An integral part of any institution begins with core development that directly addresses the academic, social, infrastructural, and technological needs of students, the community, and stakeholders. As the University of Baguio continues its mission and purpose to deliver world-class excellence in facilities and academic tenure, the Campus Planning and Development Office (CDPO) ensures the success and imminent livelihood in shaping the physical, structural, and operational landscape needed for growth.
Initiatives from the UB CPDO ensure long-term expansions and commitments that include an array of projects responding to the increased student enrollment, changes in academic offerings, and technological advancements. By overseeing strategic planning, development, and maintenance, the office ensures that the campus remains a thriving, safe, and effective environment for the UB community.
Alt text: Participation and shared congress-discussions given by the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO) of the University of Baguio
Among the initiatives and projects for the institution, the objectives of the office include:
- Integrating all aspects involved in controlling assets and their cost
- Efficiently distribute acquired items with speed and accuracy
- Ensure effective implementation of preventive and corrective maintenance and upgrading of university facilities
- Prioritize infrastructure programs and the physical needs of various units
- Implement major and various repair projects (for future growth and expansion of the campus), and
- To provide a clean, healthy, and fun learning environment
Compliance and Regulatory Standards
Led by Engineer Bernard Z. Abaya and relevant and respective staff members, the office aims to optimize and target economic and sustainable metrics that identify and implement functional campus layouts that can foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and the community, working closely with environmental and departmental consultants from its regional, national, and global list of partners and shareholders to ensure that sustainability goals are met. In this manner, the university contributes to sustainability by providing accessible outlets and environments that reduce the long-term operational costs.
Having signed Memoranda of Agreements (MOA) and partnerships with Jardine Schindler Elevator Corporation (Excellence Standard), MDT Modular Enterprise, and the Lift Company Philippines, among the many infrastructural projects for the institution that adhere to various regulations and laws, including building codes, safety standards, accessibility requirements, and zoning laws.
A university’s identity, reputation, and values can be inferred from its physical look. Thus, the CPDO is responsible for creating a campus that not only fulfills practical requirements but also via its design and architecture, embodies the institution’s culture and ideals
Having planning and development projects meet these standards safeguards the university against legal and safety issues that may arise within physical assets. The CPDO is involved in planning and implementing emergency response plans, ensuring that campus facilities are prepared for natural disasters, accidents, or other crises. Ensuring timely repairs and coordinating major refurbishments when necessary. Well-maintained facilities ensure that the university can continue to provide a safe and conducive environment for learning and working.
Alt text: Facilitation and attentive response from the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO) of the University of Baguio during emergencies
Having close coordination with UB’s security office, Emergency Response Team (EMT), and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Baguio City, the respective office takes action in designing evacuation routes and safety infrastructure plans and has close coordination with local authorities to ensure the overall safety and timely response in the event of an emergency.
Designing and Maintaining a Sustainable Campus
Incorporating sustainable techniques into the university’s design is another aspect of campus planning. Water-saving technologies, green areas, and energy-efficient buildings are examples of this. To achieve sustainability goals that benefit the environment and lower the university’s long-term operating expenses, the CPDO collaborates closely with environmental experts.
Among the green biodiversity initiatives present are strict implementation and observance with the local government of Baguio. Establishing a central materials recovery facility (MRF) for environmental waste (food/biological waste) management and treatment to handle waste efficiently and adopt reduction and upcycling tactics through ordinances against the use of styrofoam and plastic. Encouraging the community, partnered concessionaires, and stakeholders to take the initiative for eco-friendly efforts and emissions.
Alt text: Preservation, recycling measures, and responsible adherence to health mitigation brought by the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO), along with respective offices and programs from the University of Baguio
Among the city ordinances present that the CPDO directs through implementation include:
- ANTI-LITTERING AND ILLEGAL DUMPING
- Prohibiting improper disposal or voluntary dumping of garbage in canals, creeks, or any public place. Penalties resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 pesos worth of fines, and community service
- Prohibiting improper disposal or voluntary dumping of garbage in canals, creeks, or any public place. Penalties resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 pesos worth of fines, and community service
- ESTABLISHMENT/CONCESSIONAIRE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Institutions and businesses must maintain a clean environment and provide trash cans and other forms of sustainable and ecological segregation measures
- Institutions and businesses must maintain a clean environment and provide trash cans and other forms of sustainable and ecological segregation measures
- CLEAN-AS-YOU-GO ACT
- Acted through Ordinance No. 18, series of 2024, the practice is institutionalized in all food establishments and all academic and relevant vicinities to prevent littering and waste exploitation
- Acted through Ordinance No. 18, series of 2024, the practice is institutionalized in all food establishments and all academic and relevant vicinities to prevent littering and waste exploitation
- WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
- City Ordinance No. 15, series of 2024, raises public awareness to promote eco-friendly practices in minimizing waste generation brought by improper and disoriented trash disposal
- City Ordinance No. 15, series of 2024, raises public awareness to promote eco-friendly practices in minimizing waste generation brought by improper and disoriented trash disposal
- OTHER ENFORCEMENTS
- Deputizing barangay and institutional officials in the support and enforcement of such ordinances. As the Baguio City Police Office also increases its operations to enforce environmental laws, including those against illegal garbage burning.
Alt text: Preservation, recycling measures, and responsible adherence to health mitigation brought by the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO), along with respective offices and programs from the University of Baguio
Achieving a net-zero goal that is both responsive to community needs and in line with the university’s mission and vision, it is essential to balance the demands and goals of all these groups. Including its mission to provide services and promote dynamism through various socio-oriented activities, workshops, seminars, and direct involvement with local government units and nonprofit organizations.
A Safe and Inclusive Environment
Part of the ongoing annual initiatives brought and implemented by the office, the compliance to ethical standards and prevalent approaches for a more sustainable and economic approach for the community contributes to the success through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
- Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)
- promotion of heightened ecological management through health practices, information consumption and dissemination, and safety procedures and measures in cases of natural calamities (e.g., earthquake drills, proper evacuation procedures, disaster mitigation processes, etc)
- promotion of heightened ecological management through health practices, information consumption and dissemination, and safety procedures and measures in cases of natural calamities (e.g., earthquake drills, proper evacuation procedures, disaster mitigation processes, etc)
- Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- providing up-to-standard metrics in clean water preservation and accessibility for consumption through impending free campus water initiatives and plans for 2026
- Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
- Efficient energy-saving tactics, techniques, and ethical implementation of said practices
- Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
- Up-to-date decorum on repairs, assessments, and advancements for a better approach and innovation in academic and organizational spaces
- Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
- Direct involvement with the City Government, non-profit organizations, and other notable units around Baguio City to help spread the ecological and biodiverse initiative
- Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action)
- Through implemented and proposed consumption and production regarding proper waste disposal, practices on green spaces, and mindfulness campaigns (e.g. smoke-free campus, no styrofoam initiatives, plastic bottle sorting, etc)
- Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
- Sustaining reliable and assured partnerships with infrastructural companies and top companies for innovation and production of services for urban development
By the efforts honed and gathered by the office, it has managed to achieve the outstanding recognition and 1,500+ global ranking in the Times Higher Education (T.H.E.) World University Rankings. As a direct contributor to safety and daily operational success, the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO) plays a vital role in driving the economic, technological, and infrastructural progress of a university or academic institution.
Alt text: Facilitation and attentive response from the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO) of the University of Baguio during emergencies
Alt text: Certification given to Engineer Bernard Z. Abaya for the invaluable contribution and leadership under the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO) of the University of Baguio, given during the 77th FAMERS awards and recognition night
Through its comprehensive planning, development, and management of the campus environment, the office ensures that the institution remains competitive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of its stakeholders. By integrating these economic, technological, and infrastructural advancements, the CPDO helps ensure that the university not only meets the current demands of education but is also well-positioned for future challenges and opportunities. Its work is integral to creating an environment that fosters innovation, supports growth, and enhances the overall educational experience.
