Message of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda Signing of the Deed of Donation and Ceremonial Groundbreaking of UP Extension Campus in Antique 04 October 2020

Good morning!  Allow me to greet the officials of UP Visayas: Chancellor Ricardo Babaran, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Martin Genodepa, Vice Chancellor for Administration Mary Anne Gumban, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Rolly Fuentes, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Gay Defiesta, Dean Ramer Bautista of the School of Technology, Dean Ma. Severa Fe Katalbas of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dean Arthur Barrido of the College of Management, Dean Encarnacion Emelia Yap of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, and Director Anna Razel Ramirez of the Information and Publication Office.

My warmest greetings also to Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, Mayor John Sanchez, Vice Mayor Raymund Gumboc, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Felisa Beriong, and to the donors who greatly contributed in making this project come to a fruition, Mrs. Yolanda Batara, Mrs. Daughlet Ordinario, and Mr. Romeo Ordinario.

To the staff of the University of the Philippines Visayas, LGU of Pandan, and UPV alumni in Antique who are joining today’s event virtually via Facebook live, good morning to all of you.

I am very pleased to finally see the start of the implementation of this proposed project to establish theExtension Campus of UP Visayas in Antique, and it is even a greater honor to have this rise in my home town of Pandan.

I have long supported the conduct of research and development by higher educational institutions (HEIs) that academics and research are essential in sustaining and ensuring the competitiveness of our different sectors and industries. When I was Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, I always supported the requests of state universities and colleges for additional allocation for their research-based programs and activities.  I am glad that my kasimanwa will soon be able to  benefit from the sameopportunities.  As a province with most of the municipalities located in the coastal areas, this collaboration with UP Visayas will greatly help the fisherfolk, LGUs and allied groups in Antique through the opening of this Extension Campus.

The initial course offerings of this UP Extension Campus will focus on sustainability and policy trainings, including governance, through which we hope to ensure the sustainability of high-level fisheries education in the region.

The three-story building will have a library, classrooms, laboratory and living quarters for the faculty. It will be an avenue to engage in collaborative researches with other HEIs in the region and bring the University of the Philippines andits constituent universities closer to its stakeholders. This will also enhance the technical capacities of the HEIs and personnel in the locality who wish to obtain post graduate degrees and trainings. It will not only cater to the academe but the whole UP system, academic institutions, and LGU partners as well.

The following training programs have been approved for implementation for Academic Year 2020-2021:  Development of Training Module for Sugar Production from Nipa Sap; Development of Flexible Learning Materials for Fisheries Higher Education Institution in Antique; and Upgrading Food Safety Awareness and Competence of Sanitary Inspectors and Food Business Operators in Antique.  

Furthermore, the extension campus will provide a suitable learning environment for the students and trainees in the various academic and continuing education program, especially in the fisheries. The building will be a potential revenue–generation facility where scientific and technical conferences, trainings, and other capacity building activities that will benefit the academe and non-academic communities in the local and adjacent areas will be held.

The target date of completion is August 10, 2021, and this Signing of the Deed of Donation and Ceremonial Groundbreaking symbolizes a huge step in our commitment to provide quality higher education and research to our students and local communities. This will soon be the home of the future Iskolar ng Bayan and Siyentista ng Bayan.

I laud the University of the Philippines Visayas, particularly the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and Campus Development Maintenance Office as well as the LGU of Pandan for facilitating this project. My gratitude also to the donors who allowed us to have this home for the UP extension campus in Antique.

I may not be physically present, but my commitment to serve and to help will never falter.  Rest assured that I am one with you in promoting a more accessible higher-level education that will greatly benefit not only my province but the whole region and country as well.

Duro guid na salamat!