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UP CIDS and UPD OAT Sign Agreement for Temporary Housing

In a gesture of institutional solidarity and collaborative spirit, the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) and the University of the Philippines Diliman Office for the Advancement of Teaching (OAT) formalized a partnership through the signing of a Terms of Reference (TOR) on April 23, 2026.

The agreement outlines the temporary housing of the OAT within the UP CIDS premises, located at the Lower Ground Floor of Ang Bahay ng Alumni. This strategic arrangement ensures that the OAT can continue its vital operations and services to the UP faculty and academic community without interruption while their permanent facilities undergo necessary transitions.

Prioritizing Staff Health and Safety

The decision to relocate follows critical assessments of the OAT’s previous facilities. Formal inspections by the Office of the Campus Architect (OCA) and the UP Health Service (UPHS) Public Health Team identified significant occupational hazards, including long-standing mold and termite infestations and a damaged roofing system.

To mitigate recurring respiratory concerns and safety risks posed by uneven flooring, the UPHS recommended a temporary office closure. In response, UP CIDS has opened its doors to provide a safe, healthy, and conducive environment for the OAT team to maintain their administrative functions.

Strengthening Academic Support and Quality Instruction

The signing ceremony was led by UP CIDS Executive Director Rosalie Arcala Hall, PhD, and OAT Director Ivy D.C. Suan, PhD, both of whom emphasized the importance of resource-sharing and mutual support within the University.

The relocation is particularly significant given the OAT’s mission to ensure quality teaching and learning in UP Diliman. By housing the OAT, UP CIDS supports the continuity of essential programs, including the Teaching Effectiveness Course (TEC), faculty orientations, and the administration of the Student Evaluation of Teachers (SET).

Key Provisions of the TOR

The Terms of Reference (TOR) governing this arrangement ensures a seamless administrative transition by establishing clear operational guidelines. Generally, the agreement covers:

    • Spatial Allocation: The designation of specific workstations and access to shared office infrastructure to ensure a productive working environment for ten OAT personnel.
    • Operational Alignment: A commitment from both units to maintain the security, maintenance, and professional standards of the Center.
    • Temporal Framework: The temporary housing is effective until December 31, 2026, or until the renovation of the OAT’s permanent office is completed.

A Model for Institutional Collaboration

The OAT acts as a springboard for innovative, instruction-focused programs under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA). This temporary relocation allows both offices to explore closer administrative synergies and potential areas of intellectual exchange between high-level policy research and teacher development.

By optimizing spatial resources through this TOR, UP CIDS and OAT demonstrate how different units within the University of the Philippines can work together to ensure that academic and administrative excellence remains unhampered during periods of logistical change.