Nursing Extension Building Topping Off Ceremony

Foundation University celebrated the structural phase completion of the College of Nursing extension building on March 22, 2025 in a topping off ceremony. In attendance were University President Victor Vicente “Dean” Sinco, the Entheos architecture and construction team, University Chancellor Dr. Charlotte Cariño, Vice Chancellor for Administration Dr. Lucelle Saguban, Assistant Vice Chancellor Glene May Lusares, the College of Nursing faculty and staff, and other important members of the Foundation University community.

Just last year, the project was a proposal contingent on the enrollment and feasibility projections of the university. With 1,994.133 square meters of space, it is expected to greatly expand the capacity of the College of Nursing, providing additional learning spaces and student facilities crucial in maintaining the university’s standard of excellence.

The building is located on Villa Mariano St. in Brgy. Taclobo. It is a seven-storey extension and will add 26 mixed-use rooms for academic and administrative purposes. President Sinco shared that the two buildings will be adjoined in the future with a walkable bridge connecting the upper floors, though no completion date has been set yet.

Built with wide-flange steel framing and enclosed in structural insulated panels (SIPs), the building aligns with President Sinco’s vision of resilient, energy-efficient design. SIPs — prefabricated panels with an insulating core — reduce construction time, lower carbon footprint, and improve thermal regulation, keeping indoor conditions cool despite external temperatures.

This investment is part of Foundation University’s long-term vision to accommodate more students and make quality education accessible to aspiring professionals in the healthcare sector.

At present, the College of Nursing has 1,193 total enrollees. In the wake of the post-pandemic shift towards healthcare professions, this project comes as a timely response to the surging demand for more health service professionals.

Foundation University’s strong performance in the previous licensure examinations for nurses — scoring a 100 percent passing rate in the academic years of 2022, 2023, and 2024 — has led to an unprecedented rise in interest for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. According to Chancellor Cariño, the old stopgap measures of shortage of classrooms coupled with the cumbersome scheduling of classes underscored the demand for additional facilities.

As construction progresses to the next phase, the new challenge is posed for the College of Nursing faculty, students, and administration to sustain the momentum of their triumph. According to Architect Ada of entheos, “While today is a celebration, it’s also a reminder that our work is not complete. As we move forward in the succeeding phases, let us continue with the same dedication and passion that have brought us here together to ensure that this project stands not just as a structure of steel, but a lasting legacy of innovation, purpose and pride.” President Sinco is more than optimistic that the College will rise to the occasion.