A two (2)-story 12-classroom academic building is set to be constructed for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in the Laguna State Polytechnic University-Los Baños Campus (LSPU-LBC).

Through the support of Congresswoman Ruth M. Hernandez, Representative of the 2nd District of Laguna, the construction of the 40-million building was formally introduced to the public during the groundbreaking ceremony on the campus, Feb. 5.

The construction of the said building aims to accommodate the increasing number of student population that the College caters to, which includes students taking up the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS Psyche) program and first-year students from different colleges taking up the General Education Courses (GEC).

The project was a collaborative effort of the office of Congw. Hernandez, LSPU, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

It was also made possible with the cooperation of the LSPU administration, headed by Dr. Mario R. Briones, University President; Dr. Chester Alexis Buama, Faculty Regent; Vice Presidents; Campus Directors; Dr. Jerome Nicolas, Associate Dean of CAS; and other university officials.

Congw. Hernandez shared that the turnover ceremony of the completed project is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.

Atty. Rushid Jay Sancon, Campus Director of LSPU-LBC, expressed his gratitude to Congw. Hernandez for championing this academic project of the university.

“We view this as an investment to [in] education,” Atty. Sancon said. “And ang sabi nga, when you invest to education, you invest to the future. [When] you invest to the education of our students, you invest to the development of our nation.

Meanwhile, President Briones shared that the construction of this building “marks the beginning of intelligent, futuristic, and proactive work, leading to the discovery of new knowledge, skills, and applications.”

He said that the LSPU will return the favor by excelling in its four mandated functions of instruction, research, extension, and production.

Congw. Hernandez said that she is aware of the need for this project at LSPU-LBC. She also explained that it is part of the government’s obligation to provide a conducive learning environment for the students to harness their full potential.

“Sana maging inspirasyon sa inyo ito para mag-aral kayong mabuti,” she added, addressing the students present in the event, “to do your best and to strive more para po maabot n’yo ang inyong pangarap, magkaroon kayo ng magandang buhay, at pagdating ng araw maging produktibong kabahagi ng ating lipunan.”

Also delivering messages in the event were Engr. Abegail Fuentes, Project Engineer of DPWH; and Dr. Nicolas for the closing remarks.

Himig Eskultura led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and LSPU Hymn while Loyd S. Echalar, Associate Dean of the College of Computer Studies (CCS), served as the master of the ceremonies.

Students, faculty members, staff, and guests witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony.