UPHS JONELTA Eyes Global Expansion, Upgraded Programs as It Marks 50th Anniversary

BIÑAN CITY, LAGUNA — The University of Perpetual Help System JONELTA (UPHS JONELTA) is looking to expand its academic programs, upgrade its facilities and strengthen its presence in the global education sector over the next five years, according to Senior Executive Vice President Mark Carlo Tamayo.

Tamayo outlined the institution’s plans during a press conference held today, September 18, 2026, at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City, Laguna, as UPHS JONELTA celebrated its 50th anniversary.

According to Tamayo, the university aims to become one of the leading higher education institutions in the country while continuing to provide quality education, particularly to students in the provinces.

He said UPHS JONELTA is targeting further expansion of its campuses and academic offerings within the next five years, with the goal of reaching more students who have limited access to quality education.

“We want to be known as one of the top universities here,” Tamayo said, emphasizing the need to upgrade the institution’s facilities and equipment as part of its development and accreditation efforts.

He said the university is also working toward its accreditation targets, which will require improvements in facilities, equipment and other institutional standards.

Strong demand for nursing, engineering and hospitality programs

Tamayo identified nursing as one of the university’s major programs, with many graduates eventually pursuing careers abroad.

He noted that UPHS JONELTA graduates are now working in different countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Middle East and Singapore. Some have advanced to positions such as hospital administrators and nursing supervisors.

Tamayo said the performance of Filipino professionals overseas has contributed to the reputation of the university’s graduates.

Aside from nursing, engineering was identified as another major program, followed by Hospitality Management (HM).

Many engineering graduates, he said, pursue employment opportunities overseas, while hospitality graduates commonly find work in hotels, cruise ships and other tourism-related industries both locally and abroad.

The university also offers programs in maritime studies, criminology and various short training programs designed to help graduates and professionals upgrade their skills and educational qualifications.

Expanding beyond traditional degree programs

Tamayo said the institution is also looking at ways to expand its reach by offering more programs and services that respond to the changing needs of students and professionals.

The university’s planned expansion is not limited to increasing its physical presence, but also includes strengthening its academic offerings and providing opportunities to individuals who may not otherwise have access to quality education.

He said the institution’s long-term direction remains rooted in service and in bringing quality education closer to communities, particularly in the provinces.

As UPHS JONELTA moves into its next 50 years, Tamayo said the institution intends to build on its legacy by expanding its services, improving its facilities and producing graduates who can compete and contribute both in the Philippines and abroad.

“Our goal is to grow and expand, to be able to reach more people who have no access to quality education,” Tamayo said.

He added that the institution intends to continue the mission of its founders by bringing quality education.