Photo courtesy of DPWH
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the University of the Philippines (UP) recently solidified their collaboration through the signing of a Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) aimed at initiating various building facility projects in eight (8) UP locations nationwide.
DPWH Undersecretary for Operations in Charge of Convergence Projects Eric Ayapana and University of the Philippines President, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, led the MOA signing encompassing a diverse range of projects including site development, construction, rehabilitation, and enhancement of UP facilities in key areas such as the National Capital Region and Regions 4A, 6, 7, 8, and 11.
“This partnership marks a milestone in the government’s commitment to enhancing access to healthcare services and elevating the educational infrastructure at our leading institution of higher learning,” said Undersecretary Ayapana.
According to the DPWH, the combined allocation for the 10 projects outlined in the agreement stands at P1.8986 billion.
The flagship project of the MOA involves the construction of the Pediatrics and Adult Specialty Center, including clinics, training center, and healthcare workers’ dormitory at UP Philippine General Hospital in Ermita, Manila, with a substantial budget of P1 billion.
Additionally, the DPWH will be overseeing the completion of structural and architectural work at Rizal Hall amounting to P100 million, as well as a project valued at P13.5 million aimed at increasing the carrying capacity of the College of Medicine inside UP Manila Campus along Taft Avenue, Manila.
The department will also implement the construction and site development of the UP System Technology Innovation Campus in Dasmariñas, Cavite, with an allocation of P300 million earmarked for this purpose.
Moving to Regions 6 and 7, projects in the MOA include the rehabilitation of the UP Visayas School Building in Iloilo at a cost of P10 million, the construction of a new College of Law Building at UP Visayas Iloilo costing P100 million, and the expansion and operation of UP Extension Campus in Pandan, Antique, allocated P30 million.
Further, P25 million has been dedicated to enhancing the carrying capacity of the UP Manila School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte, while a P40 million allocation is set aside for the construction of a multipurpose building serving as a dormitory for UP Cebu on Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.
The MOA likewise encompasses the site development of various structures at UP Mindanao in Davao City, including the School of Management, College of Humanities and Social Sciences Phase 1, College of Science and Mathematics, Center for Advancement of Research in Mindanao, including student dormitories, faculty and staff housing, administrative facilities, and library, with a budget of P140 million.
Signatories of the MOA are heads of UP Campuses, and DPWH Region 4A Director Jovel G. Mendoza, Region 6 Sonny Boy O. Oropel, Region 8 Director Edgar B. Tabacon, Region 11 Director Juby B. Cordon, Engr. Liberato R. Mercado from NCR Planning and Design Division, and Region 7 Construction Division Chief Joan L. Pitogo. Also present at the event were Senator Mark A. Villar and heads and representatives from the implementing DPWH District Engineering Offices. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
