LEAKS, corrosion, and deteriorating fixtures have prompted the University to begin rehabilitation work in the 20-year-old UST car park, the Facilities Management Office (FMO) told the Varsitarian.
This comes ahead of the expiration of the University’s extended contract with Selegna Holdings Corp., the private contractor and operator, on Nov. 15.
FMO Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. told the Varsitarian that UST would assume direct management of the facility by mid-November.
“By November 15 kasi, [Selegna Holdings] will cease operations and UST will be the one to take over that building,” he said. “That’s why, even before that, we are doing our best to ensure that the building is still safe for people to use.”
To address safety concerns and complaints, Austria said the FMO took the initiative to address maintenance issues that had been left unattended by the operator.
He said the FMO oversaw repairs on the facility’s sewage treatment plant.
“Selegna has been the operator since time immemorial kasi siya ‘yong proponent [sa contract], [and] I’m not quite sure if they have done anything,” Austria said.
A preliminary assessment of the building revealed structural issues, including leaking canopies, exposed panel boards, and loose safety grills.
Initial rehabilitation work began on Oct. 17, focusing on the structural components at the rear portion of the car park. Repairs on the front canopy and Ruaño Drive are expected to follow during the Undas Break on Oct. 30 to Nov. 4.
“Though Selegna is the main contractor or operator, still, our students are in danger. Even the stakeholders will be in danger if you’re not going to take charge of its safety,” Austria said.
“It would be safe for those who are using the parking [facility] and the food concessionaires,” he added.
Selegna Holdings declined to comment when contacted by the Varsitarian by phone.
Structural investigation
A second phase of structural investigation will be conducted once the contract expires, encompassing the building’s mechanical, electrical, and other related systems.
“Rest assured that UST car park operations still continue—it will not cease to exist,” Austria said.
The UST car park, also known as the Multi-Deck Parking (MDP) Building, opened in 2004. It is managed by Selegna Holdings, which reported a net income of ₱ 14.2 million in 2024.
READ: UST carpark operator swings to profit in 2024 | The Varsitarian
The car park’s build-operate-transfer contract became the subject of litigation after Selegna Holdings sought corporate rehabilitation in 2006.
In 2015, UST and Selegna Holdings reached a compromise deal, the details of which were not disclosed publicly.
However, the end of the contract in November 2025 or 20 years after the completion of construction represents an extension from the original 15-year timeframe.
According to Selegna Holdings’ financial statement, the MDP had a net book value of ₱ 59.02 million at the end of 2024.
The four-story car park can accommodate about 360 vehicles, with two levels housing more than 25 food concessionaires. Commercial tenants include fast-food and casual dining restaurant chains such as Chowking, Pancake House, Icebergs, and Tapa King.
Once the contract expires, the food establishments will be placed under the supervision of the Office of the Vice Rector for Finance, Austria said.
Amid safety concerns, the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy moved to the Albertus Magnus Building in 2021.
Frustrations, inconvenience
Thomasians have expressed frustration with the carpark’s poor condition.
Political science senior Dazzel Panganiban, a car park user for over a year, complained about the persistent leaks and poor ventilation.
“Hindi ko alam saan nanggagaling ‘yong mga tulo, especially kung pedestrian ka, and even inside, maraming pools of water. Tapos ‘yong ventilation, as in, super bad–sobrang init,” he said.
Engineering sophomore Marco Paolo Raper doubted whether the carpark was being properly maintained, noting visible cracks and dirt buildup.
“Meron na akong nakikita at napapansin [na cracks], lalo na ‘yong mga dumi,” he said.
For Jaime Miguel Mendoza of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, long lines and limited parking spaces were the main concerns of car park users.
“‘Yong inconvenience ko is palaging puno. Like 12 onward, tapos the line’s always long,” Mendoza said.
He also raised concerns about high parking rates, despite discounts being offered to students.
The carpark charges a rate of P40 for the first two hours and P15 for each succeeding hour or a fraction of an hour. Fritz Nathan A. Diaz and Luis Angelo N. Palma
