The University of the East (UE) has officially unveiled its 80th foundation anniversary logo, marking the start of its year-long celebration for eight decades of service in Philippine education.
Carrying the theme “Honoring the past, building the future,” the logo features a golden oak tree symbolizing strength, growth and UE’s enduring legacy since its founding in 1946.
“This logo reflects who we are and where we are headed—deeply rooted in our history, yet firmly focused on the future. As we move toward our September celebration, UE remains committed to delivering accessible, quality and future-ready education while continuing to build on a legacy that has served our students for eight decades,” said UE President Zosimo Battad.
UE traces its roots to September 1946, when the late Dr. Francisco T. Dalupan and his partners opened CPA review classes in Manila. The modest beginning quickly gained recognition after four of its first reviewees became topnotchers in the 1947 CPA board exams. The institution was formally registered as the Philippine College of Commerce and Business Administration on September 25, 1946, before being granted university status and renamed University of the East on July 4, 1950.
“Reaching 80 years is both a milestone and a responsibility. It reminds us that UE’s legacy was built on resilience, relevance, and service—and that same spirit continues to guide how we educate, innovate and contribute to national development today,” Battad added.
Over the decades, UE grew into one of the country’s leading higher education institutions, becoming the largest university in Asia in terms of enrollment in the 1960s and 1970s, with a peak of more than 67,000 students in school year 1977-1978.
UE currently ranks no. 5 among Philippine private universities in Asia in the Applied Higher Education Private University Ranking All Asia 2026, and no. 9 in Manila and no. 20 in the Philippines based on EduRank.org. UE’s College of Computer Studies and Systems is also recognized by CHED as a Center of Excellence in IT education.
At present, UE operates campuses in Manila and Caloocan, offering programs from basic education to graduate studies, including law, dentistry, engineering, business, fine arts, and information technology. UE Manila holds an autonomous status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), while UE Caloocan is CHED-regulated. A new campus in Eton City, Sta. Rosa, Laguna is also set to open as part of its major expansion outside of Metro Manila and into Southern Luzon.
Throughout its nearly 80-year history, UE has produced hundreds of licensure exam topnotchers, award-winning artists, champion athletes, and national and international leaders and changemakers in both the public and private sectors.
With more than a million alumni worldwide, UE continues to honor its past while shaping future generations, as it heads toward its milestone 80th anniversary celebration in September.
Among UE’s notable alumni are former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, Supreme Court Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Juliet Manalo-San Gaspar, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Dante Tinga, Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta, PCSO Chairman Felix Reyes, and election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, among others
