An extension campus of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) will soon rise in Barangay Nauring of Pandan, Antique following its groundbreaking ceremony.

In an interview Monday, Pandan municipal mayor Plaridel Sanchez VI said he expects that many of the students from his municipality would be able to obtain UP education with the establishment of the new campus.

“The students from Pandan could now study in UP right in their hometown,” he said.

Sanchez said the presence of other students from other places could also beef up their economy because they will be needing lodging houses or dormitories and also restaurants where they could dine.

“The local people would be able to gain livelihood because of (the) UPV extension campus,” he said.

Sanchez said they expect the campus to open by next year with the expected start of the three-level school building within this month.

Sanchez said the extension campus will be situated in a 500-square-meter lot donation of the Bautista family.

“No less than the UPV Chancellor was there to lead the groundbreaking ceremony with the Bautista sisters,” he added.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the campus last Oct. 4 was attended by UPV Chancellor Ricardo Babaran, Bautista sisters Yolanda Batara and Daughlet Ordinario, and Antique Vice Governor Edgar Denosta.

The UPV extension campus is considered the brainchild of Antique Rep. Loren Legarda who allotted a PHP50-million budget for its establishment while she was then chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. (PNA)