Visayas is most notable for its vacation spots. From its white sand beaches, historical landmarks, to interesting creatures inhabiting the region, Visayas is truly a must-see destination. But did you know that aside from its fascinating sceneries, the region also cradles some of the best educational institutions in the country?

Throughout the century, Visayas-based universities and colleges have been home to a number of board top notchers, prominent personalities, and political leaders. Here are some schools in Visayas worth checking out:

Western Visayas

Central Philippine University

Located in Jaro, Iloilo City, the Central Philippine University was established in 1905. Since then, the private university has made its name known throughout the country by producing graduates that made notable contributions to the society including leaders, senators, chief justices, businessmen, and historian. Central Philippine University is not new to these recognitions. Its Chemical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering programs are all designated as Centers of Development (COD) by the Commission on Higher Education. The institution’s Teacher Education department is also a COD while the Agriculture and Business Administration programs are Centers of Excellence.

West Visayas State University

West Visayas State University or WVSU is the top of mind institution in the region when it comes to teacher education. Its main campus, located in Lapaz, Iloilo City, is a Center of Excellence in Teaching and Center of Development in Nursing. The school has five other campuses including Lambunao (COD in Agriculture and Forestry), Calinog, Janiuay, Himamaylan, and Pototan.

University of the Philippines – Visayas

Home of the Iskolar ng Bayan, University of the Philippines Visayas has produced some of the most prominent names in the country including former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. A constituent of the University of the Philippines System, UP-Visayas has three campuses located in Miag-ao, Iloilo, and Tacloban. UP-Cebu was once part of its branches until it was declared autonomous in 2010. The university’s neoclassical main building has a rich historical background, that served as a city hall and WWII garrison before being used by UP-Visayas.

Central Visayas

Silliman University

Next to the University of San Carlos, Silliman University is one of the most prestigious universities in Central Visayas. Popularly known as the “campus by the sea”, Silliman’s 62-hectare campus area is situated in Dumaguete and serves as home to hundreds of international students from different parts of the world. Truly endowed with a gift from nature, students can have a view of the neighboring Bohol Sea and Cuernos de Negros Mountains. Aside from its rich campus greeneries, Silliman University is also a powerhouse when it comes to science and technology courses. Its Biology, Marine Science, and Medical Technology programs are CHED-recognized as Centers of Development while Silliman’s Nursing, Teacher Education, and Information Technology are all Centers of Excellence.

Eastern Visayas

Visayas State University

If you are looking for lush greeneries where you can breathe freely and study, then you might want to check out Visayas State University. VSU has a total land area of 1,099.4 hectares that extends from the shore of Camotes Sea to the top of Mt. Pangasugan. The campus has 188 buildings for student dormitories, staff houses, convention center, academic buildings, library, and many more. With agriculture as its core degree specialization, VSU’s Agricultural Engineering and Agriculture programs have been recognized by CHED as a Center of Excellence while its Development Communication curriculum is a Center of Development.

Interested to know more about the different colleges and universities in Visayas? Visit Edukasyon.ph and browse through thousands of schools, courses, and scholarships online.