THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines-Visayas will be building an extension campus this year at Pandan town in Antique for the implementation of continuing education programs in the province.

UPV Chancellor Ricardo Babaran said the initial offering for the extension program will focus on sustainability and policy training, which also includes governance.

“The proposed UP Extension Campus in Antique is envisioned by the UP System to cater to HEIs, SUCs, universities in Antique and neighboring areas. The basic facilities of the building in Pandan will catalyze engagements among CUs in the UP System, local academic institutions and LGU partners,” Babaran said.

“It is envisioned to offer undergraduate programs and graduate programs in the future to democratize admission to the University of the Philippines,” he added.

Babaran also mentioned the training programs approved for implementation for AY 2020-2021 include Development of Training Module for Sugar Production from Nipa Sap; Development of Flexible Learning Materials for Fisheries Higher Education Institution in Antique; Upgrading Food Safety Awareness and Competence of Sanitary Inspectors; and Food Business Operators in Antique Province.

The three-story building will be erected on the 500-square meter lot offered as a donation to UPV by the Bautista family of the said town. It will have a library, classrooms, laboratories and living quarters for the faculty.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development under Vice Chancellor Martin Genodepa will oversee the construction which is set to begin in October upon completion of its architectural and engineering plans.

ASM Francisco Construction and Development Corporation, a Luzon-based construction company, won the bid to design and build the project.