The Vatican has given its seal of approval for the "Campus of the Future" project of Xavier University (XU)-Ateneo de Cagayan, expanding the school's post-pandemic learning spaces and opportunities.
"This is good news for those who truly value education and formation of our young people and I am excited and happy because this will fulfill Xavier Ateneo's dream to give the best Jesuit education possible in the region and in Mindanao," XU President Fr. Mars P. Tan SJ said in a statement.
After a series of stakeholder consultations, the Father Provincial of the Jesuits endorsed the plan to the Superior General of the Jesuits in Rome, who after careful review and discernment with his counselors, endorsed the plan to the Vatican for its approval.
A new campus, with a proposed name "Masterson Campus," would feature interconnected courtyards, campus-wide wireless connectivity, bike lanes, sports facilities, an amphitheater, and a University Forum which incorporates a museum, theatre, and a gallery.
The new campus is set to be constructed in phases and campus development is expected to start in the second quarter of 2022.
The "Masterson Campus," named after the great visionary Jesuit Fr. William Masterson SJ, will be constructed on a 21-hectare land in Manresa, adjacent to the 14.3-hectare township to be known as "Manresa Town."