Can you imagine going through life without an internet connection in the country or doing a day’s work without a functioning computer? Imagine how disastrous it could be if we couldn’t monitor the weather or check the impact of earthquakes. Fortunately, essential technologies such as the Philippine internet infrastructure, computer chipset, and weather and seismic monitoring systems were invented by forward-thinking Filipino innovators, who all happen to hail from Mapúa University.

Innovations with an impact

These innovators made an immense effort to design indispensable innovations now considered today’s conveniences. Dr. William Torres, dubbed the” Father of Internet in the Philippines” and a graduate of BS Mechanical Engineering, spearheaded the country’s internet infrastructure, enabling hundreds of thousands of Filipinos to work, study, and connect online. His fellow Mapúa alumnus, BS Electrical Engineering graduate Engr. Diosdado Banatao invented the personal computer (PC) chipset and Windows Graphics accelerator chip, an essential component of every PC today.

While Engr. Cris Monjardin, a BS Civil Engineering alumnus who is the inventor and co-founder of the WEHLO project and assistant professor of the School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering (SCEGE), designed a weather and rainfall monitoring system to help local government units manage their risk reduction systems, fellow Mapúan BS Civil Engineering graduate Dr. Francis Aldrine Uy, now dean of SCEGE and creator and founder of USHER technologies, invented a novel seismic monitoring system that can help organizations and communities gauge the impact of earthquakes on infrastructure.

Recognized as the leading engineering and technological academic institution in the Philippines, Mapúa has consistently produced brilliant minds who have significantly contributed to the global technological landscape. Even its young graduates and students have been recognized internationally for their breakthrough work, like BS Electrical Engineering graduate Carvey Ehren Maigue, who developed AuReus, an upcycled material made from wastes that converts UV light into renewable energy, and MS Materials Science and Engineering by Research graduate Mark Kennedy Bantugon, who invented the Pili Seal, an innovative, cost-effective, and less toxic aircraft sealant made from spent pili resin.

What’s in the water?

But why is the university so prolific in producing scientists and innovators?

Although other academic institutions also have accomplished graduates, what makes these Mapúans stand out is that the innovations they develop remarkably impact the quality of life of their countrymen and industries. The solutions they devise intentionally address a present need.

Mapúa president and chief executive officer Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo explained, “Mapúa cultivates critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, essential traits for innovation through its rigorous teaching and learning methods. This environment encourages alumni to think boldly, solve problems effectively, and lead in their fields. Beyond this, there is an innate call to contribute to nation-building, a shared purpose — like a torch passed on from generation to generation of Mapúans.” This shared mission is reflected in the systems, technologies, and projects invented and implemented by the university’s graduates and students. It also sets the tone for how courses, curricula, and other activities are cascaded to students.

To ensure that future innovators are equipped with the appropriate skills and competencies, they are given access to the Think and Tinker Laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility enables exceptional students to pioneer groundbreaking solutions with the latest equipment and a safe and secure environment they can use round-the-clock for their experiments. To ensure their continuity in their work, the higher education institution (HEI) also extends generous grants, and opportunities to collaborate with local and international research, development, and innovation partners. Faculty members, who are experts in their respective fields, also take the time to mentor and advise students on their projects. This innovative culture encourages learners (and even Mapúa faculty) to pursue their research interests while tackling academic requirements.

Dr. Maestrecampo emphasized that the University is steadfast in its commitment to uphold its legacy of innovation and strength in fostering independent thinking among its learners by empowering them with state-of-the-art facilities they can use for building their innovations, scholarship grants to support their works, and rigorous, industry-aligned academic programs that make them become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovative leaders. The University consistently imparts and models excellence within its community to ensure that graduates embody its legacy.

A foundation of excellence

However, aside from its conducive atmosphere, Mapúa’s rigorous curriculum and internationally vetted programs are the cornerstone of these brilliant minds’ competencies. With 11 engineering programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, which include BS Biological Engineering, BS Chemical Engineering, BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering, BS Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, BS Manufacturing Engineering, BS Materials Science and Engineering, and BS Mechanical Engineering, and three computing programs accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, namely, BS Computer Science, BS Information Systems, and BS Information Technology, the university guarantees that it strictly adheres to the global standards in engineering and technology education, and has industry-aligned curricula.

This being said, the University produces globally prepared professionals who thrive in diverse workplaces and strive to make a difference in the world by shaping and leading industries and contributing to societal progress.

To kickstart their success, Mapúa offers the Cardinal Innovator Discount, applicable for students taking up BS Data Science, BS Energy Engineering, BS Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BS Game Development), BS Business Intelligence and Analytics, BS Financial Technology, BS Global Management, and BS Business Administration major in Sustainability Management.  

Learn more about Mapúa’s culture of innovation and enjoy the exclusive Cardinal Innovator Discount for select undergraduate programs at https://bit.ly/cardinalinnovator.

Ready to apply? Visit admissions.mapua.edu.ph and begin your journey to world-class education today!