Tracing the Journey: From an Arts and Trades High School to a State University

The study traces the various stages the university underwent, from its establishment as a secondary school of arts and trades in 1968 to its transformation into a state university in 2001. It employs Arnold Toynbee's challenge and response theory, focusing on the notion that civilizations emerge in response to the challenges posed by physical and human environments. The findings reveal that the establishment and development of the university were responses to the challenges and conditions of the society in which it is located. The absence of vocational schools offering trade and technical education in the province prompted the foundation of the arts and trades school in 1968. After 24 years, it was converted into a polytechnic college to meet the growing demand for professional manpower during that period. The decision to elevate it to a polytechnic college reflected the increasing need for specialized education that could produce a skilled workforce. However, a lack of resources hindered the college from attaining university status during this time. The issuance of the policy integrating CHED-supervised institutions into state universities and colleges eventually presented an opportunity to elevate the polytechnic college to university status in 2001. This policy marked a turning point for the institution, allowing it to achieve university status after years of effort and struggle. The success of this transition played a key role in advancing the classification of the municipality where the university is situated, thereby contributing to its socio-economic development. The study also examines changes in the administration and the key roles they played, sources of funds, transformation in school policies, and the evolution of courses offered over the years. The author employs a descriptive, narrative, and analytical method to achieve its purpose.