HISTORY AND MILESTONES OF CAFA
The College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) embodies a beacon of creativity and expertise, illuminating the realms of architectural design and artistic expression. Established with a vision to cultivate a new generation of architects and fine artists, CAFA has continually pushed the boundaries of traditional education, fostering innovation and excellence in every facet of its curriculum. From its inception, CAFA has been a trailblazer in the realm of architectural and artistic education, shaping the landscape of design and creative expression both locally and globally. With an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and a dedication to nurturing the talents of its students, CAFA stands as a testament to the transformative power of architectural and fine arts education.
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture was established in 1967 under Government Recognition number 248 series of 1967 by the Department of Education signed by Carlos P. Romulo, then the Secretary of Education. This was followed by the opening of the Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Advertising program in 2000. The Architecture and Fine Arts programs in succession were headed by four deans: Ar. Mercedita Quijano, Ar. Gil Montes, Ar. Benedicto M. Tan, and Ar. Jennifer S.A. Sanchez.
Today the College of Architecture and Fine Arts under the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation distinguishes itself as the only institution of higher learning in Quezon province with these offerings. In 2015, the Architecture Program was accredited Level I by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).
From 1967 to the present, the College, has graduated 753 students under the Bachelor of Science in Architecture program since its founding in 1971 while under the Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Visual Communication/Advertising program a total of 67 graduates were produced since 2005.
Throughout its history, the College produced 263 registered architects. In 1973 the first to pass the architectural board examination was Architect Mercedita Quejano from the Class of 1969. After her success, she also became the Director of the School of Architecture of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation. In 1978 Architect Epifanio G. Garde became the second graduate to pass the architectural licensure examination and became the institution’s pioneering faculty. For more than thirty years, Architect Epifanio Garde carried his mentorship into the department, making him one of the longest-serving faculty members.
In terms of its participation at the architectural community, the College has attained a 90% membership through its national professional organization the United Architects of the Philippines, Quezon Province Chapter.
Many of the alumni of the MSEUF Architecture program have made extensive contributions to the government. Among these notable alumni that made their mark are Ar. Judy David, Ar. Warren Quiambao, Ar. Eladio Manzano Jr., Ar. Cesar Jader, Ar. Ar. Ar. Danilo Deriquito, Elizabeth Enriquez, and Ar. Marelu Moreno. In the private sectors Ar. Dennis Capistrano, Ar. Lemsterlie Burce, Ar. Dennis De Belen, Ar. Raul Villanueva, Ar. Ariel Ibarrola, Ar. Pocholo Consul, Ar. Edgardo Cabangon, Ar. Jeric Tan, Ar. Cyril R. Hermosa and, Ar. Heingilbert Demin and many successful alumni who exerted notable practice of their profession. Through their individual contributions, they form the current lineup of the alumni who are on the path to continuously enhance their architectural practice through further studies supportive of the agenda of Architectural development.
At present, the College of Architecture and Fine Arts continues to be mentored by a roster of faculty members who are composed of a new generation of practitioners which included Ar. Charmaine Esguerra, Ar. Rhoabel Rhoan Alba, Ar. Bonn Edward Alicbusan and Ar. Jenna Puertollano who are at present teaching alongside with seasoned alumni faculty members Ar. Jennifer Sanchez, Prof. Melba Sardea and Ar. Christopher Mirasol.
To ensure the continuing development and upgrade of the architectural profession architects in the academe and in the industry pursued advanced studies. They include Ar. Jennifer Sanchez who graduated cum laude from her program MS Architecture major in Historical Preservation and who at present is pursuing her Doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning. Aside from her known successive academic pursuits she is also a licensed Environmental Planner.
The continuous convergence and linking of architects toward the realization of the developmental goals of architecture are also engaged upon and solidified by the MSEUF Architecture alumni. Altogether they comprise the long line of graduates who play a pivotal role in the Architectural professional leadership who are delivering alongside with veteran alumni
Under the Fine Arts major in Advertising program, there have been 67 graduates since 2005 in which many alumni are now part of the local and multinational creative media industries and the academe. Most of the Fine Arts major in Advertising alumni are professional artists who continue to make their dent into digital and traditional art production. Furthermore, two of the alumni of the Fine Arts program served as faculty members, namely Mrs. Margarette A. de Jesus, and Ms. Irish Faye Galizdo. Along with their stint in the teaching profession, they are also practicing artists with Mrs. de Jesus an active member of reputable art communities and Ms. Galizdo as a freelance graphic designer for local and international companies. In 2023, Ciara Migne Malinao, of the Fine Arts program became the first to graduate, in the history of CAFA with honors, as magna cum laude.
Today the College of Architecture and Fine Arts under the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation distinguishes itself as the pioneer institution of higher learning in Quezon province with these offerings. In 2021, the Architecture Program was accredited Level II by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).
