UP Visayas, DPWH Break Ground on Antique Facility

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The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Extension Facility in Antique, in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government of Antique, held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 10, 2025, for the facility’s expansion and operationalization in Brgy. Nauring, Pandan, Antique.

The event was attended by Sen. Loren Legarda, local government officials, and the UPV community, led by Chancellor Clement C. Camposano, Ph.D.

Pandan Mayor Engr. Tomas U. Estoperez Jr. welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to Engr. Bernadette Betsy B. Uy, officer-in-charge of the DPWH Antique District Engineering Office, who delivered the project briefer on behalf of DPWH VI Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel, CESE.

The expansion will feature a two-story building with a total area of 945.50 square meters.

The ground floor will include a 180-person capacity function hall, lobby, audiovisual room, and public restrooms.

The second floor will have 11 rooms equipped with toilets and baths for in-house guests and students.

The project, funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), has a budget of PHP30 million.

The ceremonial groundbreaking was led by Sen. Legarda and Chancellor Camposano, joined by Engr. Uy, Mayor Estoperez, UPV Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap, and a representative from AD Pendon Construction.

Chancellor Camposano emphasized the importance of strong support from the province of Antique, which will help the university grow and secure future initiatives.

He also provided an overview of past projects in Antique and outlined future plans for the extension facility.

Sen. Legarda expressed appreciation for UPV, describing it as a university of the people that will mentor communities on biodiversity, environmental conservation, and law implementation.

She also shared various plans and projects that could be developed in collaboration with UPV.

“Buong-buo ang Antique. There is cooperation, collaboration, and true unity,” Legarda said.

She pledged full support for the facility’s expansion and improvement, highlighting its long-term benefits for both UPV and the people of Antique.

The UP Visayas Extension Campus in Antique continues to enhance its services and facilities to support various projects and activities that benefit both the province and other stakeholders in the region. (Written by Ms. Reyna Fe Quilantang, with sources from OVCPD.)