SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) demonstrates its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting public access to buildings, heritage structures, and creative spaces of cultural significance. Through institutional guidelines, heritage conservation initiatives, adaptive reuse, and community-based artistic programs, Benilde ensures that its facilities serve not only the academic community but also the broader public.
Benilde provides public access to its buildings and facilities through established reservation and coordination procedures, as stipulated in its Administrative Services Reservation Form Guidelines. These procedures facilitate the responsible use of institutional spaces while ensuring their accessibility for educational, cultural, and community engagement activities.
A significant example of Benilde’s commitment to heritage preservation is the Miguel Febres Cordero (MFC) Building, formerly known as the Mayflower Apartments. Constructed in 1938 and commissioned by former Philippine Vice President Fernando Lopez, the building is an important part of Manila’s pre-war architectural heritage. Over the years, it accommodated various embassies and institutions, including Instituto Cervantes, before its acquisition by Benilde. In March 2025, the building underwent an inspection in preparation for proposed retrofitting and adaptive reuse as the Benilde Fashion Museum. This initiative aims to transform the historic structure into a publicly accessible cultural destination where visitors can appreciate the country’s architectural and fashion heritage.
Furthermore, through the STAR 2025 (Summer Training and Artist Recruitment) Program, Benilde extended access to its performing arts facilities and creative spaces to participants from both the Benildean and external communities. By accommodating workshops, artistic training, and cultural activities, the College fosters inclusivity, artistic development, cultural appreciation, and meaningful community participation.
Collectively, these initiatives reflect Benilde’s continuing efforts to preserve cultural heritage, promote responsible use of institutional facilities, and strengthen public engagement with the arts and history. The following activities and supporting evidence further demonstrate the College’s initiatives in providing public access to buildings and spaces of cultural significance.
Facilitating Public Access Through Institutional Facility Reservation Guidelines
AY 2024–2025
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde promotes responsible and inclusive public access to its institutional buildings and facilities through its Administrative Services Reservation Form Guidelines. These guidelines establish procedures for requesting, coordinating, and reserving campus spaces for approved activities, including educational, cultural, and community-oriented initiatives.
By implementing a structured reservation system, Benilde supports the organized use of its facilities while balancing accessibility, safety, and operational requirements. This mechanism contributes to SDG 11 by enabling institutional spaces to serve broader educational and community purposes beyond regular academic activities.
Supporting Evidence: Administrative Services Reservation Form Guidelines, Benilde SDG Website – Administrative Services Reservation Form Guidelines
Preserving Manila’s Architectural Heritage: The Miguel Febres Cordero Building and the Future Benilde Fashion Museum
March 2025
The Miguel Febres Cordero (MFC) Building, formerly known as the Mayflower Apartments, represents an important part of Manila’s architectural and cultural heritage. Built in 1938 and commissioned by former Philippine Vice President Fernando Lopez, the historic building has served various purposes, including housing embassies and institutions such as Instituto Cervantes, before becoming part of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde.
In March 2025, the building was inspected in preparation for proposed retrofitting and adaptive reuse as the Benilde Fashion Museum. This initiative seeks to preserve the building’s historical and architectural character while transforming it into a cultural space accessible to the public. The proposed museum will provide opportunities for visitors to appreciate both Manila’s pre-war architectural heritage and the evolution of Philippine fashion.
Through this heritage conservation initiative, Benilde demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding historically significant structures and promoting cultural appreciation. The planned adaptive reuse of the MFC Building supports SDG 11 by integrating heritage preservation with education, cultural engagement, and future public accessibility.
Supporting Evidence: Heritage Building Inspection and Proposed Adaptive Reuse, Facebook Post – Supporting Heritage Documentation
Opening Creative Spaces to the Community Through STAR 2025
2025
Through the Summer Training and Artist Recruitment (STAR) 2025 Program, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde extended access to its performing arts facilities and creative spaces to participants from both the Benildean and external communities.
The program provided opportunities for aspiring artists and community participants to engage in workshops, artistic training, and creative activities within the College’s facilities. By opening these spaces beyond regular academic use, Benilde encouraged artistic expression, cultural exchange, talent development, and community participation.
This initiative contributes to SDG 11 by promoting inclusive access to cultural and creative spaces, strengthening community engagement, and supporting the continued development and appreciation of the performing arts.
Supporting Evidence: STAR 2025 – Community Access to Performing Arts Facilities
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1267815004791978&rdid=l0i9KGsP3IsHhwUN
