Following intensive preparations for site development beginning in 2023, Xavier University reached another milestone in the construction of its new campus as it held the Masterson Campus Milestone Event: First Concrete Pouring Ceremony on 24 March 2025. XU President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ led the event which was attended by Trustee Emma A Nieva, representing the XU Board of Trustees, university administrators, faculty, staff, and students, as well as partners and work teams from Cebu Landmasters, Inc, (CLI) and AV Pamatong Trading and Construction, Inc (AVPTCI).
The ceremony opened with an invocation led by Central Student Government President Kyle Chester J Cotacte, followed by the welcome remarks and an overview from Engr Lennie K Ong, Campus of the Future Project Director. She explained that the ceremony for the first pouring of cement for the main road of the new campus, currently called Road 19, is “symbolic because it evokes the image of a path from one place to another, of the centennial theme of going on to the next era, of forging ahead.” She explained that the newly constructed main road will be the primary access route to all internal roads in what will be the new home of the University. Some important features of this main road are ample space for vehicular and pedestrian movement, bike lanes on both sides, sidewalks, curb and gutter system for proper drainage and road edge definition, and planting strips to provide greenery. Ms Ong urged the community to work with XU in building a better society and invited everyone, “let us build the future together.”
The ceremony then proceeded with the symbolic signing of the commemorative block by Fr Mars Tan, SJ, Ms Emma A Nieva, Engr Nestor Lorenzo M Cubillo of CLI, Engr Alex V Pamatong of AVPTCI, Engr Lennie K Ong, and the members of the XU community. This memento will have a special place at the Masterson Campus. The traditional tossing of coins for good luck followed, after which Fr Harvey Mateo, SJ performed the site blessing.
To conclude the event, Fr Mars P Tan, SJ thanked those involved in the building of the new campus – Engr Lennie Ong who spearheads the XU team and XU’s partners from CLI and AVP. He mentioned that in the new site the university lays the foundation of its dreams and visions for a new and innovative Xavier Ateneo. He said this event of pouring the first concrete is another milestone for XU after it received the approval of the Vatican for the building of the new campus, the MOA signing between XU and CLI, the Groundbreaking and Dedication Ceremony, and the MOA signing between XU and AVPTCI. He expressed gratitude for these achievements and emphasized the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the building of the Masterson Campus. “This project is really big and complicated and we always go to our Mother to ask for help,” Fr Mars said as he shared that during the Groundbreaking and Dedication Ceremony, XU offered this project under the Blessed Mother’s protection and care. As he closed his speech, Fr Mars said, “We seek guidance and protection from the Blessed Mother as the construction work continues. We hope to have confidence to move forward and complete the entire site development in the near future.”
The first concrete pouring ceremony at Xavier University’s Masterson Campus is symbolic as it signals the start of actual construction on the Campus of the Future. It represents a significant milestone in transforming a long-held vision into tangible reality. This event is a testimony to the university’s commitment to creating a modern educational hub where students can engage in collaborative learning and personal growth, to building a lasting legacy for generations to come.
By Communications and Promotions Office