PanPacific University North Philippines (PUNP), formerly Pangasinan Colleges of Science and Technology (PCST) was incorporated on August 26, 1992 to provide courses in all levels of education. The Founder, Chairman of the Board of Regents and the first President Dr. Romeo T. Padilla saw the need of a quality school “for students who are in search of academic excellence.”

PUNP started its operation in 1993 occupying a 3-storey building in McArthur Highway in Urdaneta, Pangasinan. It was authorized to offer degree programs in Pharmacy, Nursing, Electrical Technology, Criminology, Secretarial Administration and Mechanical Technology. In 1994, additional courses were offered such as Computer Science, Education, Marine Transportation, and Electronics Technology. In 1996, the following courses were added: Master of Arts in Education, Master in Public Administration, Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. With eleven (11) degree courses, and eight (8) short-term technical courses, PUNP in 1996 started to build its own 3-storey structure in its current location in San Vicente, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.

A Mock Boat was added in 1997 as a laboratory and classroom for Maritime students. Consequently, the Mock Boat became a significant landmark up to this day. The Events Complex was also added in 1998. Other classroom buildings were added starting 1999 to cater to the needs of the growing population. Today, PUNP has Science Building, Padilla Building and Academic Building. It has an Olympic-size swimming pool, a food court, modern laboratories and classrooms. The Basic Education Department offered Special Science High School Curriculum in 1999 with thirteen (13) First Year students. Pre-Elementary and Elementary (Grades I-VI) were offered in 2003. In November 2007, the PCST was elevated to a University Status by virtue of CHED en banc Resolution No. 839-2007. PCST adapted and changed its name into Panpacific University North Philippines with its vision to become a University of Choice in the Panpacific Rim. Upgrades are underway in order to make PUNP comparable to world-class universities.