On February 18, 2025, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways – IX (DPWH-IX), held a ceremonial inauguration for the renovation and expansion of the College of Architecture Building.
From its humble beginnings in 1997, with only a ground floor, to the completion of the second floor in 2015, the building is now set to reach its final form – with the addition of two more floors and a roof deck.
WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena expressed her excitement over the project’s commencement, emphasizing its significant impact on the faculty and students of the College of Architecture. With a budget of P54,695,044.54 and a 300-day construction timeline, this expansion reflects WMSU’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art learning spaces for future architects.
Engr. Mohammad Ridduhan L. Natino of DPWH-IX, a proud WMSU alumnus, assured that the project would be completed on schedule, reinforcing the strong partnership between WMSU and DPWH. Meanwhile, University Architect Joseph Andrew L. Sahial, who initiated the proposal during his tenure as OIC Dean of the College, expressed his gratitude to President Ochotorena for her unwavering support in making this long-awaited expansion a reality.
This marks a historic milestone for the WMSU College of Architecture, the sole architecture school in Region IX. The college recently celebrated a remarkable achievement as one of its graduates secured 9th place in the national licensure examination. (AIM, PAO)
