Pampanga State University

Pampanga State University (Pampanga State U), formerly and still commonly referred to as Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) is a state university in Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines. It was founded by Augustinian friar, Fr. Juan P. Zita as “Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Bacolor” on November 4, 1861 upon the approval of Governor-General José Lémery e Ibarrola.

The university has eight regular campuses in Apalit, Candaba, Porac, Mexico, Santo Tomas, Lubao, City of San Fernando, and Floridablanca in the province of Pampanga. It is the oldest state university in the Philippines that remains in operation and is recognized as the oldest vocational school in Far East Asia.

History

The beginnings of Pampanga State University can be traced to a vision shared by Fr. Juan P. Zita, an Augustinian friar who wished to uplift the youth of Bacolor through skills training. With the support of civic leader Don Felino Gil, this vision took formal shape when Governor-General José Lémery e Ibarrola approved the creation of the “Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Bacolor” on November 4, 1861. The school was established on land donated by the Suarez sisters, laying the foundation for what would become the oldest state university in the Philippines, the second-oldest public educational institution in the country after the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, which was established in 1820, and the oldest vocational institution in the Far East Asia.

Over the years, the school faced numerous setbacks, having been burned down five times, from an unexplained fire in 1869 to later incidents linked to its use as military quarters, an ammunition facility, and finally during the Japanese retreat in 1944, with the last major fire occurring in 1958. Despite these repeated losses, the institution was consistently rebuilt. The school also figured prominently in early Philippine governance. It hosted sessions of the Taft Commission, which on February 13, 1901 proclaimed Bacolor native Ceferino Joven as the first civil governor of Pampanga and the Philippines. It likewise served as the Provincial Capitol from 1901 to 1903 before briefly becoming the municipal building of Bacolor.

Through the decades, the institution evolved through several name changes, Bacolor Trade School in 1905, Pampanga Trade School in 1909, and later the Pampanga School of Arts and Trades under Republic Act 1388, which expanded its technical programs. In 1964, it was renamed Don Honorio Ventura Memorial School of Arts and Trades to honor former Pampanga Governor and philanthropist Don Honorio Ventura.

The school continued to grow academically, introducing the BS Industrial Education program in 1966 and graduating its first class in 1969.

With the support of former Solicitor-General and Pampanga Governor Estelito P. Mendoza, the institution was elevated to state college status on May 5, 1978 through Presidential Decree No. 1373, adopting the name Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT). This transition marked a new direction, as leaders envisioned the college as a major academic hub in Central Luzon, one that would offer accessible education, produce skilled professionals, and contribute to the region’s economic progress.

Academic Programs

Pampanga State University offers a wide range of high-quality academic programs from law and graduate studies to health and sciences, business, computing, engineering, education, and industrial technology, providing the Kapampangans with diverse pathways to develop their skills and prepare for professional success.

School of Law

Juris Doctor

Graduate School

• Doctor of Education
• Major in Educational Management
• Doctor of Public Administration
• Master of Arts in Education
• Major in Educational Management
• Major in Filipino
• Major in Mathematics
• Major in English
• Major in Physical Education
• Major in Technology and Livelihood Education
• Major in Social Studies
• Major in General Science
• Master of Science in Social Work
• Master in Public Administration
• Major in Regulatory Management System
• Master in Business Administration
• Master of Engineering Management
• Master of Arts in Guidance And Counseling
• Master in Information Technology

College of Arts and Sciences

• Bachelor of Science in Biology
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
• Bachelor of Science in Statistics

College of Business Studies

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Major in Marketing Management
• Major in Business Economics
• Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information System
• Bachelor of Public Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Management
• Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management

College of Computing Studies

• Associate in Computer Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

College of Education

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Secondary Education
• Major in English
• Major in Filipino
• Major in Mathematics
• Major in General Science
• Major in Social Studies
• Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education
• Major in Home Economics
• Major in Industrial Arts
• Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education
• Major in Food and Service Management
• Major in Garments, Fashion and Technology
• Bachelor of Physical Education
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science
• Major in Fitness and Sports Coaching
• Major in Fitness and Sports Management
• Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education

College of Engineering and Architecture

• Bachelor of Science in Architecture
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering

University Campuses

The Pampanga State University has nine campuses across the province, with the Bacolor Campus (Don Honorio Ventura Campus) serving as its main campus.

Notable alumni

Eddie Panlilio - former Roman Catholic priest and Governor of the province of Pampanga.

Jayson Castro - Filipino professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Эх сурвалж: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)