THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines recently broke ground for its 3.4-hectare satellite campus at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by UP President Danilo Concepcion, Bases Conversion and Development Authority Chairperson Delfin Lorenzana and Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria Ayag on Monday, December 5.

The two-story building is envisioned to become a hub for research and training focusing on sustainable development.

It is expected to be finished in September 2023.

“This is a solid affirmation of the indispensability of education in empowering the lives of the people,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

The campus will be near the National Government Administrative Center and adjacent to the National Academy of Sports.

It will offer programs on environmental science, business, and engineering, among others.

Meanwhile, Ayag said that the UP center of excellence in Central Luzon will play an important role in providing quality higher education.

“It will also offer locals different opportunities, both in business and work,” she added.

The construction of the 7,042.15-square meter building will be implemented by phases.

“A total of P157 million has been allotted by the University of the Philippines to facilitate the construction of the project’s first phase and is implemented by DPWH Regional Office III through a Memorandum of Agreement,” Ayag said.

“The DPWH director said another P100 million is needed to fund the second phase of the project,” she added.