A University Founded by a President

The Lyceum of the Philippines University was established by Jose P. Laurel, the third president of the country. Unlike many schools of its era, it was founded as a strictly non-sectarian institution.

Jose P. Laurel opened this university in 1952 to provide high-quality education that remained independent from religious influence. Located in the historic walled city of Intramuros, it has grown into a major hub for academic excellence in Manila. Its non-sectarian nature was a bold stance at the time, reflecting Laurel’s dedication to secular academic freedom. Today, it remains a pillar of Filipino higher education.