A Follow-Through on UPV’s New Main Library Building Construction

By: Ma. Joie Hegaylershe T. Casidsid

MIAGAO, ILOILO — The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) New Main Library, a long-awaited facility meant to enhance research and academic resources, has finally opened its doors. However, lingering questions about its completion remain.

The building is operational, but several key aspects are still unfinished, raising concerns about what has been accomplished, what still needs work, and what the future holds for this major construction project.

The journey toward the new library building began with a vision for a modern facility adapted to the needs of students, faculty, and the academic community. However, this vision evolved over time, leading to progressions in both the scope and design of the project.

This led to the unveiling of the proposed UPV Main Library Complex last October 7, 2020. Since then, progress on the building’s construction has been slow, with the project taking significantly longer than initially expected.

A Backtrack to the Proposed Plans

The building construction of the UPV New Main Library began with high hopes and a projected budget of ₱146 million under former Chancellor Rommel A. Espinosa’s term, based on a schematic plan that outlined the library’s basic structure and features. This plan was intended to evolve into modern, functional academic space for the UPV community.

However, the librarians, who were part of the original planning team, noted that they were not given the opportunity to review the revised plan before it was finalized under the term of former Chancellor Ricardo P. Babaran.

“We were surprised to see the revised plan that had already been approved and signed by administration officials before we were given a chance to provide input,” said University Librarian Analiza Galang-Linaugo.

Below are illustrations of the original and revised proposed plans for the ground floor, mezzanine, and second floor, provided for comparison.

[Project Title: Proposed UPV Main Library (Schematic Plan)] [Project Title: Proposed Main Library] Source: University of the Philippines Visayas — University Library Documents

As illustrated in the first column, the focus of this 1-phase is primarily on conceptualizing how spaces connect with each other and ensuring the layout is functional and aligned with the building’s intended purpose. The first picture illustrates the ground floor plan, inserting the mezzanine floor plan on its side. While the second image shows the second floor plan of the proposed UPV main library building. Additionally, there is a basement floor plan included in the schematic plan aside from the two images above.

The next set of images in the second column shows refined 2-phase plan with greater precision, adding specific locations for furniture and materials, as well as cleaner layouts of spaces. Also, the mezzanine floor plan was separated from the ground floor plan, which is different from the schematic plan. Aside from the two pictures above, there are third-floor, ground-floor roof, mezzanine-floor roof, second-floor roof, and third-floor roof plans, as well as the auditorium left view, front view, and rear view elevations, all of these included in the revised plan.

Based on the project titles of these documents, research suggests that these plans encompass everything from the initial schematic plan to the detailed development and final construction plan, each characterized by their own set of challenges, as outlined by Fontan (2024), an architectural expert. By identifying these key plans, we gain a clearer understanding of how the complexities of the UPV Main Library project were addressed during its planning stage. Materials and specific systems are selected, space planning becomes more refined, and the objective is to ensure the project is feasible with all structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements thoroughly accounted for.

As the project progressed, the schematic plan became the foundation for a more detailed design, which incorporated added specifications. These additions increased the total project cost to ₱360 million, which reflected not just revisions but the full build-out of the library complex.

Given Budget and Completed Actions

In an interview with the University’s Vice Chancellor for Administration (VCA), Dr. Farisal U. Bagsit explained that by the time they assumed office, the construction was already underway. Budget constraints led to the abandonment of the final construction plan, which had envisioned additional levels in the library building.

According to her, the construction of the UPV New Main Library, along with other buildings like the School of Technology (SOTECH) and Regional Research Center (RRC), began during the term of former Chancellor Babaran. However, the project has experienced significant delays, primarily due to a lack of funding.

Changes in leadership after Babaran’s term further complicated the situation, as new administration members took over at different stages of construction.

On the other hand, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (VCPD) Dr. Rhodella Ibabao clarified that government funding for large projects like the library is released in phases. The total cost is submitted to the UP System and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), but often only a portion is allocated at a time.

In the case of the library, the initial budget only allowed for the first phase of construction, with confirmation from University Librarian Galang-Linaugo and VC Bagsit. The increase to P360 million accounts for the total estimated cost to finish the entire building based on the final construction plan.

Hence, the project’s budget increase was not due to a redesign but was necessary to accommodate the full scope of the building, according to VC Ibabao. As funds were released in stages, certain phases had to be prioritized to ensure the library could open and serve the university community, even if not all areas were completed.

Moreover, VC Ibabao specified that the construction process followed a design-and-build scheme, where the contractor was responsible for both the architectural design and construction. This sometimes led to misalignments between the university’s expectations and the contractor’s interpretation of the designs. Going forward, UPV plans to complete the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED) before bidding out construction to avoid similar issues in future projects.

Despite these challenges, the physical structure of the library’s first phase is nearing completion. However, its appearance has sparked some debate among the public, with some expressing concerns that it still looks unfinished.

The new main library building now operates at the University of the Philippines Visayas.

VC Ibabao explained that this perception is partly due to the Brutalist architectural style adopted for the building, which typically features exposed concrete and minimal finishing.

“While some may expect more finishing touches, this aesthetic was intentionally chosen by the campus architect,” she stated, clarifying that the building construction is complete as per the contract.

She also added that regarding the project’s budget, the construction costs have remained within the approved ₱360 million allocation. However, the costs associated with equipping the library, including purchasing furniture and other operational expenses, fall under a separate budget managed by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration (OVCA).

Consequently, VC Bagsit discussed the budget for the Maintenance and Other Operations Expenses (MOOE) of the UPV Main Library, explaining that the construction budget and the MOOE are separate. The construction budget primarily covers the physical building and its initial setup, while the MOOE addresses ongoing costs such as utilities, repairs, and personnel.

“In the case of the library, since it’s essentially the same people being moved into another building, the personnel costs don’t change, but the utility costs have increased,” she said, emphasizing that the main challenge now is addressing the additional utility and personnel needed to maintain the building.

Furthermore, the same chairs, tables, electric fans, air conditioners, and shelves from the old library building were transferred to the new building. Also, the additional steel shelves were not purchased but rather were donated by UPV alumni. Based on this information, the OVCA has not, as of this time, procured additional furniture or equipment for the new library building.

Challenges and Delays of the Library’s New Building Construction

The construction of the UPV Main Library Phase I has faced notable delays and adjustments due to financial and logistical challenges. Initially scheduled for completion by June 30, 2021, the project encountered a 101-day suspension following delays in the release of payment to the contractor, Silver Dragon Construction and Glass Supply and Micro-Asia Builders Corp. (Joint Venture). This setback pushed the revised completion date to October 9, 2021.

According to the 12th April 2021 letter from the Campus Development and Maintenance Office (CDMO), the work suspension took effect on January 1, 2021, after the contractor requested a halt in operations due to the delayed processing of their first billing. Payments were eventually disbursed directly by the DBM, allowing construction to resume.

Beyond financial delays, the project also underwent necessary scope adjustments. In a follow-up letter dated April 22, 2021, CDMO endorsed Change Order No. 1, which introduced additional work that was not initially included in the original project plan. These additions include: • Tiling for comfort rooms at the ground and mezzanine levels. • Installation of septic tanks and sewer/water line connections.

The cost for these adjustments amounted to ₱925,427.69, but instead of increasing the overall budget, the contractor was permitted to use excess backfill materials from an adjacent project. This cost-saving measure ensured that the additional expenses were offset without requiring further funding.

The Domino Effect

A timetable serves as a roadmap for organizing tasks in a structured and timely manner, with clear goals and priorities to guide the process. The “Timetable for the Transfer of UPV University Library” refers to a detailed schedule outlining the planned sequence of actions and key deadlines for transferring the library to its new building at the Miagao campus. The initial transfer timetable was plotted as follows:

Source: University of the Philippines Visayas — University Library

The document set a target completion date of December 2022, with key tasks, categorized as “first priority,” identified to kickstart the process. However, construction delays at the beginning of the transfer have set the timeline off track.

Additionally, key foundational tasks have experienced significant delays. This failure to meet early deadlines has triggered a cascading effect, with each missed step likely contributing to further delays in the transfer.

One notable delay was the installation of important utilities such as safety systems and proper organization of library resources. While requests were submitted to the administration, their completion depended on procurement and approvals that took longer than expected.

Despite these challenges, the present university administration mandated the move to the new building. Currently, while some areas are operational, many areas remain unfinished, including discussion and quiet rooms, complete air conditioned units, and fully organized book sections.

The university librarian initially hesitated to move due to concerns over the building’s incomplete state. Once they moved, they encountered leaks, electrical issues, and malfunctioning areas that made the space less conducive to studying.

As a result, VC Bagsit worked closely with the university librarian to transfer, even though the roof was incomplete and did not meet the initial specifications. She described the roof — supposed to be the second floor based on the final construction plan — as a major issue, as it was not intended to be the final structure.

To address this, temporary fixes, such as waterproofing, were implemented to prevent leaks. Other necessary repairs, like fixing cracks and ensuring the building’s comfort, were prioritized. However, the project remains incomplete.

Evidently, the transfer was unable to follow the original timetable, and this potentially disrupted subsequent phases of the library’s settlement in its new building, impacting not only logistics but also the anticipated functions and services expected from the library.

Hence, the UPV Library posted an announcement on its official Facebook page on February 13, 2025, regarding the gradual relocation of library services and materials to the new building. This update signaled the institution’s ongoing efforts to move despite the incomplete status of the facility.

Following this announcement, books were gradually tied together for transfer, a process that continued until March 3, 2025. By this date, students began noticing the absence of tables, chairs, and shelves in the old library building that belongs to the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS). These changes sparked curiosity and led students to discover the new library’s location near the SOTECH building.

By March 7, 2025, the University Library posted an announcement on the sliding door before the entrance to the library in the old building, mirroring its online announcement about the gradual transfer to the new building. This further confirmed the relocation process, though questions about the new library’s readiness persisted among students.

Lastly, the university library finally posted on its Facebook page on March 25, 2025 an invitation to visit the new library. Meanwhile, the university library upstairs in the CFOS building was officially closed, leaving the area beside the museum downstairs as the only available space for students to access. This coincided with the university librarian’s target date for the transfer completion, which is by the end of March.

Daily Impacts and Users Experiences During and Post-Transfer

Students have expressed their concerns regarding the library’s transfer to its new building, which has forced them to be content with the remaining space in the CFOS building.

In the old library building, students have struggled with limited resources as the transfer process unfolded. With only a few tables and chairs left, many found it difficult to secure proper study spaces.

In response to this concern, Chelsea Francisco, a first-year BS in Fisheries student, suggested the alternative of providing mats to still maximize the wide space of the old library building.

Moreover, the absence of books and the removal of shelves for bags further disrupted their routine. Another first-year Fisheries student, Cerise Lopez, opted not to stay at the old library building anymore.

“Either I go home or stay at the Teaching Resource and Learning Center (TLRC) instead,” Lopez added.

Students have also voiced concerns over the lack of accessible transportation to the new library, further complicating their academic routines, just like Aira Jamelarin, a fourth-year BA in Communication and Media Studies (CMS) student.

“Given that we are catching up with our classes and the vacant time that we have, we can just go to the old library building and access the references for our thesis, but now, we cannot do it because it is already far,” Jamelarin expressed.

Meanwhile, Janri Llamoso, a third-year BS in Food Technology student, was one of those who initially welcomed the prospect of a new, spacious library. But, as time passed and the transfer was done, Janri, along with many of his peers, started to realize that the new library’s building location came with a host of problems that directly affected their daily routine, especially as SOTECH students.

The aerial perspective on the distance between UPV College of Arts and Sciences Building and UPV New Main Library Building. │ Photo by Ruperto Quitag.

“Even though I arrive early, the bus is already full,” Llamoso explains, causing him to stand during peak hours. The buses, which are old and prone to delays, struggle with the steep incline going to the new library, exacerbating the situation. “Sometimes the buses are so old, they can barely make it up the hill. It’s like they’re going to stop along the way,” he continues.

The uphill road going to the UPV New Main Library Building. │ Photo by Franque Gilo.

Hence, the transfer of the University Library has impaired UPV’s already strained transport system — due to existing delays and mechanical issues originally designed for SOTECH students whose bus schedules align with their class hours. The SOTECH Admin Aide, forwards transportation requests to the CDMO, which assigns buses based on availability. However, the library’s move was not accounted for in this system, leading to overcrowding as students from other colleges now compete for limited seats.

The UPV Bus Transportation to the SOTECH Building as well as to the New Main Library. │ Photo from UPV Facebook Page.

In terms of the user experience on the new library building, though the building is large and modern, students have to deal with its lack of organization and space allocation. “There are no designated areas for specific courses like there were in the old library. It’s all mixed together,” Llamoso notes.

The issues extend beyond the physical space to the very structure of the library. He expresses that electric fans cannot keep the area cool, particularly on the ground floor where students study, while the upper floor already has a single air-conditioning room.

Future Expectations & Suggestions Regarding the New Library

As the new University Library progresses, students remain uncertain about what to expect from the final, fully furnished facility. While some hope for improvements, others worry about the potential inconveniences that come with the relocation. For many students like Francisco and Lopez, the prospect of a new library raises questions about usability and accessibility.

Lopez highlighted the difficulties she already faces in finding a suitable place to work. “Before, there were designated tables with outlets where I could charge my laptop. Now, it’s harder to find a spot,” she explained. The absence of enough charging stations has forced students to either leave the library early or search for alternative study locations, such as the TLRC.

Francisco shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing that one of her main concerns is the library’s comfort, particularly in relation to the climate. “In this weather, I just hope there’s air conditioning,” she said, noting that prolonged study sessions could become unbearable without proper ventilation. She also expressed the need for more seating areas, especially given the growing demand for study spaces across the university.

Beyond the additional seating spots, Jamelarin also expect a better-organized system for accessing books, journals, and thesis archives. The current transition has left many struggling to locate key references, a situation they hope will improve once the move is complete. “Right now, we don’t even know where some of the materials are,” Jamelarin added. “But hopefully, in the new library, everything will be arranged properly, and it’ll be easier to find what we need.”

Regarding the transport system, Llamoso suggested that the schedule must be adjusted considering the library’s new location to ensure smoother operations, emphasizing that “the new schedule should take into account the increased number of users, including both the new library’s visitors and SOTECH students, and make the system work for everyone.” This highlights the need for a more efficient and adaptable transportation system that accommodates the growing potential number of bus passengers.

On this subject, the 45th UPV University Student Council already sent a letter to the University Library requesting a dialogue to discuss accessibility concerns regarding the new library last March 27, 2025. The council aims to work with the administration to establish mechanisms ensuring that student spaces, including the new library, are accessible to all.

In response to these concerns, efforts are being made to secure donations from alumni to support transportation needs. According to VC Bagsit, she shared that they have already talked to some alumni to see if they would be willing to donate smaller vehicles — easier to manage and maintain than the buses and more cost-effective.

In addition, a new bus is expected to arrive soon, although it is uncertain when exactly it will be available for use. The Office of Vice Chancellor for Administration (OVCA) already signed off on the paperwork for a new bus, and it should come soon, but the actual arrival depends on the processing of the funds.

“It’s a complicated process, and we’re working with the DBM for the final approval. Hopefully, it will be here soon, but there is no definite date yet,” VC Bagsit expounded.

As for the additional construction, VC Ibabao confirmed that plans are in place to complete portions of the design that were not included in the current contract. However, securing additional funding remains a challenge.

Consequently, University Librarian Galang-Linaugo pointed out that the completion and operational readiness of the library are the most important aspects in priority to ensure the library functions effectively and meets the needs of its users.

As for the potential for an official launch or inauguration, VC Ibabao explained that not all university projects receive formal launch events. “If people want an official launching, they can suggest it to the administration. But usually, projects like road improvements or new facilities don’t necessarily require one,” she remarked.

This coincides with University Librarian Galang-Linaugo’s acknowledgement on some UPV community’s members possible preference in having an official opening to mark the library’s full operation in its new building. While no formal launch has been planned so far, she emphasized that if there is strong support for such an event, suggestions could be made to the university administration.

What Will Happen to the Old Library Building?

As the university pushes forward with its new Main Library, questions remain about the fate of the old library building. It was once the heart of the university’s academic resources, but now, it is a mystery.

Photo by UPV University Library

Vice Chancellor Ibabao recently enlightened some aspects of the transfer. While some have assumed that the old library building would be entirely abandoned, she revealed that the shift is more nuanced.

“The old library will still have a role to play,” VC Ibabao stated. “Some services might remain there, but the primary functions, such as learning resources and services, will be moved to the new library.” This suggests that while the building’s primary role as a library is over, it may still house certain university functions.

Adding to this, University Librarian Galang-Linaugo, shed light on the old building’s future destiny. In a recent statement, she explained that the building is expected to be returned to the College of Fisheries once the transfer of services to the new library is complete.

“The building is likely to be repurposed, but the exact details are still under discussion,” she clarified. While the building’s return to the CFOS is expected, no official plans have been finalized about how the space will be used moving forward.

The administration is still deliberating on whether the space will be converted for academic use, student services, or administrative functions within the College of Fisheries.

As the university grapples with the completion of its new library, the status of the old library building remains a topic for ongoing inquiry and conversation. It is crucial for the university community to monitor developments closely, as decisions regarding the building, whether new or old, could significantly affect campus infrastructure and resources.

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