The University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga (UPDEPP) started in 1979 as the University of the Philippines Extension Program in San Fernando (UPEPSF). It was created upon the representation of Pampanga Governors Estelito Mendoza and Juanita Nepomuceno. After its old building was rendered useless by Mt. Pinatubo’s incessant lahar flows, the unit was moved to the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) in 1996 and was given its present name.

Since then, UPDEPP has taken on a new character as the center of excellent higher education within the CFZ and Central Luzon in general. It has raised its UPCAT cut-off level, improved its curricular programs, upgraded its faculty profile, and modernized its library. The unit also aims to be the regional center for research, extension and development, as well as for culture and the arts.

In 2007, UPDEPP was awarded a permanent site by the Clark Development Corporation. The site consists of a 3.28-hectare lot within the CFZ which UPDEPP envisions to transform into a bustling university town. The plan is to develop an academic complex that includes two academic buildings with modernized facilities, two student dormitories, state-of-the-art library and research facility, gymnasium, auditorium, a student center, and other amenities” (from the General Catalogue of the University of the Philippines – Diliman 2014).

Construction of the first academic building was completed in August 2014, and UPDEPP moved to its permanent home in January 2015.

Click here to learn about the history of the University of the Philippines.