EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, former Ayala Director of Estate Management, Jose Arnulfo Batac was appointed the new Director for Facilities Management of the Ateneo.
Formerly called the University Physical Plant (UPP) Administrator, the new director takes over Leoncio Miralao who served as head of the UPP for more than 20 years. Batac will fully inherit Miralao’s position in October.
Prolific background
Upon a thorough search by a screening committee, Batac was deemed as the “most eligible candidate that came out”, according to Miralao.
According to the memo released by the Office of the President announcing Batac’s appointment, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree from the University of Santo Tomas and a Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Philippines.
Part of Batac’s impressive resumé includes working with the Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC) for 12 years. He started out as a technical assistant for Glorietta before being moved to a team that handles all the car parks and infrastructures of Ayala properties.
Managing multiple and complex facilities similar to that of the Ateneo is nothing new to Batac. In his previous position with APMC he oversaw the management of the Makati Central Business district, Ayala Center, the Bonifacio Global City, and Nuvali in Laguna from 2008 to 2010.
Batac was also the Associate Director for Airport Operations who headed the team that managed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Having an array of experience tucked under his belt, Batac is optimistic that he will be able to translate his facilities management know-how with APMC to the Ateneo setting.
“The Ateneo set-up is similar to my most recent assignment from where I came from, which was Estates Management. I think there are a lot of opportunities where we can improve on here in the Ateneo”, said Batac.
Director for Human Resources Management Imelda Nibungco agreed. “Mr. Batac’s experience in facilities management in a large business corporation known for its commitment to the environment should enable him to set up fresh environmental initiatives in the Ateneo.”
A collective responsibility
Five functions are designated to the Director for Facilities Management, namely: Utilities Management, Satellite Services, Construction and Improvements, Repairs and Maintenance, and Traffic and Security.
However, Batac maintains and is hopeful that students will answer his call for involvement and do their part in facilities management as well. Students can help minimize waste generation through proper trash segregation, and lessen power consumption.
“If our students would not be involved in something as simple as turning off the lights or turning off equipment that is not in use then our programs will not succeed”, added Batac.
“Facilities management is not an easy job. It’s a difficult job. [I’m certain of that] from my experience”, said Miralao.
Miralao will maintain an active role with the Physical Plant Office however, as the consultant of Batac. According to Batac, Miralao’s expertise and experience in managing the UPP’s functions are needed for its future projects and fulfillment of obligations.
“There might be a lot of problems [the UPP] will experience that he can easily offer solutions to. We don’t have to experiment [in formulating solutions], we simply have to ask him [Miralao]”, said Batac.
