Mindanao Polytechnic College (MPC), formerly called Mindanao Polytechnic School (MPS), came into existence in 1980. Conceived several years earlier,the idea was finally brought into realization by the founder, Capt. Arturo a. Aguilar, MM. Capt. Aguilar, ably assisted by his wife, Susana, established Mindanao Polytechnic School in February 1980. Capt. Aguilar, a master mariner by profession and a former harbor pilot of the Port of General Santos City, and Mrs. Susana R. Aguilar, an education graduate and business entrepreneur, combined their resources to give rise to the only maritime school then in the SOCSKSARGEN area, one of the growth centers in Southern Mindanao.
During the initial year of operation, the school rented two separate buildings in the downtown area of General Santos City. In June 1981, the school transferred to its new campus at Crossing Makar. Consisting of three hectares, the campus is quiet, cool, pollution-free and conducive for learning.
The school eventually gained recognition in 1981 when the prestigious Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) accepted MPS as a full-fledged member. In that same year, MPS President Capt. Aguilar was elected as one of the officers of PAMI and the school became a member of the Philippine Association of Private Technical Institutions (PAPTI).
The name of MPS was changed to Mindanao Polytechnic College (MPC) in 1984.
Now on its 30th year of operation, MPC offers Maritime courses (BS Marine Engineering and BS Marine Transportation) and non-Maritime courses (BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management, BS in Mechanical Engineering, BS in Customs Administration, and BS in Information Technology/System). Performance in government examinations (Mechanical Engineering, Customs Brokers, Deck and Engine Officers) has been very satisfactory. Proof of parents’ trust and confidence in MPC is the steady growth in enrollment – from 2,176 in SY 2005-2006 (1st Semester) to 4,705 in SY 2012 – 2013 (1st Semester) – at least a 16% average annual increase.