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Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Colegio de San Juan de Letran
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The Colegio de San Juan de Letran (transl. College of San Juan de Letran), also referred to by its acronym CSJL or simply, Letran, is a private Catholic coeducational basic and higher education institution owned and run by the friars of the Order of Preachers in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1620. Colegio de San Juan de Letran has the distinction of being the oldest college in the Philippines and the oldest secondary institution in Asia.[1][2]

Key Information

The Colegio was given Level III accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities in the Basic Education department, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), and College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA).[3]

Letran remains in its original campus in Intramuros, Manila, and is a member of the Intramuros Consortium. It is a long-time member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

History

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National historical marker installed in 1941

Beginnings

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The name San Juan de Letran is derived from the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, considered as the Mother Church of Christendom.[4] Early in the history of Letran, its chapel was granted many of the privileges enjoyed by the major basilica. Saint John the Baptist, for whom the basilica is named, is the patron saint of Letran.[1]

The college was founded by Don Juan Geromino Guerrero in 1620, a retired Spanish officer and one of the Knights of Malta,[1] in Intramuros as Colegio de Niños Huerfanos de San Juan de Letran. The school was intended to educate and mold orphans to be good Christian citizens.[1]

Old San Juan de Letran in Intramuros adjacent to Santa catalina.

Around the same time, Fray Diego de Santa Maria, O.P. founded the Colegio de Huerfanos de San Pedro y San Pablo. As Don Guerrero grew old, the two schools were fused together, and in 1630, it simply became known as Colegio de San Juan de Letran.[1][5]

18th century

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In 1738, under the reign of King Philip V of Spain opened the Colegio de San Juan de Letran and University of Santo Tomas, and six scholarships were granted by the king for Chinese, Japanese, and Tonkinese students. Vicente Liem de la Paz, Letran's foremost alumnus, was among the students who enjoyed this scholarship taking up trivium and quadrivium along with four Tonkinese namely: Jose de Santo Tomas, Juan de Santo Domingo, Pedro Martir and Pedro de San Jacinto.[6]

19th century

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In May 1865, Letran was graded as a College of the First Class by royal decree ordered by Queen Isabella II and, as a result, the school population rose considerably.[5]

In 1886, rector Fr. Bernardino Nozaleda re-organized the school's curriculum into the Lower, Middle, and Superior grades (Infima, Media y Superior) to conform to modern European and American teaching patterns.[5]

20th century

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Further expansion took place in 1894 and adjustments were made with the arrival of the Americans in 1900.[6]

After celebrating its tricentennial, Letran was headed by the Rev. Fr. Martin Guillet O.P., who was tasked with replacing Letran's old infrastructure and constructing a new and modern building.

The new facilities were inaugurated and blessed by Rev. Fr. Martin Guillet O.P.. The new St. John the Baptist Building became the Colegio's main building and facade. These events were followed by the construction of the Elementary, High School and College buildings replacing the old structures respectively. The buildings were named after the Dominican founder and saints.

World War II

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The growth of the Colegio was temporarily halted when the building was bombed in 1941 and turned into a garrison by the Japanese army in 1944. The Colegio was temporarily housed in the Dominican church and convent of San Juan del Monte. In school year 1942, classes were temporarily transferred to the Dominican Sanctuario of San Juan del Monte. After the war, Letran returned to its home in Intramuros and resumed operations in 1946. Several new construction projects were inaugurated to replace the old structures wrecked by the war.[5]

First Filipino rector

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The first Filipino rector and president of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran was Fr. Isidro Katigbak O.P., who served for four straight years. Letran has served by the majority of Spanish rectors and presidents for over 400 years. [citation needed]

Recent history

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The school began accepting female students in its college department in the 1970s[citation needed] while the basic education department started accepting first-year female enrollees in June 2005.[7]

In April 2007, Fr. Tamerlane Lana O.P. was elected rector and president of Letran, of the Intramuros and Abucay campuses, by the board of trustees to serve a four-year term until April 2011. Fr. Lana became the 80th rector of the Manila campus.[8][9] Fr. Lana's administration has undertaken the task of changing and upgrading the Colegio's academic standards to meet those required to attain university status.[8] This work also includes the revision of the vision and mission, research development, community service, and the 12-year strategic plan for 2008 until 2020.[10]

Starting academic year 2007–08, Letran became a "wi-fi zone" to cater its students access to the internet.[11]

In October 2007, two former Letran administrators were among the 498 Spanish martyrs beatified by Pope Benedict XVI. They are Fr. Jesus Villaverde Andres, OP, a former rector; and Fr. Antonio Varona Ortega, OP, a former professor and moderator of the NCAA Philippines.[12]

On July 3, 2008, Fr. Lana formally launched the Letran Center for Intramuros Studies (LCIS).[13] The initiative to establish the center sprang from the 12-year development plan as the school hopes to become a leader in cultural and historical studies, particularly on the subject of Intramuros.[13] The day also marked the 435th anniversary of the signing of the royal decree by King Philip II in San Lorenzo, Spain on July 3, 1573, that prescribed the foundation of Hispanic colonial towns, which served as basis for the systematic layout for the establishment of Intramuros, which was known then as Spanish Manila.[13] In 2012, the College of Engineering and Information Technology, the youngest higher education unit, was established.[14]

In June 2015, Fr. Clarence Victor C. Marquez, O.P. was elected 81st Rector and President of Letran Manila and Bataan.[15][16]

In July 2023, Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, O.P. was elected 82nd Rector and President of Letran Manila and Bataan.

Campus

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Main entrance (ca. 1880)

St. John the Baptist Building

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The historical facade of Letran

Also known as the administration building, it houses the office of the rector and president. It houses the admission office, financial affairs office, the Letran Center for Intramuros Studies (LCIS) office, guidance counselor office, the information technology center, College of Business Administration and Accountancy, College of Education, and the Institute of Information Technology. The bookstore, lobby, and chapel are also in this building. The St. John Lateran convent of the Letran Dominican Fathers is located here.

Our Lady of Aranzazu Building

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The former St. Antoninus Building is dedicated in honor of Our Lady of Aranzazu, where the Arch-confraternity of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu was solemnly established in Letran on December 16, 1772, by virtue of a pontifical brief issued by Benedict XIV on September 18, 1748. It holds the promenade and Salon de Actos (student lounge).[17]

The campus hosts a historical marker that the Philippines Historical Committee, now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines,[18] installed in 1939 to denote the place of the establishment of the arch-confraternity.[19]

St. Dominic de Guzman Building

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The building who was named after the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). This building houses classrooms, Science and Psychology Laboratory, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and The Institute of Communication.

St. Thomas Aquinas Building

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St. Thomas Aquinas Building

This building houses the Library and Media Center for Communication Arts students. The Media Center has two sections: Instructional Media and Broadcast Media. It provides human and material resources for instructional and broadcast purposes.

St. Raymond of Peñafort Building

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The former High School Building, St. Raymond of Peñafort houses the Office of the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs. It includes the Accounting Stock Room, Lost and Found Office, Hospitality Management Facility, Auxiliary Services, Audit Services, Letran Alumni Association Office, and the Center for Community Development Office. The school clinic is in this building.

St. Albert the Great Building

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This building is also known as the Student Center Building because it houses student facilities such as the canteens, a modern 400-seat auditorium, Office of the Student Affairs, Letran Student Council Office, the Graduate School faculty room and student lounge, six SC classrooms, Thesis Section, The Lance Publication Office, and the Office of the Dean in Graduate School.

St. Vincent Ferrer Building

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This building serves the basic education department, the College of Engineering and Information Technology, the music room, and the speech laboratory.

St. John Paul Solamo Building

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Blessed Antonio Varona Gym

It serves as the headquarters of maintenance and housekeeping of the Colegio.

Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium

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It was the home of the Knights and Squires, Letran's collegiate and high school varsity teams that play in the NCAA and other sports tournaments, located right across the Student Center Building along Beaterio Street in Intramuros. Letran Gym has three physical education classrooms with a centralized air-conditioned unit. It houses the Letran Hall of Fame and the P.E. faculty. The Letran Gym is named in honor of Blessed Antonio Varona, OP, former Letran Professor and Athletics Moderator.

The old gym was demolished in April 2019 and will be replaced by the Quadricentennial Building, a multi-purpose sports facility.[20][21]

Academics

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College of Business Administration and Accountancy

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The College of Business Administration and Accountancy offers a wide range of business courses especially in management. Letran's CBAA was known as the flagship college of the institution. The college produced many alumni and students who excelled in the field of business: one of these is the prominent Filipino businessman Enrique Zobel de Ayala[citation needed] — the first patriarch of the Zobel de Ayala family.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Same as the CBAA, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or CLAS is the flagship college offering courses in the Colegio. Its Liberal Studies program offers required subjects in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Languages and Health, and Physical Education. It also offers majors in Communication Arts, Psychology, Political Science, AB Advertising, AB Public Relation, AB Journalism, and AB Broadcasting.

College of Education

[edit]

The College of Education began as an area in the College of the Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education in 2002 with an initial enrollment of seventeen students and six teachers in its Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education program. In 2006, the education area separated to become an independent college.[22]

College of Engineering and Information Technology

[edit]

The Colegio started to offer engineering programs in 2012. With the transfer of the Institute of Information Technology, Letran established its youngest college, the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT). The CEIT currently offers four engineering programs and three specialization on the information technology program.[14]

Institute of Information Technology

[edit]

In 2003, Letran Manila was the first[23][24] school to partner with Microsoft for the Microsoft IT Academy program in the Philippines.[23][24] It is one of the academic institutions that offers a degree in Information Technology mapped with the premier certification from Microsoft. It began as an area in the College of the Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education. Starting A.Y. 2012–13, the Institute of Information Technology transferred to the College of Engineering.[14]

Graduate school

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The Professional School for Continuing Education in Business of the Letran Graduate School is located at the St. Albert the Great building.

Basic Education

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The Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila has a Basic Education department that has been in existence for almost 400 years.[25] Letran started as an all-boys school, then began accepting female enrollees in the first year during the academic year 2005–06 for its basic education program.[25]

Athletics

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Main article: Letran Knights

Letran is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association from 1928 to 1932, and since 1936.[26]

The Colegio currently participates in basketball, volleyball, football (soccer), track and field, taekwondo, Lawn Tennis, and table tennis. The varsity teams are called Letran Knights (for seniors division), Squires (for juniors division) and Lady Knights (for women's division)[26]

The seniors basketball team is the second most successful team in the NCAA. Since joining in the 1928–29 season, the Knights have won a total of twenty titles.[26] The most recent championship came in the 2022–2023 tournament.

Their most prominent rivals are the De La Salle Green Archers (before the Green Archers left the NCAA), San Beda Red Lions, San Sebastian Stags and the Mapua Cardinals, their neighbor in Intramuros.[26]

Other Campuses

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Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Abucay, Bataan

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Rev. Fr. Rogelio Alarcon, O.P., former rector and president of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila, and an alumnus proposed the idea of having another campus in the north. The province of Bataan was chosen. Initially, two sites in Bataan were presented: Hermosa and Balanga. After three years in the conceptualization stage, a third site, Abucay, was also considered.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Calamba, Laguna

[edit]

When the government declared its policy of decongesting Metro Manila, the Dominican Province of the Philippines instituted long-term plans which included the establishment of an extension school in Laguna. This plan was prepared by the Commission for the Planning of the Ministry of the Word.[citation needed]

An 11-hectare tract of land along the foothills of the legendary Mount Makiling in Bucal, Calamba, Laguna, was chosen as the site.

The school was founded on March 11, 1979. Rev. Fr. Ramon Salinas, OP was the project director; Rev. Fr. Jesse Lorete, OP served as the Coordinator of Student/Personnel Services; and Mr. Jose Marcelino, Principal of the Elementary Department of Letran-Intramuros, was the academic provost. Being an extension campus, Letran-Calamba was placed under the supervision of Rev. Fr. Regino Cortez, OP, the rector of Letran-Intramuros.[citation needed]

Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manaoag, Pangasinan

[edit]

The Holy Rosary Academy of Manaoag was founded in 1947 by Fr. Teodulo Cajigal, a Spanish Dominican priest.

In 1990, the Dominican Fathers requested the help of the Dominican sisters in Pangasinan to teach Christian Living subjects in the Holy Rosary Academy of Manaoag. In response, two sisters were assigned in San Manuel for this purpose. In 1992, the Fathers entrusted the management of the school to the sisters.  From then on, the sisters resided in the vicinity of the school. The sisters worked tirelessly to improve the school and in 2001 the school was granted permit to offer collegiate education. The school then operated under the name Our Lady of Manaoag College.[27]

On August 8, 2014, Our Lady of Manaoag College signed a MOA with Letran - Manila, Letran - Calamba, and Letran - Bataan for the integration of the college into the Letran System. A proposal of changing its name to Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manaoag was unanimously approved by its Board of Trustees on September 6, 2014.[28]

It was on October 3 that Our Lady of Manaoag College was officially relaunched as the Pangasinan campus of the college, and many activities were held in celebration of the formal reopening under the banner of the Letran system.[28] The newest Letran campus is located in Manaoag, within meters from the Dominican-administered municipal church and the town hall.

Official publications

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  • The Lance, the official student publication of Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila
  • Esplendente, the official student publication of Letran Senior High School Department
  • The Letran Scroll for the High School Level
  • Letran Page for the Elementary Level
  • Muralla is the literary portfolio of The Lance
  • Letran News for the Administration
  • KNIGHTline for Letran Alumni Association
  • Luz Y Saber – Letran Research Journal
  • Letranense – Yearbook
  • The Shield, the official student publication of Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Bataan
  • The Squires Chronicle, the official student publication of the high school department of Letran – Bataan
  • "Ang Pahayangang Inggo", the official student publication in Filipino language of the high school department of Letran – Bataan
  • The Knight, the official publication of the collegiate department of Letran-Calamba
  • The Squire, the official publication of the high school department of Letran-Calamba
  • Ang Kabalyero, the official publication, in Filipino language, of the high school department of Letran-Calamba
  • The Page, the official publication of the elementary department of Letran-Calamba
  • Barangay Letran, the official publication of the administration and academic schools of Letran-Calamba
  • Lilok – Letran-Calamba research journal

Notable alumni (Letran Manila)

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Sources

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For the Alumni list:

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Colegio de San Juan de Letran

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![Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros](./assets/Colegio_de_San_Juan_de_Letran_IntramurosIntramuros Colegio de San Juan de Letran is a private Roman Catholic educational institution administered by the in , , , providing primary, secondary, and with a focus on holistic formation rooted in Christian values. Established in 1620 by Don Juan Gerónimo Guerrero, a retired Spanish officer and of , as the Colegio de Niños Huérfanos de San Juan de Letran to shelter and educate orphaned and indigent boys, it merged with a similar under Dominican oversight by 1630, formalizing its structure as a . The claims distinction as the oldest in the and the oldest continuously operating in Asia, having endured destructions from earthquakes, fires, and wartime bombings, including severe damage during , yet rebuilding to maintain its educational mission. Under Dominican administration since the 17th century, Letran emphasizes evangelization through education, with a special devotion to the Virgin Mary, and has achieved recognition such as School of the Year in 2012 and deregulated status from the Commission on Higher Education until 2027, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and institutional autonomy. Its campus in the historic walled city of Intramuros symbolizes resilience, serving generations of students while adapting to modern needs like renewable energy integration.

History

Founding and Early Years (1620–1698)

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran traces its origins to 1620, when Don Juan Gerónimo Guerrero, a retired Spanish military officer and Knight of Malta residing in Intramuros, Manila, transformed his personal hermitage into an orphanage and rudimentary school for indigent and orphaned boys, naming it the Colegio de Niños Huérfanos de San Juan de Letran. This initiative aimed to provide shelter, moral instruction, and basic education to vulnerable youth amid the early Spanish colonial context in the Philippines, where formal schooling was scarce outside ecclesiastical efforts. In 1630, Dominican friar Diego de Santa María founded a parallel institution in with comparable objectives of educating poor boys in Christian doctrine, , and practical skills, aligning with the Order of Preachers' mission that had reached the in 1587. By 1638, this Dominican establishment absorbed Guerrero's orphanage-school, formalizing the merger under the Dominican Order's administration and solidifying the colegio's structure as a pontifical institution dedicated to the formation of future contributors to colonial society, including potential clergy. King had earlier extended royal patronage to Guerrero's original foundation in 1623, underscoring its recognized utility in stabilizing through . The early curriculum emphasized reading, writing, arithmetic, vocational trades, and rigorous , reflecting the Dominican emphasis on truth-seeking through faith and reason to produce self-sufficient, pious individuals capable of serving in or civic roles. Institutional challenges arose, such as the destruction of its initial building in 1648—likely by , common in the region—necessitating reconstruction amid limited resources. By 1669, the colegio relocated to its enduring site adjacent to the Dominican convent in , enhancing operational stability. Through 1698, the institution maintained modest enrollment of orphaned and low-born boys, operating under Dominican rectors who integrated it into the broader network of Spanish colonial , fostering gradual expansion while prioritizing religious over secular innovation. No major papal bulls or royal charters beyond initial protections are recorded in this period, but consistent Dominican oversight ensured continuity, with the colegio serving as a bulwark against moral decay in a outpost of .

Spanish Colonial Expansion (18th–Mid-19th Century)

During the 18th century, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran maintained its role as a key Dominican institution in Intramuros, Manila, focusing on the education and enclosure of orphan boys to foster Hispanicized subjects loyal to Spanish colonial authority. Originally established for Spanish and mestizo orphans to prevent vagrancy and instill moral discipline, the colegio adapted its admissions by the early 1700s to include scholarships for indigenous boys as requested by Archbishop Felipe Pardo in 1687, and later for Chinese and Vietnamese students in 1737, reflecting efforts to integrate select non-Spanish elements into the colonial hierarchy while prioritizing cultural assimilation. Enrollment stabilized with a capacity of up to 90 students, rarely falling below 70, supported by steady revenues from urban lots yielding over 200 pesos annually, a Parian property generating 500 pesos, and an encomienda producing 516 pesos by 1730, enabling petitions for financial extensions to sustain operations amid Bourbon reforms emphasizing administrative efficiency. The curriculum emphasized Castilian language acquisition, Christian doctrine, reading, writing, arithmetic, and moral formation, with advanced pupils advancing to grammar, philosophy, and theology at the nearby , producing graduates who filled roles in the , , , and colonial governance by 1740, as cataloged in institutional records highlighting like Doctor Hipólito del Río. This educational framework aligned with Spanish imperial priorities of the era, including defense against European rivals and internal consolidation through a cadre of disciplined, Spanish-oriented elites, though Dominicans petitioned in 1772 to restrict admissions to orphaned boys of Spanish descent to preserve the institution's focus on core colonial beneficiaries. Facilities, rebuilt after the 1645 earthquake and permanently relocated within by 1668 using a donated house, incorporated enclosed spaces like a private choir linked to the adjacent Beaterio de Santa Catalina, reinforcing the colegio's integration into Manila's walled network without major documented physical expansions during this period. Into the early 19th century, the colegio continued to underpin Spanish administrative continuity amid liberal reforms and the Napoleonic disruptions in , maintaining its preparatory function for higher ecclesiastical and secular posts. By mid-century, royal recognition culminated in a decree of May 20, 1865, from Queen elevating Letran to a "Colegio de Primera Clase en Filipinas," affirming its status as a premier institution for training colonial personnel and reflecting accumulated prestige from sustained operations. This upgrade, building on 18th-century foundations, enhanced its capacity to support imperial demands for educated functionaries in and trade, amid a three-story building structure that symbolized institutional maturity.

Late Colonial Challenges and Reforms (Mid-19th–Early 20th Century)

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran encountered major infrastructural challenges from seismic activity in the mid-to-late 19th century, as structures proved vulnerable to earthquakes common in the region. The earthquake of June 3, 1863, inflicted severe damage on the school's buildings, requiring extensive repairs amid broader devastation in that affected government and ecclesiastical edifices alike. A follow-up quake in compounded the destruction, leading to the erection of a reinforced three-storey edifice to bolster resilience against future tremors. These events strained resources but underscored the institution's endurance under Dominican administration, with reconstruction efforts prioritizing continuity of operations for its primarily and indigenous male students, who numbered around 381 in primary-level enrollment by 1859–1860. Educational reforms during this era integrated Letran into Spain's modernization initiatives, responding to decrees like the 1863 Regulations for Primary Instruction that emphasized universal access, Castilian language instruction, and teacher training via normal schools. In May 1865, a royal decree from Queen classified the colegio as a First Class institution, affirming its prestige and enabling expanded academic offerings in , , and . By , curricular updates aligned programs with contemporary European and American models, incorporating secular subjects alongside Dominican-led religious formation to address criticisms of outdated amid growing demands from ilustrados for practical skills and administrative reforms. Facilities expanded further in 1894 to handle increased demand, reflecting enrollment growth tied to urbanizing Manila's elite and middle classes. As nationalist fervor intensified, Letran grappled with ideological tensions, serving as an unintended incubator for anti-colonial thought despite its ecclesiastical roots. The institution educated indigenous and youth who formed networks challenging Spanish , including , whose studies there informed his later advocacy in the and role in the 1896 . Such alumni contributions fueled perceptions among colonial authorities of colegios like Letran as hotbeds of dissent, exacerbated by frustrations over racial barriers and limited opportunities for graduates, even as the school navigated ecclesiastical opposition to secular reforms. The revolution's outbreak halted classes temporarily, with ' siege and the 1898 Spanish-American War transitioning control to U.S. forces and ending Spanish oversight, though the colegio's survival preserved its Dominican governance into the new era.

American Period and Institutional Evolution (1900s–1940s)

During the American colonial period beginning in 1898, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran adapted its longstanding curriculum, which had emphasized Latin, Spanish, , and classical , by incorporating elements aligned with U.S. educational standards upon the arrival of American authorities in 1900. This adjustment built on earlier revisions from that introduced European and American pedagogical patterns, facilitating the integration of English as a , practical sciences, and civic to meet colonial requirements for degree recognition while preserving the institution's Dominican emphasis on moral and religious formation. The colegio's governance remained firmly under the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), resisting full efforts in the public school system and continuing to prioritize education for indigent male students as per its founding charter. Enrollment persisted at modest levels suited to its intramural facilities in Manila's district, with no major expansions recorded until postwar reconstruction, though it produced who engaged in the evolving political landscape, including figures active in the push for Philippine autonomy under the government established in 1935. By the late 1930s, as tensions escalated toward , the institution upheld its royal decree status as a "College of the First Class" from 1865, blending traditional with adapted modern curricula to navigate U.S.-imposed reforms without compromising its Catholic identity.

World War II Occupation and Postwar Recovery

During the beginning in December 1941, the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán's Intramuros building sustained initial damage from aerial bombings, which disrupted operations and contributed to the broader devastation in . By 1942, Japanese forces repurposed the structure as a military garrison, utilizing it for housing soldiers throughout much of the occupation period until early 1945. In February 1945, as American and Filipino forces advanced during the Battle of Manila, the college building endured further severe damage from barrages and urban combat within , where Japanese defenders fortified positions amid the walled city's defenses; U.S. troops encountered minimal resistance upon clearing the site after the initial bombardment. The intense fighting, which reduced much of to rubble between February 3 and March 3, 1945, left the three-story edifice—constructed in 1937—largely destroyed, with shell holes perforating walls and facades. Following liberation in March 1945, classes temporarily relocated to the Dominican Church and Convent in San Juan de Monte, mirroring an earlier evacuation during the 1762 , as the campus remained uninhabitable through 1946. Operations resumed at the Intramuros site in 1946, initially relying on provisional Quonset huts and salvaged structures for facilities, marking the institution's determination to persist despite extensive wartime losses. Reconstruction gained momentum with a 1948 award of P795,206.08 from the War Damage Commission, funding repairs that preserved the core building while adapting to postwar needs; by then, Letrán stood as one of only two prewar schools still operational in .

Post-Independence Growth and Modernization (1950s–2000s)

Following the resumption of operations in after damage, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran underwent significant reconstruction and expansion in the , with new facilities constructed on the site of the former Beaterio de Santa Catalina to accommodate growing student numbers and replace war-torn structures. This period marked institutional indigenization, highlighted by the appointment of Fr. Isidoro Katigbak, O.P., as the first Filipino rector in 1951, who served for four years and oversaw initial post-independence administrative transitions. By the 1960s and 1970s, the institution modernized its higher education offerings, admitting female students to the college department for the first time, thereby broadening access while maintaining its traditional all-male focus. Enrollment in the college level expanded accordingly, reflecting national trends in Philippine higher education growth amid under post-independence governments. Further infrastructural enhancements included upgrades to pre-war remnants like St. Thomas Hall and the chapel, alongside new academic halls to support increased demand. The late 20th century saw geographic expansion beyond Manila, with the establishment of a branch campus in Calamba, Laguna, in 1979 under the auspices of Letran Intramuros, aimed at extending Dominican educational reach to provincial areas and fostering regional development through basic and tertiary programs. This initiative, initially temporary but formalized by 1986 with its own rector, Rev. Fr. Tamerlane Lana, O.P., exemplified modernization efforts to decentralize and scale operations amid Philippines' population boom and urbanization. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the main campus sustained academic rigor, with sustained Dominican governance ensuring continuity in its ecclesiastical college status while adapting to secular regulatory frameworks from the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education.

Contemporary Era and Recent Initiatives (2010s–2025)

In 2020, the Philippine government under President officially declared the year as the occasion for celebrating the quadricentennial anniversary of Colegio de San Juan de Letran's founding in 1620, recognizing its enduring contributions to Philippine education and producing notable alumni including national heroes and leaders. The institution marked the milestone with various commemorative events, including a fountain and lights show at the in on November 24, culminating a year of activities that highlighted its historical legacy amid the constraints. The Letran Knights men's basketball team achieved significant success in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), securing the Season 95 championship in 2019 by defeating the San Beda Red Lions 81-79, ending their dynasty. This was followed by a 2022 victory over Mapúa University (75-65), claiming the team's 19th title and completing a three-peat, etching the program into NCAA history as one of the most dominant. Under the leadership of Rector and President Rev. Fr. Clarence Victor C. Marquez, O.P., since his 2019 re-election, the institution advanced infrastructure projects, including the Topping-Off Ceremony for the Quadricentennial Building on September 14, 2024, symbolizing commitment to future expansion and heritage preservation. Academic restructuring continued into the 2020s, with the merger of the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences into the College of Education, Liberal Arts, and Sciences (CELAS) effective for the 2025 academic year, aiming to streamline programs and enhance interdisciplinary formation. In response to evolving educational needs post-pandemic, Letran implemented a hybrid teaching-learning modality across all levels by July 2025, blending in-person and digital instruction to optimize accessibility and engagement. Recent student-led innovations, such as a device for timely medication intake developed by Senior High School pupils in March 2025, underscored ongoing emphasis on practical research and problem-solving. Community and heritage initiatives included partnerships for in announced in July 2025, featuring joint research conferences and specialized programs, alongside events like Ingenium 2025 in April 2024 to foster innovation and brilliance among students.

Religious and Institutional Foundations

Dominican Order's Role and Governance

The is owned and administered by the friars of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) of the Philippine Dominican Province, ensuring continuity of Catholic educational mission since its founding in 1620. The Order's involvement maintains oversight, with the institution designated as a pontifical that integrates Dominican spirituality into its governance structure. Governance is centralized under the Rector and President, a position held exclusively by a Dominican , who serves as the chief executive and spiritual leader; as of 2023, this role is fulfilled by Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, O.P. The friar-led administration extends to key vice presidential roles, including Executive Vice President (Rev. Fr. Jose Martin L. Sibug, O.P.), Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Vice President for Financial Affairs (Rev. Fr. Bejay P. Namuag, O.P.), and Vice President for Religious Affairs (Rev. Fr. Patricio P. Hiwatig, O.P.), alongside directorships in finance, athletics, and chaplaincies for various academic units. This structure enforces Dominican principles of truth-seeking education () and preaching, with friars providing pastoral guidance and doctrinal alignment across departments. The Philippine Dominican Province appoints to these positions, aligning institutional policies with the Order's global charism while adapting to local Philippine contexts, such as post-colonial recovery and modernization efforts. Board of Trustees elections for rectors occur periodically, typically every few years, to sustain leadership amid operational demands. Through this framework, the Order safeguards the colegio's autonomy from secular influences, prioritizing formation in faith, discipline, and service over commercial imperatives.

Core Mission, Motto, and Educational Philosophy

The core mission of , a Catholic and Dominican institution, centers on evangelization through , with a commitment to the integral formation of the human person guided by the ideals of , , and institutional loyalty. This mission traces back to its founding in as an and for boys, evolving to emphasize the holistic development of students as responsible Christian citizens rooted in Dominican preaching traditions. The institution's motto, Deus, Patria, Letran—Latin for ", Country, Letran"—encapsulates its foundational priorities: devotion to first, service to second, and to the thereafter. This triune ideal, symbolized in the school's seal, underscores a that integrates with civic duty and communal pride, fostering graduates who prioritize moral integrity alongside national contribution. Letran's educational philosophy draws from Dominican principles of (truth) and preaching through teaching, promoting rigorous intellectual pursuit alongside moral and spiritual growth to cultivate disciplined, virtuous individuals. It emphasizes Christian education's role in forming the mind, heart, and spirit, aiming to produce global citizens equipped with excellence, , and by institutional goals set for 2030, while maintaining a of academic rigor and ethical formation uninfluenced by secular . This approach aligns with the Order of Preachers' heritage, where education serves as a tool for truth-seeking and societal betterment, evidenced by the school's historical production of leaders, heroes, and clergy.

Symbols, Traditions, and Cultural Heritage

The seal of Colegio de San Juan de Letran features the Moline Cross, emblematic of Christianity and the Crusades, with ties to the Knights of Malta through founder Don Juan Gerónimo Guerrero, underscoring the institution's commitment to Christian values and evangelization. The coat of arms includes a knight symbolizing Letranite identity, a spear representing courage, a torch denoting truth, and a Dominican cross highlighting its governance by the Order of Preachers. At its center lies the seal bearing the motto Deus, Patria, Letran ("God, Fatherland, Letran"), which prioritizes devotion to God, loyalty to country, and allegiance to the Colegio in guiding alumni actions. The institutional colors are , signifying and , and , denoting , traditionally arranged as blue over red to reflect moral and intellectual fortitude. The logo incorporates a silver for learner purity, a blue-and-red field as the arena for ethical and scholarly endeavors, and a laurel wreath for victory and personal growth, all framed by the historic Moline Cross dating to 1696–1716. Named after the Basilica of Saint John Lateran and under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist, these symbols evoke the Colegio's origins as the first boys' school in the , fostering unity with the . Traditions at the Colegio emphasize communal spirit and historical continuity, exemplified by Binyag Arriba, an rite for new students involving symbolic elements like trust walks, knighting ceremonies, and water immersion to instill school pride and the "Arriba" of upward striving. The cheer "Arriba Letran!" embodies this uplifting solidarity, originating from Spanish for "upward," promoting resilience and devotion amid challenges. Colegio Week unites the community in celebrations reinforcing these values through events that honor the institution's quadricentennial legacy. As a of Philippine , the Colegio preserves Dominican educational traditions within , the walled city's historic core, where its structures received a National Historical Commission of the marker in 2023 recognizing their architectural and institutional significance. Founded in 1620, it maintains practices blending Spanish colonial influences with Filipino identity, including cultural dance troupes that promote indigenous songs, dances, and beliefs, safeguarding intangible heritage amid modernization. This enduring role underscores its status as Asia's oldest continuously operating secondary institution, embodying causal links from colonial evangelization to national formation.

Manila Campus and Facilities

Architectural History and Key Buildings

The architectural development of Colegio de San Juan de Letran's Manila campus in reflects a blend of Spanish colonial resilience and post-war modernization, shaped by repeated reconstructions following natural disasters and conflicts. Established in its current location by 1669, the original stone buildings incorporated earthquake-resistant features typical of 17th- and 18th-century Philippine , such as thick walls and tiled roofs. However, these structures suffered extensive damage from fires, earthquakes, and notably during , when the campus served as a Japanese from 1944 and was ravaged in the 1945 Battle of Manila. Reconstruction commenced immediately after the , with the institution reopening in amid efforts to restore and expand facilities. The pre-war three-story main building, remodeled and blessed on October 31, 1937, by Rev. Martin Guillet, O.P., formed the core of early postwar repairs, emphasizing durability and functionality. Subsequent projects introduced neoclassical elements, including the four-story , designed by Filipino architect Tomas Mapúa as one of the initial postwar structures, featuring symmetrical facades and classical columns. Key buildings include the St. John the Baptist Building, which serves as the campus's primary facade and administrative hub, distinguished by a prominent visible from multiple angles, symbolizing its Dominican roots. The Building honors the school's Marian devotion and houses academic spaces, while the St. Thomas Aquinas Building provides additional instructional facilities with a facade echoing institutional heritage. These structures retain subtle Spanish baroque influences, such as arched windows and robust columns, adapted for contemporary use. In recent decades, infrastructure enhancements have prioritized modern amenities alongside heritage preservation, exemplified by the Quadricentennial Building, whose construction began in March 2019 to commemorate the institution's 400th anniversary. This multi-facility structure integrates contemporary design for expanded academic and administrative needs, continuing the campus's evolution from colonial origins to a functional educational complex. Ongoing renovations, such as the 2018 facade updates and 2025 main lobby redesign, maintain aesthetic continuity while improving accessibility.

Infrastructure Developments and Modern Amenities

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran has pursued several infrastructure projects to update its campus, focusing on enhancing educational and recreational facilities while preserving historical elements. A key initiative is the Quadricentennial Building, designed to commemorate the institution's 400th founding anniversary in 2020. Construction began following the of the Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium in 2019, with plans incorporating modern features such as a rooftop , Jacuzzis, and saunas to serve student athletic and wellness needs. Progress on the Quadricentennial Building advanced significantly, culminating in a topping-off ceremony on September 14, 2024, signaling nearing completion of this multi-story structure aimed at replacing outdated venues with contemporary spaces for sports, events, and possibly academic use. In 2025, the Mabini Hall underwent renovation and was blessed on August 11, upgrading it into a versatile facility for conferences, seminars, and student activities, thereby improving administrative and communal amenities. The campus's Information Technology Services Department maintains robust ICT infrastructure, including network systems and digital resources, to support hybrid learning and technological integration across facilities. Earlier enhancements included a seven-month refurbishment of the main , completed in 2018, which restored visual appeal and structural elements without altering the heritage architecture.

Academic Programs and Structure

Basic Education Levels

The basic education department at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in offers programs from kindergarten through grade 12, adhering to the of Education's K-12 framework while integrating Dominican traditions of intellectual rigor, moral formation, and faith-based learning. This structure emphasizes a spiral that builds progressively on core competencies in academics, , and character development, fostering , , and holistic growth. The department holds Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) Level III accreditation, valid until February 2028, reflecting sustained quality standards across its offerings. Elementary education spans to grade 6, employing a to reinforce foundational skills in , , , and within a Catholic context. The program prioritizes academic mastery alongside athletics, spirituality, and social-emotional development, preparing students for higher levels through individualized support and state-of-the-art facilities. A Home Study Program, available from grade 4 onward, provides modular, flexible learning options tailored to diverse needs, extending into junior high. Enrollment requires submission of report cards, birth and baptismal certificates, and demonstration of , with the program accredited at PAASCU Level III. Junior high school covers grades 7 to 10, continuing the spiral with intensified focus on , communication, and productivity skills, all underpinned by Dominican principles of truth-seeking and ethical formation. As a Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC)-certified institution, it offers scholarships such as the Rector’s Scholarship (full tuition for top entrants) and Honor Roll discounts for high achievers with general weighted averages of 98 or above. The co-educational environment nurtures over 400 years of tradition in fostering disciplined, faith-integrated learners, also under PAASCU Level III status. Senior high school, for grades 11 and 12, provides specialized strands including Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM); (STEM); Information and Communication Technology (ICT); and (HE), with integrated Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) and General Academic (GA) elements. Students engage in work immersion, , and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certifications—such as NC III and NC II—with reported 100% passing rates in select areas. Instruction incorporates Certified Educators for modern , and the program holds PAASCU Level I , emphasizing real-world application and extracurricular involvement.

Undergraduate Colleges and Institutes

The undergraduate programs at Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila are delivered through three primary colleges: the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), the College of Education, Liberal Arts, and Sciences (CELAS), and the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT). These colleges provide bachelor's degrees spanning business, education, humanities, sciences, and technical fields, with curricula emphasizing outcomes-based education, ethical formation aligned with Dominican traditions, and preparation for professional licensure and employment. As of 2025, the institution offers 27 academic programs recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a deregulated entity, with many holding Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) accreditation at Level III, indicating maturity in program standards. The CBAA focuses on commerce, management, and allied disciplines, offering four-year bachelor's programs including in Accountancy, , , (with majors in , , , , and ), Nutrition and Dietetics, , Tourism Management, and Hospitality Management. These programs integrate practical training through industry partnerships and aim to develop skills in , operations, and entrepreneurial innovation, with graduates pursuing roles such as certified public accountants, financial analysts, and hospitality managers. CELAS encompasses , communication arts, and social sciences, delivering four-year degrees such as (majors in English and ), in , , Communication, , , Legal Management, and . The college supports teacher certification for licensure eligibility and emphasizes hands-on practice in , media production, and behavioral , preparing students for careers in , , , and services. The CEIT provides technical and , combining theoretical foundations with real-world applications to equip students for roles in , , and digital systems. Programs include bachelor's degrees in , , , and , alongside offerings that foster skills in and cybersecurity.

Graduate and Specialized Studies

The Letran Graduate School, established in 1974 under the direction of P. Ramon C. Reyes, initially offered the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program to provide advanced professional education aligned with the institution's Dominican emphasis on intellectual rigor and ethical leadership. This foundation has expanded to include specialized tracks tailored for working professionals, emphasizing practical management skills and strategic decision-making in a deregulated status recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Current offerings comprise the MBA Standard Program, designed for broad development; the MBA Special Management Program, focusing on niche areas such as ; and the Doctor in Business Administration (DBA), aimed at executive-level and leadership competencies. The MBA Special Management Program holds Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) Level II , valid until February 2030, reflecting sustained quality in curriculum delivery and outcomes assessment. Specialized studies within these programs incorporate case-based learning, industry partnerships, and Dominican values integration, preparing graduates for roles in Philippine sectors amid economic challenges like post-pandemic recovery and . Enrollment targets professionals seeking career advancement, with admissions open for terms including December 2024 intakes, underscoring the school's commitment to accessible higher education without compromising academic standards.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Athletics Programs and Competitive Successes

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran fields athletic teams primarily through the (NCAA) of the , competing in sports such as , , and football under the senior Knights, women's Lady Knights, and junior Squires banners. Basketball remains the flagship program, with the Knights emphasizing disciplined training and competitive play in the NCAA's seniors division. The Letran Knights men's team has achieved significant success, capturing the NCAA championship in 1970 with a narrow 63-62 victory over the . By 2019, in NCAA Season 95, they secured their 18th seniors title, defeating the San Beda Red Lions to reclaim dominance after a decade-long gap. In recent seasons, including 2025's NCAA Season 101, the Knights demonstrated resilience with key wins, such as a 64-point combined performance from players powering a revenge victory over San Sebastian and a triple-double effort leading to an overtime triumph against . Women's and junior programs have also recorded milestones, with the Lady Knights earning a historic in beach volleyball championships, complemented by the Squires' bronze medal in the same discipline. In football, the Letran Booters claimed multiple NCAA titles during the , overcoming strong international competition from teams like Mapúa. Overall achievements across the 100th NCAA Season prompted institutional recognition via a 2025 testimonial dinner hosted by the Colegio and its alumni association.

Student Organizations, Publications, and Events

The Letran Student Council functions as the highest governing body for students at Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila, representing student interests, fostering leadership, and organizing initiatives to enhance school spirit and community engagement. Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) are categorized into co-curricular groups tied to academic programs, such as the Blank Canvas Advertising House for advertising majors and the Letran Engineering Society, which supports engineering students through activities and programs; and extra-curricular groups like Letran Community Volunteers for service initiatives and Knight Snap for photography enthusiasts. The Cultural and Performing Arts Group (CPAG) includes the Letran Filipiniana Dance Company, Letran Singing Ambassadors, and Teatro de Letran, which promote cultural preservation and artistic performances through productions and events. The Lance, established in 1976, serves as the official of Colegio de San Juan de Letran , providing coverage of news, features, sports, and opinions to amplify student voices and campus developments. For senior high school students, The Templar operates as the dedicated publication, focusing on school-specific content. Key student events emphasize tradition and formation, including the annual La Naval Grand Procession, a solemn observance involving the veneration of that unites students and faculty in faith-based activities. Binyag Arriba marks the vibrant welcome orientation for new students, incorporating rituals and festivities to instill Letran values. Additional events feature participation in Fiesta de , a multi-week cultural and spiritual celebration rooted in historical pride, and Colegio Week, which includes coordinated activities by the and affiliated groups to build camaraderie. RSOs and CPAG also host ongoing events like forums, volunteer drives, and performances to develop skills and address student concerns.

Campus Culture, Discipline, and Formative Practices

The campus culture at in emphasizes a vibrant, inclusive community rooted in Catholic Dominican traditions, fostering the "Arriba Letran" spirit of pride through organizations and cultural activities. Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), including co-curricular groups like the Letran and extracurricular ones such as Knight Snap, promote leadership and alignment with the institution's mission of integral human formation. The Cultural and Group (CPAG), featuring ensembles like the Letran Company and Letran Singing Ambassadors, enhances artistic expression while reinforcing core values of discipline and . Discipline is maintained through strict enforcement of policies outlined in the Student Handbook, including mandatory identification checks, requirements, and prohibitions on unauthorized affiliations such as , which the institution has upheld as necessary for maintaining order and character development. The Department of oversees grievance procedures and supplemental guidelines to ensure compliance, with the Letran serving as the primary student body for promoting self-regulation and school spirit. Violations, such as involvement, have historically led to sanctions like dismissal, reflecting the private Catholic school's to prioritize a controlled environment conducive to moral and academic focus. Formative practices integrate spiritual, moral, and leadership development, drawing from Dominican charism to cultivate servant-leaders committed to , charity, and truth-seeking discernment. The Religious Affairs Division organizes liturgical celebrations, including Eucharistic Masses and with a strong emphasis on the , alongside sacramental preparations for , , , and . Annual retreats and recollections provide opportunities for reflection and spiritual deepening for students, faculty, and staff, while programs instill values and critical reasoning aligned with St. Dominic de Guzman's ideals. Student Development initiatives further build character through training and personal growth activities, aiming to form graduates as disciplined witnesses of Christ who blend with professional integrity.

Affiliated Campuses

Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Abucay, Bataan

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Abucay, , serves as an affiliated campus of the historic Colegio de San Juan de Letran in , , extending the Dominican order's educational tradition to . Established to provide Catholic higher education in province, it operates on a 15-hectare site in Gabon, Abucay, offering panoramic views of and from its elevated plateau location. As the province's first Catholic tertiary institution, it emphasizes holistic formation aligned with the order's 400-year legacy of academic excellence and moral development. The campus originated from a proposal in the by Rev. Fr. Rogelio Alarcon, O.P., leading to formal approval in 1998 and acceptance of a donated lot by the Dominican Provincial Council on March 29, 1999. Construction commenced in 2000, with the facility's blessing and inauguration occurring on June 4, 2006, followed by the start of classes on June 14, 2006, for an initial enrollment of 79 students. The first foundation week was held on January 30, 2007, marking early institutional milestones. Academically, the campus delivers senior high school programs geared toward tertiary preparation and national certifications, alongside undergraduate degrees in fields such as business administration, accountancy, engineering, hospitality management, communication, and psychology. Specific offerings include the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, focusing on financial reporting, taxation, and CPA licensure preparation; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, covering operations in manufacturing and services; Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Electronics Engineering, emphasizing system design, ethics, and innovation; Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, with practical training in culinary and hotel operations; Bachelor of Arts in Communication, developing media production and storytelling skills; and Bachelor of Science in Psychology, training in behavioral analysis and research. These programs integrate Dominican values of truth-seeking and ethical leadership within a flexible learning environment supported by modern facilities and a dynamic faculty. The campus fosters a nurturing amid lush natural surroundings, prioritizing student confidence, professional skills, and comprehensive education to cultivate leaders in line with the institution's motto of teaching truth and learning life.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Calamba, Laguna

Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba was established on March 11, 1979, as the first higher education institution founded by the Dominican Province of the outside , initially operating as an extension campus of the main Colegio de San Juan de Letran in . It achieved full autonomy on August 7, 1986, while maintaining affiliation with the and upholding the founding principles of accessible education for deserving youth from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. The institution emphasizes Dominican values, focusing on integral human formation through rigorous academics integrated with moral and spiritual development. Located in Barangay Bucal, Calamba City, Laguna, the campus occupies an 11-hectare site at the foot of , providing a conducive environment for learning amid natural surroundings in the province associated with national hero Jose Rizal. Facilities support both basic and higher education levels, with over 150 faculty members, most holding graduate degrees, delivering instruction across multiple disciplines. The campus offers through its grade school program, which provides foundational instruction aligned with Filipino, Dominican, and Christian values. Collegiate programs include degrees in engineering, , business management, hospitality management, , arts and sciences, , and , with specialized strands in senior high school and technical courses in computer studies. Notable achievements include recognition by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in January 2007 as the best higher education institution for student research programs in the region, attainment of ISO 9001:2008 certification on November 28, 2013, and holding the highest number of Level 1 accredited programs in the Philippines for 2011-2012. Recent licensure exam results demonstrate strong performance, such as a 65.82% passing rate for first-time takers in the Interior Design licensure exam and 91% passing in HTML5 Application Development for BSIT students in early 2025. Student life features extracurricular activities promoting holistic growth, including annual intramurals for athletics, the Letran Calamba Student Government for , and events such as Foundation Week, Freshmen Night, and Paskuhan sa Letran for building. Traditions like Binyag Arriba orientation, immersion programs, and spiritual retreats reinforce and service orientation.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manaoag, Pangasinan

Colegio de San Juan de Letran-, situated in the poblacion of , , originated as the Holy Rosary Academy, founded on July 1, 1947, by Dominican priest Rev. Fr. Teodulo Cajigal with the objective of delivering Catholic grounded in to the children of Manaoag and surrounding areas. The institution initially focused on primary and secondary levels amid post-World War II reconstruction efforts in the , reflecting the Dominican order's emphasis on integral formation. Over time, it expanded and was renamed Our Lady of College before formally affiliating with the historic Colegio de San Juan de Letran in , , adopting its name and charism to uphold traditions of academic rigor and moral discipline. The campus, located at Castro Street, serves as a community-oriented offering a continuum of education from through tertiary levels. programs encompass , elementary (grades 1-6), junior high school (grades 7-10), and senior high school (grades 11-12), aligned with the Philippine K-12 curriculum and infused with Dominican spirituality. Tertiary offerings include the in , positioning it as a modest higher education provider in a rural setting, with enrollment emphasizing local accessibility and vocational preparation. In recognition of its longevity, the institution marked its 75th founding anniversary in 2022, earning acknowledgment from the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) as a Jubilarian school for sustained contributions to faith-based learning in . Facilities support both academic and extracurricular pursuits, though specific infrastructure details remain tied to its role as a smaller affiliate without the scale of the main campus. The school's operations continue under Dominican oversight, prioritizing holistic development over expansive research or elite athletics.

Notable Alumni and Legacy

Political and Governmental Leaders

Several presidents of the are alumni of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. , the first president of the from 1899 to 1901, received early education at the institution before pursuing military and revolutionary activities. , the second president serving from 1935 until his death in 1944, graduated from Letran in 1894 with a degree and later advanced Philippine autonomy as a resident commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1909 to 1916. Sr., the fourth president from 1944 to 1946, also attended Letran during his formative years. In the legislative branch, Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, a Letran alumnus with degrees from grade school through Bachelor of Arts in English, served as Senate President from 2018 to 2022 and previously as Senate Majority Leader. Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Sr., another alumnus, held the position of Senate President twice, from 1952 to 1953 and 1957 to 1960, while also serving as a congressman and Senate President pro tempore. Other notable governmental figures include Pedro Guevara, who represented the Philippines as a resident commissioner to the U.S. from to 1937 after studying at Letran, and Francisco Delgado, a senator from 1947 to 1957 who earlier served in the . pursued legal studies following his time at Letran and rose to become a congressman and senator, influencing pre-World War II politics.

Religious and Clerical Figures

St. Vicente Liem de la Paz, O.P. (1732–1773), a Vietnamese Dominican and the first Vietnamese member of the order, studied the and at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran after arriving in in 1741; he was ordained in 1750, served as a in (modern ), and was martyred by beheading during anti-Christian persecutions, later canonized as a in 1988 by and recognized as Letran's foremost alumnus . José Apolonio Burgos y García (1837–1872), a Filipino secular priest and reform advocate, attended Letran where he earned a degree before pursuing theology at the University of Santo Tomás; ordained in 1864, he championed the of Philippine parishes from Spanish friar control, leading to his arrest and execution by on February 17, 1872, alongside Fathers Mariano Gomes and , an event that fueled . Artemio Gabriel Casas (1911–1987), who completed high school at Letran in 1930, served as rector of from 1956 to 1962 before his episcopal appointment as the first bishop of in 1961, a role he held until 1969; he was later elevated to and contributed to diocesan development in amid post-war reconstruction. Oscar Valero Cruz (1934–2020), a Letran intermediate alumnus from 1943, rose to become archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan from 1988 to 2009 and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the from 1990 to 1995; known for critiquing and , he was ordained of in 1976 and continued public advocacy post-retirement until his death from complications. Blessed José María of (Eugenio Sanz-Orozco y Mortera, 1880–1936), born in to Spanish parents and educated at Letran during secondary studies, joined the Capuchin in , where he was ordained and served until martyred by firing squad on August 17, 1936, during the ; beatified in 2015 by as one of 26 Capuchin martyrs.

Business, Professional, and Intellectual Contributors

Francisco Cuervo Eizmendi, a Letran High School alumnus from the class of 1952, served as president of , one of the ' largest conglomerates, contributing to its expansion in , beverage, and sectors during his tenure. His exemplified the institution's emphasis on producing executives capable of managing multinational operations. Panfilo Domingo, who earned an MBA from Letran's Senior Management Program in 2007, holds positions as Chairman and CEO of the and Allied Bank, overseeing educational and financial institutions with significant assets and student enrollments exceeding 50,000. His career trajectory highlights Letran's role in fostering advanced for higher education and banking . Henry Lim Bon Liong, a 1967 High School graduate, previously led the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, advocating for trade policies that supported over 1,000 member organizations and enhanced economic ties between Filipino-Chinese businesses and national development. In the legal profession, Salvador Medialdea, a Letran alumnus, practiced as a corporate lawyer before entering executive roles, managing legal affairs for major firms and later serving in high-level administrative capacities that intersected business and governance. Joseph Noel Estrada, recognized among Letran's distinguished alumni in 2022, maintains a law practice while advocating for educational reforms, emphasizing practical legal training aligned with professional ethics. Judicial figures include Estanislao Yusay, a Letran graduate who ascended to judgeship, handling civil and criminal cases with a record of upholding procedural integrity in Philippine courts. Intellectually, Prof. Elyxzur , holding degrees from Letran including BSBA in (1996), MA, and PhD, serves as a full professor specializing in and , authoring analyses on and contributing to academic discourse on in the . His work underscores Letran's cultivation of scholars who apply rigorous economic reasoning to policy challenges.

Sports, Arts, and Cultural Icons

Avelino "Samboy" Lim Jr., a legendary basketball player known as "The Skywalker" for his acrobatic style, attended Colegio de San Juan de Letran and starred for the Letran Knights in the NCAA from 1982 to 1984, earning MVP honors in 1984 and contributing to three consecutive championships. Lim transitioned to the PBA, where he became a Hall of Famer with the San Miguel Beermen, amassing multiple titles and individual accolades before his death in 2023. Other prominent basketball alumni include , who played for from 2009 to 2013 before a successful PBA career with Rain or Shine and , highlighted by a championship and multiple selections. , a Knights guard from 2009 to 2012, also entered the PBA, playing for teams like Barako Bull and representing Letran's legacy in professional leagues. Earlier figures like Larry Mumar, a 1950s NCAA standout and national team member, helped establish Letran's basketball dominance. In arts, (1788–1862), the acclaimed Tagalog poet and author of the epic Florante at Laura (1838), studied humanities, theology, and philosophy at Colegio de San Juan de Letran, where he honed his literary skills under mentors like Juan de la Cruz. His work, blending romance, allegory, and critique of colonial oppression, remains a cornerstone of and inspired the "" poetic debate form. Antonio J. Molina (1894–1980), a dubbed the " of the " for his impressionistic techniques, earned his from Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1909 before advancing in music studies. Named a National Artist for Music in 1973, Molina produced over 500 works, including Hating-gabi and pieces that fused Western and Filipino elements, influencing generations of .

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  41. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/home/ReadMore/1789
  42. https://www.facebook.com/groups/advocatesforheritagepreservationphilippines/posts/3181719781990375/
  43. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/home/ReadMore/316
  44. https://www.facebook.com/letran.edu/posts/look-the-blessing-of-the-newly-designed-and-renovated-main-lobby-and-entrance-of/1151975750291431/
  45. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/home/ReadMore/1410
  46. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/Home/ReadMore/187
  47. https://www.facebook.com/letran.edu/posts/look-on-august-11-2025-the-newly-renovated-mabini-hall-was-blessed-by-rev-fr-pat/1174254561396883/
  48. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Departments/InformationTechnologyServices
  49. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/home/ReadMore/249
  50. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Academics/EJHS_Elementary
  51. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Academics/EJHS_JHS
  52. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Academics/SeniorHigh
  53. https://paascu.org.ph/colegio-de-san-juan-de-letran-manila-3/
  54. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Academics/OVPAA
  55. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJLqu-3y3CJ/
  56. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Academics/College_CBAA
  57. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Academics/College_CELAS
  58. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Academics/College_CEIT
  59. https://diegoosabel.wordpress.com/about/
  60. https://www.letran.edu.ph/Academics/Gradschool
  61. https://www.facebook.com/letran.edu/posts/the-letran-graduate-school-is-now-accepting-new-students-for-the-3rd-term-sy-202/1055018483320492/
  62. https://www.finduniversity.ph/universities/colegio-de-san-juan-de-letran/graduate-courses/
  63. https://www.facebook.com/letran.edu/videos/grow-your-network-with-letran-graduate-schooladmissions-for-the-december-2024-in/451241251413975/
  64. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/10/24/the-student-athletes-quest-for-uaap-and-ncaa-medals/
  65. https://www.facebook.com/gmasportsph/posts/big-time-win-the-jru-heavy-bombers-take-down-the-letran-knights-73-69-to-open-th/1408556264611976/
  66. https://www.facebook.com/ncaa.org.ph/posts/today-in-ncaa-historyletran-captured-the-1970-ncaa-basketball-championship-with-/10156427114107614/
  67. https://www.facebook.com/letranband/videos/ncaa-season-95-finals-seniors-basketball-champion/1452418001594395/
  68. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/home/ReadMore/5106
  69. https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/10/18/ncaa-manalili-s-triple-double-lifts-letran-vs-lyceum-in-ot-1740
  70. https://www.facebook.com/letran.edu/posts/look-our-student-athletes-in-beach-volleyball-paid-a-courtesy-call-to-father-rec/1032056408950033/
  71. https://bsportsfan.com/t/2304/CSJL-Knights
  72. https://www.facebook.com/letran.edu/posts/look-on-march-22-2025-the-colegio-and-the-letran-alumni-association-laa-hosted-a/1061488746006799/
  73. https://www.facebook.com/LetranSCManila/
  74. https://x.com/letranengg
  75. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/home/About
  76. https://www.facebook.com/TheTemplarLetranSHS/
  77. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/Home/ReadMore/6338
  78. https://www.facebook.com/LetranSCManila/posts/1230362125787744/
  79. https://www.facebook.com/thelanceletran/posts/look-recognized-student-organizations-rsos-including-letran-student-council-lsc-/1215724673908858/
  80. https://anycase.ai/reader/decisions_signed_resolutions/2012/10/55242
  81. https://www.letranbataan.edu.ph/Home/History
  82. https://www.letranbataan.edu.ph/Home/College
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  84. https://www.letran-calamba.edu.ph/view-department/m2359Q/basic-education
  85. https://www.facebook.com/LetranCalambaOfficial/posts/letran-calamba-extends-its-heartfelt-congratulations-to-the-graduates-who-succes/1150351027126630/
  86. https://www.facebook.com/LetranCalambaOfficial/posts/the-school-of-computer-studies-and-technology-celebrates-the-outstanding-perform/1052831223545278/
  87. https://www.letran-calamba.edu.ph/campus-life
  88. https://www.letran-manaoag.edu.ph/
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  90. https://www.letran-manaoag.edu.ph/program-offerings
  91. https://www.letran-manaoag.edu.ph/ceap2022
  92. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/colegio-de-san-juan-de-letran.php
  93. https://www.facebook.com/letran.edu/posts/quadrifactthe-colegio-has-produced-4-philippine-presidents-emilio-aguinaldo-manu/10158379590949485/
  94. https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/20053
  95. https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-colegio-de-san-juan-de-letran-alumni-and-students/reference
  96. https://edurank.org/uni/san-juan-de-letran-college/alumni/
  97. https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/G000518
  98. https://web.senate.gov.ph/senators/former_senators/francisco_delgado.htm
  99. https://thelance.letran.edu.ph/Home/ReadMore/3979
  100. https://sites.google.com/site/vietnamesemartyrs/VietnameseMartyrs/vincent-liem-de-la-paz
  101. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jose-Burgos
  102. http://imusdiocese.weebly.com/bishop.html
  103. https://www.ust.edu.ph/campus-life/varsitarian/
  104. https://x.com/LetranOfficial/status/1298422071483985921
  105. https://pintakasiph.wordpress.com/2017/07/06/blessed-jose-maria-de-manila-the-third-filipino-beatus/
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  107. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1545056422408276/posts/3717930858454144/
  108. https://abogado.com.ph/this-abogado-and-education-advocate-is-among-letrans-400-grandes-figuras-awardees/
  109. https://www.facebook.com/groups/351483144882199/posts/7027172093979904/
  110. https://www.facebook.com/letran.edu/posts/prof-elyxzur-ramos-phd-cese-our-esteemed-alumnus-high-school-batch-1992-bsba-in-/892304286258580/
  111. https://www.espn.com/basketball/pba/story/_/id/29168582/look-back-samboy-lim-letran-days
  112. https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/in-memoriam-letrans-statement-ncaas-tribute-pbas-farewell-to-samboy-lim/292150
  113. https://sites.google.com/letran.edu.ph/letranshsfourthestate/sports/sports-mix-up/samboy-lims-sky-walking-career-strikes-3-in-a-row-ncaa-championship
  114. https://rivalrynetwork.com/the-rivalry-lists-the-top-five-pba-players-from-letran-college/
  115. https://www.famousfix.com/list/letran-knights-basketball-players
  116. https://bulacan.gov.ph/general-info/francisco-balagtas/
  117. http://bsehistory.blogspot.com/2012/04/francisco-balagtas-first-nationalist.html
  118. https://fr.scribd.com/document/420794607/Filipino-Composers-Biography
  119. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XEZFsbcJK4
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