University of Eastern Philippines holds the distinction of being the first state university in the Visayas region, tracing its origins to a farm school established in 1918. Located in Northern Samar, this institution has evolved from agricultural education roots into a comprehensive university offering diverse programs across multiple disciplines, serving the educational needs of Eastern Visayas and beyond.
Agricultural Foundations and Early Development
The institution’s remarkable journey began in September 1918 as the Catarman Farm School, established on a 516-hectare site of forested mountains and rice fields facing the Pacific Ocean. Governor Clodualdo Lucero proposed the school to the Provincial Board, recognizing the need for agricultural education in the region. The first principal was Washington Wiren from Maine, USA, followed by Filipino graduates from American agricultural institutions.
Dr. Felipe O. Cevallos from Bicol became the first Filipino principal, succeeded by Pedro Montellano from the Department of Agricultural Education, College of Agriculture at UP in 1923. Sabino Q. Ami opened the secondary Home Economics curriculum in 1930, followed by Agapito Buenaventura and Eulogio Acuña whose term was interrupted by World War II in 1941.
The school evolved through several name changes, becoming the Catarman Agricultural School, then Catarman Agricultural High School. In 1946, Congressman Agripino Escareal and Senate President Jose Avelino Sr. worked for complete nationalization, resulting in the name change to Catarman National Agricultural High School in 1950.
Technological Transformation and University Status
With the rapid growth of knowledge and the urgent need for scientific and technological involvement in nation-building, Congressman Eladio Balite of Bobon, Northern Samar sponsored House Bill 6559 creating the Samar Institute of Technology. President Carlos P. Garcia signed this into Republic Act 1434, and the institute was inaugurated on September 7, 1958.
Colonel Emeterio Asinas (Ret.) of Catubig, Northern Samar served as the first and only president of the Samar Institute of Technology. During his tenure, the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel and the UEP Centre for Culture and Pageantry (commonly known as the RAB Amphitheatre) were founded. When he retired on March 4, 1963, Prof. Toribio G. Sorio of Bobon served as officer-in-charge until the institute became a university.
On June 20, 1964, President Diosdado Macapagal signed House Bill 4050, sponsored by Congressman Eladio T. Balite, converting the Samar Institute of Technology into the University of Eastern Philippines. This elevation to university status dramatically increased academic, research, and extension programs, leading to the creation of additional colleges, institutes, centers, and offices.
Campus Network Across Northern Samar
University of Eastern Philippines operates through campuses in three municipalities of Northern Samar:
- Catarman Campus (Main Campus): Located at Catarman-Laoang Road, Catarman, Northern Samar, this flagship campus houses the majority of the university’s colleges and administrative offices
- Laoang Campus: Situated at Kahundit Street, Laoang, Northern Samar, this campus provides educational programs to serve the Laoang community
- Catubig Campus: Located in Catubig, Northern Samar 6418, formerly the Pedro Rebadulla Memorial Agricultural College (PRMAC), this campus continues the university’s agricultural education tradition
Comprehensive Academic Programs
The Catarman campus offers extensive academic programs through twelve colleges and a graduate school:
- College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Resources offering BS Agriculture, BS Agricultural Education, BS Agribusiness, BS Fisheries major in aquaculture, and BS Forestry degrees
- College of Arts and Communication providing AB Literature, BA English, AB Political Science, AB Sociology, BS Community Development, BS Development Communication, and BS Public Administration degrees
- College of Business Administration offering BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration in management and marketing, BS in Cooperatives, BS Entrepreneurship, BSBA Business Economics, BSBA Human Resource Management, and BS Hotel and Restaurant Management degrees
- College of Criminal Justice offering BS Criminology degree
- College of Education providing Bachelor in Elementary Education with various specializations and Bachelor in Secondary Education with various majors
- College of Engineering offering BS Civil Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Agri-Bio System Engineering, BS Mechanical Engineering, BET Automotive Technology, and BET Electrical Technology degrees
- College of Law offering Bachelor of Laws degree
- College of Medicine offering Doctor of Medicine degree, established through Republic Act No. 11972 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on December 20, 2023
- College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences offering BS in Nursing and BS in Radiologic Technology degrees
- College of Science providing BS Biology, BS Chemistry, BS Environmental Studies, BS Information Technology, BS Marine Biology, and BS Mathematics degrees
- College of Veterinary Medicine offering Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and BS in Meat Technology degrees
- Graduate School enabling advanced study and research specialization
Leadership and Presidential History
The university has been led by seven presidents throughout its history:
- Dr. Narciso N. Pepito of Cebu, first president from January 24, 1966 to May 1976, completed major construction projects including the Veterinary Medicine Building, Science Building, and University Research Center
- Dr. Aurora Balite Merida of Bobon, Northern Samar, second president from November 1977 to November 1983, established international linkages through the Northern Samar Integrated Rural Development Project
- Dr. Andres F. Celestino, third president from 1985, established the Institute for Agricultural and Rural Development and secured UEP’s membership in the Association of Asian Agricultural Colleges and Universities
- Dr. Pedro D. Destura of Urdaneta, Lavezares, Northern Samar, fourth president from November 15, 1990 to February 11, 2007, enhanced educational opportunities and established UEP as a Learning Center for UP Open University and Regional Science Teaching Center
- Atty. Mar P. De Asis of Catubig, Northern Samar, fifth president from June 15, 2007, under whose stewardship the College of Law consistently ranked among top law schools nationwide
- Dr. Rolando A. Delorino, sixth president
- Dr. Cherry Ibañez Ultra, seventh president and second lady president, appointed December 10, 2019, holding a PhD in Agricultural Economics from UP Los Baños
Research and Innovation Initiatives
University of Eastern Philippines maintains active research programs addressing regional and national needs:
- Agricultural and fisheries research supporting Northern Samar’s agricultural communities and coastal industries
- Veterinary medicine research addressing animal health and livestock production
- Environmental studies focusing on biodiversity conservation and environmental management
- Medical and health sciences research supporting healthcare delivery in Eastern Visayas
- Renewable energy initiatives through the UEP Affiliated Renewable Energy Center, serving as the Department of Energy’s extension arm in Eastern Visayas
Legal Mandate and Mission
Through Republic Act No. 4126, UEP is mandated to primarily give technical and professional training, advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences and the arts, while providing for the promotion of scientific and technological researches and democratic access to education for poor but deserving students, not only in Northern Samar but also in other parts of the country.
Integration and Expansion
In 1999, the Pedro Rebadulla Memorial Agricultural College (PRMAC) and Laoang National Trade School (LNTS), formerly CHED-supervised institutions, were integrated into the university. Since then, they have operated as UEP PRMC Catubig Campus and UEP-Laoang Campus under the UEP System, expanding the university’s reach across Northern Samar province.
Contact and Admissions
For inquiries about admissions, program offerings, or campus-specific information, interested individuals can contact the main campus at Catarman-Laoang Road in Catarman, Northern Samar. The Laoang campus at Kahundit Street and Catubig campus also provide information about their specific programs. The university maintains an active social media presence where updates about activities and announcements are regularly posted.