VSU turns over multi-million infra projects to end users

In line with the university’s efforts in sustainable infrastructure and development, four completed and ongoing construction projects have been turned over to its end users during the Signing of Infrastructure Project Turnover Certificate held on March 2, 2026 at the Office of the University President (OP) Board Room. 

University key officials led by VSU President, Prose Ivy G. Yepes, and Vice Presidents, Dr. Glenn G. Pajares, Dr. Santiago T. Peña, Jr., Dr. Moises Neil V. Seriño, and Dr. Aleli A. Villocino witnessed the turnover, alongside the Infrastructure Project Development team headed by Engr. Marcelo T. Abrera, Jr., Head of the Supply Office, Ms. Doreen Alba, and the contractors. 

These developments were sourced through a mix of national funding, trust funds, and internal resources with a total of over 26 million pesos. 

Each project tells a story of growth. What was once an aging structure or empty space has now been revitalized into modern hubs to encourage academic and professional growth in the VSU community.

Infrastructure and Development

The latest teaching-learning facility of the Department of Mechanical Engineering went from underdeveloped to sleek and modern after its more recent facelift. 

With a contract amounting to Php 11,709,215.92, funded by the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025, the enhancement project was completed on September 8, 2025 by Joni Construction. 

The Phase 2 implementation for the DME building will be managed by the General Services Office (GenSo) focusing on architectural finishing works, including tiling and painting.

This new building features accessible ramps and expansive glass windows for a stylish look, embodying the VSU mechanical engineering hallmark.

A newly improved Production and Post-Harvest Facility was also turned over to the Department of Horticulture. 

Funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) Trust Fund pegged at Php 3,628,816.46, the project was completed on October 31, 2025 by the Kamari Construction and Supply.

Dr. Rosario Salas, a faculty member of the Department of Horticulture, appreciated this effort from the administration in providing better facilities.

"We are grateful to the administration and to the DA-BAR for this facility upgrade. These modern infrastructures will help improve our production and post-harvest production in achieving GAP and Organic Certification,” she said.

The facility which serves as the pillar of the university’s mission towards sustainable agriculture now hosts specialized greenhouse-style structures that will bridge the gap between classroom theory and field practice. 

After many years, the old Arts and Letters Building that houses the then Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences (DLABS), now split into the Department of Arts, Languages, and Literature (DALL) and Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences (DPSS), has finally undergone complete renovation. 

Mr. Aldrin R. Palermo, DPSS department head, expressed his gratitude to the administration for the long-awaited renovation of the DALL and DPSS building. 

“This facility has stood as a campus landmark. We are thankful to the administration that after 43 years, the DALL and DPSS building have finally been renovated,” he stated.

The major upgrade to the building was finished on November 30, 2025 by Limar Construction with funds amounting to Php 8,507,424.17.

Following its completion, the General Services Office (GenSo) will administer the final interior setup of the facility, which includes the installation of office workstations, presentation boards, seating, and air conditioning units.

This renovation will ensure that faculty and students in these departments have the modern comforts necessary to thrive in their creative pursuits.

To better serve the administrative and student-support needs of the university, the old University Student Services Office (USSO) Building was likewise transformed into more spacious and efficient offices.

With a budget of Php 2,999,990.69 from Internally Generated Funds, Red Axe Builders and Supply completed the renovation on December 14, 2025.

This extension allows the Department of Student Affairs and Services (DSAS) to accommodate the growing 10,000-strong student population.

From blueprint to breakthrough

Engr. Marcelo T. Abrera, Jr., head of Infrastructure Project Development, affirmed that the successful turnover of these projects “shows that VSU has the capability to translate its development plans into actual and functional facilities that directly support our academic and research needs.”

“As engineers, we always say that infrastructure should serve a purpose. More importantly, it reflects that the university has a working system from planning and project development to construction and turnover,” he said.

Engr. Marcelo added that these projects align with the university’s ongoing effort in  sustainable infrastructure development as viewed in their long-term campus master plan. 

“Our role in the Infrastructure Project Development Office is to ensure that the facilities we build today will remain relevant and functional as the university continues to grow. Each of these projects addresses a specific need of the university. In many ways, these facilities serve as foundational developments that support the university’s direction toward 2026 and beyond,” he said.

These infrastructures are only a few of the developments already underway, as more projects remain in the pipeline and are set to be ready in the near future.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. 

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