News
PUP Sta. Mesa construction update: Phase 1 done, phase 2 in
By: Mary Ann Tapalla and Jannah Taguibao
The Phase 2 of Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ North Wing — Main Academic Building is currently under construction, handled by the China Construction First Group (CCFG) and contracted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) — National Capital Region (NCR).
As of January 17, the construction is already at a footing tie beam.
“‘Yung phase 2 naman, ongoing ngayon, ‘yung footing tie beam. And after ng footing tie beam, mag-slab-on-grade na kami,” said Engineer Marinelle Dale Dangan, the project engineer of CCFG..
[The footing tie beam for phase 2 is now ongoing. And after the footing tie beam, we’ll do the slab-on-grade.]
A footing tie beam is a reinforced concrete beam linking multiple footings to enhance stability in regions with soil instability. Meanwhile, slab-on-grade is a foundation in the structural engineering method where the concrete slab serves as the base for a building or structure, created by molding it directly into the ground.
Engr. Dangan added that slab-on-grade, set to be done by February 15, 2024, is the last project in their contract for phase 2.
“Bale ‘yung ano pa lang [slab-on-grade], target kasi namin d’yan [ay] hanggang February 15. [Dapat] matapos namin yung footing tie beam, pati ‘yung slab-on-grade para ma-turnover namin sa panibagong contractor,” said Engr. Dangan.
[For slab-on-grade, our target deadline is until February 15. We have to finish the footing tie beam as well as the slab-on-grade, so that we can turnover it into the next contractor.]
The next contractor to handle the following process of phase 2 is yet to be named.
DPWH-NCR has initially allocated 187 million for the 9-story with roof deck project, to be executed in three phases. However, due to some variations in the building construction, DPWH-NCR has allocated another P10 million, making it to a P197 million budget, according to Engr. Dangan.
It can be remembered that the construction of the said building officially started in September 2022, when the face-to-face classes came back, and it is estimated to be completed between 2025 and 2026.
