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Silliman University: Dumaguete’s Oldest University

In 1898, when the Philippines was under the American regime, a philanthropist and retired businessman of Cohoes, New York named Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman made an unexpected but generous proposal to the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church. From this proposal Silliman University, the oldest university in Dumaguete and in the Philippines, was born.

The proposal was to establish an industrial school in the Philippines. A Presbyterian pastor from Lyndon, Kansas named Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard was commissioned to make the trip together with his wife to determine the best location of the proposed school. The proposed school was to be made exclusive for Filipino boys.

He and his wife took a trip to Dumaguete, following a suggestion during his stopover in Cebu. When he and his wife arrived, the locals greeted them warmly and they became friends with the people immediately. Dr. Hibbard met the officials and townspeople of Dumaguete and when he went back to Manila, he was convinced that he had found the right location for the proposed school.

Silliman Institute was established in Dumaguete on August 28, 1901. On the first morning of school, there were 15 Filipino boys present with few educational materials. Dr. Hubbard was the President of Silliman Institute and his wife was the institute’s faculty.

As years went by, the population of Silliman Institute increased and a suitable curriculum was put in place. In 1910, Silliman Institute was recognized by the government and has earned the right to grant a degree course in Dumaguete. Silliman Institute was also incorporated under the Philippine laws that same year.

Girls were admitted to Silliman Institute in 1912. Silliman Institute was given a full recognition as a university in Dumaguete in 1938.

From a school of 15 boys with few resources, Silliman University has now become one of the top institutions in the Philippines that is focused on higher education. There are thousands of students from different parts of the Philippines and the world study in Silliman University in Dumaguete to have a brighter future.

Silliman University is situated on a 62-hectare school campus in Dumaguete. The university has a beautiful view of the sea and the Cuernos de Negros serve as a mountain range backdrop.

The success of Silliman University is found in the future of the students. Its mission is to provide to all who quest for knowledge the best quality of education.

Dumaguete’s Silliman University hopes that the students’ experiences on campus will be their guide throughout their lives. Studying in Silliman University can be the students’ source of inspiration and hope as they continue on their individual journeys in life.