Manila, Philippines (December 5, 2025) — Manila Central University (MCU), one of the Philippines’ longest-standing Filipino-founded educational institutions, proudly inaugurates its new Administration Building named “Luningning Hall” as it celebrates its 121st founding anniversary. Named after the late Luningning Tanchoco Estanislao, the University’s 5th President, esteemed Chairman of the Board of MCU and MCU–FDT Medical Foundation, Inc. She is the longest-serving official in MCU history, the building stands as a lasting tribute to her visionary leadership and enduring legacy.
This landmark milestone reflects MCU’s enduring commitment to elevating the student experience and strengthening its role as a center of innovation and academic excellence. Themed “Transcend. Honoring. Innovating. Building,” this year’s anniversary celebrates MCU’s strong heritage while looking boldly toward the future. The Luningning Hall’s recent inauguration aligns with this, underscoring an expansion grounded in its founders’ vision and reaffirming its mission to uplift communities through learner-centered education.
“Today, we celebrate not just another year in the life of Manila Central University, but 121 years of empowerment, transformation, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said University President Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco Jr. during his speech. “For more than a century, MCU has stood as a guiding light in Philippine education, a beacon that has illuminated countless lives since 1904.”
A Home for Students, A Beacon of Progress
Strategically located along EDSA, Caloocan, the new Administration Building stands as a new landmark in CAMANAVA. The Luningning Hall’s design reflects MCU’s legacy of continually uplifting student experience to meet global standards. With improved accessibility features, eco-efficient lighting and ventilation systems, and welcoming lounges, every corner was intentionally created to balance functionality with comfort and sustainability.
“With this new aesthetic, we’ve woven our heritage into the university’s overall design while providing wide breathing spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and conducive to safety and learning,” said MCU President Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco Jr., highlighting how the structure blends tradition with a forward-thinking approach. “When we look at our new building — its bold, sweeping lines that rise and flow like waves, we see a symbol of our journey. Those curves are not just architectural features; they are the rhythm of progress, representing the dynamic movement of knowledge, innovation, and transformation,” Tanchoco added.
As a multi-functional hub, the new facility transcends its role as an administrative center by seamlessly integrating select classrooms, faculty offices, and inviting communal areas. Its open, well-lit interiors foster a vibrant culture of connection, collaboration, and lifelong learning. The building also houses a coffee shop, an ideal spot for study sessions, casual meetups, and creative brainstorming.
This holiday season, the building becomes even more alive with glowing festive installations and a Christmas Tree Lighting, perfectly capturing MCU’s spirit of unity, celebration, and community during the holiday season.
Designed for Today’s Learners and Tomorrow’s Leaders
The Luningning Hall marks a bold step in MCU’s ongoing comprehensive masterplan development. With its state-of-the-art offices, student-centered service areas, and spaces that promote efficiency, collaboration, and comfort, it is only the beginning of a more innovative and interconnected campus.
The campus-wide masterplan development reimagines the university grounds into a smart, sustainable, healthy, and resilient hub of learning that reflects MCU’s renewed mission for a future-ready educational experience.
A Foundation for MCU’s 121-Year Legacy and Next Era of Innovation
Established in 1904 as the Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila, MCU has evolved from the first Filipino-run pharmacy school into a comprehensive university offering programs in health sciences, business, education, tourism, the arts, and other emerging fields. Guided by the values of excellence, integrity, and service, the university is a trusted academic institution for students across CAMANAVA and beyond.
MCU’s projects in the pipeline reinforce its commitment to elevating the campus experience and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Among its key plans for this school year are the MCU Country Club for wellness and recreation, upgraded laboratories that meet global standards, and the Toilet Improvement Project. The university is also currently rehabilitating its Learning Resource Center into a modern hub for digital learning, research, and collaboration.
These initiatives build on recent milestones for MCU’s campus-wide development plan, which includes the GPL Building renovation, the Purple Owl Complex, and new spaces such as the indoor playground. Each one of these accomplishments contributes to a campus that feels more dynamic, inclusive, and ready for the future.
, one of the Philippines’ longest-standing Filipino-founded educational institutions, proudly inaugurates its new Administration Building named “Luningning Hall” as it celebrates its 121st founding anniversary. Named after the late Luningning Tanchoco Estanislao, the University’s 5th President, esteemed Chairman of the Board of MCU and MCU–FDT Medical Foundation, Inc. She is the longest-serving official in MCU history, the building stands as a lasting tribute to her visionary leadership and enduring legacy.){kind=link}