History
Milestones from 1999 to today—growth from an academy into a full basic and higher education institution serving Bataan and Region III.
Since its beginning in February 1999, with strong determination as a weapon, Asia Pacific Academy of Bataan has grown from a rented four-storey building in San Jose, Balanga, Bataan to its current state.
Many notable achievements have occurred throughout its 27-year duration, beginning in School Year 1999–2000 when the academy began its operations, offering first to third-year levels of High School with 231 students—more than good enough for a kick-off.
- Feb 1999
Asia Pacific Academy of Bataan
The institution began with strong determination, operating from a rented four-storey building in San Jose, Balanga, Bataan.
- SY 1999–2000
Operations begin
The academy opened its doors, offering first to third-year levels of High School with 231 students—more than good enough for a kick-off.
- Aug 2001
Permanent home & APCAS, Inc.
This early success resulted in moving to a brand new, permanent home of its own—the four-storey and the two-storey buildings at A.H. Banzon St., Ibayo, City of Balanga, Bataan on August 3, 2001. This also led to its current name—Asia Pacific College of Advanced Studies, Inc.
- SY 2001–2002
Asia Pacific College of Advanced Studies
Reflecting ever-widening horizons, APCAS began offering the four-year Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM); the two-year Certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Management (CHRM); and complete Pre-Elementary, Elementary, and Secondary Education—making the academy name no longer applicable, and Asia Pacific College of Advanced Studies was born.
- Sep 2002
College building
As students’ academic aspirations were considered, APCAS provided another instructional space: a two-storey College Building behind the High School Building on September 16, 2002.
- SY 2002–2003
Communication & tourism
APCAS broadened its choice of programs, adding the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication and the four-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism.
- SY 2003–2004
First BSN in Bataan
In its fifth year of operations, APCAS became the very first private institution in Bataan to offer the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with an influx of 289 enrollees in the first semester.
- SY 2005–2006
Secondary teacher education
Realizing the need for competent and dedicated secondary school teachers, APCAS offered the Bachelor in Secondary Education program.
- 2007
Facilities & land for growth
Existing facilities were improved: new computer units were added to the Computer Laboratory. An additional Multi-Purpose Hall was constructed along with two new classrooms. The school also purchased a 2,102 square meter parcel of land for an additional College Building, with a vision of accessible quality education for Bataeños and Region III.
- SY 2008–2009
Six new programs
APCAS continued proving its competence as it started six new programs: Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd), Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSEntrep), two-year Computer Programming, and Certificate in Teaching.
- SY 2010–2011
Expanded college offerings
APCAS added Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration (BSCA), Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCRIM), Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE), Associate in Computer Technology (ACT), Certificate in Professional Teaching (CPT) for Secondary and Early Childhood Education, and Diploma in Culinary Arts (DCA).
- SY 2016–2017
Senior High School
In accordance with Republic Act No. 10533, the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013,” APCAS opened its doors to Senior High School students (Grades 11 and 12) in SY 2016–2017.
- 2018
Marcos Gonzalvo Estrella Sports Center
In 2018, the Marcos Gonzalvo Estrella Sports Center was inaugurated, marking a significant addition to the school’s infrastructure. The covered court offers a safe and sheltered environment for physical education classes, sports training, and extracurricular activities, regardless of weather.
- 2020
Pandemic & online learning
In 2020, as the pandemic swept across the globe, APCAS faced a significant challenge in maintaining the continuity of education while ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and staff. The administration took it as an opportunity. The abrupt transition to online learning presented technical and logistical challenges—yet APCAS demonstrated resilience and adaptability, eventually emerging stronger and more united.
- Jan 2022
Limited face-to-face classes
As the situation gradually improved, APCAS began implementing limited face-to-face classes in January 2022, following strict health protocols. A hybrid model blended online and in-person instruction for a gradual return to the classroom.
- Apr 2022
Full face-to-face classes
By April 2022, the school had fully resumed face-to-face classes—marking a significant milestone on the journey toward normalcy.
- 2023
CBLE national ranking
The resilience of the APCAS community was exemplified when one of APCAS’ students excelled in the Customs Broker Licensure Examination (CBLE), securing 9th place in the national rankings.
- Oct 6, 2023
Five-storey college building
APCAS broke ground on October 6, 2023 for a five-storey structure exclusively for the college department—planned with 18 new classrooms, offices, an auditorium, and a larger, updated library—anchored on the institution’s Vision and Mission to provide updated facilities and a conducive, nurturing learning environment.
- Aug 8, 2024
MGE Building inaugurated
On August 8, 2024, the institution inaugurated its new five-storey MGE Building—symbolizing steady growth and commitment to academic excellence. The building adds classrooms; a dedicated Civil Engineering Laboratory; two new Science Laboratories; and a Student Lounge on the ground floor for collaboration and recreation. The Library now occupies the entire fourth floor, complete with a mezzanine, for research and study. The fifth floor houses the new MPH 3 for larger academic gatherings, seminars, and institutional events.
- Aug 2025
Psychology & physical education
Continuing its expansion, the College opened two new degree offerings in August 2025: Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS Psychology) and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd)—demonstrating responsiveness to evolving educational needs and broader academic opportunities for students.