Legal Mandates
Republic Act No. 9744 serves as the legal basis in the creation of Cebu Technological University (CTU), which established its status as a state university. The Act mandated the conversion of the Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST) System—comprising a main campus in Cebu City and several satellite campuses across Cebu Province—into CTU. These satellite campuses include institutions such as the College of Fisheries in Moalboal, the Agro-industrial and Forestry College in Argao, and the Polytechnic College in Tuburan, among others. This extensive network of campuses highlights CTU’s critical role in addressing the diverse educational needs of the region.
Section 2 of RA 9744, stipulates that general mandate of CTU on its role in education, leadership, and development. The university is tasked with providing advanced professional and technical instruction in disciplines such as industrial trade, agriculture, fishery, forestry, aeronautics, arts and sciences, health sciences, and information technology. Beyond its academic programs, CTU is also responsible for conducting research and extension services that enhance its areas of specialization. Additionally, the university is expected to provide progressive leadership in these fields to drive and sustain innovation
and improvement.
Brief History and Profile
The Cebu Technological University (CTU) traces its beginnings to 1901, originating as the Manual Arts department of the Cebu Normal School, initially known as the Cebu Trade School, as highlighted in Figure 1. When the Cebu Normal School phased out its Secondary Normal Curriculum, the Cebu Trade School was considered for integration with the Cebu Provincial High School across the street, now the site of Abellana National High School along Osmeña Boulevard (formerly Jones Avenue).
By 1911, the Cebu Trade School became independent, establishing its own facilities and appointing two American and three Filipino teachers to handle grades five, six, and seven. Its first intermediate trade graduates completed their studies in 1912 under the leadership of Mr. Jose P. Sevilla, the first principal (1911–1913).
In subsequent years, the school relocated to its current site on Los Martires Street, now Don Mariano Jesus Cuenco Avenue, under Proclamation No. 180 dated August 20, 1928. It transitioned to offering secondary trade education under the stewardship of principals like Mr. Pantaleon C. Regara (1932–1935), Mr. Pedro Catuncan (1935–1938), and Mr. Esteban Lugue (1938–1940). Renamed the Cebu School of Arts and Trades (CSAT) in 1940 under Commonwealth Act No. 313, the institution embraced its role as a National School of Arts and Trades, introducing technical courses amidst the looming threat of World War II.
Wartime Challenges and Post-War Rehabilitation
uring the tenure of Mr. Gregorio J. Sevilla, the fifth principal, World War II severely disrupted operations, with campus buildings burned and students displaced. CSAT reopened on August 1, 1945, using a temporary facility—a warehouse owned by Mr. Carlos Quisumbing at the corner of General Maxilom
and General Echavez Streets. Classes resumed at the Los Martires campus on January 1, 1947, after the site was vacated by American Liberation Forces. However, post-war Cebu’s instability culminated in the tragic assassination of Superintendent Sevilla on January 3, 1948.
Expansion and Academic Growth
Under Superintendent Tranquilino de los Trinos (1949–1951), CSAT became coeducational in 1950, introducing secondary courses and specialized two-year programs such as the Teacher Arts and Trades and Trade Technical Education curricula. Successive leaders, including Mr. Efinito S. Cruz (1951–
1957) and Mr. Ricardo P. Trinidad (1957–1962), further expanded educational offerings.
During Mr. Marcelo S. Bonilla’s tenure (1962–1970), CSAT gained prominence in trade-technical education. Republic Act No. 3742 in 1963, which established the Bureau of Vocational Education (BVE), integrated CSAT into this new entity, separating it from the Bureau of Public Schools. By 1969, CSAT
began offering graduate programs, such as the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
Transition to Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST)
The transformation of CSAT into CSCST began under Superintendent Dr. Atanacio P. Elma (1975–1983), who later became its first president in 1985. Dr. Elma oversaw substantial infrastructure projects, such as administrative, canteen, and science buildings, and supported faculty scholarships both locally and internationally, shaping CSCST into a leading institution.
Establishment of CTU and Advancements
In 2009, CSCST attained university status, becoming Cebu Technological University (CTU) under the leadership of Dr. Bonifacio S. Villanueva. This period saw a significant rise in enrollment, the establishment
of new extension campuses, and thriving academic programs. Dr. Villanueva’s tenure laid a foundation of robust academic and infrastructure development.
Subsequent leadership, including that of Dr. Rosein A. Ancheta Jr., further elevated CTU’s standing. Under Dr. Ancheta, CTU achieved a threestar overall rating from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars in 2020, reflecting its global competitiveness. His initiatives in infrastructure, internationalization, and academic mobility aligned CTU with global standards, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
With the leadership of the new president, Dr. Joseph C. Pepito, CTU is guided by his commitment to education, innovation, and public service, anchored in his principle: “Upholding public interest over and above personal interest is a quintessential imposition.” He emphasizes that as a premier, multidisciplinary, and technological university, CTU must foster strong partnerships with the government, community organizations, research institutions, and industry partners—both local and international—while continuously enhancing higher education standards to create an environment where students can
thrive.
Figure 1. CTU Milestone