Contract packages for HED, Sisters’ quarters building construction signed

Sacred Heart College and SARCA State Development Corporation signed a contract to start the construction of the Higher Education Department (HED) building, including the Sisters’ quarters, on December 17 at the SHC Rendu Cultural Center and Gymnasium.

Mr. Lloyd Alzola, IBED Principal, led the opening prayer. Afterward, Engr. Elda Aranilla, Building Construction Assistant Manager, gave the introduction. On October 8, 2020, she recalled where the fire broke out and grazed the 3rd floor of the HED building. Then she historically presented what happened after that, the planning phases that proceeded until the BOT approval of the LCC’s recommended contract and price negotiations.

She added that the Sisters’ quarters were affected by the fire on January 1, 2019, also told the chronology of what happened until the submission of bids in November 2021 and the SARCA agreement to handle the project until this contract signing.

Sr. Maria Luisa Javier, DC, SHC President, delivered the statement of purpose. “When the sisters take action, it is always the product of prayers; the process can be long, that is how God responds on how we live to, especially if it will involve funds. The budget allotted for SHC couldn’t only be spent to rebuild. We have resources, but it is intended for various concerns,” said Sr. Javier.

“The funds came from our motherhouse. The amount must be spent to the last centavo, properly accounted for, for the patrimony of the poor. We will pray that what has been planned will be followed. We cannot afford to waste resources. It is the tradition of the little company of the Daughter of Charity to see that what we planned is accomplished in due time and that everybody works. This rebuilding is a work entrusted to us by the almighty God; that’s why we are all compelled to perform what is stated in the contract,” she ended.

The next part of the program was the delivery of the pledge of commitment. Engr. Recaredo Sarmiento IV, President of SARCA Estate Development Corporation, in his brief but meaningful promise, emphasized that “we commit to deliver the construction of the HED building and the Sisters’ quarters on time, guided by our vision and mission to be the best in our little ways.”

Afterward, Mrs. Hazel San Gil, Director of the Christian and Vincentian Formation, led the contract’s blessing, held through a prayer service with the assistance of various heads of parties.

The highlight of the program was the actual signing of the contract. Aside from the heads of both parties (SHC and SARCA), the signing was also witnessed by Sr. Ma. Ruby Engay DC, Vice-President for Administrative Services and Finance/Building Construction Manager, Engr. Cesar M. Paciños and Engr. Bryan Cuenco for the HED, and Sr. Maria Brenda F. Villarin, DC, Engr. Emifelia L. Salanguit , Ar. Jovelita P. Etcubañas, Ar. Maria Villa A. Sarmiento, Engr. Bryan M. Cuengco for the Sisters’ Quarters.

Also present in the event were representatives from the DC Community, HED-SEC and GS Student Council Officers, E-President’s Council, PACE Engineers, Local Construction Committee, ELS Consultancy and Management, Inc., Rebuilding Committee, SARCA Estate Development Corporation, NTMS, and HED Faculty Club Officers.

Mr. Arnel L. Cadeliña, member of local construction committee, emceed the event.