The University of the Philippines Visayas is gearing for the implementation of continuing education programs in the province of Antique in line with the UP Extension campus this 2020 in the town of Pandan.
Chancellor Ricardo P. Babaran, who is closely coordinating with the office of Deputy Secretary Loren Legarda, Lone District Representative of the Province of Antique, said that the initial offerings for the extension program will focus on sustainability and policy trainings (including governance).
“The proposed UP Extension Campus in Antique is envisioned by the UP System to cater HEIs, SUCs, universities in Antique and neighboring areas. The basic facilities of the building in Pandan will catalyze engagements among CUs in the UP System, local academic institutions and LGU partners. It is envisioned to offer undergraduate program and graduate programs in the future to democratize admission to the University of the Philippines,” Babaran said.
To be located in Brgy. Nauring, Pandan, Antique, (approximately 2.10 km. away from the Pandan Town Proper), the extension campus building will stand on the 500 square meter lot offered as donation to UP by the Bautista family of the said town. The three storey building has a budget of Php 50M from the 2019 GAA. It will have a library, classrooms, laboratories and living quarters for faculty. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development under Vice Chancellor Martin Genodepa is in charge of construction which will begin in October upon completion of the architectural and engineering plans. ASM Francisco Construction And Development Corporation, a Luzon-based construction company, won the bid to design and build the project.
A Training Needs Assessment (TNA) was conducted by the UPV Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development to determine training needs of key stakeholders in the Province of Antique. Results showed that financial literacy/ financial management, project sustainability, policy training (including governance) are necessary trainings to be conducted.
Training programs approved for implementation for AY 2020-2021 include: 1) Development of Training Module for Sugar Production from Nipa Sap; 2) Development of Flexible Learning Materials for Fisheries Higher Education Institution in Antique; and 3) Upgrading Food Safety Awareness and Competence of Sanitary Inspectors and Food Business Operators in Antique Province.
