A significant shift has occurred in the Philippine education landscape with the acquisition of Southeastern Colleges, Inc. by PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. This move marks a substantial expansion for PHINMA Education, deepening its roots in the bustling southern regions of Metro Manila, and extending its reach into the provinces of Laguna and Cavite.
The transaction, finalized on March 13th, involved the purchase of 64,834 shares, representing an 84.91% stake in Southeastern Colleges. But the investment doesn’t stop there; a further commitment has been made to acquire the school’s physical assets – the land and buildings – bringing the total value of the deal to a considerable P690 million.
Founded in 1946, Southeastern Colleges now becomes the 12th institution within the PHINMA Education network in the Philippines, and the 14th across its broader regional presence. This integration promises to amplify the impact of PHINMA’s educational approach and extend opportunities to a wider student body.
The Pasay campus of Southeastern Colleges will be seamlessly woven into the existing PHINMA Saint Jude College network, joining established campuses in Manila and Quezon City. This consolidation is projected to benefit approximately 80,000 students, offering enhanced resources and a more comprehensive learning experience.
At the heart of this expansion lies a powerful mission: to empower Filipino students to achieve their educational aspirations. As Christopher “Happy” A. Tan, Country Head of PHINMA Education Philippines, articulated, the focus remains steadfastly on helping students complete their education and unlock brighter futures.
Many students entering these institutions are pioneers – the first in their families to pursue a college degree. Recognizing this, PHINMA Education is dedicated to providing unwavering support, guiding students through every stage of their academic journey and fostering a belief in the possibility of higher education.
Southeastern Colleges will now embrace PHINMA Education’s proven strategies for student success, built on a foundation of persistence, inclusivity, and personalized learning. The goal is to create an environment where no student is left behind, and every individual has the chance to thrive.
“We are in the business of reducing poverty through education,” Tan emphasized, highlighting the core philosophy driving PHINMA’s investments. This commitment translates into schools designed to empower students, welcome those who have previously faced setbacks, and allow learning to progress at an individual pace.
PHINMA Education, a key component of the Del Rosario-led PHINMA Corp. conglomerate, first entered the education sector in 2004 with the acquisition of PHINMA Araullo University. Since then, it has grown to serve approximately 178,000 students across the Philippines and Indonesia.
The PHINMA Education network now encompasses a diverse range of institutions, including PHINMA St. Jude College campuses in Manila and Quezon City, PHINMA St. Jude College Dasmariñas, PHINMA Araullo University, PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, and several others across the archipelago. The group also extends its reach internationally with Horizon University and Kalbis University in Indonesia.
This expansion isn’t simply about adding schools; it’s about reinforcing a commitment to accessible, supportive, and transformative education for a generation of Filipino students, offering them a pathway to a more promising future.
