Two decades in the making, and finally, the new “Math Building” emerged, gleaming white and fresh, ready to house eager staff and students of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics (IMSP).
The new “Math Building” was inaugurated on September 29, 2023. By then, it’s conception and completion had spanned the administration of four IMSP directors: Genaro A. Cuaresma (2001-2007) who saw through its planning; Dr. Virgilio P. Sison (2007-2013) during which its design and funding were approved; Chrysline Margus N. Piñol (2013-2019), under whose administration the construction of the building began (in 2014) and was partially completed; and Dr. Editha C. Jose (2019-present) who saw the building to its completion and furnishing.
“Hindi na mamomroblema ‘yung institute sa classrooms, pati ‘yung faculty rooms ay sufficient na din. Kumbaga, ‘yung project na ‘yon, isa ‘yon sa parang ideal classroom building [na] conducive for study,” Arch. William Jeffrey Y. Rañola, section chief for planning and design at UPLB’s University Planning and Maintenance Office (UPMO) said of the building.
(The institute will now have sufficient classrooms and faculty rooms. The Math Building project is an ideal classroom building conducive to study.)
Rañola also mentioned that the newly constructed building has better facilities and features, such as fully air-conditioned rooms, CCTVs, and well-lit spaces. It also complies with the Accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, which requires buildings and institutions to install facilities and other devices to enhance the mobility of disabled persons. With these attributes, a comfortable learning and study environment is to be experienced by UPLB students.
In addition, the new structure is equipped with a cutting-edge computer laboratory and research spaces to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and research among its constituents.
IMSP Director Editha C. Jose stated, “the construction of a modern Mathematics Building reflects positively on UPLB’s image, attracting talented students and faculty.”
As a result of the institute’s efforts to create holistic development among its constituents, Razel Oandasan, a BS Mathematics sophomore, mentioned that the clean and comfortable environment brought by the new building helps them to be more productive. “Okay din siya since may Math Clinic na accessible to all students and sure kang may space for acads with resources na pwede mong magamit,” Oandasan added.
(It’s good since it has its own Math Clinic which is accessible to all students and you’re guaranteed that there is a space for academics, provided with resources that you can use.)
With the 3-storey building now completed, it should help make the University a prime academic and research center in mathematics and physics. (Allane Desiree D. Arganda)
Original story: Finally, a home for the study of mathematics at UPLB