By: Joanna Flores
THE DEMOLITION of the Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium is making its way towards the construction of the Letran Quadricentennial Building which will be inaugurated in November 2020.
As the initial step for the new building has started, the Office of Alumni and Public Affairs (OAPA) Directress and Quadricentennial Project Head, Ms. Jhennie Caldito-Villar said that the former gymnasium is still on its demolition phase.
"Tatapusin muna natin ‘yong demolition and once the demolition is done, magse-schedule tayo ng groundbreaking at sisimulan na po natin. Our permits are already available," Villar emphasized.
The demolition of the former gymnasium started last April and is set to give way for the construction of the Quadricentennial Building where the new gymnasium will be located.
However, Villar admitted that the overall structure of the planned building might not be completed on the target date.
“How many months na lang ‘yon [November 2020] so baka may matatapos siya pero kasi phasing ang gagawin natin,” she explained.
“If you’re talking about ‘yong completion niya talaga, by the looks of it, definitely hindi, kasi ‘yong mga target schedule natin hindi naman siya na-meet,” she asserted.
She also stated that regardless of which phase will be finished, the Quadricentennial Building will be inaugurated on the said date.
ALTERNATIVE GYMNASIUM
According to Villar, there is a development fund allocated to the infrastructure development of the new gymnasium as to the financial budget for the Letran Quadricentennial Building.
In consideration of the inconveniences that may transpire while the construction is on-going which includes the back gate being unpassable and P.E classes being transferred, the Colegio scouted an alternative location for the use of the students.
“Doon sa roof deck ng San Vicente Ferrer. So, expect that before the start of your classes, you will be having one building,” she answered.
However, Villar clarified that events such as the annual rite of passage for all new Letranites, Binyag Arriba, will take place in the Colegio’s grounds. Only P.E classes will be situated in the roof deck of San Vicente Ferrer Building.
In addition to these, the Colegio will also be constructing a covered court in St. Thomas Grounds which can be of service to the Letran Community.
Nonetheless, the Quadricentennial Project Head assured that after the construction of the new building, there will be more classrooms, dormitory rooms, courts, viewing deck, and other facilities.