The University of Mindanao is a private, non-sectarian school located in Davao City on the Southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Established in 1946, the University of Mindanao has ten branches spread over thirteen campuses in Southern Mindanao. It has a total student population of 29,765 (SY 2007-08). It is the largest private university in Mindanao with the most number of PACUCOA accredited programs in the country today. In the midst of rebuilding the ruins of World War II, Atty. Guillermo E. Torres constructed the institution that would provide the education for socially, morally, economically knowledgeable, productive and responsible citizenry of the country. His undying faith and enthusiasm pushed him to convince his friends in Manila and new acquaintances to fulfill this vision. The realization of the dream marked history when the Mindanao Colleges was incorporated on July 27, 1946. During the first year of operation, classes were held in four rented rooms of the Borgaily Building along San Pedro Street in Davao City. Thirteen teachers were hired and there were 381 enrolees. Dr. Efigenia C. Occeña was the Acting Coordinator.