Misinformation Clouds Olympic-Sized Pool Project in Antique University

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The University of Antique (UA) Main Campus administration has called on the public to rely on credible information amid the spread of misinformation regarding the construction of an Olympic-sized swimming pool within the institution.

UA President Pablo S. Crespo Jr., in a statement issued on January 22, clarified that the swimming pool project was made possible through funding support from Senator Loren Legarda and Congressman Antonio Legarda.

“The institution refrains from engaging in any political controversies, maintaining a focus on its educational mission and its role as a positive force in society,” Crespo said.

The project was funded through a PHP 25 million budget allocation from Congress-Introduced Changes Adjustments in the 2023 General Appropriations Act.

Crespo expressed gratitude for the contributions received, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and neutrality.

“[The University of Antique] highlights its sincere appreciation and willingness to accept generous donations from individuals, including political and public/private figures of any color,” Crespo stated.

“These contributions, regardless of their form, are welcomed wholeheartedly, as the institution values inclusivity and neutrality, ensuring no particular support or bias towards any donor,” he added.

Crespo also pointed out that misinformation undermines the contributions of genuine supporters and detracts from the spirit of transparency and accountability upheld by the university community.

In a separate statement, Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao clarified that the swimming pool project had been proposed to national agencies after the 2017 Palarong Pambansa and the 2018 National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association events.

Cadiao also addressed budgetary concerns raised by the Provincial Development Council in a November 2019 Facebook post. The council had hesitated to pursue the project, citing financial constraints, the existence of a pool in Binirayan, and the province’s recovery efforts from calamities and the pandemic.

She emphasized that prioritization, rather than broken promises, had been the central issue, urging that politics should not influence decision-making.

“If [Senator Legarda] has decided to support this initiative, it is beneficial for UA. However, we hope Sir Crespo understands that this is not about breaking promises but about setting priorities,” Cadiao said.

Construction of the swimming pool began in January 2024 and was inaugurated earlier this year.

The facility, which boasts 10 lanes measuring 50 meters in length, 25 meters in width, and 2.1 meters in depth, is now considered the largest swimming pool on Panay Island.