Mayor Joy Belmonte Leads the Inauguration of QCU’s New Academic Building and Urban Farm
Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte led the blessing of Quezon City University’s (QCU) new seven-story academic building and the QCU Urban Farm Innovation and Learning Center, marking the start of QCU’s 30th Foundation Anniversary. The event took place at the university’s San Bartolome Campus and was attended by local officials from District 5, including Cong. PM Vargas and Councilors Aly Medalla, Ram Medalla, and Joseph Juico, who are also members of the QCU Board of Regents.
The program began with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Bradford Antonio C. Martinez, QCU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Theresita V. Atienza, University President, expressed her gratitude to Mayor Joy Belmonte and the Quezon City Government for supporting QCU’s programs and initiatives. She emphasized the significant role that local leadership has played in the university’s success and mentioned QCU’s recent Level II accreditation of all four main programs by the Association of Local Colleges and Universities – Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA) as evidence of the university’s commitment to quality education.
Director Remelyn R. Recoter, MNSA, CESO III, from the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), acknowledged QCU’s valuable contribution to the construction of the urban farm and expressed hope for further collaboration between the two institutions. Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., of the DA – Bureau of Plant Industry, praised QCU’s involvement in supporting over 1000 community farms and envisioned the urban farm as a platform for even broader outreach efforts. DA-ATI played a pivotal role in funding the construction of the QCU Urban Farm, which is now managed by the QCU Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation (QCU-CUAI).
In her keynote message, Mayor Joy Belmonte reflected on QCU’s humble beginnings and commended the university’s journey to excellence. She recognized the dedication of past leaders and challenged QCU to strive for greatness, envisioning it as the premier local university in the country.
“My dream for QCU is for it to become the top local university in the Philippines. QC is the number one city. QCU should be the number one local university,” declared Mayor Belmonte, inspiring the university community to strive for greater achievements.
The ceremony concluded with the blessing of the new academic building and urban farm, symbolizing a new era in QCU’s commitment to education, sustainability, and community development. Special guests from the private and government sectors, including Mr. Ian Madrid, Chief Executive Officer of SP Madrid; Engr. Eric Jude S. Soliman, President and CEO of HytecPower Inc.; Dr. Julieta M. Paras, Director of the Commission on Higher Education – National Capital Region; Dir. Ralph Alindogan of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines; Ms. Rizza R. Pascual, chairperson of Barangay San Bartolome, and heads of departments from the QC Government, came together to celebrate QCU’s accomplishments and goals.
The event, held under the theme “Education for Empowerment: Transforming Communities for Sustainable Futures,” was organized by QCU in partnership with the Office of the City Mayor, and is part of the week-long series of activities from March 1 to 8, 2024. QCU will continue to host a variety of events, including University Academic Contests, Academic Exhibits, Intramurals, cultural showcases, community outreach initiatives, and more.
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