National University (NU) is stepping up efforts to combat brain drain in the Philippines by expanding its footprint to seven cities outside Metro Manila, providing provincial talent with competitive compensation and high-quality academic opportunities.
The university, which serves more than 84,000 students, has established a presence in regions including Visayas and various parts of Luzon. By aligning with the social footprint of SM Investments Corp., NU aims to bridge the economic gap between urban and rural sectors.
NU president and chief executive Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita said the institution uses a standardized salary matrix across all branches to attract local professionals. The strategy ensures that employees in the provinces receive the same pay as those in the capital, making regional recruitment more effective.
The expansion has led to a high rate of local employment within the new campuses. NU Cebu, which opened this academic year, maintains a 100-percent local hire rate.
Other branches show similar trends, with NU Laguna reporting 99-percent local staff, while NU Baliwag and NU Lipa both stand at 98 percent. NU Clark, NU Bacolod and NU Dasmarinas all report local employment rates of 96 percent or higher.
Ermita said the school is a core component of the corporate social responsibility efforts of SM. Placing campuses within or near SM communities ensures accessibility through established transportation hubs and maintains affordability for students.
The initiative has also encouraged “returnees”—professionals who previously moved to Manila for work but have now returned to their home provinces.
NU Cebu executive-director Johanna Minglana is among those who returned to her birthplace after decades in Manila.
Minglana said the campus stimulates the local economy by creating demand for surrounding businesses such as food establishments, housing and retail.
As the university marks its 125th founding anniversary, the institution continues to focus on providing life-ready education to ensure graduates remain competitive in both local and international markets.
SM Investments Corp., the parent entity, remains one of the leading Philippine firms with interests in retail, banking and property.
The company continues to invest in high-growth ventures to support the emerging Philippine economy.
