decade of service, Prof. Victoria returned full time to the College of education, entrusting the College to Prof. Teofilo A. Montifar, a respected artist and faculty member. Prof. Montifar acted as the Director but had to leave the country after a year. With his departure, the directorship was turned over to Prof. Florencio B. Concepcion, another faculty member who had then just earn his MFA degree in painting in Italy.
For twelve years since 1981, Director Concepcion ran the school in keeping with the tradition started by Prof. Victoria. With another change in the leadership of the University, the School was elevated to College status, and its director was named Dean. Unfortunately, Dean Concepcion in his 29th year of service, had to retire for health reasons. Associate Dean Jesus P. Rivera, an alumnus and one of the outstanding graduates under Prof. Victoria, held the position of Officer-In-Charge.
Mr. Roberto Marcelo A. Robles, a former faculty member who, after finishing his MFA at the University of Tsukuba, returned to UE and was appointed CFAD Dean in 1995. Dean Robles headed the College until his resignation in April 1997. Prof. Angelito L. de Guzman, the College Secretary, took over as Officer-in-Charge until December 1997, when Mr. Alfredo C. Rebillion Sr., an Advertising and Editorial design alumnus of the UP college of Fine Arts, took over as acting Dean. Acting Dean Rebellon became the full-fledged Dean in January 1998. Following Dean Rebellon’s retirement, College Secretary De Guzman was again appointed CFAD Officer-in-Charge from April 2001 until Mr. Gerardo M. Tan – a mixed-media artist whose works have been exhibited here and abroad was appointed Dean in June 2001. Today, the dean of the college is Celino Santiago, an architecture graduate who was appointed last June 2007.
GOALS
The CFAD aims to offer opportunities for students “to develop professionals in the visual arts” oriented to creativity and elucidation of mind together with artistic technical excellence. It adheres strongly to the noble mission of the University, with a particular disciplinary awareness of “placing the blessing of the Fine Arts within the reach of the people”.
