Baliuag University inaugurated today

We are glad that we now have universities being established not only in major cities, but even in old towns. Today, for instance, they will be inaugurating the Baliuag University and the celebration will coincide with the investiture of its first president, Dr. Alicia Santiago-Bustos.

Baliuag was the tenth town founded by the Augustinians in Bulacan way back in 1734. As we know, the Augustinians were the first religious order that operated in the Philippines and up to the present. Baliuag commemorates its fiesta on Aug. 28, feast of St. Augustine. Baliuag has the distinction of being the very first municipality organized during the American Regime.

It was way back in 1925 that Baliuag Institute was established as a small high school with only 75 students. Four years later, it had its first graduation rites with only three students who managed to finish the four-year course. Among them was Alejo S. Santos, who became Defense Secretary and who ran for the presidency of the Philippines against no less a figure than President Ferdinand Marcos. During the Japanese occupation, Baliuag Institute was closed by the enemy forces and transformed into the Japanese headquarters. The Institute reopened in 1943 and as the town grew the Institute progressed with the town.

By 1946, it was already offering college courses and by 1947, it was renamed Baliuag Junior College. Students came from as far as Pampanga and Nueva Ecija. It became a member of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities in 1962 and by 1986, it had assumed the name Baliuag Colleges.

The educational leader behind Baliuag College was Domingo B. Santiago, who despite being born in poverty graduated valedictorian in the Baliuag Elementary School in 1916.

Now the Baliuag University will be under Dr. Alicia Santiago-Bustos, who obtained her Doctor of Education Degree from Indiana University in the United States, not to mention her specialization in Education from Miami University. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Professional Award in Education from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association.

Education is the only real solution to all the world’s problems. We are glad that the private sector is doing its share in giving educational opportunities all over the country.