By Dhel Sue Cabiara
Silliman University (SU) Facilities Management and Administrative Services (FMAS) aims to complete ongoing structural improvements in the gymnasium by Aug. 15, in anticipation of this year’s Founders Week celebration.
According to the SU Athletics Director Dionesio Piñero, the refurbishment includes strengthening the sides and structures of the gym to accommodate people and improving the roofing.
Amid the reconstruction of the gym, the University Athletics discussed with FMAS Chief Engr. Debonaire Mamhot and College of Education Dean Gina Bonior to hold asynchronous PATHFIT classes.
“The deans of different colleges and other significant departments are also involved,” he said.
The renovation, which started in July, was made following the vacancy of the library from the gym last March.
“The gym was not available for use for university activities and other related activities […] When the library vacated the gym, I asked the FMAS to start refurbishing the gym in preparation for A.Y. 2025-2026,” Piñero said.
Moreover, the library’s equipment and services were previously moved to the gym, with delays in the transfer of items, construction, and leakages causing extensions in the completion date.
Founders week activities
Piñero mentioned that the newly-renovated gym will host the 79th Miss Silliman coronation night, sports activities, and other co-curricular activities during the Hibalag Festival.
This includes the Hibalag Cup 2025, which will showcase various sports competitions such as volleyball, pickleball doubles, basketball, and ultimate frisbee.
SU Student Government (SUSG) President Grylle Adrian Malala shared that the renovation will help them offer more flexibility in conducting events since their main concern was the structural integrity of the gym and student safety.
He added that the additional space provided by the renovation will improve the “overall showmanship of the SUSG and beyond” to conduct events and engage with Sillimanians.
The renovation was supposed to start during the 2025 midyear term, but was postponed and constrained to only a one-month period of work due to delays in the budget approval.
“This was supposed to be started during the summer, but we were waiting for the budget to be released […] It is very necessary because we have suppliers that need to be paid, as some may be hesitant to deliver the materials,” he said.
The renovation project is led by the FMAS in coordination with the SU Athletics Department, SUSG, and college deans.
