By Regina Elaine Vendivil

The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) celebrates the topping-off ceremony of the Senior High School Formation and Learning Center as members of the Ateneo community gathered on the 3rd floor of the new building to witness the marking of the final stages of the construction last Friday, October 8, 2021. 

The event kicked off with the opening remarks of ASHS Principal Noel P. Miranda, which was followed by the University President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap, SJ as he delivered his message in front of a limited audience. 

Members of the Ateneo community and dignified guests were then welcomed to each take turns in applying the concrete which served as a “symbolic culmination of the long-awaited project.”

A video message from the Sanggunian President Ayshea Jian Delos Santos was also presented on behalf of the whole student body of the ASHS and was followed afterward by the closing remarks of the Vice President for Basic Education Fr. Joaquin Jose Mari “Jonjee” Sumpaico III, SJ.

In an interview with Fr. Jonjee, he mentioned how the new building is an “enhancement” of the other ASHS building. 

“Given that there is a need to even sharpen what we are doing based on the pre-COVID situation, we really have to imagine how it would be like. Because there are no patterns that we can follow in a post-COVID scenario, we really have to be creative in using this building,” said Fr. Jonjee. 

Additionally, Fr. Jonjee stated that the ASHS community needs the new building in carrying out their missions. 

“We have a mission to fulfill, and this gives us a tool to fulfill the said mission— something which is needed by the community, and not just the community, we have people coming from the community to be able to help out others, especially in the Philippines,” Fr. Sumpaico added.

Mr. Miranda also expressed his delight in the new building for the ASHS as this will be mainly used for the activities of the students and organizations.

While the classrooms and offices will remain in the ASHS building, the three-story Formation and Learning Center will primarily consist of facilities such as a multi-purpose court, chapel, SHS cafeteria, assembly areas, computer and science laboratories, music room, art and dance studios, and more. 

According to Architect Delfin from Jonathan Gan, the architectural firm working on the project, the building’s design will be in line with other Ateneo buildings, with Amish linen and red brick as its primary theme. 

The construction of the Formation and Learning Center is expected to finish by January 2022, however, the addition and installation of furniture and interiors will also take a few months and hopefully be ready for the school year 2022-2023.