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<h3>
The Early Years: Manila Business School (1904-1908)
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PUP's story begins on October 19, 1904, with the establishment of the Manila Business School (MBS), also referred to as the Manila School of Commerce. Founded under the superintendence of Gabriel A. O'Reilly as part of Manila's city school system, MBS was created to address a pressing need during the American colonial period: training skilled businessmen and women for government service and private employment. At the time, the Philippines was transitioning from Spanish rule to American administration, and the demand for a competent workforce in commerce was growing. MBS offered practical, business-focused education, laying the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of Philippine higher education.
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In 1908, the institution was renamed the Philippine School of Commerce (PSC), marking its elevation to an Insular (or National) school. This shift reflected its expanding role in meeting national needs, though it remained under the city school system's administration by 1911 while retaining its national status.
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<h3>
Growth and Transformation: Philippine School of Commerce (1908-1952)
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Over the next few decades, PSC continued to evolve. In 1933, it merged with the Philippine Normal School (PNS) and the Philippine School of Arts and Trades, broadening its academic scope beyond commerce. This consolidation aimed to streamline educational efforts and enhance vocational training, aligning with the country's push for self-sufficiency and skilled labor.
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The pivotal moment came in 1952, when Republic Act 778, passed by Congress and signed by President <a href="https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/753/today-in-philippine-history-november-16-1890-elpidio-quirino-the-sixth-president-of-the-philippines-was-born-in-the-town-of-vigan-ilocos-sur" class="news_link">Elpidio Quirino</a> on June 21, transformed PSC into the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC). Under its first president, Luis F. Reyes, PCC expanded its offerings to include undergraduate courses in commerce and related fields. The institution celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1954 and, a year later, earned the title "Business College of the Year" from the Business Writers Association of the Philippines. During this period, PCC acquired its Annex Building and saw leadership transitions, with Professor Pacifico A. Velilla and Attorney Victor dela Torre serving as presidents, followed by Dr. Nemesio E. Prudente in 1962, who oversaw significant improvements.
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The History of Polytechnic University of the Philippines