Philippine Normal University

The present Philippine Normal University was originally the Philippine Normal School (PNS), the first institution of higher learning established during the American occupation of the Philippines. Created by Act No. 74 of the Philippine Commission, it gave Filipinos training in the science of teaching. The PNS formally opened on September 1, 1901, with Mr. Elmer B. Bryan as its first superintendent. Seven other Americans succeeded him before the designation of Mr. Manuel Escarilla as the first Filipino superintendent in 1939.

The Philippine E-Journals is an expanding collection of academic journals that are made accessible globally through a single Web-based platform. It is hosted by C&E Publishing, Inc., a premier educational publisher in the Philippines and a leader in the distribution of integrated information-based solutions. Emerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. Founded in 1967, Emerald today manages a range of digital products, a portfolio of nearly 300 journals, more than 2,500 books and over 450 teaching cases. In line with the commitment of Cambridge University Press to advance learning, knowledge and research worldwide, the Press currently publishes over 300 peer-reviewed academic journals for the global market. Containing the latest research from a broad sweep of subject areas, Cambridge journals are accessible worldwide in print and online. Gale Virtual Reference Library provides access to electronic reference books from Gale and our 70 publishing partners, researchers can instantly access thousands of eBooks on virtually any subject.

PNU Library Web OPAC (Destiny Library Manager)combines library circulation, cataloging, searching, reporting and management into one centrally installed school library software system.The Basic Education Section, formerly known as CTL Library, serves the PNU elementary and high school students in their use of library materials. It is also a place for conducting storytelling sessions for preschool and primary school pupils. It also serves the college students who want to use materials for their lesson plans and other course requirements. The library collection consists of books and nonbook materials for children and young adults on various subject areas. The library houses a collection of children’s books and other materials given by the Children’s Literature Association of the Philippines, Inc. CLAPI is a non-stock, nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of children’s literature and cultivate closer fellowship and cooperation in the Philippines. The Library is located on the first floor adjacent to the Basic Education and Periodical Section. The theses section contains the theses, dissertations and special projects written by the PNU masteral and doctoral graduate students submitted to PNU. It also houses the special projects, theses and dissertations on education transferred from the DECS library as well as those recently deposited by masteral and doctoral graduates from other Philippine Colleges and Universities. This section is located on the second floor, left wing of the library building.

Periodical section contains serial sources such as newspapers, magazines and journals. It also houses other reference sources such as pamphlets, handbooks, annual reports, PNU yearbooks, clippings and pictures/ posters. The section is located on the second floor, left wing, as one enters the main door of the library building.The stack area contains duplicates of some books, theses, and special projects. It also houses PNU yearbooks, bound and loose issues of periodicals. Old books and books that are seldom borrowed as well as books that are considered for weeding are also placed in this area. It is located on the fourth floor of the library building adjacent to the Archives section.The library orientation is usually rendered during the first month of the first semester to college freshmen. Basic information about the library rules, sections, facilities, collections, personnel and services are shared to the new students. The orientation is held in several sessions at the Audio-Visual Theater or Multimedia Center.

With the signing of the charter, Republic Act No. 416 on June 18, 1949 during the term of President Elpidio Quirino, PNS was converted into the Philippine Normal College, authorized to grant undergraduate and graduate degrees in education.Republic Act 6515 mandated the offering of doctorate and other academic programs relevant to the training of teachers. On December 6, 1991, the Philippine Normal College was converted into the Philippine Normal University. Finally, on January 12, 1992, it was elevated into a full-fledged university by President Corazon C. Aquino.Dr. Macario Naval was installed as the president of the college. He was succeeded by Dr. Emiliano C. Ramirez in 1957, Dr. Gregorio C. Borlaza in 1971, Dr. Bonifacio P. Sibayan in 1972, Dr. Edilberto P. Dagot in 1981, Dr. Gloria G. Salandanan in 1991, Atty. Lilia S. Garcia in 1998, Dr. Nilo L. Rosas in 2002, Atty. Lutgardo B. Barbo in 2006, and Dr. Ester B. Ogena in 2011.

In recognition of its continued leadership in teacher education, PNU was designated as the National Center for Teacher Education by virtue of R.A. 9647 on June 30, 2009.The main campus of the University is in the City of Manila with branches in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Alicia, Isabela; Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; and Lopez, Quezon.