CNU proposes 20-storey disaster-resilient building

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Normal University (CNU) is proposing the demolition and replacement of its Academic Center for Arts and Sciences (ACAS) building with a 20-story, disaster-resilient structure, following the confirmation of serious structural violations and deficiencies.

“It may take so much cost if we repair it… Ni-tilt siya sa laing building. There might be some more in-depth evaluation to that,” said CNU President, Dr. Daniel Ariaso Sr., during a press conference via Zoom.

“But para sa safety for the entire community in the future, gagastos naman lang tayo, so I think it’s better to demolish it and replace it with a new and better building that is earthquake and disaster-proof and resilient,” he added.

The recommendation came from CNU’s internal technical team after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30.

Subsequent inspection by the Office of the Building Official (OBO) revealed that the ACAS building had been expanded from its approved six floors to eight—without proper documentation or occupancy permits.

The OBO confirmed it had not been informed of the revision, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has yet to clarify its involvement.

“This is something the previous administration can answer,” said Ariaso, who assumed office on August 3, 2023. “We made this effort given the limited time to secure all these documents.”

He added that discussions with then-Cebu City mayor Michael Rama regarding the building’s occupancy status had already been initiated prior to the earthquake.

Officials from the previous university administration and the DPWH were invited to attend the press conference but opted not to participate.

CNU’s ?1.45 billion redevelopment plan includes not only the demolition and reconstruction of the ACAS building but also the vertical expansion of other key facilities such as the nursing, science, social sciences, and teacher education buildings.

The proposal also considers the impact of Cebu City’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, with campus redesigns aimed at easing traffic flow and improving accessibility.

Beyond the main campus, buildings in CNU’s Medellin and Balamban campuses are also expected to be rebuilt under the same proposal, which has already been submitted to the Office of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

In the meantime, CNU has extended 100% online classes across all campuses—including graduate studies.

Laboratory and clinical requirements are being addressed through partnerships with the College of Medicine and affiliated hospitals, while flexible submission protocols remain in place for students facing technological or financial barriers.

CNU is also seeking assistance from Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival to secure a safer venue for its October graduation ceremonies.

As the university works to recover and rebuild, President Ariaso issued a direct appeal to national leaders for support.

 “I call on national leaders in the government—President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., the Senate leadership, and the House leadership—to please help us. Provide the resources para bumangon ang CNU na mas matibay at mas magandang pamantasan sa Cebu,” Dr.Ariaso ended.