In 1912, due to the increased enrolment, this classes were separated from the Zamboanga Central School and were moved two kilometers away to barangay Baliwasan (the present site).

RA 846 authorized the school to offer post-secondary courses in Trade Technical Education.

Since then, in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and in all communications from the Bureau of Public Schools, the term “City Regional” has been deleted.

In 1975, because of the growing need for industrial technologist the Zamboanga of Arts and Trade was chosen as one of the trade schools authorized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports to offer the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (Four-Year BSIT) through Department Order No.

Dr. Jausan Tahil came over from Samar and became the Superintendent of the Zamboanga School of Arts and Trades.

As the school developed in its pursuit to meet the challenges of the times, in 1991 it was authorized to offer the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) through the issuance of DECS Order No.

The school became a recipient of Philippine Australian Technical Vocational Education Program (PATVEP).

Because of her great concern for the improvement and development of technical and industrial education, Congresswoman Maria Clara L. Lobregat sponsored the bill in 1992 converting the Zamboanga School of Arts and Trades into Zamboanga City Polytechnic College by virtue of Republic Act No.

Due to the untimely death of Dr. Jausan L. Tahil in 1996, Mr. Lionel R. Villavieja the College Dean, assumed as officer-in-charge and eventually became the Superintendent in 1998.

During this time the school was undergoing a process where Republic Act 8292 played a vital role.

While integration with Western Mindanao State University was deemed imminent, Mr. Villavieja stood firm on his stance against it.

This special law, sponsored by Congressman Celso L. Lobregat, pursues the excellence in technical and industrial education and in the development of research in these areas.

His administration prioritizes the development and enhancement of the engineering and technology programs of the college with massive procurement of laboratory equipment in engineering, science and technology as part of its vision to become one of the best polytechnic schools in the country.

[2] In April 2021, the Commission on Higher Education Region Office IX approved the transformation of the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College into a State University, officially named the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU), marking a significant milestone for education in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

This development represents the region's third State University, bolstering the availability of higher education opportunities for the local population.

With a strong commitment to higher education, it has not only enrolled an impressive 20,000+ students but has also expanded its academic offerings with new courses and extended the capacity of its campus.