De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde students secured 2nd Place with their design “Isnawa” at the 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, organized by the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands. The Benildean Design Team, composed of Maia Martin, Kervine Tan, Pamela Magcalas, Tricia Malupa from the BS Architecture program, and Reina Cruz from the AB-Multimedia Arts program, competed under the mentorship of Ar. Carlos Joselito “Jojo” Gutierrez.
“Isnawa,” named after the Kapampangan word meaning “to breathe,” proposes the prehabilitation and conservation of the Macabebe Mangrove area in Brgy. Consuelo, Pampanga. The site development plan incorporates the existing mangrove cluster and includes three main structures for activities such as birdwatching, fishing, warden services, and leisure. The structures, named after the movements of the egret, a common bird in the area, focus on harmonizing locals and visitors with mangroves and birds to ensure long-term environmental responsibility. Ar. Gutierrez speaks highly of the winning project considering that the team began preparations late due to prioritizing their academic requirements.
The competition saw participation from six other schools, including the University of Santo Tomas, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Batangas State University, National University, and Far Eastern University. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila won 1st Place with their design titled “Bankauan” for the Macabebe Mangrove and Coastal Site in Brgy. Consuelo, Macabebe, Pampanga. National University’s “Talisayan” placed 3rd.
The awarding event was held on May 27, 2024, at the 4th Floor, SM North EDSA Atrium Annex, Quezon City, in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity. The event concluded with the opening of the Wetland Center Design Exhibit, showcasing design boards and scale models to celebrate the achievements of the participating teams and promote biodiversity and wetland conservation.
