In line with the University’s general campus development plan, a kick-off session for the new athletes’ dormitory and retreat center was held last August 7 at the 12th floor Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall. DLSU President Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC, Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Robert Roleda, Vice President for Lasallian Mission Br. Michael Broughton FSC, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Development Josemari Calleja were among those who attended the event.
In an opening statement, Br. Suplido stated that the vision for a new housing facility for athletes, specifically female athletes, started around two years ago. “The goal of DLSU is holistic development. While on one hand, we have academic facilities that are top of the line, we also have to complement it with facilities that cater to athletics or [the] physical development of our students. [We also need to address] the spiritual or religious development,” he explains.
At present, female athletes are housed in a dormitory within the vicinity of Enrique M. Razon Sports Complex. Br. Suplido expresses that building a separate dormitory for them will satisfy the need for giving proper accommodations to all athletes of the University.
When the College of Law moved to the DLSU Rufino Campus in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, a whole floor became available in the Andrew Hall, which answered the initial problem of the availability of space. The female athlete’s dormitory is designated to be built on the present retreat house in Agno Street, while the 12th floor of Andrew Hall will then house the new retreat center.
Calleja reveals an overview of the design for the two facilities. In his presentation, the new dormitory for female athletes is assured to comprise a full roster of facilities. Calleja cites that the ground floor will be composed of a 50-seater dining hall, an open pantry, two study rooms, a visitor’s lounge, two gardens, and a reception area with 24-hour security. The rest of the floors will be used for the athlete’s rooms which also have shared shower areas.
The retreat center, on the other hand, will have five session halls each equipped with audio visual equipment, modified seating, and the ability to accommodate 45 participants. A dining hall will also be setup to accommodate 100 people. Prayer rooms overlooking the Manila Bay will have a design inspired by the Nativity of Jesus.
The bidding process for both buildings will start in September 2017 and is expected to be completed in the middle of next year.
