Rising soon in New Clark City, the Infinitum Campus is a joint project of the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS), headed by Executive Director, Lilia T. Habacon, and the Philippine Science High School – Central Luzon Campus (PSHS-CLC), led by Campus Director, Theresa Anne O. Diaz.
This development was made possible through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between PSHS-CLC and the Bases Conversion Development Authority last April 13, 2016. Signing the agreement at the time were DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, PSHS-CLC Campus Director Lilia T. Habacon, BCDA Business Development Department Head Arrey Perez, and BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova.
Figure 1 MOA Signing last April 13, 2016 at PSHS-CLC. Photo obtained from the Pisay CLC Documentation Committee Facebook page.
The facility will be a showcase of infinite possibilities of learning with facilities for technological innovations though the fabrication laboratory, traditional and alternative learning that offers both indoor and outdoor experiences, and natural sciences through its wet and dry laboratories according to Ms. Diaz.
Once completed, there will be eight buildings in the campus that comply with green building standards. Solar panels on the roof will allow the campus to operate on-grid and off-grid to reduce electricity consumption from distributors. A sewage treatment plant will allow water to be recycled for much longer. Half of the total floor area will be unpaved and there will be a students’ plaza with a rainwater retaining pond. Endemic and native plant species will be found around campus while gardens will be made available to house any threatened species. A Summer Camp area will also be available for outdoor activities such as the science camp, stargazing, team building, socialization, and other active STEM activities.
Figure 2 3D CAD Render of the PSHS Infinitum Campus in New Clark City as seen from a bird’s eye view by Arce Bailon Arce Architects.
The Training Center is the first building expected to be finished by the end of 2022. It can serve as the venue of choice for off-site events of the PSHSS, students, employees, and guests for trainings, and seminars with a venue capacity of 1000 persons. The administration building shall have offices for the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, guest campus directors, the Finance and Administrative Division, and other support offices. The multi-purpose academic building will have classrooms, faculty rooms, and a canteen with a total capacity for more than 1,200 persons.
With technology at the forefront, the Innovation Center shall serve students and enthusiasts in the region by providing services for digital fabrication equipment such as prototyping, innovation, sharing, and learning. The Research Center is a wet laboratory that serves as a venue for scientific research in the fields of Chemistry, Physics, and Biology and shall aid student research to strengthen and modernize proficiency in science and technology. The Technology hub is a dry laboratory that will provide scientific research and development in the advanced fields of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Humanities subjects. By prototyping the latest technologies, this will strengthen student researches even further. Advanced classroom facilities will deliver an enhanced learning experience for students. There will be separate residence halls for male and female students, serving as their home away from home with additional rooms for dining and guests.
Figure 3 3D CAD Render of the PSHS Infinitum Campus as viewed inside by Arce Bailon Arce Architects.
With exciting facilities situated in an up and coming location, there has certainly been much buzz and excitement among the PSHS-CLC community with the Infinitum’s development. Other campuses of the PSHSS have also expressed interest and are looking forward to completion of the new campus for their activities, trainings, and other programs. When all goes well, the PSHS-CLC may soon see its extension campus by the end of 2024.
Written by: Jan Michael R. Ibanez
With inputs from Engr. Elmer Antonell Hernandez and CD Theresa Anne O. Diaz
