UP Chapel landscaping completed in time for Simbang Gabi, ahead of 70th anniversary

The Church of the Holy Sacrifice inside the University of the Philippines will hold Simbang Gabi masses in the middle of a newly refreshed lawn and installation of landscaping upgrades.

The church, also called the UP Chapel, will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Dec. 20, 2025.

The historic structure was designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin with former dean of the UP College of Engineering Engr. Alfredo L. Juinio as structural engineer.

It is one of the iconic landmarks built by DMCI Group founder Engr. David M. Consunji.

The recently completed enhancement project includes landscaping upgrades, grassing, and clearing across the chapel grounds.

Work began in May 2024 to highlight the chapel’s timeless design while creating a serene outdoor setting for worshippers and the UP Diliman community.

“The UP Chapel holds deep significance for the UP Diliman community. Being able to contribute to its enhancement and preservation is both a privilege and a heartfelt responsibility for our team,” said Landscape Architect Alexis Valiente, AVP of DMCI Homes Concepts and Landscape Management.

"We hope that the refreshed surroundings offer a setting that uplifts everyone who visits," he added.

The UP Chapel remains a unique achievement in Philippine architecture. It is the country’s first circular chapel and the first to feature a thin-shell concrete dome engineered by Juinio.

It is also the only structure in the Philippines that brings together the works of five National Artists: Leandro Locsin for Architecture, Napoleon Abueva for Sculpture, Arturo Luz for Visual Arts, Vicente Manansala for Painting, and Ang Kiukok for Visual Arts. –NB, GMA Integrated News