Notre Dame of Marbel University is one of the many schools of the Marist Brothers' Congregation (FMS) located in 67 countries throughout the world. The Marist Brothers were founded in France in 1817 by St. Marcellin Champagnat for the Christian Education of the young especially those most in need.

As a Marist school, NDMU aims to provide Christian education to the youth especially to the most deserving. Located in the area traditionally inhabited by a rich variety of ethnic groups of both hill tribes and lowland communities, it seeks to respond to the educational needs of the multicultural region it serves. It offers to the people of Mindanao the total benefits of a complete formal education from kindergarten to post-graduate studies.

NDMU's commitment to relevant Christian quality education is manifested through its well-balanced academic, technical and vocational education program. The emphasis is not only on the acquisition of basic skills and specialized professional competence but also on the development of responsible citizens prepared to assume leadership in society.

Within the framework of these commitments and aspirations, NDMU professes to be:

1. CHRISTIAN.

Notre Dame of Marbel University is a Catholic institution, Christian in its value system and orientation. It is committed to faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in whom alone man finds the fullness of life. Hence, NDMU aims to produce Christ-Centered persons who are capable of being a leaven for responsible Christian living in their respective professional fields, and who can take up responsible leadership roles in building basic Christian communities.

Cognizant of this orientation, NDMU aspires to create a community where religious and lay administrators, teachers, staff and students are bound together by a genuine Christian spirit. In unity with the Diocese, NDMU strives to enflesh the vision and mission of the Diocese both in the school and in the larger community.

2. MARIST.

As a Marist Institution, Notre Dame of Marbel University is committed to the total Christian education of the youth especially those most in need. Translating the charism and spirit of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, NDMU strives to develop the values of humility, simplicity, respect for the dignity of work and love for the poor. At the focus of such Marist qualities stands the person of Mary, the "ordinary resource" of Champagnat and the patroness of the Marist Brothers.

Hence, NDMU aspires to inculcate in the students through the teaching and example of competent Marist and lay teachers, a filial devotion to Mary embodied in the Motto: "All to Jesus through Mary."

3. ECUMENICAL.

While it is Catholic in orientation, NDMU respects the religious convictions of each member of the community. Situated in a multi-cultural environment, it believes in the great significance of religious values in the diverse cultural systems. Therefore, NDMU commits itself to the spirit of ecumenism. It proposes to foster awareness of the beliefs and values of the divergent cultures in the area, thereby raising the level of openness, understanding and respect among the various groups.

4. RESPONSIVE.

NDMU is dedicated to serve primarily the educational needs of South Cotabato and its immediate environment. It strives to develop the civic consciousness and responsive attitudes of the students who will play a dynamic role in the socio-economic technical growth of the locality, as well as the country.

To be responsive to the times, NDMU through its channels of academic, non-academic, and special program initiates and participates in the innovative approaches to education. It provides the community with resources and skills to undertake the technical and managerial research and to foster human development.

5. FILIPINO.

As a proponent of national development, NDMU commits itself to fostering in the individual a sense of nationalism by nurturing loyalty and pride in the Filipino culture. It is also dedicated to the appreciation, preservation and enrichment of the Filipino heritage. Situated in a culturally pluralistic environment, NDMU is committed to foster unity and understanding among multi-cultural groups and thereby, promote a sense of national identity.