IN LINE with the Campus Master Plan, the Ateneo plans to proceed with Rizal Library renovations in Academic Year (AY) 2026–2027, signaling upcoming changes to study and academic spaces on campus. The renovation is set to begin once the Matteo Ricci Hall reopens next AY, as shared by University Librarian Joenabie Arevalo.

With the planned renovations, Vice President for Administration (VPA) Rodolfo Ang said that the development includes the installation of a new cafe with al fresco dining on its first floor, replacing a “significant portion” of the periodical and reference section.

He also added that the Old Rizal Library (ORL) will be renovated into a “one-stop shop” research facility, housing both the University archives and Jesuit Archives.

Repurposing existing spaces

Expounding on the ongoing campus renovations, Ang acknowledged that they are experiencing delays after the University discovered that the Matteo Ricci “no longer met” the current building code standards upon conducting structural assessments. 

According to Ang, the University initially believed the structure was “compliant,” but closer inspections revealed the need for retrofitting to ensure safety and alignment with updated building code standards. He added that the delays were further compounded by higher material costs caused by the ongoing energy crisis.

Apart from Matteo Ricci renovations, Ang added that the University is looking to renovate the Rizal libraries in the upcoming intersession as a response to the “food desert” and lack of dining spaces around the Leong Hall vicinity. He noted that the retention of Hunger Buster and Silingan is subject to the new main concessionaire’s decision.

While acknowledging efforts for additional dining spaces, Arevalo explained that the Rizal Library management initially resisted the proposed NRL cafe, given that it would affect student spaces.

However, after consultations with the Campus Facilities Management Office (CFMO), Arevalo welcomed the development, realizing that the cafe will provide more space for students, as it includes additional seating extending near the NRL fountain.

On the renovations for ORL, she explained that the ORL’s collection will be distributed to the different floors of NRL, while students can occupy the Matteo Ricci second floor for studying, once it is turned over.

To address the lack of learning spaces, Arevalo noted that the University is looking to include four discussion rooms in the renovation of the ORL for a more conducive learning environment.

As of writing, Arevalo shared that CFMO is conducting reviews on the water pipes, electrical engineering, and structural assessment on the Rizal libraries before its construction. Nonetheless, she asked the student body to be more “patient” with the renovations, as it will all benefit the community in the end.

Impact on learning

Amid these planned developments, Arevalo guarantees that students can utilize the newly renovated second floor of Matteo Ricci Hall, as well as the rest of the unaffected floors of NRL, during the renovations.

Despite this, Samantha Madueño (3 AB PSY) emphasized that study spaces must be conducive, not just physically available. In particular, she specified that with the rising heatwave, students seek air-conditioned spaces for studying and hangouts.

Meanwhile, incoming Council of Organizations of the Ateneo-Manila (COA-M) President Chesco Magbiray raised concerns about how students can easily adapt to the changes during the transition, given that some offices will be relocated to other buildings.

He shared that through COAversations and COAConventions, COA-M gathers students’ concerns to bring to meetings with the administration. With this, Magbiray underscored that constant communication between the students and the Ateneo administration is needed to ensure that renovations address student needs.

Madueño expressed similar sentiments, highlighting the personal experiences of students. “The administration are not the ones using those spaces. They are not at Kostka Extension tolerating the heat. So [consultations] will help [address student needs] and help [the administration] make better choices,” she stressed in a mix of English and Filipino.

Looking ahead

With the renovations on Rizal Library, Arevalo detailed her hopes for more improvements on facilities and technology. She further mentioned plans to create a stacks area for the old collections and make space for additional quiet reading areas.

In response to concerns about consultations and student feedback, Ang expressed his aspirations for the Ateneo community to see the administration as partners with the same goal in ensuring campus safety and sustainability.

“Sometimes [the administration and students] don’t agree with how best to proceed [with projects], but I hope the community can believe that whatever [the administration does]—whether you agree with us or not—it is with the best interest of the Ateneo at heart,” Ang articulated.

He also mentioned that the developments are being expedited to prepare for the construction of the new Higher Education Building, which will be built where the JSEC cafeteria is currently located.

Moving forward, Ang shared that campus developments adopted a “master planning” approach that evaluates infrastructure projects as one, rather than “isolated developments,” aiming to address the needs of the Ateneo community.