UWC Philippines is part of a global network dedicated to promoting UWC’s mission of education for peace and a sustainable future. Our volunteer team works hard to identify and support young changemakers, ensuring that deserving students have access to the life-changing UWC experience.
Select, Support and Empower
The United World College movement developed from the ideas of Kurt Hahn, a renowned German educationalist. Responding to the horrors of World War II, Hahn reasoned that the chances that world wars would recur could be reduced by bringing together young people from different nations to a place where they could live and work together regardless of race, religion, nationality, or background.
By the early 1970s, Lord Mountbatten, in his capacity as president of the United World Colleges, promoted the UWC movement to heads of state, politicians, and personalities all over the world, encouraging them to lend support to the movement. It was during this time that Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, was invited by Lord Mountbatten to have the Philippines select and nominate deserving young adults to Pearson College and Atlantic College. The Ayala Foundation (formerly known as the Filipinas Foundation) was chosen as the National Committee for the selection of Filipino scholars to the UWCs. In 1974, Teresita Cruz-Daza, was chosen as the first Filipino student to attend Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific.
The beginning of UWC Philippines was spearheaded by Atty. Eduardo F. Tan, Corporate Secretary of Filipinas Foundation. Atty. Tan was a passionate believer in the UWC movement and he was a role model for the scholars. Older graduates recall his varied interests in philosophy, arts, and international affairs—a true renaissance man.
From 1974 to 2005, the Foundation continued to select and send scholars from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to attend UWCs. Through the Foundation, Filipino scholars were sent to Pearson College in Canada, Atlantic College in Wales, UWC-USA in New Mexico, Adriatic College in Italy, Li Po Chun College in Hong Kong, and the Simon Bolivar College of Agriculture in Venezuela.
With a number of graduates pursuing further studies in North America, Europe, and Japan, participation by former students in the selection process remained uneven during the late 1980s and the 1990s. But starting in 2003, Ayala Foundation handed over more of the responsibilities of the National Committee to UWC Philippine alumni. In 2006, with a one-time grant from the Ayala Foundation for the selection process, the alumni with the help of some alumni parents assumed full responsibility for the selection process.
Currently, the National Committee is run by a new, non-incorporated, fully-volunteer group composed of graduates, parents, and current students.
1. Promote UWC opportunities
We raise awareness about UWC’s unique educational opportunities across the Philippines, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can learn about and apply to UWC schools and colleges.
2. Select students with potential
Through a fair and comprehensive selection process, we identify young people who have a changemaker mindset, demonstrate leadership skills, academic potential and a strong commitment to UWC values.
3. Support students and families
From the moment a student is selected, we guide them and their families through the preparation process, helping them transition smoothly into the UWC experience. We also provide ongoing support throughout their time at UWC.
4. Fundraise for scholarships
We work to make UWC accessible to students regardless of financial background by fundraising for scholarships, aiming to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from attending.
5. Build a UWC community
We foster a strong network of UWC alumni, students, and supporters in the Philippines, creating a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to making a difference.
6. Organise UWC short courses
Some UWC National Committees, including ours, offer UWC short courses—intensive programs that provide a taste of the UWC experience without the academic component. These courses bring together young people from diverse backgrounds to explore global issues, develop leadership skills, and form lifelong connections.
Get involved
Whether you are a student interested in applying, an alum looking to give back, or a supporter who wants to help fund scholarships, there are many ways to get involved. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our Get Involved Page to learn more!
Join us in shaping a better future through education!