The Adventist University of the Philippines Academy held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Senior High School (SHS) Building Phase 3, which includes a library, on September 29, 2026, marking another step in the Academy’s ongoing development of learning spaces for its students.

The project responds to the growing needs of the Senior High School community, particularly the need for additional learning resources and library space. The groundbreaking brought together AUP administrators, Academy representatives, and donors who shared reflections on the importance of building an environment that supports student’s education and formation.

In her message, Mrs. Sharon Perdon, AUPA principal, expressed faith in God’s provision and said she was willing to receive the project as a gift to the AUPA. “The Lord will provide,” she said, adding that she was “inspired to accept this gift.”

Engr. Jessrel Lagariza emphasized the importance of establishing a strong foundation for Senior High School education. “Education begins when there’s a foundation for our SHS students,” he said. “Thank you for helping us build.”

Meanwhile, Engr. Desmond Diaz, the project’s donor, reflected on the personal significance of education and the role of books in connecting generations. Although he is not an AUP alumnus and graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, he shared his appreciation for the Adventist institution. He recalled how the Bible became his first book and shared how relief books helped him during a difficult period when he lacked access to local books. He also recounted losing his library during a typhoon, highlighting how deeply he valued books and libraries as places of learning and continuity.

For Diaz, the library means more than its physical space. “The best to connect them [generation] is through books,” he said.

He also reflected on the meaning of the groundbreaking ceremony itself, emphasizing that when the natural environment gives way to development, what replaces it should provide greater value to the community.

He further stressed the importance of creating something beautiful and meaningful for students, describing the project as an investment whose eventual fruit would be seen in their development and intelligence.

Diaz connected the project to the principle of generosity, describing the contributions as “seeds of generosity” that would eventually bear fruit through the students who benefit.

Mrs. Aileenmae Silverio, vice president for finance, likewise connected the project to the spirit of giving and receiving. “God bless a cheerful giver. God blesses a cheerful receiver,” she reflected, being inclined to books as well. 

The AUP Academy principal likewise emphasized the need for additional library space as the student population and learning needs continue to grow.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of another phase in developing AUPA’s learning environment. The planned SHS building and library will provide additional space for students to study, access resources, and develop their academic abilities.

More than a construction project, the initiative reflects the AUP community’s continuing investment in education. Through donor’s generosity, the stewardship of administrators, and the commitment of educators, the project seeks to provide students with facilities that support academic excellence, Christlike character, and exemplary service, consistent with AUP’s commitment to holistic Christian education.