CABANATUAN CITY – The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) and the municipal government of Santo Domingo, Nueva Ecija have formalized a partnership through a 50-year Usufruct Agreement, granting the university use of the old municipal complex as the temporary site of its campus facility.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by NEUST President Rhodora Jugo, Santo Domingo Mayor Leonido De Guzman Jr., as well as university and local officials.
The 5,105-square-meter property, formerly the site of the old municipal hall, will serve as the temporary campus of NEUST Santo Domingo.
Under the agreement, NEUST will have full access to existing facilities, which include the old municipal building, the Senior Citizen Building, the Rural Health Unit, ABC Hall, the Municipal Gymnasium, the Office of the Municipal Administrator, and the Department of Agriculture Building.
The university is also authorized to construct additional structures to address its operational and academic needs.
Jugo emphasized NEUST’s commitment to expanding educational access for the residents of Santo Domingo, particularly for the youth.
“By allowing the university to expand its presence in Santo Domingo, you are planting the seeds of knowledge that will surely bear fruit in the future,” she said.
NEUST Vice President for Administration, Business & Finance, and Legal Officer Bembol Castillo detailed the rights and obligations of both parties under the agreement, while Santo Domingo Campus Director Marlon Rufino highlighted the importance of the signed contract.
“In the years to come, this campus will serve as the training ground for future teachers, engineers, business leaders, and public servants,” Rufino noted.
De Guzman expressed his gratitude to the leadership of NEUST and the Sangguniang Bayan for their support in establishing a university campus.
This partnership aims to improve access to quality higher education for the youth of Santo Domingo and surrounding areas while promoting local development and enhancing public service delivery. (CLJD/CNG, PIA 3-Nueva Ecija)