SM Prime Holdings Executive Committee Chairman and National University Board Chair Hans T. Syreaffirmed the push for accessible, high-quality education as National University (NU) continues to grow its presence in Mindanao, highlighted by the ongoing development of its campus at SM City Davao.
During a site visit and inspection of the NU facility at the mall’s expansion wing on Saturday, Sy emphasized that the institution’s mission centers on delivering affordable education without compromising quality. The visit, which included a campus tour, drew participation from local journalists and content creators, reflecting rising public interest in NU’s expansion in the region under SM Prime Holdings.
Sy said NU’s direction is deeply rooted in a legacy of education and inclusivity.
“Education is my father’s legacy… and now we’re going all out to give deserving students a chance to study,” he said.
He stressed that keeping tuition affordable remains a priority, with the company absorbing much of the operational costs to ease the financial burden on students and families.
At the same time, Sy underscored NU’s philosophy of simplicity—favoring practical, functional facilities over expensive design.
“Nothing fancy, but everything works. That’s what matters—clean, functional, and accessible,” he said, pointing to the campus’ straightforward yet efficient setup.
When asked how NU Davao compares with other universities in the city, Sy summed it up in one word: “Affordable.”
School officials also outlined tuition and financial aid programs designed to widen access. Senior High School Principal Rica Palma said annual tuition for senior high stands at around P49,000 before government subsidies, but drops significantly with vouchers—falling below P20,000 for public school graduates and under P16,000 for private school students with ESC support.
Additional discounts are available for SM affiliates and other qualified groups, reinforcing NU’s affordability strategy.
Flexible enrollment options are also in place, allowing students to begin with a down payment and apply for scholarships afterward. According to Joshua Noel Cagas, the university offers a range of financial aid packages, including full scholarships covering tuition and fees, along with stipends for top-performing students.
Discounts are likewise extended to members of uniformed services such as the Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard, as well as their dependents.
Meanwhile, NU Executive Director Edwin Loma reported that enrollment demand in Davao has surpassed expectations, prompting the opening of additional class sections beyond initial projections.
Academic Director John Ray Camorongan added that NU Davao is preparing to roll out multiple degree programs, including accountancy, psychology, computer science, and architecture, with some courses still pending approval from the Commission on Higher Education.
Loma said the expansion forms part of NU’s broader effort to improve access to higher education across Mindanao, aligned with SM Prime’s long-term commitment to education development nationwide.
