CAMPUS STORY | Feature: ISU Roxas Campus transforms Old AgriTech Building to a New, State-of-the-art Facility

The Isabela State University – Roxas Campus Library is set for a much-needed rehabilitation to address the growing demands of its expanding student population and to enhance its facilities for better accessibility and learning experiences.

Previously housed in a two-classroom-sized building, the library struggles to meet the space and resource needs of its users.

*The Agri-Tech building, while structurally outdated and in disrepair, presents an opportunity for transformation.*

To address this, the old and dilapidated Agri-Tech building has been identified for renovation and repurposing as the new library site, promising to offer a more modern and spacious facility.

Completed in March 25, 2022, which takes its first year inaugural debut of its full operationalization this year (2023), the new Library Building now houses two additional Offices: the Guidance Counselling Office and the Office of Student Affairs and Services.

Its rehabilitation aligns with the university’s mission to provide quality infrastructure that supports academic excellence.

*By refurbishing this existing structure, the university not only addresses the immediate need for a larger and more conducive learning space but also contributes to global sustainability goals.*

Specifically, this project reflects the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which emphasizes the importance of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. In the context of academic infrastructure, the adaptive reuse of brownfield sites like the Agri-Tech building highlights a commitment to resource efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Through this rehabilitation project, Isabela State University not only addresses an immediate institutional need but also sets an example of how sustainable practices can be integrated into educational development.

A modernized, expansive library is an essential component of this effort, as it will significantly enhance the learning experience for students, faculty, and researchers. The refurbished facility is now equipped to accommodate more users, provide access to an enriched collection of resources, and create an inviting space that fosters collaboration and academic growth.