USWAG Ilonggo Party-list’s P20.243-million project to build a multipurpose building (sports and recreation facility) for the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) broke ground at the UPV Iloilo City campus on Sept. 9, 2024.
The 1,026-square-meter facility is one of the priority initiatives of Cong. James “Jojo” Ang of the USWAG Ilonggo Party-list and supported by Sen. Loren Legarda, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr., and former Senator Franklin Drilon.
The project is funded by the 2024 General Appropriations Act of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
For years, the open court had served as a practice area for athletes and students and a space for recreational and social purposes. It is primarily utilized by students of the UP High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) for their Physical Education classes.
Cong. Ang reassured USWAG Ilonggo’s support to the programs and initiatives of UPV and hopes students and alumni in particular can benefit from the project.
Chancellor Clement Camposano, in an interview with the local media, said aside from sports events, UPV can also hold cultural events once the facility is ready to use, as the UPV Iloilo City campus is being developed as a cultural and heritage hub.
Cong. Ang led the groundbreaking for the project together with Chancellor Camposano, DPWH-6 Asst. Regional Director Jose Al Fruto, Gov. Defensor, retired Justice Francis Jardeleza, and Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Dr. Rhodella Ibabao.
Also present during the groundbreaking ceremony were UPHSI Principal Prof. Edelia Braga, Department of Physical Education Chair Prof. Brenda Lynn Arroyo, Office of Alumni Relations Director Prof. Maria Elisa Baliao, Graduate School Dean Dr. Rodelio Subade, Office of Continuing Education and Pahinungod Director Frediezel de Leon, Atty. Nellie Regalado of the Legal Office, and UPAA Iloilo President Consuelo Geduspan.
Representatives of the Validus Amicitia Brotherhood, Inc., UP Silak Brotherhood, UP Silab Sisterhood, and various offices at the UPV Iloilo City campus were also in attendance.