Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Erlyn May U. Pareja

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila officially received the newly refurbished comfort rooms on the second and third floors of the century-old Rizal Hall Building on Monday, December 1, 2024. The turnover indicates the successful completion of this key project that was carried out to modernize the various facilities of the university while preserving the heritage embodied by one of its iconic heritage buildings.

Designed with a sense of inclusivity and functionality, the new comfort rooms have separate areas for faculty members and students, and special stalls for Gender-Neutral and PWDs. Such improvements also reflect the commitment of the UP Manila community to create appropriate spaces for the diverse community which it serves.

This project is more than just a renovation—it embodies Chancellor Michael L. Tee’s vision of an environment that nurtures both mind and body, as part of the IDEA framework: Innovations for Life-long Learning Dedicated to Service, Discovery and Research, Environment that Nurtures, and Accessible UP Leadership. This aims to protect the students, faculty, and staff by creating an inclusive and safe environment so that they may better serve the nation.

Plans for the renovation of the ground floor comfort rooms, the next phase of the project, are already underway and scheduled to start early next year. These continued efforts are also aimed not only to improve functionality but also reaffirm UP Manila’s dedication to preserving and enhancing the legacy of Rizal Hall. #