University of the Philippines Manila
Taft Avenue, Manila
UP Manila steps up PE infrastructure projects
The UP Manila administration’s swift and decisive action on the problem of inadequate PE facilities on campus that endanger the education and safety of its students is part of Chancellor Manuel Agulto’s vision to transform the University into an excellent center for health education and service.
Chancellor Agulto, in several dialogs with PE teachers and students, announced the allotment of P20M for the renovation of the PGH basketball court into a covered court. This will serve as a venue for basketball, volleyball, and Philippine Games PE classes.
As of this writing, the technical plans for the project have been finished. Once bidding is done, construction will start in November 2012. In February or March 2013, the facility will be ready for use.
The problem of PE facilities shortage faced previous UPM administrations during the past several years. The Agulto administration is the latest to inherit and actually witness its impact on the quality of education, particularly the security of students attending off-campus classes. With the burden now on their shoulders and with only about a little over two years left of their terms, Chancellor Agulto and his team have decided to find lasting solutions to the problem. But while these are not feasible at this time as funds are still being raised, short-term measures were agreed upon.
So as not to disrupt continuity of classes already started, students will be provided with a shuttle vehicle and a security guard or security officer to accompany them to and from the venue. Unlike in previous classes where the owners of the facilities used had no legal accountability, agreements for the ensuing use of the facilities will be governed by a written contract to ensure maximum protection and security to the students.
Starting the second semester of AY 2012-2013, the holding of off-campus PE classes will be stopped as part of tighter security measures for the students but without compromising the quality of their education. Apart from the basketball court renovation, Chancellor Agulto is urging PE teachers to think of more creative ways to solve the shortage, such as offering other possible PE subjects that are less space-consuming or holding PE classes at UP Diliman. Initial negotiations have been made with UP Diliman
College of Human Kinetics Dean Ronwaldo Dizer on the possibility of UPM students taking Saturday classes at the Diliman campus.
“I am with you in this goal of producing the best, well-rounded students through quality education, at the same time, ensuring their constant protection. Hence, we are trying our best to find a permanent solution to this problem,” the UPM chancellor told the students and teachers.
At present, the only PE facility being used is the 15-year old Sport Science and Wellness Center (SSWC) with dilapidated and cramped, ill-equipped rooms and facilities that can only accommodate basic PE subjects. Additional spaces being used are the front areas of SSWC and the alleys of the adjacent UPM College of Nursing building. Located near old condemned buildings and other hazards, SSWC facilities make the holding of PE classes unsafe for students who suffer bruises and other injuries and distracting to other classes.
For the medium-term plan, the UPM administration has presented a proposal to construct a Multi-level Parking at the existing PGH parking lot that will include a basketball court and indoor PE facilities for students.
“I am confident that we can solve this problem through collective leadership. I am approaching it not only as a chancellor but as an ophthalmologist or surgeon who has to rely on accurate diagnosis and concrete plans,” the UPM chancellor stated.
For the long-term, UP Manila will partner with Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay to generate funds needed to jumpstart its six-year strategic plan that includes the construction of a UPM Centennial Building. Part of the proposed plan for the building is a University Gymnasium and a Sports and Wellness Center for the students. The University is also appealing to other UP alumni and other kind-hearted groups and individuals to help in its bid to improve health by educating future excellent leaders and workers. (CMVillamor)
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This is an OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE prepared by the
Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office (IPPAO) of UP Manila
Telefax: 302-2215 / 554-8400 loc. 3842
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PRESS RELEASE UP Manila steps up PE infrastructure projects [CMVillamor].pdf
