IN LINE with the University Campus Master Plan, various Ateneo buildings and facilities will undergo infrastructure renovations starting AY 2024–2025, addressing the community’s needs as identified by the administration with reference to the University’s Laudato Si’ aspirations.

Outlining the plan, Vice President for Administration Rodolfo Ang mentioned that these new projects include adding new floors to the Matteo Ricci building, converting the Old Rizal Library to a research facility, and establishing a Central Administration building. Additionally, the plan also aims to set up more cafeterias and classrooms within the university.

The Campus Master Plan also incorporates other innovations such as the Mobility Master Plan and Landscaping Master Plan, which encourage sustainable transportation and campus biodiversity preservation. According to Ang, these plans require more consultations with stakeholders and experts.

Need for change

Aiming to meet the demand for additional classrooms, Ang revealed that they plan to have three more floors to the Matteo Ricci building by AY 2025–2026, with construction starting in the next academic year. Moreover, existing office spaces in the Kostka building will be converted into classrooms. 

Meanwhile, Higher Education offices will be consolidated in the new Central Administration building, which will soon be located in the Fine Arts Annex, also known as the Old Communications Building.

Apart from a lack of classrooms, Ang also shared that the administration aims to address the lack of dining facilities in the Higher Education block. Notably, he disclosed that dining spaces will be established on the ground floor of the New Rizal Library and in the Fine Arts Annex.

By 2025, Ang stated that the Old Rizal Library will also be renovated into a special-purpose research facility, housing the Society of Jesus archives and featuring reading and research rooms for students.

The administration also plans to address existing transport issues within the campus through the Mobility Master Plan, which envisions the e-jeep shuttle system as the primary mode of transportation on campus. Ang further mentioned that the administration is looking to increase the number of e-jeeps and establish e-jeep express lanes to increase convenience.

To reduce campus traffic, discussions are also underway with the Quezon City Local Government Unit to discuss a potential Mobility Hub along Katipunan. Besides serving as a car and bicycle park, this hub is envisioned as a drop-off point for students.

“[We plan] to put up a parking building right along Katipunan so that people who drive can just drive to that area. [From there, they] can park, get on the e-jeep, and use the e-jeep to [go] around campus,” Ang explained.

Changes for the good

In spite of the Ateneo pursuing major developments, Ang reassured that the Campus Master Plan will incorporate features in alignment with the University’s commitment to become a Laudato Si’ University by 2029 and carbon neutral by 2030.

Notably, Ang highlighted the administration’s plans for “rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and use of particular types of air conditions and lights” to help build a more sustainable university. He added that 10% of Ateneo is currently powered by solar energy.

Ang said that the administration plans to expand this into complete dependence on renewable energy for the whole Loyola Heights campus within 2024. Furthermore, he shared that Ateneo is currently looking to hire a carbon accountant to help in its zero carbon footprint aspiration.

In terms of wildlife conservation, Ang noted that they consulted the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, the Campus Grounds Advisory Committee, and the groundskeepers for the Landscaping Master Plan. This plan notably outlines the future of biodiversity within the Ateneo, such as deciding on encouraged plant varieties within campus.

Based on these consultations, the administration has committed to removing invasive species such as Mahogany and Gmelina trees from the campus.

Besides this, Ang underscored the Ateneo’s commitment to conducting infrastructure developments only on identified buildable spaces. Considering this, he said that the University will prioritize expanding structures vertically to minimize building footprints and conserve campus green spaces.

Expectations moving forward

While the plans entail the relocation of various offices and reorganization of buildings around the University, Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (OADSA) Campus Life Division Head Chris Castillo guaranteed that possible concerns that may arise have already been accounted for in previous forums.

“For example, the Physical Education office will be relocated because of the changes to the Old Communication building. Those plans of [relocation and parking] have already been discussed,” he reassured.

As of writing, only the Junior High School’s new classroom building is under construction and is set to be completed by the end of 2024. Additionally, Ang added that the only other project underway is the creation of the Central Administration Building which is still currently being designed.

With the projects under the Campus Master Plan beginning execution, Castillo shared hopes for the community’s positive reception, reassuring that avenues for community dialogue and opportunities for involvement will be established throughout the process.

Ang similarly expressed hopes for the community’s understanding regarding the administration’s commitment to upholding its values throughout the construction phase. “Many of the things you are enjoying are long-term commitments. We are not going to hurt [the] legacy and the [University’s] commitment to social justice and nation-building,” he emphasized.

Castillo mentioned that should any problems arise, students should reach out to the Sanggunian and their existing mechanisms to give the administration feedback. In addition, students can also go to the OASDA office or email the Campus Life division if they have any concerns regarding current or future campus infrastructure.

“Beyond expansion and numbers, [the master plan] is more about providing adequately and properly for the student community,” Castillo said.

Reiterating the University’s commitment to sustainability, Ang assured that their upcoming plans will respect the efforts of the Society of Jesus and the Board of Trustees to sustain the Ateneo as a green campus.