UP opens bid for P135-M convention center

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has opened the bidding process for the construction of a P135-million international convention center in its campus in Los Baños, Laguna.

“The proposed convention center will serve as the primary venue for international and national conferences for open and distance e-learning using state-of-the-art telecommunications and multi-media facilities,” read the invitation to bid released in The STAR Friday.

“It is also intended for outdoor events, such as mini-concerts, exhibits and other social events,” it added.

Cris James Quigao, UPOU resident engineer, told The STAR the convention center will be constructed on a 35,854 square meter portion of the UPOU campus in Los Baños.

He said the budget will cover both the design and the construction of the building.

Based on the invitation to bid, the project will have two phases: design and construction. The design phase includes geodetic survey; soil foundation investigation, and the detailed plans for architecture; interior design; engineering, and landscape.

The construction phase will include earth, structural, architectural, site and landscape, sanitary, electrical, mechanical and interior design works.

It must be completed 450 days after the start of the implementation, which is a week following the issuance of a notice to proceed.

Bidding documents may be obtained at the Supply and Property Management Office (SPMO) at the UPOU campus.

The pre-bid conference is scheduled on Aug. 16.

The UPOU SPMO said funds for the project will come from the university’s approved budget for 2014.