Council committee looking into plan to donate SRP lot

Cebu - The proposal of Councilor Jose Daluz for the city to donate a parcel of land at the South Road Properties to the University of the Philippines is now pending before the City Council committee on laws.

The proposal was referred to the committee during the council’s regular session last Wednesday to determine the legal implications of the proposed donation.

But while UP is leaving it up to the council to decide on the proposal, UP Visayas – Cebu College Dean Enrique Avila said UP is serious in expanding to the SRP.

“It has been our President’s desire that UP Cebu will be able to contribute to the development of the community that is why we accepted their proposal… For as long as we are offered, we will honor our commitment. If the SRP is not for us, we have nothing to lose,” Avila said.

Daluz’ proposal stipulates that the city will donate a lot to UP but the university has to build a separate campus therein within a specific period of time, otherwise, the donation will be declared null and void.

Another condition is for UP to bring to the SRP extension programs like Masters in Business Administration and other continuing education courses.

Avila admitted the condition puts a lot of pressure on UP but the university decided to accept the challenge because UP President Emerlinda Roman sees it as an opportunity to develop UP and a chance for the school to contribute something to the community.

Roman has reportedly started allocating funds for the project, as it is her priority as newly elected president to develop the university’s regional campuses.

“We were offered because the city believes that with UP at the SRP offering MBA courses, the city can attract more investors to be locators at SRP,” Avila said. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)