Positively Impacting Society

MARKING A CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION, MAPÚA PRESIDENT AND CEO DR. DODJIE MAESTRECAMPO CALLS ON THE UNIVERSITY AND ITS GRADUATES TO BECOME BUILDERS OF PROGRESS— SHAPING INDUSTRIES, COMMUNITIES, AND FUTURES.

At the helm of one of the Philippines’ most forward looking universities, Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo envisions a future that is built on more than just progress—he envisions a legacy. As the fourth president of Mapúa university, his vision is clear: to forge a path where the university’s graduates not only lead in their fields but also create meaningful change in society.

A VISIONARY’S VISION

To realize its ambitions for the future, Mapúa redefined its vision in 2023. Recognizing the evolving demands of a rapidly changing world, the university embraced a renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and societal impact. Today, Mapúa envisions itself as “a global leader in education, fostering sustainable socio-economic growth of society through innovation, digital transformation, and lifelong education.” This transformation reflects Mapúa’s steadfast resolve to lead global progress and empower generations to build a better, more sustainable future. “We renewed it because the previous vision, ‘Mapúa shall be among the best universities in the world,’ had already been achieved. We’ve already accomplished that, being acknowledged as one of the top universities by Times Higher Education (THE) and the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings,” Maestrecampo shares.

Mapúa University is among the 25 Philippine universities listed in the 2025 QS Asia University Rankings, advancing from the 601+ bracket to the 561–580 bracket as a reflection of its continued pursuit of academic excellence and global recognition. It also achieved a significant increase in the 2025 QS World University Rankings for Sustainability securing the 374th position in Asia and global placement in the 1141–1160 bracket. Moreover, Mapúa has been included in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings retaining a 601+ position and rising to #2 among Philippine institutions. This marks the third straight year among the region’s top universities. In addition, the institution celebrates another remarkable milestone, placing in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 for three prestigious subject areas: the top spot among Philippine universities in Computer Science (801–1000) and Engineering (1001–1250), and a shared top spot in Physical Sciences (801–1000). With excellence and innovation at the core of its vision, the 100-year-old institution relentlessly advances its curricula, empowers its faculty with cutting edge teaching and learning technologies, and continually enhances its facilities, laboratories, and training tools. From integrating machine learning into its programs to equipping health sciences with world-class medical simulation tools, Mapúa embraces innovation with perseverance and purpose, ensuring its students are always prepared to lead and build the future.

LIFE AT MAPÚA

Maestrecampo recognizes the transformative power and value of education, having earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Mapúa. He obtained his chemical  engineering degree in 1986 and became a faculty member of the School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry of the then Mapúa Institute of Technology (MIT) in the same year. He placed 5th in the Chemical Engineering Board Exam at age 19, and is the first true-blue Mapúan president.

One year later, Maestrecampo assumed a role in the Research and Development Department of Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, Inc. His team formulated the kalamansi and antiseptic bar soap, as well as a liquid and dishwashing gel. They later upgraded their formulae to become more eco friendly by using biodegradable surfactants.

A significant turning point in Maestrecampo's academic and professional career came when he left Colgate-Palmolive to pursue a master's degree in chemical engineering. He accepted Mapúa’s invitation for him to rejoin their faculty and went on to hold numerous executive roles. He was the dean of the Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Department from 2000–2003, right around the time the Yuchengco Group of Companies, headed by Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco, took over the institution to further its vision. He was then appointed as executive vice president (EVP) and chief operating officer of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) in 2006 and Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) in 2017. After graduating with a Ph.D. in Education, majoring in Educational Leadership and Management, from De La Salle University, Maestrecampo was elected president of Mapúa MCL and Mapúa MCM in 2021. These roles he concurrently holds as president and CEO of the Intramuros and Makati campuses.

Upholding Mapúa University’s legacy as a shared triumph, Maestrecampo honors the unwavering dedication and collective spirit of the entire Mapúa community that have shaped its 100-year journey. “The key to success is surrounding yourself with talented, dedicated individuals. We have EVPs for the Manila, Davao, and Laguna campuses. They’re the ones in charge of the day-to day operations. My role is focused on giving the general direction of the school, plans, and strategy.”

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

In January 1925, Don Tomas Mapúa—an architecture graduate from Cornell University and the first registered architect of the Philippines—established the then MIT, laying the foundation for a century of academic excellence and innovation.

As Mapúa University celebrated its centennial, the leader of the country's top engineering and technological school declared 2025 a historic year. "Mapúa's centennial year is a testament to its enduring legacy as a global-leading institution. I think we can state with confidence that our steadfast dedication to providing pupils a top-notch education is the reason we are still successful. We really treasure this moment," Maestrecampo says.

The centennial celebration, held from January 18 to February 11, 2025, with the theme “Always Building the Future,” championed Mapúa University’s vision of honing learners into global builders, leaders, and creators. This theme encapsulated the essence of its century long commitment to academic excellence and the founder Don Tomas Mapúa’s legacy, aimed at equipping students to thrive and cope with the fast-evolving technologies of various industries globally. The university launched a month-long series of events to mark the centennial celebration.

As the institution moves forward into 2025, Maestrecampo reflects on his New Year’s Resolution from 2024, which began with the question, “What will I do to further help me in accomplishing my institutional goals for 2024?” Maestrecampo continues, “I thought that it would be beneficial for me to do some studies, maybe not formal. I thought of getting some Coursera courses on artificial intelligence for Industry 4.0. Sort of upskilling in a way to make sure I understand what’s happening outside the school.”

MAPÚA IS A SAFE PLACE FOR STUDENTS WHERE THEY CAN FREELY EXPRESS THEMSELVES WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, BULLIED, AND ACCUSED OF NOT CONFORMING TO THE NORMS.

After a year and a half in office, Maestrecampo remains as energetic in pursuing his goals as he was on day one. “Together with the change in the university’s vision, we also came up with a five-year stage plan,” he shares. “It would serve as our map, our directions on what activities we’re going to prioritize in the next five years.” As Mapúa turned 100, it focused its attention on its graduates. It acknowledges the rapid advancement of technology and recognizes that change is inevitable. Maestrecampo references the World Economic Forum, highlighting that while technological transformation will result in the loss of millions of jobs, it will also pave the way for the creation of new career opportunities. “It’s Mapúa’s goal for the foreseeable future to produce graduates who are ready to take on new jobs. We aim to ensure our graduates never run out of opportunities by equipping them with the competencies that are in high demand across industries,” he adds.

 Maestrecampo envisions a future where Mapúa leads global innovation and breakthroughs, shaping not just the Philippines, but the world. “As the University turned 100, we are not just celebrating a legacy of excellence, but we’re looking forward to actively building our future. This future, our commitment to innovate education, shapes our leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow,” he shares.

Mapúa alumni played a significant role in the celebration, contributing to scholarship programs that support current students as a way of giving back to the community and their alma mater.

AI IS AN

ALLY With more industries using artificial intelligence (AI), it is inevitable that the top engineering and technological school in the Philippines would utilize it to its full potential. In response to the rapid rise of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Mapúa University has proactively developed a policy that promotes the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. The policy underscores the importance of proper citation and upholds strict measures against plagiarism. As part of its forward-looking approach, the University is also integrating AI technologies to enrich the student learning experience, advance research capabilities, and streamline academic and administrative systems.

“We have a team that worked on those three areas, and I think it’s safe to say that we embrace AI. We are using that to enhance our teaching and learning, research, and operations,” Maestrecampo stresses. In partnership with ASU, Mapúa strengthens its global excellence in business and health sciences programs. Meanwhile, together with Cambridge University and FintechAlliance.Ph (FTAP), Mapúa created an innovative f inancial technology program for regulators. The Cintana Alliance is a global network of 16 universities working together to meet the growing global demand for high-quality post-secondary education. Founded by Douglas Becker in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), the alliance has been instrumental in advancing Mapúa's Digital, Research-Driven, Outcomes-Based, and International Domain (DROID) strategy. Alliance members share their best practices across various studies, offer exchange programs for students and faculty, and provide dual-degree programs to each other.

Meanwhile, the Cambridge partnership was a joint venture between the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance and FTAP. The nine-week online program covered essential topics like capital raising, digital assets, digital lending, fintech innovation, insurance technologies, regulatory technologies, and a capstone project. THE’s website describes Mapúa like so: “The university unceasingly fosters its tradition of excellence in engineering, sciences, architecture and design, information technology, media studies, liberal arts and education, business, and health sciences. Mapúa’s undergraduate programs are recognized by various local and international accreditation bodies.”

HOLISTIC EDUCATION

Building the way forward, Mapúa is committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow, prepared to confront global challenges and leverage the expertise acquired at the University to drive significant, lasting change. In addition to building a solid academic foundation, Mapúa encourages students to be innovative and socially responsible, empowering them to become proactive agents of change in the global arena.

Maestrecampo says that the university has scholarships and financial assistance programs for deserving students, further reinforcing its commitment to making quality education accessible and equitable. Mapúa cultivates skilled professionals and ethical leaders, equipping them to tackle global challenges with critical thinking, sustainable solutions, and a commitment to excellence.

Moreover, while the university takes pride in its numerous international and local academic distinctions, Maestrecampo emphasizes that Mapúa values academic excellence and is equally committed to fostering the holistic development of its students. “We are not just developing the intellectual capability of students. We want holistic development, which means their mental, physical, and emotional capabilities. We also focus on co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, where emotional and physical development happen,” Maetrecampo states.

HOME OF THE CHAMPIONS

Mapúa University ended a 33 year title drought with a historic championship victory in the NCAA Season 100 Men’s Basketball Finals. More than just winning a medal, the triumph demonstrated the heart, tenacity, and school spirit that characterize Mapúa sports.

Maestrecampo states, “The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is one of the areas for physical development.” Despite falling short in the 2023 Basketball Finals against San Beda University, the school was still able to showcase the most important thing in sports: heart.

“What I like about us being a member and involved in the NCAA is the sense of belonging to a community that is being promoted. We saw a lot of involvement, not just within Mapúa but also outside the school, including alumni,” Maestrecampo adds.

At Mapúa, every future is recognized, nurtured, and empowered. It is a safe, inclusive environment where students are free to be who they want to be. “Mapúa is a safe place for students, where they can freely express themselves without fear of being discriminated against, bullied, and accused of not conforming to the norms. We create a safe space for students and our facilities are persons with disability-friendly,” Maestrecampo reiterates.

Furthermore, Mapúa University achieved Quality Matters (QM) certification for its innovative approach to online learning. This process includes ensuring that online courses with video recordings feature accurate and accessible subtitles, supporting learners with varying needs and promoting inclusive education. It also gets feedback from students and stakeholders to know what it can improve in terms of the quality of teaching and services it offers.

Aware of the challenges that come with growth and transformation, Maestrecampo remains confident that Mapúa will continue to thrive—guided by its strong foundation and forward-looking vision.

 “It’s the rapid change in the workplace that’s happening outside. Questions like ‘Is the university still relevant? Are the programs that we offer still relevant?’ The fact that technology is changing the workplace and the way we communicate and interact with each other is something we need to consider,” he notes.

To address such, Mapúa has created a digital transformation roadmap to revamp its teaching and learning style. It will also use digital transformation tools to improve its processes, student information, and engagement systems. The priority is data-driven decision-making, with analytics and data collected from student dashboards to support well-informed decisions. Maestrecampo explains, “The current generation of learners, being digital natives, presents a unique challenge. We must adapt to their interests and preferences in teaching to effectively engage them.” The digital transformation roadmap extends to marketing and promotions, revolutionizing every aspect of student experience. Co-curricular, extra-curricular, research, and community engagement opportunities will be seamlessly accessible at students’ f ingertips. An innovative alumni system is also in place, designed not only to deepen alumni engagement but also to measure their employability and track the evolving capabilities of Mapúa graduates. By giving Mapúans everything they need and more, Maestrecampo is confident in achieving what he has envisioned for the university. “We’re optimistic that we can continue to positively impact society with the contributions of our graduates,” he stresses.