By Mohader Gandamato
MARAWI CITY – In a historic milestone for the university, the Property Division has successfully secured a comprehensive insurance policy for 16 key buildings and their respective contents. With a total budget allotment of P3.7 million, this initiative marks the first time in the institution’s history that both academic and administrative units, along with their high-value equipment and infrastructure, have been simultaneously protected. This project, which also included the prior comprehensive insurance of nine university vehicles, was established through a strategic partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
“This is a milestone, very first time in the history that we had a building insurance including its contents for both academic and administrative units. Whatever office or offices that is under specif building is already included in the insurance.” Director Juhary Pangandaman said.
According to Director Pangandaman of the Property Division Office, the project represents the culmination of intensive administrative effort after the university was initially excluded from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) funding for this purpose. Despite these challenges, Director Pangandaman and his staff successfully adjusted the scope from an initial 19 buildings to 16 to ensure the P3.7 million budget effectively covered not only the physical structures but also the specialized tools, heavy materials, and essential supplies housed within them.
The prioritization of these specific buildings was dictated by the complexity and cost of their contents, particularly in colleges with high-end laboratories and those seeking Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC). By insuring the contents alongside the infrastructure, the university ensures that expensive assets—such as high-fidelity medical mannequins and specialized lab equipment—are protected against loss or damage.
The coverage encompasses 15 academic and administrative buildings, including the Ahmad Domoca Alonto Sr. Building, Antonio Isidro Hall, and various specialized colleges such as Information and Computing Sciences, Health Sciences, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, and Business Administration and Accountancy. Other insured units include the Colleges of Forestry, Agriculture, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Education, Engineering, the Institute of Science Education, and both buildings for the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Approved by University System President Atty. Paisalin P. D. Tago, CPA, in line with his 10-Point Agenda for academic excellence, this acquisition ensures that students receive hands-on training with professional-grade instruments while directly fulfilling Commission on Higher Education (CHED) requirements.
The current insurance policy is valid from March 2026 to March 2027 and is subject to annual renewal, with the Property Division working closely with the Accounting Office to manage asset valuation and depreciation. This proactive strategy reflects the administration’s commitment to delivering high-quality, outcomes-based education while maintaining a well-protected institutional environment. The Property Division is initiating a property tagging phase to ensure all insured assets are properly identified for seamless claims processing.