It’s happening!

Miriam College (MC) and Alviera signed the contract that formally marks the beginning of the much-awaited development of MC Alviera, the institution’s third campus which will rise in the Porac, Pampanga.

Held on July 14, 2021 at the Mother Mary Joseph Building in MC Quezon City, the contract signing also signified the sealing of a second partnership between MC and Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI). Alviera is ALI and Leonio Land’s development in Porac that covers 1,800 hectares.

The 10-hectare MC Alviera campus is located in Barangay Dolores within the city center of the Alviera township. The campus is surrounded by a commercial area to the north, the Alviera Country Club to the east, the Greenbelt development to the south, and SCTEX to the west. In 2011, the school partnered with ALI for the development of its second campus, MC Nuvali, in Calamba, Laguna.
 

Top representatives from MC, ALI, and Leonio Land came in full force to personally participate in the contract signing despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Present were Miriam College President, Amb. Laura Quiambao-Del Rosario; Ayala Land Estates Development Head, Jennyle Tupaz; President and Director, Nuevocentro Inc, Anna Maria Margarita Dy; Nuevoentro, Inc. General Manager, John Estacio. Also present via Zoom were members of the MC Board of Trustees led by Josefina N. Tan. 

Also present at the actual signing were Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jasmin Nario-Galace; Vice President for Finance, Dr. Ma. Concepion Lupisan, and Human Resources Division Director, Dr. Noel Racho, together with other institutional officers while other members of the President’s Council joined online.

Amb. Del Rosario with Alviera signatories and representatives
 

Reinvigorated Partnership 

In a speech delivered virtually, Ms. Tan expressed excitement over MC and ALI’s ‘reinvigorated partnership’ and the fact that Miriam College is going places with Ayala Land. “I would say it is not by chance that we come together again 10 years after to forge a new undertaking, a joint commitment to serve a new community. Our common vision, fruitful experience of collaboration, and mutual trust have brought us here today,” she said. 
Recognizing the challenges that educational institutions face brought about by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BOT Chair expressed optimism, saying that MC Alviera provides a promising future ahead for the school and Alviera. “We are excited to have this wonderful opportunity to be in a part of the region that is animated with opportunities for direct partnerships with industry and the wider community,” she said.

Ms. Josefina Tan, MC BOT Chair, joins the event virtually

Focus on Creative Programs 

MC Alviera will be offering basic to higher education programs, including short-term and vocational courses. Hybrid modality of education will also be among the school’s special program features. MC’s third campus will be focusing on developing innovative programs that will nurture a creative generation. This thrust is not only seen to keep MC Alviera distinct from other well-established schools in the region but also respond to the needs and interests of a thriving business and international community in Pampanga.

Amb. Quiambao-Del Rosario, in her message, congratulated the teams under Alviera, ALI, and MC for putting the project together. “I welcome this additional opportunity for us to partner with the private sector specifically, Ayala Land Inc.,” she said. “It gives me a double pride that the private business sector is getting into the most important field of cooperation--the field of education,” she added. Aside from a focus on creative programs, the President also envisions a borderless delivery of education through select online program offerings, reaching out to learners based outside the region and the country. 

Echoing the MC President’s message, Ms. Tupaz also thanked the ALI and MC teams for making the ‘landmark’ event possible. The ALI executive, who is also a proud MC alumna, extended her gratitude to the MC Board for trusting ALI once more with the new endeavor.

“Through Alviera we can provide an environment that is conducive for learning, promotes an appreciation for nature sustainability, presents an opportunity to generate employment, and overall provides an environment that allows Miriam to develop caring competent, committed and empowered individuals who contribute positively to society,” she said. “We look forward to Miriam (College) rising in Alviera. 

We can’t wait to hear the first bell ring,” she added. The school is set to open its doors in 2023.