7 Shocking Facts About Colegio De San Juan De Letran: The Philippines’ Oldest College Still Making Headlines In 2025

Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL), often simply called Letran, stands as one of the Philippines' most historically significant educational institutions, a true living monument within the walls of Intramuros, Manila. As of December 15, 2025, the college is not just resting on its 400-plus years of history but is actively making headlines, blending its rich Dominican heritage with modern-day achievements in academics, sports, and cultural preservation.

From producing Philippine presidents and national heroes to dominating collegiate sports, Letran continues its mission of shaping "future-ready learners." The latest updates, including new strategic partnerships and major sports victories in late 2024 and 2025, solidify its position as a powerhouse institution that remains highly relevant and deeply influential in the nation's educational and cultural landscape.

The Cavalier's Roll Call: Notable Alumni and Institutional Profile

Colegio de San Juan de Letran boasts an unparalleled history, being the oldest college in the Philippines and the only Spanish-era college in Intramuros that still operates on its original site. It is owned and run by the friars of the Order of Preachers (OP), also known as the Dominican Friars, ensuring a strong Catholic foundation for its educational philosophy.

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Institutional Profile:

• Full Name: Colegio de San Juan de Letran
• Acronym: CSJL or Letran
• Location: Intramuros, Manila, Philippines (Main Campus)
• Founded: 1620 (405 years old as of 2025)
• Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (Order of Preachers / Dominican Friars)
• Motto: Deus, Patria, Letran (God, Country, Letran)
• School Colors: Red and Blue (Arriba Letran!)
• Sports Teams: Letran Knights (Men's Basketball), Letran Lady Knights, Letran Jins (Taekwondo)

The Most Influential Alumni (The Letranites):

The college has produced two Philippine Presidents, numerous national heroes, chief justices, senators, and business leaders. This list of notable Letran alumni showcases the institution's deep historical impact:

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• Manuel L. Quezon: 2nd President of the Philippines.
• Emilio Aguinaldo: 1st President of the Philippines.
• Marcelo H. del Pilar: A key leader of the Propaganda Movement during the Spanish colonial era.
• Felipe Agoncillo: Filipino diplomat and revolutionary.
• Gregorio Aglipay: Founder of the Philippine Independent Church.
• Pedro Abad Santos: Politician and activist.
• Tito Sotto: Former Senate President.
• Samboy Lim: PBA legend, known as "The Skywalker."
• Felicisimo Fajardo: Basketball player and coach.
• Willie Miller: Former professional basketball player.

Fact 1: Letran's 404th Founding Anniversary and Cultural Heritage Push

In a major milestone, Letran celebrated its 404th foundation year with the annual Colegio Week 2024, focusing on the theme of 'Sustainability and Empowerment.' This celebration underscores the college's commitment to its enduring legacy while looking toward modern challenges. More recently, in a significant move to preserve and promote Filipino heritage, Letran formalized a partnership with the Museo del Galeón in late 2025. This collaboration is a testament to the institution's role in cultural education, offering students and the public a deeper connection to the Philippines' rich history, especially its maritime past and the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.

Fact 2: The Letran Knights’ Enduring Sports Dominance in NCAA Season 100

The Letran Knights are synonymous with athletic excellence, particularly in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The men's basketball program is one of the most successful in NCAA history, holding 20 championships. Their competitive spirit was on full display in 2024 and 2025:

• Volleyball Success: In August 2024, the Letran Knights V-League team secured back-to-back wins, demonstrating their strength across different collegiate sports.
• Taekwondo Resurgence: The Letran Jins (Taekwondo team) made a powerful comeback after the pandemic break, securing multiple medals in the NCAA Season 100 Taekwondo competition, signaling a resurgence in their martial arts legacy.

This consistent performance across multiple sports solidifies Letran's reputation as a top-tier athletic institution, continually producing champion athletes and maintaining its fierce rivalry with other Manila-based universities.

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Fact 3: The Calamba Campus’ Focus on Future-Ready Digital and ESG Education

The institution's commitment to innovation is particularly evident at its sister campus, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba (CSJLC), a highly respected Catholic educational institution in Laguna. Letran Calamba is actively implementing an ESG-Driven Instruction model, maximizing digital educational technology to equip students with future-ready skills. This focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles ensures that students are not only technically proficient but also socially and ethically aware.

A major development in this area is the strategic partnership forged between Letran Calamba and Digital Edge Philippines. This collaboration is a significant step toward bridging the gap between academe and industry, providing students with cutting-edge exposure and training in the digital sector, making their graduates highly competitive in the modern workforce.

Fact 4: Active Engagement in the 2025 Philippine Elections

Recognizing its civic duty, Letran Calamba has taken a proactive role in promoting responsible citizenship by preparing a comprehensive voters education program for the upcoming 2025 Philippine elections. This initiative aims to inform students and the wider community about the candidates, critical issues, and the voting process, ensuring they can make informed decisions. This program exemplifies the Dominican value of social responsibility and the college's commitment to national development beyond the classroom.

Fact 5: The Enduring Legacy of the Dominican Friars in Intramuros

The core identity of Colegio de San Juan de Letran is inextricably linked to the Dominican Friars. The Order of Preachers has owned and managed the institution since its inception in the 17th century. This stewardship ensures that the college operates under the principles of Veritas (Truth) and a strong emphasis on faith, justice, and service. The main campus in Intramuros, Manila, the historic Walled City, serves as a powerful symbol of this enduring legacy, making a Letran education a unique blend of historical immersion and contemporary learning.

Fact 6: Academic Excellence Across Dynamic Colleges

Letran continues to offer a robust and diverse range of academic programs through its dynamic colleges. These include the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), and the College of Education (CoEd), among others. The institution is focused on institutional initiatives and student-led programs that champion student aspirations and celebrate their successes, fostering a supportive environment for future professionals and leaders.

Fact 7: A Continuous Pursuit of Global Quality Standards

The commitment to quality is not just a local endeavor. Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba has received international recognition, including the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification, which extends its validity up to 2025. Furthermore, the campus was recognized with the 2018 PQA Trophy and the APQO Global Performance Excellence Award, demonstrating its adherence to world-class standards in educational management and performance. This pursuit of global excellence ensures that a Letran degree is recognized both locally and internationally.

The story of Colegio de San Juan de Letran is one of remarkable endurance and continuous evolution. From its historical roots in Intramuros to its modern-day achievements in sports and its strategic partnerships for digital education, Letran remains a cornerstone of Philippine education, constantly adapting while honoring the timeless values instilled by the Dominican Friars. The college's recent activities in 2024 and 2025 prove that its 400-year-old legacy is still a powerful force shaping the nation's future.