The Vatican has recently approved the “Campus of the Future” project of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.
“The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, having attentively examined the documents submitted, grants the request in conformity with the petition,” the Vatican said in a Letter of Approval.
The project will take place in Cagayan de Oro and will see a brand new campus named “Masterson Campus,” complete with interconnected courtyards, campus-wide wireless connectivity, bike lanes, sports facilities, an amphitheater, and a University Forum.
The University Forum will also include a museum, theatre, and a gallery.
“This is good news for those who truly value education and formation of our young people,” XU President Fr. Mars P. Tan SJ said in a statement. “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.”
He also stated that a “first-class education” merits the need for “first-class building and campus design.”
According to Xavier, the new campus will be constructed in phases throughout the second quarter of 2022. It will be built on a 21-hectre land in Manresa, near a 14.3-hectre township called “Manresa Town.” The 25-hectare forest reserve and animal sanctuaries will be kept in the uptown property.
Addtionally, the College of Agriculture will also be moved from Manresa to a property in Bugo called El Gaucho. Property developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) is in partnership with Xavier to create the proposal for the project.
“Both CLI and XU have always shared the same goal — this new campus and university town is truly for the betterment of the people of Cagayan de Oro City,” said CLI Chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III. “This development will serve as a key catalyst for both the education and economy in the entire region.”
