La Consolacion University Philippines

In May 1937, five Augustinian Sisters with Sor Encarnacion delos Remedios as the Superior took charge of the school when it was formally opened. In June 1937, the school was blessed and dedicated to Our Lady of Mt.Carmel, Patroness of the Parish of Barasoain, Malolos.

Early Childhood Education and Elementary courses were initially offered. In 1940, three special vocational courses were opened: typing, stenography and dressmaking. The outbreak of World War II forced the closure of the school. However, upon the insistence of the Japanese occupation forces, the school re-opened and the secondary course was offered.

The operation of the school was temporarily put on hold with the arrival of the American liberation forces in 1945. However, the school reopened later that year. This time, new college courses were added to the school’s curriculum.

1950-1984

In 1950, a two-year course for elementary education was offered. The teaching staff was composed of the intellectuals of the community.

A conflagration reduced all that was once Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Carmen to ashes in October 1952. The sisters temporarily took shelter in the residence of Mrs. Julieta Santiago. Later, the students occupied the big, old house of Doña Elisa Santiago and the improvised classrooms in the parish convent.

In 1954, a new and better building was constructed. This time, the sisters concentrated their efforts in strengthening and expanding the Elementary and High School Departments. This they did by giving up the College Department and special vocational courses retaining only stenography and typing.

Enrollment continued to increase in the succeeding years. The quality of instruction dramatically improved owing to the constant entry of qualified teaching force. Campus discipline was also strictly enforced; facilities were expanded; and new buildings were constructed. In 1965, the need was felt to reopen the College Department. More tertiary level courses were included in the curriculum. Meanwhile, the school management acquired an additional lot meant for the expansion of the College Campus.

In 1967, the school’s name was changed from Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Carmen to Regina Carmeli College.

In August 1979, RCC adopted the Catholic School System Development (CS-SSD) program. The Program aimed to promote strongly the formation of personnel, systematize operations and upgrade standards in preparation for the long-range plan of the school for voluntary accreditation.

On August 27, 1984, a solemn ceremony took place to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone of the extension building of Regina Carmeli College on a five-hectare lot at Catmon, Malolos, Bulacan. The move manifested the desire of the institution to play a more decisive role in the education of the Bulakeños. By June of 1985, the Catmon Campus was ready for occupancy. The new campus was blessed and dedicated in a solemn liturgical ceremony on July 4, 1985.

1985-1995

In November of 1985, the determined efforts of the school to gain accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) took a more decisive turn when the High School and the Grade School Departments had their Preliminary Surveys. PAASCU accreditors visited the school, and conducted intensive analysis and evaluation of the status of the school’s readiness to measure up to PAASCU standards. Eight months later, the College Department also had its PAASCU Preliminary Survey.

Responding to the needs of the Commerce graduates from Malolos and the nearby key towns of Bulacan, the CPA Review Center was conceived and realized in May of 1986. The Center is proud to have produced successful CPAs and an alumnus who placed seventh in the CPA board examinations.

The year 1987 marked RCC’s 50th year anniversary. The celebration of the Golden Jubilee Year was highlighted by the blessing of the Sister’s residence in Catmon and an institutional musical presentation entitled “Color It Gold!” The yearlong commemoration also brought about two monumental projects. The first is the launching of RCC Outreach in Pandi, Bulacan –This signaled the institution’s formal entry into its community outreach ministry. The second project is the realization of the much-needed Multi-Purpose Hall in Catmon.

School Year 1997-1998 saw the introduction of Computer Courses in the College offerings. The course Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) opened new frontiers in the desire of the school to produce productive and highly employable college graduates. During that time, BSCS ranks second to College of Commerce courses in terms of enrollment.

As a social institution, RCC is aware that it is in a potentially effective position to initiate projects, which could promote the well being of the communities in its environs. Thus in 1987, RCC organized the Mother Rita Barcelo Outreach and Livelihood Corporation (MRBOLC) as its community extension service unit. MRBOLC undertook community building projects and organized communities with a view of contributing to their becoming cohesive and self-reliant. MRBOLC also extended financial, technical and consultancy services to micro cottage and small scale business enterprises in the province.

In pursuance of the institution’s thrust for quality and excellence, the Grade School Department had its first PAASCU Formal Survey in October of 1988 followed by the High School Department later. Today, both Departments have the distinction of being PAASCU accredited.

The following year, the College Department followed suit. In August of 1989, the Department passed its PAASCU Formal Survey. Presently, LCUP is the only academic institution in Bulacan that has the much-coveted PAASCU accreditation of all its academic programs from elementary to college.

March 31, 1991 marked a cornerstone-laying ceremony held in Catmon. The project, the new Mt. Carmel Building to house the College Department and the Administrative Offices. The pressure of an ever-growing student population necessitated the construction of a major physical plant in Catmon.

In June of 1991, RCC formally opened its Graduate School Department. This is in furtherance of its goal of developing high-level human resources. For its initial offering, the Department accepted graduate students in the field of Behavioral Science with majors in Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology. Presently, the Graduate School also offers Master of Science in Business Management; Master of Science in Public Administration; and Master of Arts in Education with several majors.

In 1992, the school also put up a preschool and grade school extension campus in Rosaryville in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

As evidence of the constant desire of the institution to meet the call of the times, impact programs such as Nursing, Computer Engineering and Computer Secretarial. were introduced in School Year 1992-1993

As a result of its constant search of ways on translating into concrete realities her pro-people educational thrusts, RCC launched its Adult Night High School program in 1993. The program offered free secondary education, following DECS-approved 5-year night high school curriculum. Beneficiaries of the program are the under-privileged adults who do not have the financial capability to pursue formal education beyond basic elementary schooling. The first batch of graduates was composed of three students conferred in 1998. As of 2009, the URC Night High School had produced 96 high school students.

After years of extensive experience of delivering community outreach programs, in services to the community, the MRBOLC launched in 1994 its most monumental project to date, the Mother Rita Homes. The program, funded by Committee of German Doctors for Developing Countries sought to provide initially some 200 indigent families of Malolos and Guiguinto low-cost housing units.

After more than half a century of service to the community, the institution felt the need to raise itself to a higher level of commitment to develop Filipino Christian graduates, morally upright and imbued with the ideals of Justice, Freedom, Peace and Love. This was concretized through its plan of activities and development efforts in the pursuit of the university status.

The first formal attempt to apply for a university status took place in 1993. The President sent a formal letter of intent to the Secretary of the Department of Education Culture and Sports, Hon. Isidro Cariño together with a project proposal for the conversion of the Regina Carmeli College to a University.

On June 10, 1993, RCC received the initial findings of the Office of the Secretary of the DECS. More documentary evidences were sought on the human and physical resources of the institution.

Curricular expansion as an on-going long-range goal of the institution made significant gains in 1994 with the inclusion of four more bachelor’s degree programs in the course offerings of the College Department. These courses were: Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Bachelor of Science in Tourism. The Graduate School as well introduced a new field of specialization in its programs.

Beginning School Year 1994-1995, it offered Computer Assisted Instruction/Programming in its Master of Arts in Education program. To serve as laboratory and practicum venue for the new undergraduate offerings, the school built in Catmon the two-storey Our Lady of Consolation Physical Rehabilitation Center and the Mini-Hotel and Restaurant. Opened to the general public, the Rehabilitation Center offers competent health care services in the fields of Physical Therapy and Alternative Therapy.

The year 1994 saw a significant redirection of the thrusts of the school leadership in the promotion of a deeper sense of Christian spirituality among the personnel and the entire school community. Thus, inspired by the philosophy of “creative education”, the experience of the Catholic Church’s “basic ecclesial communities” and the “paradigm shift” sweeping the contemporary faith-life experience of the people, RCC evolved its Integral Spirituality Formation Program. The program provided the needed framework for the spiritual journey of the Carmelian community to meet the challenges of the changing times.

RCC heeded the call for environmental programs through the Reforestation/Greening Program. The students, faculty, alumni and parents, spearheaded by the administrators, launched the Adopt-a-Mountain Project located in San Miguel, Bulacan on September 8, 1995. The 30-hectare area granted through a Memorandum of Agreement with DENR served as a venue for environmental projects, where seedlings started to find their roots and the leaves give hope to the coming generation.

The first formal visit of the newly formed Commission on Higher Education (CHED) took place on January 4, 1996. A panel of five members chaired by Dr. Roberto Padua carefully and painstakingly examined the readiness of the institution in terms of: (1) compliance of program offerings to CHED standards particularly on program accreditation requirements; (2) substantial evidence of recognized strengths in the arts, science, humanities and social science components of its courses; (3) a continuing quest for excellence and a commitment to a reasonably high standard of instruction demonstrated through the quality of its education programs, outstanding achievements of its students and excellent performance of its graduates particularly in government examinations; (4) a dynamic research program manned by qualified and competent personnel including the periodic publication of scholarly journals; and (5) a creditable community extension program involving the community within its immediate area as manned by experienced and service-oriented personnel. Two major recommendations were offered: (1) that the school should have doctorate degree holders in linguistics, mathematics, sciences, business, education and preferably in all other disciplines, and (2) the intensification of the institution’s research program including the periodic publication of refereed journals.

The semester immediately following the visit, management recruited and beefed up the pool of doctorate degree holders in the institution particularly in the area of linguistics and sciences. The institution likewise realigned its research priorities, considering the impact of the institution not only among students but also in the larger community. Community and industry studies were given higher priorities.

The second visit of CHED was on October 17, 1996. The commissioners took cognizance of evidences of relevant program offerings in the college, high standard of instruction as evidenced by the presence of qualified, competent faculty and the good performance of the graduates in government examination. But they took notice also of the need to further upgrade the adequacy of the physical facilities of the college, its building and façade.

The management acted immediately on the suggestions of the CHED panel members. A comprehensive physical development plan was prepared together with the assistance of consultants. A P40-million physical development plan was submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval. The plan includes the construction of a five-storey college building geared to fully meet current and future clientele needs.

The edifice will house administrative offices, classroom and curricular facilities. The plan also includes the construction of an access road, and a façade designed to help enhance the academic ambiance of the campus.

The CHED Chairman Angel C. Alcala, together with Executive Director Catalino Rivera took time to see for themselves the applicant institution. They gave encouraging remarks with the state of progress Regina Carmeli College made particularly the creditable extensive community service programs being operated by the institution.

RCC opened its Early Childhood Education Center at Catmon Campus in January 1997. Evolving from the MRBOLC’s experience with community-based day care centers and a replication of what has been studied and observed by two RCC faculty members in Canada, the Center caters to 6 months to 3 years old children. Initially, it catered to the children of RCC personnel. Presently it opens its doors to children of those from the outside community. The center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The third visit of CHED came in February 25, 1997. Dr. Remigia Nathanielz representing CHED was joined by a member of the Technical Panel, Dr. Cynthia Rose Bautista. Dr. Bautista noticed the impressive development since the school was last visited by CHED but she paid more special attention on the status of research in the college. She suggested that the college further refine its research thrust and develop the critical mass of researches among the faculty.

RCC management responded immediately to the suggestions. A new perspective of higher education functions for the faculty was articulated operationally and creatively defining how the trilogy of higher education functions would be implemented. The school further expanded its linkages and functional network with fifteen (15) non-government agencies, nine (9) government agencies, eight (8) professional organizations, and nine (9) educational institutions both local and foreign. Among the areas of concern were research collaboration and faculty and student’s development.

The year 1997 will go down in the history of URC as one of the crucial milestones in its quest for educational distinction. In October 24, 1997, it was the turn of CHED Commissioners Esther Garcia and Kate Botengan to visit the school. The Commissioners expressed appreciation of the dramatic physical improvements the college has instituted. Moreover, they expressed that the primary intention of their visit was to look into the research activities of the institution. The management also presented the new framework of research as well as the types of researches the RDEO has conducted in the last five years.

It was December 4, 1997, when the President and some members of the academic council were invited by the Commission for the much-awaited decision. Finally, CHED en banc Resolution 144.97 officially converted Regina Carmeli College to a university under the name University of Regina Carmeli (URC).

To live up to its mission of producing competent and world-class learners, the University management reexamined its thrusts of becoming more responsive to the demands of the third millennium. A consultancy group, STREAM (Strategic Technology Research Application and Management Development Foundation, Inc.) was commissioned to conduct a one-year systems review of the University using the College of Commerce as its pilot program.

It was in 2003 when URC embarked in the international accrediting arena - the ISO 9001-2000, with the aim of creating an opportunity to factually review, correct, and further enhance the services it affords to its clientele; establish a concise reference of standardized practices and procedures; maintain a system that continually improves; and deliver a quality Augustinian education to its constituents.

To ensure that working committees would have a good start, a series of orientation sessions were scheduled in August 2, 5, 8, and 9, 2003. Faculty members, deans of the different departments, and the non-teaching personnel were given extensive training sessions by Mr. Arnold David and Ms. Eyra Umali of Fiat Training and Consultancy Corporation, to become well versed on the prerequisites of ISO 9001-2000 certification.

As the University enters the third millennium, it started translating its commitment to world class education starting with infrastructure expansion – the BARCIE International Center; Information Technology build up; streamlining of faculty recruitment retention and promotion standards; enhancing its visibility in the national and local community by taking up active leadership role among CEAP schools, more specially the Augustinian schools in the country and internationally through its promotion of alternative social programs for poverty alleviation. A more extensive five – year (2000-2005) institutional development plan was evolved to assist the university to strategize and position itself in the landscape of educational service in the country. The plan includes concrete strategy to move the University toward global positioning of its programs.

In October 27, 2003, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted URC a deregulated status, effective for five school years. URC, together with other selected private education institutions, has passed the following criteria for selection set by the CHED: (1) established as Center of Excellence or Center of Development or having the FAAP Level III Accredited programs; (2) outstanding overall performance of graduates in the licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission; and (3) long tradition of integrity and untarnished reputation.

In 2004, in compliance with the TUV requirement, URC went through its annual TUV Certification Audit. In December 7, 2004, the University Certification status was renewed for the second time. In addition, the extension program of the University took pride in the completion of its housing projects in Negros and the approval of the multi-sectoral waste management project in Dumaguete City.

The year 2005 had many milestones worthy of note. Sr. Carmeli Marie Catan, OSA ended her 21 years of service as president of URC in May 4, 2005. Sr. Niceta M. Vargas, OSA, was installed as second president of URC in June 4, 2005. In June 12, BarCIE officially launched a mission college, URC-San Rafael in San Rafael, Bulacan initially offering Commerce and Education courses. URC purchased a piece of property fronting the main gate on July 2005 where BarCIE office is located. The College of Nursing went through Level I formal Visit in August 10-11. A two-storey canteen building was constructed in November. The URC professorial chair was revitalized with the launching of the professorial chair on Justice and Peace in December 3 marked by the inaugural lecture given by Sister Ma. Luz Mijares, OSA. On the same date, the St. Augustine International Institute for Justice and Peace was formally launched with Governor Josefina M. dela Cruz cutting the ceremonial ribbon. URC pursued the Surveillance audit of TUV in December 12-13, 2005.

In February 8, 2006, Dr. Melencio Deauna was appointed as professorial chair holder during the launching of Professorial Chair on Test and Measurement, and the URC Regional Center for Test and Measurement. In July 2006, URC became a recipient of PGMA study loan program amounting to P2,000,000.00.

URC passed the re-certification Audit of TUV Rheinland Philippines in January 18-19, 2007. The school purchased a lot located at Plaridel, Bulacan intended for the construction of the URC Hospital. The cornerstone laying of the hospital took place on January 20, 2007. The College of Computer Science had its PAASCU Preliminary Survey in the same year. The MSPA and MABS programs of the Graduate School were granted Level II Second Re-accredited Status, while the MBA and MAED programs granted Level II First Re-accredited Status, under PACUCOA. It was also on the same year that URC was identified as a CHED’s Delivering Higher Education Institution (DHEI) in the two programs: MA in Teaching Mathematics and MA in Teaching Psychology.

Once more, URC passed the ISO re-certification Audit in November 28, 2008. The University received a Regional Award for Outstanding Research in October 2008. URC Basic Education Department was granted Level III Accredited Status under PAASCU, one of the few programs granted such status in the country. The University with Dr. Belen de Jesus as project leader won the Regional Outstanding Award in community extension project with an award of P300,000, title of the project: “The University of Regina Carmeli (URC) Community Development and Extension Program and Its Organizational Feature”. In March, 2009, the University bestowed the Doctorate Degree Honoris Causa in Literature to Dr. Virgilio Almario, National Artist from San Miguel, Bulacan.

Meanwhile, Dr. Belen B. de Jesus, Executive-Vice President, was conferred a Doctorate Degree: Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the Notre Dame of Marbel University in March 2009 for her outstanding services in advancing innovative programs for the education of the members of cultural communities in Cotabato. A first in the history of URC was the granting of Level III status by PACUCOA to the Master of Science in Public Administration program in July, 2009, the second program in the country to be granted such status by PACUCOA.

In October 5 – 6 PAASCU re-surveyed the LACOMED program for its Level II reaccredited status. At the same time the Computer Science was visited for the second time also by PAASCU for Level I status. Moreover, the University was visited for second re-certification by ISO in November 12-13. In observance of the 12th University Foundation Day, the Foreign Language Center and the Wellness Center located at BarCIE International Hotel were blessed in December 3 at Atis Hall of the Hotel. A milestone in the history of the University was the launching of the URC Coffee Table Book bearing the title “The University of Regina Carmeli A Seventy-Year Journey Toward Educational Excellence”, which chronicles the history and development of URC since its birth in 1937. The year 2009 ended with another blessing – the PAASCU formal recognition of the College of Computer Science Program with Level I status.

Mother Imelda A. Mora, OSA was elected the new provincial of the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (ASOLC) in December 2009 replacing Mother Ma. Luz Mijares, OSA. With the change in the congregational leadership, came a search for an innovative model for managing the OSA’s HEIs. It was for this reason that a team of 6 experts from CHED visited URC, in March 29 – 30, 2010 to ascertain the level of compliance of the University with the standards set by CHED for University status. As a prospective member of the proposed La Consolacion University System, the result of the visit proved to be an affirmation that URC has indeed done an excellent job as a University. After the LCUS CHED program review, in May 17-19, 2010 another set of CHED monitoring team looked into the management of the University System to test the efficiency and effectiveness of the various systems operating at URC. By the time this report is being written, no results have been forthcoming. In April, 2010, the University was renewed as a deregulated institution by CHED.

In the meantime to maintain the University’s competitive edge, the management enhanced its academic program by expanding the curricular courses to bring in new sets of students.

The new ten courses are: Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSPsyc), Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSBIO); Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT); Bachelor of Science in Information System (BSIT); Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW); Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT); Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED-SPED); Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA); Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN); Master of Information Technology (MIT).

Four programs: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA); Doctor in Public Administration (DPA); Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) and Doctor of Educational (EDD). These new courses are in keeping with the desire of the University to be relevant to students clamor to have more courses to choose from. It is appropriate to mention at this point that Dr. Reynaldo Cruz, Graduate School Dean / EVP, was a recipient of the “Dangal ng Lipi” Award in Education in September 14, 2010.

Sr. Niceta M. Vargas, OSA ended her five-year presidency of URC on May 3, 2010. Sr. Editha S. Zerna, OSA was installed as the third URC president in June 4, 2010. Her installation forebodes a fresh redirection for the University. Her term started with the blessing of a five-story building of the Extension of the Plaridel Emergency Hospital in October 2, 2010. URC is confident that under the care of Sr. Editha S. Zerna, OSA, the University would move towards a new horizon.

The exciting events of the third millennium demonstrate URC’s ability to sustain its thrusts of giving Bulacan and other provinces of Luzon educational services in the arena of effective instruction, research, functional extension service and above all quality Catholic tertiary education - as it is the only Catholic Augustinian University in the province.

Research was given an added impetus in the University as a higher education institution. In SY 2010-2011 alone, LCUP was a recipient of five (5) commissioned/funded researches namely: (1) Water Quality Assessment of the Paombong- Hagonoy Sections of the Angat River and Its Groundwater System: Towards a Sustainable Ecosystem [DOST]; (2) Water Quality Assessment of the Calumpit-Plaridel-Pulilan Sections of the Angat River and Its Groundwater System: Towards a Sustainable Ecosystem [DOST]; (3) Patients’ Knowledge and Attitudes on Tuberculosis and the Determinants of Treatment Compliance [DOH]; (4) Manpower Needs and Labor Demand Shifts of Industries in the Subic and Clark Growth Corridors: Perspectives in Academe and Industry Linkage [CHED-UP-ZRC]; and (5) Evaluation of the Maternal and Child Health Services of the Local Health Facilities [CHED-ZRC 3].

In January 8, 2011, by virtue of a congregational decision that schools being run by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation carry one name “La Consolacion School/College/University” as the case may be, management applied to the Securities Exchange Commission for the change of name, from URC to LCUP. March 2, 2011, the Commission approved an Amended Articles of Incorporation and By Laws of SEC –CR Reg. No. 7797 officially converting University of Regina Carmeli to La Consolacion University Philippines. With this new name, LCUP commits itself even more to be a provider of world class, professionally competent human resource who can ensure the sustainability of a Christo-Centric Stewardship of his / her community.

In addition, the University innovated the institution’s courses by moving into vocational technical programs to promote access and equity to its educational services. There are seven Voc-Tech program strands: Computer Hardware Servicing NC II; Programming NC IV; Contract Center Services NCII; Food and Beverage Services NC II; Housekeeping NC II; Front Office NC II and Finishing Course for Call Center Agents NC II. The Tech-Voc courses opened in June 2011.

In AY 2012-2013 the University has been granted funding for two other researches by the DOST through the Central Luzon Health Research and Development Council (CLHRDC): (1) Level of Implementation and Quality of Child Health Nutrition Programmes in the City of Malolos: An Evaluation, where LCUP is the project leader and (2) Hospital Waste Management of Government/Public and Private Hospitals in Region III.

On December 4, 2012, the University celebrated its 75 years of existence. Among the highlights of the celebration were the: (1) Search and Awarding of the 75 Outstanding Alumni in various disciplines, (2) holding of the International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research Innovations (ICIRI) which was attended and participated by more than 250 presenters coming from renowned academic institutions all over the nation and countries like Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, West Africa, Nigeria, Oman, Australia and the United States, among others, (3) Search and Coronation of the Lakan at Lakambini ng LCUP 2012, (4) street dancing and field demonstration and (5) motorcade around Malolos and nearby towns with floats depicting the four phases of LCUP evolution – from Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Carmen to Regina Carmeli College to University of Regina Carmeli to La Consolacion University Philippines.

Programs in instruction and research are standard-driven based on CHED, Accreditation, and ISO requirements. As of AY 2013-2014, LCUP has a total of 9 graduate programs in 20 different disciplines and 25 baccalaureate courses (in different majors), the newest of which are Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Bachelor of Physical Education with majors in School PE (BPE-SPE) and in Sports and Wellness Management (BPE-SWM), 3 basic education programs, 15 TESDA and special and innovative courses. The University, through its alternative learning system, has likewise been conferred as an ETEEAP Provider (Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program) in 3 programs: Liberal Arts, Education and Business Administration courses.

LCUP-RDO has likewise embarked on international research and publication. A number of its faculty members were paper presenters (two of whom were acclaimed best paper presenters) in international conferences held in Athens, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the Philippines. Faculty researches have been published online through international publications such as IAMURE: (1) International Journal of Education and (2) International Journal of Ecology and Conservation. Faculty researchers have likewise merited citations in studies conducted by international researches. LCUP-RDO, through its online Journal of Education and Stewardship establishes linkages with international research partners.

LCUP prides of its physical infrastructure build-up. It has 68 classrooms in its two campuses, more than 400 computer units enabling a 1:1 student-computer ratio per session, a nursing lab, an x-ray room, 3 science laboratories (anatomy, physics and chemistry laboratories), 3 fully equipped computer laboratories, 2 HRM culinary laboratories and bar, 2 speech laboratories, a micro-teaching lab and two campuses with Wi-Fi facilities. It also takes pride in its own 89-room hotel - the BarCIE International Center - with 1 penthouse, 4 suite rooms and five function halls , its own 100-bed capacity state-of-the-art tertiary hospital (LCU General Hospital), 2 clinics, a mini-hotel/training hub, two multi-purpose gymnasiums (1,250 and 2,500-seating capacities), a speech lab, a 350-seater cafeteria, 6 student lounges, a cosmic garden, 2 audio-visual rooms, , 2 home economics rooms, 4 libraries, a 3-storey 14-bedroom cloister, 2 chapels, a wellness center, a 20m x 25 m mini Olympic-size Pool and an open stage for the holding of commencement exercises and other special university affairs.

Coinciding the celebration of the Feast of St. Augustine on August 28, 2013, was the blessing of the new Doña Estefania del Rosario Vda. de Jacinto Theatre which replaced the former Audio-Visual Room situated at the LCUP Barasoain campus. This was followed by the ground-breaking ceremony of the Proposed Five-Storey Academic Building that will house state-of-the-art laboratories, function halls, offices, classrooms, a centralized library and the future Venerable Mother Consuelo Auditorium.

For Academic Year 2014 - 2015, LCUP has stepped-up its efforts in providing quality education and producing quality and globally competitive graduates.

The University’s LACOMED programs (Liberal Arts, Commerce and Education) have been granted a Level III re-accreditation status by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) for 5 years valid until May 2019 while The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science has been granted a re-accreditation status by PAASCU valid for 5 years until November 2019. The Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management also received its Level II first re-accreditation status on December 13, valid until December 2019. Meanwhile, all board courses offered by LCUP (BEED, BSED, BSN, MID, BSA, and AB/BS Psychology) have yielded results which were above the national passing rate.

Improvements to infrastructures and facilities were also given top priority by the University. The construction of the five-storey College of Medicine building fronting the Administration building has already commenced. In addition, the two-storey extension of the Mother Consuelo building which houses a dormitory, male and female restrooms, 2 function halls, a spacious lobby and a rooftop with amenities conducive to informal gatherings and activities for small-sized groups is now fully functional and operational.

Electronic communication systems have likewise been upgraded to a 10-mbps bandwidth to enable faster network connection and enhanced electronic communication between and among departments and offices. Several Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) units were installed at different strategic locations around the LCUP Main Campus to further enhance the school’s security.

AY 2015 - 2016 commenced under a new leadership in the person of University President Sr. Imelda A. Mora, OSA, Ph.D. In order to set the direction the University will be taking for the next ten years, Sr. Mora spearheaded a 3-day Institutional Strategic Planning wherein she presented her “ALTER” Strategy in front of the LCUP faculty and personnel. The acronym stands for (1) creating an Ambiance for intellectual and personal growth, (2) developing Leadership with vision, (3) using Technology as a valuable tool for instruction, (4) promoting the University’s Extension services, and (5) prioritizing Research excellence.

LCUP has likewise taken a significant step towards the preparation for the opening of the College of Medicine. On December 2, 2015, the University signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bulacan Medical Center which acknowledged BMC as the base hospital for the internship of LCUP’s future medical students. This was signed by Sr. Imelda A. Mora, OSA and Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, with several university administrators co-signing as witnesses.

On February 18 – 21 of the following year, LCUP was granted the honor of hosting the PRISAA Regional Meet 2016 – an event wherein different private schools from Region III converge to compete in academic and athletic competitions.

In addition, the Graduate School’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) has been granted a five-year Level IV Accreditation Status by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) from February 2016 to February 2021, making it the first MPA in the country to be accorded the distinction. LCUP also became a member of several international organizations: the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), and the Association of Universities of the Asia Pacific (AUAP).

May 16, 2016, meanwhile, marked a significant milestone in the history of LCUP. The University was granted an Autonomous Status effective April 2016 to May 2019 by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) during the 22nd CHED Anniversary Celebration held at the CHED Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City. LCUP joined the other 5 private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region III to receive such a prestigious privilege and commendation. This also placed LCUP among the ranks of the country’s leading schools such as De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University and University of Santo Tomas. Dr. Caridad O. Abuan, CESO III, Director IV of CHED Regional Office III announced the achievement the day before, during her commencement speech at the 24th Graduate School and 48th Undergraduate Commencement Exercises held at the Kalinangan Auditorium, LCUP Main Campus.

At the start of the Academic Year 2016 - 2017, LCUP joined the entire country in the implementation of the Senior High School (SHS) program with 2,667 students enrolled for its pioneering batch. The University has partnered with the Department of Education in providing vouchers for incoming SHS students coming from the nearby public schools. These vouchers allowed the SHS students to enroll in LCUP for free, with DepEd shouldering the cost of enrollment, and LCUP providing the students books needed for each subject.

LCUP also subscribed to EBSCO in providing students and personnel easy access to a vast online database of research materials such as journals, books and published researches. EBSCO is an international company which provides leading research databases for academic libraries and is one of the leading providers of quality research content.

Under the innovative leadership of Sr. Imee, the University has radically changed several of its administration practices and strategies to ensure the job satisfaction and improve the performance of its employees. Salaries of administrators and personnel have been increased, service incentives and achievement awards were handed out to deserving employees, 100% graduate school scholarships were offered to all personnel, and significant renovations were implemented to several of the Institution’s offices and facilities.

AY 2017 - 2018, meanwhile, started out strong, with a record-breaking 10,436 students enrolled for the school year. Overall, the SHS has seen a 112% increase in enrollees with a total of 5,649 registered students while the Graduate School experienced a 29% surge in enrollment with 2,313 enrollees.

On August 4, 2017, Sr. Imelda A. Mora, OSA, Ph.D. was officially installed as the 4th University President after 3 years of leading the Institution. The LCUP faculty and non-teaching personnel were at their best attires as they witnessed the Installation Rites and Investiture Ceremonies held at the Kalinangan Auditorium of the LCUP Main Campus. Several esteemed guests were present in the event, as well as representatives from the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolacion (ASOLC) along with Sr. Imee’s relatives and friends.

The College of Medicine (COM) officially opened its doors to LCUP’s future doctors on August 14. This is considered as another noteworthy achievement for the University, which is the first ever school in the whole province of Bulacan to offer a course in Medicine. To provide the best quality of education to the pioneering batch of Medicine students, LCUP hired competent and skilled doctors from renowned and established medical schools in Manila to serve as faculty. The facilities of the College of Medicine Building such as the laboratories, lecture hall and library were likewise readily available to the new students at the start of the semester.

Two newly constructed buildings were also added to LCUP’s infrastructures in the same year: The Kensho Building situated across the BarCIE International Center which is used as a venue for Culinary Arts classes and institutional events, and the Padre Pio Building which houses 12 classrooms for the Junior and Senior High School students.

Research was likewise given top priority by LCUP, with the University aiming to be at par with the leading research institutions in the country, as well as achieving a 100% research output among its faculty and personnel. To realize this goal, the Research and Publications Office (RPO) has conducted monthly research seminars to equip the personnel with proper knowledge and skills on research writing.

LCUP was given the honor to host the MACIPRISA Meet 2017 on October 4 - 6. The University dominated in the academic and cultural contests with 22 and 8 wins respectively, and was declared the overall athletic champion for 2017.

To date, LCUP is a picture of strength, courage and invincibility. It has remained steadfast to its vision of producing graduates who are globally competent stewards of their communities animated by the teachings of Christ, and by Marian and Augustinian ideals and principles. For more than seven decades, it has established an unparalleled reputation not only in the locale, but also in the global arena as an institution that nurtures not only the mind, but the heart as well.