The University of the Philippines-Tacloban (UP) is planning a move to a new 114-hectare property located 17 kilometers away from its current campus within the next three to five years. The relocation is part of the university’s long-term expansion plan to address the growing demand for higher education in Eastern Visayas. 

The future campus, situated in Sta. Elena Village, has already seen progress with a groundbreaking ceremony held on May 23 for an P8-million Mussel Glycogen Production Facility, a first-of-its-kind facility in the Philippines.

Construction of the new campus has begun with a budget of P430 million for an administration, innovation and research (AIR) building. 

“We are at present completing the detailed architectural and engineering design, which are needed in order for the construction to be bid out,” UP Tacloban Dean Patricia Arinto told reporters during a press briefing.

For context, the new UP-Tacloban campus is about half the size of the central business district of the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The funding, facilitated by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list, is being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways this year.

Future plans and funding

UP Tacloban officials estimate needing an additional P1.5 billion to build three academic buildings and student dorms on the new site.  

The transfer will take three to five years, with three buildings operational beforehand, Arinto said.

The project includes smart development features and public nature areas, supporting academic expansion and sustainable development in Eastern Visayas. 

At present, UP Tacloban offers undergraduate programs and plans to introduce courses in geospatial information sciences, ecotourism management, and agricultural chemistry.

Existing campus to remain operational

Established in 1973, UP Tacloban gained autonomous college status within the UP system in April 2023. The existing campus, which sustained significant damage during Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, will be retained for graduate programs and a future techno park.

UP President Angelo Azura Jimenez  highlighted UP-Tacloban’s progress toward becoming a full-fledged constituent university of the UP system. 

He emphasized the university’s commitment to serving Region 8 through education and innovative projects like the Mussel Glycogen Production Facility, slated for inclusion in a future science and technology park.