Founded in 1919, the University of the Visayas now comprises eight campuses in the Philippines, including the main central campus in Cebu City and a branch in Lapu-Lapu City for its Maritime College and Maritime Training Center. The UV training centre equips seafarers to pursue a variety of maritime careers, while the college offers Bachelor of Science programs in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering.
With a prime spot on Mactan Island, just off the main island of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu is a highly developed urban oasis with an international airport and a thriving cultural and nightlife scene. Visitors and students get a full dose of Filipino culture at The Jungle Cultural Entertainment Center, featuring Filipino and international cuisines, stick-fighting matches, snake dancing with live pythons, fire dancing and cultural dances such as Subi, Palok and Liwa Liwa. Eateries near campus reflect Asian culture from Japan to Korea, China and Thailand.
Two expansive bridges link the mainland of Cebu to Lapu-Lapu, which is also accessible via ferry across the Mactan Channel. After arrival on the island, it’s easy to get around by taxi, tricycle or a colourful local “jeepney”, available 24 hours a day.
The University of the Visayas maritime program is right at home in Lapu-Lapu, with a history that encapsulates the island’s role in ancient Philippine history. Chief Lapu-Lapu defeated Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 in resistance to foreign occupation of the Visayas islands.