In line with its commitment of improving university infrastructure and accessibility, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), through its Infrastructure and Development Office (IDO), held the groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremony for the Development of Tecson Avenue on November 12, 2026, at the Sumacab Campus, Cabanatuan City.

The project aims to address the growing need for safer, more convenient, and more efficient access to the Sumacab Campus, which serves more than 10,000 students, faculty members, and personnel.

It also seeks to establish an alternative passage that will help ease campus movement, improve emergency accessibility, and strengthen the university’s connection with the surrounding community.

In her message, Vice President for Academic Affairs Engr. Feliciana Jacoba recalled the long process behind the realization of the project. She also recognized the generosity of the Tecson family, whose land donation helped make the development possible. 

Engr. Jacoba also acknowledged the efforts of the university administration and IDO in pursuing the initiative, emphasizing its importance to the university community and future generations of students. 

“Hindi lang tulay na dadaan ng pisikal, pero tulay na magdudugtong pa sa lahat ng ating mga minamahal na kababayan dito sa ating probinsya at lalung-lalo na yung mga mag-aaral natin na pumapasok sa NEUST,” Jacoba stated, highlighting the project’s broader purpose of connecting the university with the community it serves.

This was followed by the project overview delivered by Vice President for Administration, Business, and Finance Atty. Bembol Castillo, who discussed the project’s background, development components, and the challenges encountered before its implementation.

Atty. Castillo recalled the university’s previous access concerns and the need for an alternative route, particularly during emergencies. He also expressed his gratitude to the Tecson family for donating the property and supporting the university’s development plans.

The project consists of three major components: the development of the West Gate, the improvement of Tecson Avenue Road, and the construction of a bridge. The bridge will feature a 30-meter prestressed deck-girder design with a covered pedestrian walkway, incorporating classical and modern architectural elements that reflect the university’s heritage and commitment to progress.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Rhodora Jugo expressed her gratitude to the Tecson family, project partners, and university personnel whose contributions helped bring the long-planned initiative to fruition. She also emphasized that the development represents more than the construction of a physical structure, as it will create opportunities for improved campus safety, accessibility, and community development.

“In every groundbreaking ceremony, masasabi natin na lupa lang yung ating binibreak, pero ang totoo po, when we have a groundbreaking ceremony, it means it will open a lot of possibilities and a lot of new doors,” she stated, underscoring the opportunities the project is expected to bring to NEUST and the surrounding community.

Dr. Jugo further highlighted the importance of implementing the project in three phases to align its development with the university’s available financial resources, while expressing hope for the continuous implementation of the succeeding phases.

The program proceeded with the blessing of the facility led by Rev. Fr. William Villaviza, Parish Administrator of San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, followed by the capsule-laying ceremony, marking the formal commencement of the development project.

In her closing message, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Dr. Jean Guillasper expressed her appreciation to everyone who contributed to the initiative and emphasized that the development would help students pursue their aspirations by providing improved access to the university.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked another milestone in NEUST’s continuing campus development efforts, with the university recognizing the Tecson family’s generosity and the collaboration of its partners in making the project possible. 

Through this project, NEUST aims to provide a safer and more accessible learning environment, strengthen its partnership with the local community, and establish infrastructure that will serve generations of students and stakeholders.

#NEUSTGLOBAL

#SDG4QualityEducation

#SDG9IndustryInnovationAndInfrastructure

#SDG11SustainableCitiesAndCommunities

#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals