​ ​MANILA, University of. A Philippine university which owes its origin to Philip II. of Spain, who gave permission for the foundation of a university in 1585. In 1601 a seminary for nobles was opened here, and in 1611 the Dominicans established the College of Saint Thomas for natives and poor Spaniards. In 1857 the present university was founded on this school as a basis. It had in 1901 some 1100 students, chiefly in law and medicine. Its faculties comprise also theology, philosophy, science, and pharmacy.