Timeline (history of UNO-R)

Founded jointly in 1941 by Dr. Antonio A Lizares and Dr, Francisco Kilayko in Talisay, Negros
Occidental, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) in its early years initially offered only
first and second years of high school education. It was then known as the Occidental Negros Institute
(ONI). When World War II broke out, the institute temporarily closed. (Video –university campus)

Four years later, in 1946, ONI re-opened in Bacolod City where it offered elementary, high school and
three tertiary degree programs (specify the programs).

Because of the steady influx of students from all over the province, in 1950, ONI was transferred from
Locsin Street to Lupit Subdivision in Lizares Avenue, its present site. ONI was run by a local board of
trustees with Dr. Antonio Lizares as the first president and Dr. Francisco Kilayko as the director of the
school.

On May 15, 1957, ONI was raised to a university status and became the University of Negros
Occidental (UNO), the first University in the province.

Five years later, in 1962, UNO was turned over into the hands of the Augustinian Recollect fathers
who brought with them a wealth of experiences in the field of education. UNO, then, became the
University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos with Fr. Federico Terradillos, OAR, as the first acting Rector.
Over the years, with the sprawling 15 hectares, 14 presidents have made many significant contributions
to the university. Each president had a distinctive management style. But all the presidents shared a
common goal of building a great university providing holistic education and catholic tradition. (pictures
of the 14 presidents). In 1968, the administration building, the university’s first building, was
inaugurated.(video –main lobby)

On September 10, 1996, the prestigious new library now known as Fray Luis de Leon was inaugurated.
On June 1, 1998 a new building was erected, the oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine. In 2001, UNO-R
was granted deregulated status by the Commission on Higher Education. Three years later on December
10, 2004, the Medical Technology Program was awarded certificate of accreditation by the Philippine
Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU).The following year, on May 6,
2005, the Elementary Department was also awarded a certificate of accreditation by the Philippine
Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) for having satisfactorily met the
standard and fulfilled the requirements of PAASCU.

Over the years, UNO-R envisions itself as a Catholic Institution giving witness to the Augustinian
Recollect charism- Marian, apostolic, contemplative and communitarian, as a way of living Christian
faith; a true Catholic Institution offering an Augustinian Recollect style of education that responds to the
needs of the Church, the Filipino society and the world and a partner of the government in the
development of the young to be productive, enlightened and upright whose hearts and minds is not
only focused on their individual good but also on the welfare and well-being of the entire Filipino nation
with special concern for the weak and the poor . (video of religious activities-mass of the holy spirit
advent mass, first communion, recollection etc)
 The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos translates its mission statements into the four steps
domains of schooling:

In academic- continuing education with the religion as the core to qualified persons with preferential
option for the poor from the elementary to the graduate level; (testimonies of 2009 summa cum laude-
CBA and best student assistant)

In non-academic: opening of opportunities for the development of skills and talents in the areas of
sports and cultural endeavors; (testimonies of Saicy Aguila,Shandel Revalez & 1 best male athlete)

Community extension: Complementation of the study programs with inter-disciplinary outreach

projects that will enable the academic community to be actively involved in the promotion of the total
development of man (videos of UCDO/colleges’ community outreach projects)

And research for the enrichment of the existing academic programs and broadening of knowledge
through functional, ethical researches for the authentic good of individuals and the society. (testimonies
from teachers who availed of RPDO’s research incentive package or RPDO Director)

The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos has provided the country with excellent graduates who
are well rounded In their world of intellectual, physical, social and aesthetic development. Its founding
core values are interiority, love, Marian discipleship, moral integrity, service, passion for excellence,
community life and justice and peace. (videos of the different program offerings of the eight collegesM

UNO-Recoletos has eight colleges. These eight colleges offer __ undergraduate majors,__ master
program and ___ doctoral programs. UNO-R has an academic history of 48 years with a total of____
graduates (video on the facilities of the eight colleges) From 1954 – 2009 UNO-R has produced 139
board and bar topnotchers.( Video-testimonies of 3 topnotchers)

Since its founding, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos has honored holistic education as the
mission of the university. In keeping with this mission and with its catholic identity, UNO-Recoletos
makes every effort to foster a diverse catholic learning environment. Through its program offerings and
to its earnest pursuit for knowledge, UNO-Recoletos provides its students with the knowledge and
flexibility they need to respond to the challenges they will face in this new world (video on ceremonies,
activities).

Much of the charm of UNO-Recoletos lies in its large beautifully maintained campus. (videos on the
different buildings, caritas et scientia park etc.) The university Fray Luis de Leon library has the largest
collection of books, articles, audio visual materials in a wide range of fields in Western Visayas. (video
outside and inside of the library-establishing shots)

On March 31, 2009 UNO-R was granted Autonomous Status - an award of distinction given by the
office of the president and the Commission on Higher Education for a continuing exemplary
performance in the trilogy of functions of a higher education institution in instruction, research and
public services and in recognition of the outstanding performance of its graduates which manifest its
genuine commitment to quality excellence and global competitiveness.
 Presently, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos stands a living symbol of quality Catholic
Christian Education: UNO-Recoletos draws inspiration from St. Augustine’s theme, “Caritas et Scientia, “
in the pursuit of her goals for the students in all levels.

UNO-Recoletos , the first catholic university, a cradle of excellence never stops kindling the hearts,
probing the minds and enlivening the spirits of its students. UNO-Recoletos has an academic history of
approximately 48 years with a total of _____ graduates. UNO-Recoletos moving forward … ..One heart
Recoletos, ….One knowledge.. the Recollect education… One school….. UNO-Recoletos!