A new academic facility is set to rise at the Davao de Oro State College Maparat Farm Laboratory following the groundbreaking ceremony led by DdOSC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay and Local Government Unit (LGU) Compostela Mayor Hon. Levi S. Ebdao in Brgy. Maparat earlier today, February 12, 2026.

The one-storey building, with a contract cost of Php5 million, is expected to be completed within six months.

It will house classrooms intended primarily for Agriculture students conducting laboratory and field-based activities at the farm site.

The project aims to bring instructional facilities closer to students’ field laboratories, enhancing hands-on learning and improving the overall delivery of agricultural education.

Present during the ceremony were Davao de Oro Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President Hon. Noriel John P. Ramacula, representing Davao de Oro First District Representative Hon. Maria Carmen S. Zamora-Mabanglo, MNSA; Maparat Barangay Captain Hon. Vilma I. Barbarona; DdOSC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gloryjean C. Altamera; Project Management Unit Head Engr. Ian Dave P. Corteza; and Agriculture Department Program Head Jonalyn N. Tordillo, MBA, along with other college and local government officials.

In her message, Dr. Matunhay expressed gratitude to LGU Compostela for its continued partnership, citing the formal donation of the 50,000-square-meter parcel of land through Municipal Resolution No. 2024-6937 as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional development.

“I remain optimistic that this project will be completed on schedule, ensuring that our students and teachers can fully utilize the facility for their laboratory classes at the Maparat Farm Laboratory,” Dr. Matunhay said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ebdao reaffirmed the LGU’s support for the college’s expansion initiatives and revealed the possibility of donating an additional five-hectare property within the municipality to support DdOSC’s agriculture requirements further.

Once completed, the new building is expected to strengthen DdOSC’s Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program and contribute to the college’s broader efforts to enhance experiential learning opportunities for its students.