Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP)
Established: April 25, 1973
Office of the Rector
University of Santo Tomas, España St., 1008 Manila
National Secretariat
c/o Office of Public Affairs
Rm. 104 Main Bldg., University of Santo Tomas, España St., 1008 Manila
Tel.: (02) 731-3544 • Tel./Fax: (02) 740-9727
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Its Beginnings
Inspired by a number of ecclesiastical documents on education such as the
Vatican II’s Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis),
the creation of an association that would coordinate the efforts of
Catholic universities toward their shared mission and vision was realized.
In 1969, the first inspiration came from Msgr. Carmine Rocco, then Apostolic
Nuncio to the Philippines. During the meeting held on February
27, 1973 among university administrators, Msgr. Rocco reiterated the
formation of a coordinating body for Catholic universities in the Philippines.
Then, in October 1972, during the visit of Msgr. Leonardo Legaspi,
O.P. (as Rector of the University of Santo Tomas) to Misereor, Germany,
the matter on the formation of a coordinating body for Catholic universities
was brought out by Mr. Gunther Linden and Mr. Pils themselves in
the presence of Msgr. Julio Xavier Labayen and Msgr. Carmelo Morelos.
At a meeting held on April 25, 1973 among the heads of Catholic universities,
the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP)
was formed to respond to a felt need for mutual cooperation among
leading Catholic universities to make education an active instrument
in promoting social justice and development in the country. It was realized
that only by binding these universities into a strong association
would education be utilized as a potent force in building a just and humane
society through effectively synchronized educational programs
that would bring about maximum benefits to the greater number of
students in particular, and society in general.
Today, the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines continues
in its commitment “to promote the quality of education in general and
to advance the cause of Catholic education in particular.”
ITS MISSION AND PURPOSE
Mission and Vision Statement
The Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc. (ACUP), an organization
of Catholic universities, envisions to promote and to enhance the
Christian identity of its member institutions as leading centers of teaching,
research and service.
It is committed to truth and the advancement of the dignity of human persons
and their culture especially that of the Filipino people. As a community
dedicated to higher learning, it seeks to foster and ensure quality Catholic
education in the Philippines.
Purposes
1. To promote the quality of education in general and to advance the cause of
Catholic education in particular;
2. To promote better coordination and cooperation among its members
through mutual consultation on common programs, problems, and concerns
and to find workable solution;
3. To strengthen the moral influence and role of Catholic universities in the
light of government actions which may affect the educational system in
any way;
4. To assist in every way not contrary to law, all agencies concerned with the
growth and development of Philippine Education; and
5. To seek financial assistance for the support of the development programs
and projects of member institutions.
Goals
1. To provide venues for consultation on common educational concerns;
2. To organize Training Programs for teachers, catechists and others who
share in the Church’s mission;
3. To articulate the position of Catholic universities on issues and policies
involving the educational system in our country;
4. To contribute to social transformation by helping to seek and discover
the root cause of contemporary problems having to do with:
The dignity of human life;
The promotion of justice for all;
The protection of nature;
A more just sharing of world resources;
A special concern for their ethical
and religious implications;
5. To establish linkage and networking with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of the Philippines and other agencies; and
6. To coordinate with funding institutions for assistance.
MEMBERSHIP
1. The members of the Association shall be existing Catholic universities
who have signed the Articles of Incorporation and those who may
thereafter be admitted as members.
2. The Catholic institution of learning which has attained the full status of
a university in accordance with the law and requirements of appropriate
government agencies may become a member of the Association
upon written application filed with the Secretariat.
3. The Board shall decide on the application for membership of the University.
4. The Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
shall be an honorary member who shall enjoy all the rights of regular
members except the right to vote.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The government, management and direction of the Association shall be
vested in a Board of Directors, consisting of nine members. They will
be elected every two years by the members of the Association from
among the member Universities at a General Meeting called for the
purpose provided further that those member Universities nominated
are in good standing and must be represented.
ACUP Board of Directors
2023-2025
President: Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, C.I.C.M (Saint Louis University)
Vice-President: Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang. O.P (University of Santo Tomas)
Corporate Secretary: Sr. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, R.V.M (University of Immaculate Conception)
Treasurer: Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC (De La Salle University)
Secretary General: Asst. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, Ph. D. (University of Santo Tomas)
Members: Rev. Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, C.M. (Adamson University);
Br. Manuel V. De Leon, F.M.S. (Notr e Dame of Dadiangas
University); Br. Paterno S. Corpus, F.M.S. (Notre Dame of
Marbel University); Rev. Fr. Aloysius MA. A. Maranan, O.S.B.
(San Benda University); Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang,
C.I.C.M. (University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
1. The officers of the Association shall be a President, Vice President, Treasurer,
Secretary General, Corporate Secretary and such other officers that it may
deem proper and necessary to appoint.
2. The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the Directors from among
the member institutions with the exception of the Secretary General and
the Corporate Secretary who need not be a Director and may not necessarily
come from any member institution.
COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
The President shall, with the approval of the Board of Directors , create
such standing and special committees and commissions as may be
necessary to carry out the goals and purposes of the Association.
FINANCE
The General Fund of the Association shall consist of an annual membership
fee as determined by the Board of Directors, interest on bank
deposits, earnings from investments of the General Fund and other
income received by gift, bequest, devise, donation, fund raising activities
and others.