BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Uswag Ilonggo Party-list spearheaded by Cong. James “Jojo” Ang held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for a P20.5-million state-of-the-art multipurpose building at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Iloilo City campus.
A significant investment in the premier university’s infrastructure, this project – a collaborative effort with partners such as UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano, Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Supreme Court retired Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, Assistant Regional Director Al Fruto of the Department of Public Works and Highways, UPV Vice Chancellor Rhodella Ibabao, and UP Alumni President Consuelo Geduspan – will see the development of a one-storey building spanning 1,026 square meters.
Scheduled for completion by the end of the year, the facility is designed to meet UPV’s expanding needs for a versatile sports and recreation venue.
“I am truly pleased to be here today. Although I am not an alumnus of UP, I firmly believe that this institution stands as one of the best universities not only in the Philippines but globally. UP Visayas genuinely embodies its motto of Honor, Excellence, and Service to the Filipino people,” said Ang.
He acknowledged being impressed by the support from the UPV alumni community.
“I join you in your noble cause to further enhance the education of our students. I hope that this new multipurpose building will be a valuable resource for both the officials and students at UP Visayas,” said Ang.
The new building will feature a primary basketball court that can be easily converted for volleyball and other indoor sports. It will include basketball rings, an LED electronic scoreboard, a public address system, a portable hoop system, and a volleyball net system. Additionally, ample locker spaces will be provided to ensure secure storage for players during events.
UPV Chancellor Camposano emphasized the facility’s broader impact, stating, “The creation of this facility is not only for sports but will also support various cultural activities. We are developing this UP Campus in the city as a culture and heritage hub.”
Governor Defensor expressed his gratitude, highlighting the importance of the new facility.
“We are thankful to all those who contributed to this project. This basketball court is part of the heritage of the University of the Philippines Visayas. As an alumnus of UP High School, I am particularly pleased to see such a valuable addition to our university. We appreciate the support from all our partners in this development.”
The multi-purpose building is expected to significantly enhance UPV’s athletic capabilities and broaden the range of activities the university can host, reinforcing its role as a central venue for both sports and cultural events./PN
