Dedicated to advancing excellence and scholarship among engineers of today and tomorrow, the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Engineering (UPD COE) inaugurated its pioneering Engineering Library Learning Commons on March 28, 2025, at the Engineering Library II building. This transformative project marks the establishment of the first-ever standalone Learning Commons building in UP Diliman—a technologically enhanced, social learning space designed to foster interaction, creativity, and innovation.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by COE Dean Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, together with Vice President for Development Dr. Daniel C. Peckley, Jr., representing UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez; Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Vanessa Lusung-Oyzon, representing UPD Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II; Head Librarian Ms. Sharon Maria S. Esposo-Betan; and former UP President Atty. Danilo C. Concepcion. Also joining the ceremony were former UPD Chancellor Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo, former DOST Secretary Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro, PhilSA Director Dr. Ariel C. Blanco, UP Alumni Engineers President Engr. Manfred M. Guangko, and UPERDFI Executive Director Engr. Alfonso A. Aliga, Jr., all distinguished COE alumni.
More than 200 guests composed of UP System and UPD officials, COE faculty and staff, former deans, student organization representatives, deans and head librarians from other UP units, and library and industry partners gathered to witness the formal launch of this milestone academic infrastructure.
A Vision Realized: From Single Room to Two-Storey Innovation Hub
In her welcome remarks, Dean Tanchuling traced the long and collaborative journey of the Learning Commons—from its conceptualization as early as 2015 during the term of Chancellor Nemenzo and President Concepcion, to its completion under Chancellor Vistan and President Jimenez.
“It took a while, but finally, the Library Learning Commons is here,” Dean Tanchuling said. “This is more than a library—it is a dynamic and inclusive academic home where ideas are born, connections are made, and the next generation of engineers are empowered.”
She credited the project’s realization to support from the Department of Budget and Management, the Office of the President, and the UPD Administration, which funded everything from construction to interior finishing and digital infrastructure.
Defining the Commons: A Modern Space for Learning, Wellness, and Creativity
Ms. Sharon Esposo-Betan, Head of the UP Engineering Library, shared the evolution of the Learning Commons from a single-room facility inaugurated in 2010 to today’s cutting-edge two-storey academic and social hub.
The Commons now features:
- Academic Discussion Rooms for group learning and scholarly engagement
- Collaborative Workstations with productivity tools and internet access
- Makerspace and Creative Studio equipped with 3D printers and prototyping tools
- Faculty Co-working Spaces fitted with ergonomic furniture and smartboards
- Wellness Room with massage chairs and a pantry for faculty and student mental breaks
- Exhibit and Art Space to showcase student and faculty works
- Coming soon: Library Café and Garden designed for rest, socialization, and rejuvenation
“This space is meant to be a ‘third place’—a home beyond home and classroom. One that fosters community, productivity, and well-being,” Esposo-Betan said.
Messages of Gratitude and Institutional Support
Representing President Jimenez, VP Daniel C. Peckley, Jr. shared both a leader’s and a parent’s perspective, saying that environments like the Learning Commons play a pivotal role in ensuring students graduate not only with honors but with holistic, meaningful experiences.
“Spaces like this support students in more ways than we see—through connection, comfort, and creativity,” he shared.
Dr. Maria Vanessa Lusung-Oyzon, reading Chancellor Vistan’s message, emphasized how the Commons supports UP’s digital transformation agenda, integrating technology and student-centric learning to future-proof education at the University.
Reflections and Testimonies from the UP Community
Several guests offered heartfelt remarks during the program:
- Mr. Vherwin Nuñez, Chairperson of the Engineering Student Council, reflected on how the library has always been a “second home” for students, now reimagined into a space for refuge and resilience.
- Engr. Manfred M. Guangko, UP Alumni Engineers President, lauded the facility’s transformation from a crowded library to an air-conditioned, tech-equipped space for modern learning.
- Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro, former DOST Secretary, reaffirmed the importance of library transformation in light of digital demands, commending the Commons for raising the bar in learning support.
- Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo, former Chancellor, emphasized that meaningful learning goes beyond lectures—it happens in spaces that allow for “conversations, creativity, and community.”
Cementing a Legacy: The COE Dean’s Gallery
A program highlight was the unveiling of the COE Dean’s Gallery, featuring commissioned portraits of current and past deans whose leadership spanned the life of the project:
- Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea (1993–1997)
- Dr. Edgardo D. Atanacio (1997–2004)
- Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara (2004–2010)
- Dr. Aura C. Matias (2010–2016)
- Dr. Rizalinda L. De Leon (2016–2019)
- Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling (2022–present)
Dr. Aura C. Matias, former Dean, recalled the project’s earliest days when it was merely a renovation plan for the Centennial Hall, which later evolved—thanks to a “happy budgeting accident”—into a fully realized building. She fondly called the new space “TLC”—Tender Loving Care for students, faculty, and researchers.
A Toast to the Future
In closing, Dean Tanchuling led a celebratory toast to mark not just an inauguration but the start of a new era in student-centered engineering education.
“The Learning Commons is not just a building—it is a symbol of what we can achieve together. May it continue to inspire generations of UP Engineers,” she concluded.
The ceremony ended with a guided tour of the new facility, followed by an afternoon of fellowship, exploration, and inspiration—ushering in a future where academic and social learning can thrive side by side.
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