The University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has begun construction of its first campus in New Clark City in Capas town in Tarlac province.
Located in a 3.4-hectare plot within New Clark City, the new campus broke ground last December 5, with BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana, UP President Danilo Concepcion, DPWH Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria Ayag, and BCDA Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Joshua Bingcang.
The site will serve as UP-New Clark City’s satellite campus, helping the state university establish an early presence in New Clark City.
Its main university area will be located in another 76-hectare property within the rising metropolis.
“Para sa amin sa UP, ang pagdating ng araw na ito ang isa sa aming pinakahihintay na okasyon. Pagkatapos ng ilang taon mula nang magkasundo ang BCDA at UP para magkaroon ng campus ang UP sa lugar na ito, ay narito ngayon tayo sa groundbreaking ceremony,” Concepcion said.
The UP-New Clark City Satellite Campus is envisioned to become UP’s hub for education, research, training and collaboration, focusing on sustainable development.
The learning center also aims to provide support to BCDA and other stakeholders in the development of New Clark City as the country’s next smart, sustainable and green city.
“On behalf of the BCDA, allow me to express our appreciation to one of the first locators—the University of the Philippines—for choosing New Clark City as the home of its satellite campus. This is a solid affirmation on the indispensability of education in empowering the lives of the people,” Lorenzana said.
“We are seeing the actual fruition of years of planning. The pandemic happened but we are still here,” Bingcang said.
