With its efforts to expand its research capabilities and develop academic programs, DLSU is set to tie up with De La Salle Canlubang (DLSC) by establishing an extension campus in its 50-hectare property in Binan, Laguna.
The extension campus will offer new degree programs in engineering, computer science and the natural sciences, and will tie-up with DLSU’s College of Engineering (COE), College of Computer Studies (CCS) and College of Science (COS).
DLSU President Br. Jun Erguiza FSC shares that even with the University’s desire to offer more programs in the Manila campus; the limited space cannot accommodate the facilities needed to support the new courses; the need to expand is apparent.
“There is no other place where we can go. We do not have any other property. We have already taken over some parts in the area” he explains. The aforementioned colleges will not be relocated, Br. Jun reassures.
The Canlubang campus currently offers degree programs that are geared exclusively towards science and technology. It is located at the Laguna technopark, which houses several top Filipino and Asian companies such as Ayala Corporation and Mitsubishi. These factors, Br. Jun explains, makes the campus suitable for the new programs. The Canlubang campus is also considered DLSU property.
The initiative was started last year. Faculty from both universities started collaborating on several researches and teaching efforts. In addition, students from the extension campus will eventually be allowed to use facilities in the Manila campus. Br. Jun, however, explains that there is still a lot to be done.
“They need a lot of help to upgrade the standards of both teaching and research and industry engagement,” he explains. “The setup would eventually be one of merging” he furthers.
Part of the said initiative is the construction of new buildings and facilities for the extension campus. Assistance would come from donors such as Chinese-Filipino Tycoon John Gokongwei, who recently donated P250 million in scholarships and facilities to COE.
“Part of the assistance that is going to be given to us in the future by [John] Gokongwei is for him to set up a structure there, but that is still not concretely done at the moment, that’s still at the promise stage,” Br. Jun explains. An engineering technology center for research is also said to be in the works.
Programs that will be offered in the extension campus would not duplicate those already offered in DLSU. Br. Jun cites aeronautics engineering as one of the possible new programs.
headline photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/red_fox6000/3221939467/