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The Manuel L. Quezon University is founded on the principle of Know
Thyself. On its logo is emblazoned the words Pro Patria et Jure:
For Country and Law. It owes its existence
to the idealism of the seven men, who envisioned an institution that would provide ambitious
but financially disadvantaged young people with the education and professional training needed to get ahead in life. The seven men are seen below.
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Monzon Hall
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It was founded in 1947 by
several prominent justices and lawyers who saw the need for a quality educational institution catering to the less
privileged. Among these visionaries were:
Leoncio B. Monzon |
Lorenzo M. Taņada |
Arsenio P. Dizon |
Carmelino G. Alvendia |
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Jose B. L. Reyes |
Manuel O. Chan |
Anselmo S. Claudio |
They wanted to develop a school
that is:
- quality-driven
- affordable
- research-oriented
- innovative
- student-friendly
They were inspired by the following
words of the great Manuel Luis Quezon, former President of the Philippine Commonwealth:
"I believe that education is the right of all citizens. An educated people is needed to insure the upliftment of
the masses and the creation of wealth for all."
The vision was realized on November
1, 1947 when eighteen professors from the school where Dr. Monzon served as Dean joined him in an old building at the corner
of Mendiola and Legarda Streets to begin training 643 students for the law profession. Thus was born the
MLQU School of Law.
The fledging school produced its
first batch of graduates the following year and in the Bar Examinations given in that same year, the school registered a passing
average of 97.5%. In 1949, it exceeded its first record with a passing average of 100% with three of its graduates
making it to the Top Ten.
The law school soon found it necessary
to transfer to a new site on R. Hidalgo St. where other academic units were organized beginning with the School
of Arts and Sciences followed by the School of Education, Commerce and Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture
and Graduate Studies. With the addition of these units, the Law school became the Manuel L. Quezon Educational Institution.
In 1958, the institution acquired University status.
Subsequently the Schools of
Criminology, Architecture and Secretarial Education were separated from the School of Arts and Sciences,
Engineering and Commerce and Business Administration, respectively. The School of Information Technology
is the latest addition to the University community.
The Manuel L. Quezon University has three campuses, namely, the Administration
Building and the Monzon Hall both at R. Hidalgo St. and the Arlegui Compound at Arlegui
St. where the School of Law is located. Just recently, the Research Center was built adjacent to the Monzon Hall and which
was named after Justice Arsenio P. Dizon.
The MLQU is accessible from all
parts of Metro Manila and suburbs by quick and easy means of transportation. It is near the famous Quiapo Church
where practically all transportation lines cross.
