IT will be regarded as a venue for cultural exchange that will give life to new ideas, research and advanced studies while the other, a venue for international conferences.

Indeed, the soon-to-rise GT-Toyota Asian Heritage House and the 500-seat GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium inside the University of the Philippines is set to become a landmark that will showcase the rich heritage of Asia.

“It will also provide perspective on the global role that Asia plays in the 21st century. These structures will become landmarks in the university and a ‘melting pot’ of culture,” announced Toyota Motor Philippines Chair Dr. George SK Ty during the recent groundbreaking of the twin projects.

TMP has donated P100 million to the project, which is considered the single largest donation given by a private company since the university started its centennial fundraising campaign.

One hectare

The facilities will be constructed within a one-hectare property beside the Romulo Hall with noted architect Jose Pedro Recio of Rchitects Inc. firm taking charge of the new building and auditorium’s design.

Construction of the new facilities will start early next year.

Once finished the two structures will also become the headquarters of the Institute of Asia Pacific Dialogue, Research and Policy Studies and of the UP Agenda for Asian Cultural Exchange and Cooperation.

The donation was considered timely as the university envisions itself to become a cultural and policy hub of intellectual and cultural exchanges in the Philippines and Asia by establishing a research institute for the study of relevant national and regional issues.

The donation is the latest major contribution from Toyota in its efforts to help in the social development of the country.

The chair explained that as Toyota looks forward to another 20 years of partnership with the Philippines, the company will continue to strive to contribute to the country’s development, to the economy as well as to society.