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History of the College of Engineering:
A Legacy of Excellence at UNO-R

The University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R) College of Engineering has been a cornerstone of technical education in the Philippines for seven decades. From its humble beginnings to its status as a hub for innovation, the college has consistently produced industry leaders and board exam topnotchers.

1956–1972: The Foundation of Engineering Excellence

The story began in 1956, when the university was known as the Occidental Negros Institute. Under the pioneering leadership of Engr. Jose Varela, the School of Engineering was established. By 1959, Engr. Vicente Boot Jr. became the first Dean, steering the college through its initial recognition and growth.

  • 1961: The BS Civil Engineering program received official recognition.
  • Board Performance: The college immediately established a reputation for excellence when Engr. Rodolfo Cinco placed 6th in the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination.
  • Program Expansion: By the late 1960s, the college expanded its offerings to include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Industrial Management.

Under the leadership of Engr. Jose “Baby” Gonzaga and later Engr. Jesus Reparado, PME, the college achieved historic milestones:

  • Topnotcher Legacy: The college celebrated its first 1st Place board topnotcher in Civil Engineering, Engr. Lemuel Abarte, and high-ranking placers in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
  • EDPITAF Partnership: In 1978, the college joined the Educational Development Program Implementing Task Force (EDPITAF). This led to the construction of a new two-story engineering building and allowed 20 faculty members to pursue Master’s degrees at UP Diliman.
  • Global Benchmarking: In 1981, Dean Julius B. Maridable conducted a fellowship tour of technological schools in the USA to align the curriculum with international standards.

The 1990s marked a period of high technical achievement and the birth of the College Engineering Alumni Association (CEAA).

  • 100% Passing Rates: Between 1987 and 1991, the Mechanical Engineering department achieved a perfect 100% passing rate for five consecutive years, earning laboratory grants and scholarships from the DOST.
  • The Digital Shift: In 1999, CHED approved the BS Electronics and Communications Engineering and BS Computer Engineering programs.
  • Accreditation Milestone: Under Dean Christopher G. Taclobos, the college achieved PAASCU Accreditationin 2005 for its core programs (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering), signifying a world-class standard of education.

Despite the challenges of the 2020 global pandemic, the college accelerated its digital transformation and research capabilities.

  • The First Lady Dean: In 2025, the college reached a historic milestone with the appointment of its first female Dean, Engr. Lea Joy J. Hiponia, ECE, MECE, alongside Assistant Dean Engr. Rose Jean A. Rosco, REE, MEngEE.
  • RICER Research Hub: In 2024, the groundbreaking of the Recoletos Innovation Center for Engineering Research (RICER) signaled a new era of faculty and student-led technological breakthroughs.
  • Campus Modernization: In 2025, the college underwent a massive renovation, featuring upgraded laboratories, a modernized facade, and fully air-conditioned classrooms to provide a premier learning environment.

The Logo

The College of Engineering logo of the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos represents not only the different engineering disciplines offered by the college, but also the identity, industry, and heritage of Negros Occidental and the Philippines.

Meaning of the Logo

The circular seal symbolizes unity, excellence, and continuous pursuit of knowledge. Engineering is a profession that combines science, technology, and service to society, and the logo reflects the role of engineers in building communities, industries, and the nation.

At the center of the logo is the heart, arrow, flame, and book, which represent:

  • Heart – represents love, especially the love of God for man
  • Arrow – symbolizes the Word of God
  • Flame – symbolizes the Bible/Scriptures and the strict adherence to the authority and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
  • Book – Education, research, and academic excellence


This shows that the college aims to produce engineers who are technically competent, innovative, and socially responsible.

Symbols Representing the Engineering Programs

Each symbol inside the hexagons represents the engineering programs offered by the college:

  • Structure/Column – Civil Engineering
    Represents infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, and public works that help develop Negros Occidental and the Philippines.

  • Factory/Plant – Chemical Engineering
    Represents chemical processes, manufacturing, sugar processing, biofuels, water treatment, and industrial plants. This is very relevant to Negros Occidental, which is known for sugar production and agro-industrial processing.

  • Binary/Circuit – Computer Engineering
    Represents computer systems, software, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital technology that drive modern industries and businesses.

  • Satellite Dish – Electronics Engineering
    Represents telecommunications, signal processing, electronics, and communication systems that connect the islands of the Philippines.

  • Gear – Mechanical Engineering
    Represents machines, engines, manufacturing equipment, and mechanical systems used in industries such as sugar mills, power plants, and manufacturing facilities.

  • Lightning Bolt – Electrical Engineering
    Represents electricity, power generation, transmission, and distribution — essential for industries, homes, and national development.


Sugarcane and Negros Occidental

The sugarcane elements in the logo represent Negros Occidental, known as the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines. Sugarcane symbolizes:

  • The province’s agricultural and industrial heritage
  • The sugar industry, which relies heavily on engineers
  • The connection between engineering and agro-industrial development


Overall, the logo symbolizes that the College of Engineering produces engineers who build industries, infrastructure, technology, and sustainable development for Negros Occidental and for the Philippines.

VISION and MISSION

Vision

We aim to become an exemplary Engineering Institution whose graduates are forerunners in their areas of expertise.

Mission

We are an Engineering Institution providing a well-rounded education necessary to product engineers competent in their specialized fields and imbued with the Augustinian-Recollect values to anticipate the regional, national, and global needs, through a balanced program of instruction, research, and extension, upholding the national goal of economic self-sufficiency.

Graduate Attributes

A Recoleto Engineer is S.I.M.P.L.E. and will always R.I.S.E.

Respect: The attribute of admiration and due regard for everyone, maintaining dignity at all times with a focus on promoting an inclusive environment that is harmonious and cultivating;

Integrity: The adherence to moral and ethical principles, emphasizing on honesty and transparency and conduct at all times;

Service: The embracing of communitarian spirit, promoting service-oriented practice that prioritizes the welfare of others in the hope of maintaining empathy, fostering collaboration, and engaging in social responsibility; and

Excellence: The quality of restlessness when it comes to upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation, filled with the essence of dedication, discipline, and motivation to strive to the best that one ought to be.

UNO-R College of Engineering

# 51 Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines 6100

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+63 034 433 2449

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