Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Colegio de San Juan de Letran is a private Roman Catholic university located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, founded in 1620 by Dominican Order friar Diego Morada. The institution is one of the oldest in the Philippines, with a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial period, and has been affiliated with the University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University. It has produced many notable alumni, including Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Manuel L. Quezon, who have played significant roles in the country's Philippine Revolution and EDSA Revolution. The university is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning and the International Association of Universities.

● History

The history of Colegio de San Juan de Letran dates back to 1620, when it was founded by Diego Morada as a seminary for young Spanish and Indio boys, with the goal of training them for the priesthood and providing them with a classical education. The institution was initially located in Intramuros, Manila and was later transferred to its current location in 1632, during the term of Governor-General Alonso Fajardo de Entenza. The university has undergone several transformations throughout its history, including the addition of new buildings and facilities, such as the Letran Gymnasium and the St. John the Baptist Chapel, and has been visited by several notable figures, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. The institution has also been involved in several significant events, including the Battle of Manila (1571) and the Battle of Manila (1762), and has been affiliated with other institutions, such as the University of the Philippines and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

● Academics

The academics at Colegio de San Juan de Letran are divided into several colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Engineering, which offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, and Master of Business Administration. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Institute of Philippine Studies and the Center for Asian Studies, which conduct research on various topics, including Philippine history, Asian culture, and globalization. The institution has also partnered with several other universities and organizations, including the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and the World Health Organization, to provide students with opportunities for international exchange and collaboration.

● Campus

The campus of Colegio de San Juan de Letran is located in Intramuros, Manila, and features a range of modern and historic buildings, including the Letran Building, the St. John the Baptist Chapel, and the Letran Gymnasium. The campus is also home to several facilities, including the Letran Library, the Letran Museum, and the Letran Sports Complex, which provide students with access to a range of resources and activities, including basketball, volleyball, and football. The institution is also located near several other notable landmarks, including the Manila Cathedral, the Fort Santiago, and the Intramuros Golf Course, and is accessible by several modes of transportation, including the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).

● Student Life

Student life at Colegio de San Juan de Letran is vibrant and diverse, with a range of extracurricular activities and organizations available to students, including the Letran Student Council, the Letran Debate Team, and the Letran Sports Teams, which compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). The institution also has a range of student services, including the Letran Counseling Center, the Letran Health Services, and the Letran Career Services, which provide students with support and guidance throughout their academic careers. The university is also home to several notable events and traditions, including the Letran Foundation Day and the Letran Alumni Homecoming, which bring together students, alumni, and faculty to celebrate the institution's history and heritage.

● Notable Alumni

Colegio de San Juan de Letran has produced many notable alumni, including Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Manuel L. Quezon, who have played significant roles in the country's Philippine Revolution and EDSA Revolution. Other notable alumni include Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who have served as President of the Philippines, as well as several other notable figures, including Benigno Aquino III, Corazon Aquino, and Ferdinand Marcos. The institution has also produced several notable figures in the fields of business, law, and medicine, including Henry Sy, John Gokongwei, and Alfredo Bengzon, who have made significant contributions to the country's economy and society.

● Athletics

The athletics program at Colegio de San Juan de Letran is highly competitive, with several teams competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). The institution's teams, including the Letran Knights and the Letran Lady Knights, have won several championships in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and football, and have produced several notable athletes, including Caloy Loyzaga, Carlos Loyzaga, and Kerby Raymundo, who have gone on to compete in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and other professional leagues. The university's athletics program is also supported by several notable coaches and trainers, including Louie Alas and Caloy Garcia, who have led the teams to several championships and have developed several notable players, including Raymond Almazan and Kevin Racal.