De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through its School of New Media Arts (SNMA), took a major step forward in animation education with the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Toon Boom Animation Inc., a globally renowned Canadian software company recognized for its industry-standard animation tools used by leading studios worldwide.
Held at the Center for Partnerships and Internationalization, the signing ceremony on August 9, 2025, formalized a partnership that will grant Benilde students and faculty access to cutting-edge technology, advanced training programs, and international certification opportunities. The collaboration aims to strengthen Benilde’s animation curriculum and further align it with global creative industry standards, empowering students with the technical expertise and professional credentials sought by studios around the world.
Representing Toon Boom were François Lalonde, Co-President and Chief Revenue Officer; Sushil Pawar, Director of Channel Sales for APAC; and Sumeet Kumar, International Marketing Manager. From Benilde, the ceremony was attended by Patrick Astilla of SNMA, Terence Tiu of Benilde SPACE, Paula Roxas and Sherlo Reyes of the Center for External Linkages (CEL), and Chancellor Benhur Ong.
This partnership underscores Benilde’s enduring commitment to nurturing creative excellence and global competitiveness among its learners. By collaborating with industry leaders like Toon Boom, Benilde continues to shape a new generation of animators—innovative storytellers ready to make their mark on the world stage.
