The Greyhound Pup Child-Minding Center was opened last March 7, 2025 after a mass led by Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela, the Campus Minister, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by President Emeritus Dr. Mira Sinco, University President Victor Vicente “Dean” Sinco, Marketing Consultant Stephen Sinco, University Chancellor Dr. Charlotte Carino, and other figures from the Foundation University community.
The facility is located on the first floor of the FPA Science Wing and will begin receiving children aged 2 to 5, in a supervised and purposefully-designed room meant to balance play, socialization, learning and rest.
Lou Santiago, head of the facility caregivers, described their approach to early childhood care, “We will encourage children to socialize and participate in activities that support their physical and cognitive development. Some kids might be shy and naturally reserved. We will introduce them to group play, but we won’t push them beyond their comfort levels.”
The center will operate Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturdays from 8 AM to noon, closing on holidays and university events. Enrollment is exclusive to full-time FU faculty and non-teaching staff, with a full-capacity of 15 children at any given time. Parents will choose between a daily rate of P300 or a monthly fee of P2,500.
The room has dedicated areas for child development. An indoor play section is stocked with age-appropriate toys and cushioned flooring designed to reduce injury risk. A separate learning zone is outfitted with books, puzzles, art supplies and other materials intended to stimulate their creativity. There is an assigned corner for nap time, with sleeping mats in a temperature-controlled room with dimmed lighting and appropriately playing music. Child-friendly hygiene facilities, a kitchen for meal preparation and a dining space round out the amenities.
Maximum security and health protocols will be enforced: CCTV cameras surveil the space, while access to the facility itself will be restricted to authorized personnel only. Parents will be responsible for providing their child’s necessities, which will be stored in separate, labeled containers. The drop-off and pick-up arrivals must follow the facility schedule, and only enlisted individuals will be able to retrieve a child.
The daily routine follows a structured sequence: mornings will begin with a prayer, followed by playtime, storytelling and snack breaks. Midday includes a rest period, lunch and supervised activities designed to engage the child. Santiago, anticipating the first arrivals, admitted to her own excitement. “They have their own way of using the space,” she said. “I haven’t met them yet, but I hope they’re as thrilled as I am.”