The Campus Development and Maintenance Office (CDMO) marked the end of the year by presenting its accomplishments for 2024 on December 19, 2024, at the UPOU Academic Residences Cafeteria.
The Infrastructure and Maintenance Group shared their completed infrastructure projects for 2024 and their target completion dates. They also outlined their project statuses, which include the completion of the International Convention Center, the World-class Media Production facility, and the installation of a generator set for the Academic Residences. One of the key highlights of their report was the improvement in Maintenance Services requests, with a 41.3% decrease in requests received in 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting the group’s proactive approach to maintenance rather than a reactive one.
The Infrastructure Group also discussed their plans for 2025, which include hiring additional manpower, administrative personnel/assistants, and an electronics and communications engineer. They also outlined plans for the road network, installation of fire hydrants, a proposed canopy for the CCDL and AR (front), improvements to the existing drainage system, conversion of streetlights to a solar-powered system, and repainting of necessary buildings.
Meanwhile, the Maintenance Group presented their plans for 2025, which include the installation of solar-powered street lights around the university, hiring additional maintenance personnel in preparation for UPOU’s new buildings (World Class, Learning Commons, ICC), collaborating with external suppliers to provide free training for maintenance personnel and engineers, and adopting a preventive maintenance approach to reduce service requests. Other plans include the installation of fire extinguisher signage, assigning personnel to conduct quarterly fire extinguisher checks, requesting additional maintenance equipment (e.g., ladders for DICT), conducting regular cleaning of roofs and gutters (by housekeeping), and installing cleanouts to address issues with grease traps.
On the other hand, the Landscape/Grounds Maintenance and Janitorial Services group presented their accomplishments related to the beautification and improvement of the entire university. Their efforts included upgrading the step-up platform/amphitheater around the Oblation Rotonda, pruning and clearing trees in front of the ICC Building, pruning tree branches within the UPOU Campus, cleaning the lagoons in preparation for the Christmas season, and transplanting the remaining Tabebuia trees from the CCDL field to the UPOU-IRRI boundary road. A major focus of their report was the areas they cleaned and cleared following Typhoon Kristine. Additionally, they highlighted the preparations made for the UPOU 28th Commencement Exercises, which they proudly contributed to.
The Grounds/Landscaping and Janitorial Services group has outlined several plans for 2025, including improving the water line source for caring for and watering plants in designated garden areas on the UPOU campus. They will also oversee the planning and layout of water lines for the landscaping around four buildings: AR, ICC, WCMPB, and LC. Additionally, they plan to collaborate with Prof. Karl Villegas (PDA for Landscaping) on the planting of experimental plant species. Ongoing landscaping improvements across the campus are also a key focus, along with a request to purchase a Machinery Mower Tractor for quarterly grass cutting on the UPOU field. The group is also exploring the possibility of using shallow wells, deep wells, or catchment water sources to water the plants.
The CDMO Administrative Office focused on people-oriented improvements, including a proposal for a compensation increase for the CDMO job order staff, as well as initiatives to enhance staff welfare, working conditions, and the work environment. The group also presented several new proposals for campus improvements, such as the implementation of parking space amendments, allowing pets on campus, enforcing a “Clean As You Go” policy, and introducing a one-way traffic scheme within the campus. Additionally, they announced the CDMO’s efforts to implement the Integrated Waste Management Program (IWMP) and highlighted their facilitation and co-sponsorship of workshops on waste management, food servicing, nature-based solutions, and proper handling of snakes. The development of the CDMO microsite is currently underway, and they also assessed the overall management of the preparations for UPOU’s 28th Commencement Exercises.
The CDMO Administration has outlined several plans for 2025, including the enhancement and streamlining of administrative processes and procedures, with a focus on online processing to reduce paper transactions (e.g., OT applications). They aim to further improve the animal shelter facility and continue the implementation of the Integrated Waste Management Program (IWMP). Another key plan is the development of a database for infrastructure projects. To foster continuous professional development, the CDMO plans to conduct in-house seminars and workshops for staff and encourage participation in both local and international conferences. Additionally, they plan to include a hazard/vulnerability map on the CDMO microsite and construct a warehouse, storage facility, Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and a resting area for the grounds and janitorial personnel.
The business/concessions group, meanwhile, presented the UPOU Facilities’ eBrochure, explaining that several guests were delighted by its informative content. To further improve the booking system for the rooms at the Academic Residences, they announced the development of Virtual Reality (VR) for the UPOU facilities in collaboration with Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Jr., and his MIS student. They also highlighted the newly implemented UPOU Facilities Booking System, developed in coordination with the UPOU Networks.
Furthermore, the report indicated that a total of 1,890 guests were reserved at the Academic Residences, and 1,003 events were booked at the UPOU Facilities. According to the Accounting Office, the UPOU business/concessions earned approximately P2,000,000.00 in 2024.
The Business Concession/Facilities Rental group has outlined plans for 2025, focusing on the continuous enhancement of UPOU facilities. Key improvements include the implementation of the CLAYGO policy across all UPOU facilities and several upgrades to the Academic Residences. These upgrades involve facade improvements such as key storage, new doors, signage, a TV for tours, two computer units, and a printer. Public comfort rooms will be enhanced with additional amenities like tissue holders, soap dispensers, and scent diffusers. Garbage disposal management will be implemented for each room, while VIP rooms will receive mini lamps, side tables, carpets, upgraded beds and linens, and heaters. Additional room amenities such as teaspoons, saucers, slippers, and complimentary items like toothbrushes, shampoo, sugar, creamer, and coffee will also be provided.
After the presentations, they had a pleasant lunch together. To add a lively touch to the party, raffles and games were held in between the presentations. The event ended with the exchange of gifts, spreading the Christmas spirit among everyone.
