Written by: Amy R. Remo
One of the metro’s premier academic institutions is poised to become a fitting complement to an emerging integrated estate that has been spurring vibrancy and economic vitality in Central Luzon.
Miriam College is set to put up its most modern, sustainable campus to date within the 1,800-hectare Alviera estate in Porac, Pampanga—enabling this masterplanned economic and lifestyle growth center to also become a creative innovation hub that will help prepare and equip young minds for today’s hypercompetitive marketplace.
Artsist’s perspective of the soon-to-rise Miriam College in Aviera
As it brings its distinct brand of learning excellence that has nurtured enterprising minds for more than nine decades now, Miriam College will no doubt be an ideal addition to this growing, evolving community.
Ideal fit
“We strongly feel that there is a fit between the Pampanga community and what Miriam College will offer. We recognize the local dynamics and see that the expanding economy in the area brings about a new opportunity for us to deliver our brand of education to the region,” said Miriam College president and former Ambassador Laura Del Rosario.
“Expanding to Alviera has given us a chance to serve other communities with co-educational offerings in our branches to help more young people build a better future for themselves and their communities. Bringing our education closer to communities is our way to make the education of young people more accessible,” added Aurorita Mendoza, strategy and planning officer at Miriam College.
Alviera, a joint project of Ayala Land Inc. and Leonio Holdings Inc., is envisioned to become the growth center of Central Luzon
Alviera, a joint project of Ayala Land Inc. and Leonio Land Holdings Inc., is envisioned to become the growth center of Central Luzon, seamlessly integrating commercial, business, industrial park, university zones, retail centers, a country club, recreational areas and residential neighborhoods in four main districts. Sustainable features, accessibility, proximity to key infrastructure projects and the backing of reputable developers further sweeten the proposition for those looking for a more sound investment or spacious communities outside the metro.
Upon full development, Alviera is seen to create a community of 20,000 office and industrial workers, 65,000 residents and 20,000 students.
Conducive environment
Miriam College believes that Alviera can offer a conducive, enabling learning environment, which is critical in ensuring quality education—similar to the case of its campus in another Ayala Land estate in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The success of its Nuvali campus, also made possible through its collaboration with Ayala Land, should be proof enough that Alviera has everything that it takes to become the new breeding ground of the next generation of Pampanga-born leaders.
“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,” said Miriam College board chairperson Josefina Tan.
Miriam College believes that Alviera can offer a conducive, enabling learning environment.
Educational offerings
MC Alviera, which is set to open in 2023, will be co-educational and will offer all educational levels, from pre-school to graduate school, in phases, with certain focus areas and select courses in anticipation of the region’s potential talent pool needs in the near future.
Place-based learning elements will be infused in MC Alviera’s Kindergarten and early Grade School to emphasize real life relevance while its K-4 will see the integration of design thinking and innovation. MC Alviera’s Senior High School program will bring MC’s expertise in multi-disciplinary, whole-person approach to learning among students in the region.
Miriam College and the Alviera team during the contract signing held at MC’s Quezon City campus.
Envisioned to be “the home of the Creative Class,” innovative degree programs will be offered in the areas of creative and design industries. A first in Pampanga is MC Alviera’s Early Childhood Education program, aimed at addressing the diverse needs of young children. For its graduate program, MC Alviera will have a Masters program in Curriculum and Teaching with a specialization in 21st Century Learning. Short programs like Digital Animation, which will cover the qualifications for 3D Animation, 3D Game Art Development and Visual Graphics, will also be made available.
Postpandemic learning spaces
To inspire students and reinforce its thrust for future-ready education in a postpandemic era, Miriam College will build a state-of-the-art school of innovation and design featuring cutting-edge facilities such as reconfigurable classrooms for multi-level instruction, huddle spaces, collaboration areas and individual work stations, according to Dr. Jasmin Nario-Galace, vice president for academic affairs at Miriam College.
Sustainable features will be part of the campus development
Sustainable or green features will be part of the campus development, reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact. It will be designed to allow natural ventilation on cool days, have solar panels installed on the roof, and have a material recycling and recovery facility to help save on energy. Miriam College has partnered with Lor Calma & Partners led by Ar. Ed Calma for the masterplan and design of the campus.
As the country gears for postpandemic recovery, MC Alviera is pulling out all the stops to ensure that its students will be provided with the best possible education in a safe, flexible, environment-friendly space, in the hopes that they will be well-equipped with the necessary skills they will need for the next normal.
“Alviera serving as an enabler in the North, we are committed to provide an environment that is conducive for learning and invention, that promotes an appreciation for nature and sustainability, that presents an opportunity to generate employment, an environment that overall allows Miriam College to develop caring, competent, committed and empowered individuals that contribute positively to society,” shared Ayala Land estate development head Yeng Tupaz during the contract signing between Miriam College and Alviera.
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