Oldest University in the Philippines- UST founded in 1611

The Spanish colonization introduced formal education to the Philippines, leading to the founding of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 1611, one of the oldest universities in Asia! However, education was not for everyone. It was mainly reserved for the elite, leaving most Filipinos without access to proper schooling.

These educational disparities persisted for years, shaping the country’s struggle for equal learning opportunities in the centuries that followed.

Here is a piece of trivia that surprises almost everyone who hears it. The University of Santo Tomas in Manila was founded in 1611, which makes it older than Harvard University by twenty five years. Long before the United States even existed as a nation, students in the Philippines were already walking to class, opening books, and earning degrees.

That means the Philippines is home to the oldest existing university in all of Asia. Founded by the Dominican order during the Spanish colonial period, it has been teaching without interruption for more than four hundred years, surviving wars, revolutions, occupation, and the complete transformation of the country around it. Generations of doctors, writers, priests, and national heroes have passed through its halls, including figures who would go on to shape the very idea of the Filipino nation. Macrine (RIP) is an alumna of the University, Graduate of 1957, Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Accounting

Meanwhile, Did you Know That.....

The T’nalak weaving of the T’boli people in Mindanao is similar to the Batik fabric-making of Indonesia and Malaysia. While Batik uses wax to create patterns on cloth, T’nalak is made by weaving abaca fibers by hand. Both are colorful, detailed, and full of meaning.

Historians believe that ancient traders helped spread weaving techniques across Southeast Asia. Today, Batik is a proud symbol of Indonesia and Malaysia, while T’nalak remains a sacred fabric for the T’boli, used in special ceremonies and passed down through generations.

These traditional fabrics are more than just art—they tell stories, preserve culture, and connect different Southeast Asian nations!

Lastly, Did You Know That....

Donsol, Sorsogon, holds the title of the "Whale Shark Capital of the World" due to its annual gathering of butanding (whale sharks). Unlike in other countries where these gentle giants are kept in enclosures, Donsol offers a completely natural experience—no feeding, no captivity, just responsible and ethical eco-tourism.

From November to June, visitors can swim alongside these massive yet harmless creatures in their natural habitat. This sustainable tourism model not only protects the whale sharks but also provides livelihood opportunities for the local community. Donsol’s conservation efforts have made it a global leader in responsible wildlife tourism, proving that nature and tourism can thrive together.