The repair and restoration of UP Diliman (UPD) Molave Residence Hall (MRH) won in the Repair and Restoration category of the Philippine Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards (PECCA) 2022.

The PECCA 2022 is a collaborative event by the American Concrete Institute Philippines (ACIP) and the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA).

The winners in each category were evaluated on engineering, functionality/creativity, aesthetics/appearance, and innovative use of concrete.

To comply with Batas Pambansa 344, mandating the installation of facilities to enhance the mobility of disabled persons, the project managers for the MRH repairs and restoration chose to put a concrete ramp instead of steel to match the existing materials and finishes.

Consistency is important because the MRH has historical significance. It was the very first student dormitory of UPD and is designed by UPD’s first university architect, Cesar Concio.

The MRH repairs and restoration plan was approved by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Technical Working Council, composed of the National Museum, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Even though the construction project was temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, renovations were completed just in time for MRH to open its doors in August 2020 not as a dormitory, but as an isolation facility serving UPD constituents and nearby barangays.

The project was nominated by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – ACIP-UPD Student Chapter (PICE-ACIP-UPDSC).

The award was given by the PCA and the ACIP – Philippine Chapter on June 9 during the Construction Industry Night (Day 1) of the PhilConstruct Luzon at the SMX Convention Center Clark in Pampanga. Aside from receiving a plaque, the MRH project was named the official Philippine nominee to the American Concrete Institute (ACI) International Competition at the ACI Concrete Convention 2022 in Dallas, Texas, USA in October.