As Xavier University begins developing the Manresa property in Uptown to establish the “Campus of the Future,” the College of Agriculture will relocate its farm laboratories and animal facilities to another university property—the El Gaucho site in Upper Puerto. This land was generously donated to Xavier University by the late Don Ramon Roces and his family through then-University President, Fr Ernesto Javier, SJ. The property consists mostly of rolling hills and cliffs, with around 20-25 hectares of relatively flat terrain designated for crops, animals, and laboratory facilities.
As a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit educational community, Xavier University is committed to the holistic development of individuals to meet the needs of Mindanao, the Philippines, and the Asia Pacific region. The College of Agriculture aims “to form men and women of competence, conscience, and commitment in the service of the Church, the global community, and the Filipino people.”
Inspired by this vision, the College of Agriculture will ensure that the new campus and facilities position the college and its students at the forefront of advanced practical training and research studies. The new facilities will enhance on-site learning experiences for students. These areas will be systematically organized, compliant with government regulations, and safe for both students and faculty. Additionally, new courses and research initiatives will promote sustainable agriculture, equipping students to become better agriculturists, researchers, educators, and farmers serving their local communities.
However, parts of the new site for the agriculture campus have been occupied by informal settlers who were displaced from their homes due to a road widening project in the city. The University has donated land to the city, which will serve as a relocation site for these informal settlers. Guided by the Jesuits’ Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP) of “walking with the excluded,” Xavier University is dedicated to helping these settlers, together with the city LGU and other civic organizations, establish their own homes, livelihoods, and vibrant organizations in the new area.
The Community Relations Team of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, under the Office of the President, has been tasked with profiling, organizing, training, and assisting the informal settlers in preparing for their transfer to the permanent relocation site. Community organizers have supported the beneficiaries in forming their own homeowners’ association and credit cooperative, fostering empowerment and self-sufficiency within the community. Various offices within the university, including the Office of the President, Administration, Campus Development, Finance, Social Development, and XUCCCO, have supported the initiative to strengthen the beneficiaries as an organized community.
As part of the College of Agriculture development, the houses of beneficiaries on the site were physically moved to a temporary relocation area prepared by the university. Community organizers facilitated this transfer, including financial subsidies, reusable construction materials, septic tanks, water pipes, electricity connections, and paved roads. Soon, the beneficiaries will have their own permanent homes on the site donated by the university to the city for the settlers. Cebu Landmasters, Inc, the main developer of Xavier's Campus of the Future, will handle the site development, while CHUDD will manage the packaged socialized housing for the beneficiaries.
Fr Mars P Tan SJ, University President, believes that the development of the College of Agriculture’s farmlands and facilities should not neglect the settlers in the area; instead, it should create opportunities for empowerment. Similar to the Xavier Ecoville experience, XU aims not only to build houses but also to create a decent, green, and sustainable community alongside the College of Agriculture.