HISTORY OF NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY

The legacy of the OMIs in the field of education has left its indelible mark especially in the
history of Notre Dame University, an Oblate educational institution founded in 1948. Below is the
narration of the history of the school quoted directly from NDU’s official webpage. NDU was
established is response to the education needs of the people in Mindanao at a time when quality
education was largely inaccessible to most of the population. NDU has thrived through the years,
eventually reaching an autonomous status as of the present. Times may have changed but Notre
Dame University continues to provide an education of Oblate character, one that produces the
agents and leaders for social transformation in Mindanao, in the country and in the world, all in
furtherance of the rights and welfare of the poor and the most abandoned.

The Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate came to the Philippines
on September 25, 1939 upon the invitation of Bishop Luis del Rosario, S.J. of Zamboanga. Taking
over from the Jesuits, the Oblates continued the evangelization of the Empire Province of Cotabato
and the Sulu-Tawi-Tawi group of islands. With fidelity to the Christian faith, they sought to win
friends and allies among the Christian, Muslim and Indigenous People populace in the heart of
Morolandia.
The Pacific War in 1941 interrupted the Oblate Mission in Mindanao. Some Oblates were
taken as prisoners and incarcerated at the University of Santo Tomas by the Japanese. After the
war, the Oblates returned to their mission stations in Cotabato and Sulu. Although faced with the
gargantuan task of reconstruction and rehabilitation, they were undaunted. They forged ahead
pursuing their mission with greater zeal, vigor and vitality in the spirit of their founder, St. Eugene
de Mazenod.
The Oblates established the Notre Dame College (now Notre Dame University) in 1948. It
was the first college founded in Cotabato City and the entire Empire Province of Cotabato, a vast
territory comprising the present-day provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani,
Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal,
and General Santos. Although primarily established as a teacher training institution, it offered
courses in Liberal Arts, Commerce and Elementary Education, the most basic courses needed in
the context.
Fr. Robert E. Sullivan, OMI was its first Dean. Mr. Juan Sinco was the Registrar and Mr.
Samuel Cabiles was the Librarian. The pioneering faculty of eight members included Fr. Robert
Sullivan, OMI; Bro. Maurus James Doherty, FMS; Bro. Damian Teston, FMS; Mother Ma. Isabel
Purificacion, RVM; Mrs. Nilda Quintana; RTC Judge Vicente Cusi Jr.; Atty. Matias Basco; and
Mr. Alfredo Gimenez.

In the 40's...
Building on the Ravages of
War
The College started operating without a building of its own. The first 128 students attended
classes at the Notre Dame of Cotabato Girls Department Building, which was a property of the
RVM sisters.
The second semester enrollment dropped with only 98 students. There were only eight
students in the summer of the first School Year 1948-1949. However, this did not cause any
discouragement to the Oblates. On the contrary, they ushered new ventures and broke new grounds
in the work of evangelization.
In 1949, the Notre Dame College acquired its own building adjacent to the Immaculate
Conception Cathedral and the Notre Dame Press along Quezon Avenue. The school was located
practically in the heart of Cotabato City. The School Year 1950-1951 ushered brighter hopes for
the young College. As enrollment increased, the administration felt the need to expand its course
offerings. A new course in Education was introduced to students wanting to teach in the secondary
level. In addition, the ROTC Unit was organized with the offering of military science and tactics
for the male population of the college.

In the 50's...
Breaking New Grounds in the
Work of Evangelization
through Education
In 1952, Fr. John P. Murphy, OMI succeeded Fr. Sullivan as Dean of the College. In 1953,
the College received full Government Recognition for its course offerings in Liberal Arts,
Commerce and Education. In the same year, the College of Law started offering first year law
subjects.
In 1954, Fr. James W. Burke, OMI became the Dean of the College. For three years, 1954
to 1957, the College further expanded its course offerings to meet the growing needs of the
community. During Fr. Burke's term, the Normal College was opened with complete courses in
Elementary Education leading to the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. In
1956, the two-year pre-nursing course was offered.
In 1954, Notre Dame College put up the Elementary Training Department, a laboratory
school for students pursuing teacher education. However, enrolment was limited to boys. At the
time of its opening, there were only two other private elementary schools in the city – one was also
a Catholic school but admitting only girls while the other catered primarily to children of Chinese
parentage or extraction.
In 1957, Fr. John P. Murphy, OMI assumed as Dean for the second time, replacing Fr.
Burke who was elected Superior of the OMI Philippine Province. Under his leadership, the Notre
Dame College embarked on new ventures not only in its course offerings but also in its physical
plant and facilities.
Owing to the yearly increase in enrollment in the college, the administration saw the need
to find a new school site that could accommodate its growing population. The new school site was
chosen and approved in the late 1950’s. No less than the Very Rev. Leo Deschatelets, OMI, the
Superior General of the Oblate Congregation, came all the way from Rome to Cotabato City to lay
the cornerstone and bless the college grounds. This momentous event took place on February 27,
1959.
The construction of the new building and acquisition of facilities went in full swing despite
financial problems. At one time, the construction had to be stopped due to lack of funds; yet the
Oblates’ faith in God’s providence never waned.

In the 60's...
Becoming a UNIVERSITY
In June 1960, classes were transferred to the newly constructed Burke Building, named
after Fr. James Burke, OMI, the Oblate Provincial Superior from 1957 to 1963. On February 19,
1961, the new college building was inaugurated and blessed by His Excellency Archbishop
Salvatore Siino, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines. It was a grand affair, marking one of the
significant events in the history of Notre Dame College
By the Academic Year 1962-1963, other buildings were constructed – the Faculty House,
the Elementary Training Department, and the Technical Building.
The decade of the 1960s brought further innovations in the curricular offerings. The
College of Engineering was opened. Subjects common to Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical
Engineering were offered in the first and second years. In 1965, a complete course leading to the
Degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering was given Government Recognition. The
Graduate School offered courses leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Education. The
Technical School also got the Government Permit and Recognition in 1965 and 1967 respectively.
The Technical School offered a complete secondary high school and vocational education. These
developments were made possible under the leadership of Fr. Philip F. Smith, OMI who assumed
as Rector of the College in 1964.
In 1968, a new Administration-Science-Auditorium Building was constructed. It was
inaugurated in March 1969 and was dedicated to Dan and Ana O'Keefe who gave substantial
donations for its completion.
1969 was a historic year in the life of the College. In an order signed by the Secretary of
Education, Dr. Onofre Corpuz, and the Director of Private Schools, Dr. Narciso Albarracin, Notre
Dame College was elevated to University status on March 11, 1969.
The elevation of Notre Dame College into a full-fledged University came to be the capstone
and the crowning glory of the educational leadership of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in
Southern Philippines. It exemplified the untiring zeal of the Oblates in providing relevant and
dynamic education through the apostolate of teaching. For the Oblates, it signified a beginning of
a new era of renewed commitment to the education ministry.
Notre Dame University was formally inaugurated on September 9, 1969 at the same time
it marked its 21st year as a higher education institution. It was highlighted by the investiture of the
Very Rev. Joseph Milford, OMI as the first University President and the installation of the Very
Rev. Philip F. Smith, OMI as the first University Rector. In his inaugural address, Fr. Milford said,
“We are a Catholic University. This is not a distinction of limitation but a directional beam for
truth which is the constant quest of all universities.”

In the 70's...
Surviving the Conflicts and
Disasters
The decade of the 70’s brought about significant changes in the life of the University. From
a struggling small College in 1948, it metamorphosed into a University in twenty-one years of its
existence. One significant change was the assumption of the first Filipino President, the Rev. Fr.
Orlando Quevedo, OMI (who would later be elevated as a bishop and eventually as His Eminence
Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, the first Cardinal of the Philippine Church from Mindanao). The
formal installation of the new President took place on January 30, 1971.
In his inaugural address, Fr. Quevedo stressed that "The aim of the University is human
resource development within the community." He added that the role of NDU is "to grapple with
the problems of a developing region through its teaching, and its research and that failure to do so
could be tragic betrayal of academic thrust".
At the height of the MNLF wars in the early 70's, NDU was not spared from the conflict.
The skirmishes affected not only the peace and order situation but also the economy. NDU was
swarmed by soldiers belonging to the 21st and 25th Army Battalions who were on the lookout for
rebel snipers within the vicinity of the University. The student population at the University
suddenly dropped to less than 2,000 by 1973. One student was killed and two others were wounded
on different occasions by stray bullets.
But the period also saw qualitative developments at NDU. On October 28, 1971, six
administrative assistants were named and appointed Department Heads by the President. Their
primary function was to assist the Deans of the different colleges (Liberal Arts – Prof. Fe Angeles
Lopez (Acting Dean); Commerce – Mr. Cresencio Lopez; Teachers College – Prof. Aurora Carag;
Engineering – Engr. Jose M. Rodriguez Jr; Graduate School – Fr. Cuthbert Billman; Law – Atty.
Ramon Carag) in the preparation of curricular offerings, scheduling of class programs, and
supervision of instruction. The appointees were: Mr. Eugenio Echavez - Accounting; Mrs. Fe
Angeles Lopez - English; Mrs. Editha Tugbo - Language; Mr. Ceferino Costales - Mathematics;
Mrs. Luz Tolentino - Natural Science and Mrs. Angelina Reyes - Social Sciences.
 In 1972, the Planning and Development Office was created with Mr. Guillermo Hagad as
Planning and Development Officer. In the same year, the Socio-Economic Research Center
(SERC) was established with Ms. Eva Kimpo-Tan as Director. This center was envisioned to be
the research arm of the University that would provide direction in planning, research, education
and training and technical assistance in research and socio-economic development concerns to the
people of the region.
In 1974, NDU opened its Nursing College as approved by the Bureau of Private Schools.
In June 1975, the College of Commerce offered two new courses: Management and Financial
Management. In November 1975, three new graduate courses were offered: Master of Arts in
Education major in Elementary School Management/ Secondary School Management; and Master
of Arts in Guidance.
At a time when the University was heading towards development, the unexpected came.
At about 12:13 midnight on August 17, 1976, a strong earthquake of tectonic origin rocked
Cotabato City causing damage to buildings, roads, schools, houses and other structures. Then came
the tsunamis wiping out thousands of houses in the coastal areas. Thousands of people died and
tens of thousands more were left homeless.
The destructive force of the earthquake did not spare NDU. The Administration-Science-
Auditorium Building collapsed. The Burke and Technical Buildings suffered severe cracks. For
two weeks, classes were suspended to give way to reconstruction and rehabilitation. Classes
resumed on September 1, 1976. Semestral classes ended on October 23 instead of the second week.
The earthquake had left NDU in ruins, but it survived. Survival proved to be a great task
for the new University President.
Fr. Jose Roberto Arong, OMI faced the task of reconstruction and rehabilitation. He was
the third President of the University and the second Filipino to occupy such position.
In 1977, the Quinn and McGrath Buildings were built to house the Engineering College.
In due time, Fr. Arong was able to facilitate the rehabilitation of damaged buildings and even
added to his accomplishment a new building, the Archbishop Gerard Mongeau Chapel, which
became the heart of the University. The Chapel was consecrated in September 1981.
Parallel with the physical improvement was an upgrading of the University's academic
offerings. In 1976, the Graduate School offered M.A. in Public Administration, followed by the
offering of M.A. in Business Administration in 1980.
In response to parents’ pressure, girls were admitted to Elementary Training Department
in School Year 1978-1979. More sections were opened in the lower grades starting School Year
1980-1981. Kindergarten classes were opened in 1986.
On June 12, 1982, Fr. Jose D. Ante, OMI succeeded Fr. Arong, OMI as the 4th President
of NDU. In his stint as University President, Fr. Ante was elected President of the Catholic
Educational Association of the Philippines.
 The University’s new Science Building named Archbishop Philip Smith Science Hall, a
three-storey structure with a roof deck, housing the laboratories and lecture rooms for the basic
science courses was blessed on February 17, 1983. The same year saw also the construction of
Deckert Building that houses the Business Office.

In the 80's...
The University’s new era...
In response to parents’ pressure, girls were admitted to Elementary Training Department
in School Year 1978-1979. More sections were opened in the lower grades starting School Year
1980-1981. Kindergarten classes were opened in 1986.
On June 12, 1982, Fr. Jose D. Ante, OMI succeeded Fr. Arong, OMI as the 4th President
of NDU. In his stint as University President, Fr. Ante was elected President of the Catholic
Educational Association of the Philippines.
The University’s new Science Building named Archbishop Philip Smith Science Hall, a
three-storey structure with a roof deck, housing the laboratories and lecture rooms for the basic
science courses was blessed on February 17, 1983. The same year saw also the construction of
Deckert Building that houses the Business Office.
On December 8, 1988, the USAID-financed De Mazenod Building and was blessed and
dedicated. Ambassador Nicholas Platt, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, graced the occasion
that was attended by prominent city, provincial, and military officials.

In the 90's...
The University was projected
in the limelight of academic
excellence
In 1992, Fr. Eliseo R. Mercado, Jr., OMI became the 5th President succeeding Fr. Jose
Ante, OMI. With his innovative leadership, Fr. Mercado initiated much needed reforms at the
University and sought support from funding agencies to gradually regain the University’s financial
stability.
The University was projected in the limelight of academic excellence, peace advocacy, and
development.

In the 20's...
Notre Dame University with a
Deregulated Status as a
Higher Education Institution
(HEI)
 In October 2001, the Commission on Higher Education awarded Notre Dame University
with a Deregulated Status as a Higher Education Institution (HEI) with exemplary performance in
instruction, research and public service.
In June 2002, Fr. Ramon Ma. G. Bernabe, OMI succeeded Fr. Eliseo R. Mercado, Jr. OMI
as the 6th President of the University. He is the first alumnus and the youngest so far to have been
appointed the highest post at Notre Dame University. The University President, Fr. Ramon Ma. G.
Bernabe, OMI, was subsequently elected in February 2005 as the Oblate Provincial Superior of
the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Philippine Province.
Fr. Eduardo G. Tanudtanud, OMI was installed as the 7th University President on June 24,
2005.
In June 2006, the University articulated its University Vision Statement: “Guided by the
charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod and committed to excellence, Notre Dame University is a
pioneer Catholic Oblates of Mary Immaculate educational institution in Central Mindanao. It
envisions to be a leading institution in education for social transformation.”
On March 11, 2009, in recognition of the University’s exemplary performance as a higher
education institution, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) re-awarded Notre Dame
University with a Deregulated Status.
The University Community also went into revisiting and re-articulation process of the
University’s Core Values. The process resulted to the re-articulation and adoption of the University
Core Values, coined with the acronym FIRES to stand for Faith, Integrity, Respect, Excellence
and Service. In this regard, as inspired by FIRES, Notre Dame University moves towards social
transformation through education.
The infrastructure development of the University followed suit to provide more enabling
environment for the teaching and learning processes in campus. Embarked were the construction
of the pre-school building, the Multi-Purpose Facility, student lounges of the colleges, and the
renovation of the Gymnasium, the Deckert Building, Brekel Building and others.
In October 10, 2010, the Fr. Alfonso Cariño Building was blessed as the facility dedicated
to the education commitment to quality and excellence pursued by Fr. Cariño in his Ministry while
with Notre Dame University in the early 1970s. The Building houses the Offices of the Vice-
President for Academic Affairs, the College of Health Sciences, College of Computer Studies,
classrooms and Nursing Arts Laboratory.
As the University opened the School Year in June of 2010 and 2011, it was not spared from
the flooding in the city caused by the immersion of water hyacinths deep into the Rio Grande and
its tributaries. The University had to suspend classes for two to three weeks due to flood in campus
and the city’s thoroughfares.
The NDU–Elementary Training Department was awarded the Level 1 Accreditation as a
distinction for quality basic education by the PAASCU (Philippine Accrediting Association of
Schools Colleges and Universities) effective March 2011 until March 2014.
 With the globalization of education, the Philippine Education System has launched
directions towards the K to 12 education landscape. This development impelled education
institutions such as NDU to also align with the emerging realities of basic education framework in
its continuum to tertiary education. The emerging thrust for the K to 12 Program for the Philippine
Education System presented a need for a critical review and revision of the higher education
curriculum and standards for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The University faced the
challenges of the education highway from the Kindergarten to Junior High School, to Senior High
School and to Tertiary level.

In the subsequent years, Notre Dame University has continued to make new breakthroughs
in the field of academic excellence. In just a course of a decade (2012-2022), it has produced
eleven (11) top notchers in various professional licensure examinations in the country. Recently,
on February 1, 2021, NDU has been granted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
with an autonomous status, the highest level of accreditation given to a Higher Educational
Institution.