The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The University of the Philippines inked 10 memoranda of agreement (MOAs) with the Department of Public Works and Highways early this month, reinforcing a partnership for the implementation of infrastructure projects across the UP System.
UP President Angelo Jimenez described the signing as a historic event in one fell swoop.
“I really believe that the relationship of UP and DPWH is reaching a golden age— and we want to keep it that way,” Jimenez said.
The MOAs put into effect Section 5 of the 2024 General Appropriations Act’s (GAA) Special Provision Applicable to the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), which provides that DPWH “shall implement the projects of SUCs” that exceeds P5 million.
Among the projects to be implemented by DPWH in partnership with UP are the development, construction, and completion of several infrastructure and facilities in UP Manila (UPM), UP Visayas (UPV), UP Mindanao, UP Cebu, and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), with a combined allocation of more than PhP1.8 billion in UP’s budget under the 2024 GAA.
The DPWH is represented by Undersecretary Eric Ayapana, along with some of the Department’s regional directors.
“The signing of these agreements not only marks the beginning of a strengthened partnership between UP and DPWH but two institutions’ commitment to serve the Filipino people, especially the Iskolar ng Bayan,” Ayapana said.
Ayapana added, “we are solidifying our shared vision of advancing education and infrastructure, ensuring that our students – the future leaders of our nation –have access to facilitate that will foster learning and education”.
Also among the projects to be jointly implemented by UP and DPWH is the construction of a new campus within the 3,500-hectare Villar City in Cavite, which is finally set to commence following the groundbreaking ceremony on the same day.
The UP Dasmarinas (Technology Innovation Campus at Villar City) will rise on a five-hectare lot within Villar City’s University Town compound, which was officially donated by Fine Properties, Inc., represented by Manny Villar Jr. and Cynthia Villar through a Deed of Donation signed in 2022.
Former senator and Villar Group of Companies Chairman Manuel Villar Jr, shared that he and his wife, Sen. Cynthia, both BS Business Administration alumni of UP, agreed to donate part of their property for the development and construction of the new campus as a way of giving back to their alma mater.
“Napag usapan naming na, at least, kailangan, may maibigay tayo sa University. Ano naman ang maiiwan mo sa University mo na nagbigay sa ‘yo talaga ng (edukasyon)!, Villar asked.
The campus, according to DPWH Region IV-A Director Jovel Mendoza, will be housed in a six-story building with a total floor area of 22,932 square meters. It is envisioned to be “a beacon of knowledge and earning [and] a driving force for technological advancement in Cavite.” PhP300 million has been earmarked for the construction and development of the campus under the 2024 GAA.
Jimenes admitted that in building the new campus, “UP would not only be bringing some of our brightest talents, but building some of our most iconic and forward-looking structure that can inspire the country to greater heights”.
Meanwhile, Dasmarinas City Mayor Jennifer Barzaga also thanked UP for choosing the city to build “a place where students will be empowered to explore their passions, develop their skills, and prepare to make impactful contributions to our society”.
Aside from Jimenez, other key officials of UP who were present at the signing include UPM Chancellor Michael Tee and Vice Chancellor Jose Tecson III; UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano; UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar and Vice Chancellor Hazel Trapero; and UP PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi.