School of Environment and Design | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | AY 2024–2025
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, through its School of Environment and Design (SED), supports sustainable urban planning and community development through collaborative projects, design innovations, and community engagement initiatives. These efforts address challenges related to inclusive infrastructure, sustainable transportation, accessible public spaces, environmental sustainability, and improved living conditions.
Through partnerships with communities and various organizations, Benilde contributes to the improvement of shared facilities, community spaces, and essential services, particularly for underserved populations. The College also promotes knowledge-sharing and innovative approaches to urban development that can support local planning priorities and strengthen future collaboration with local authorities.
The following 24 activities and initiatives undertaken during AY 2024–2025 highlight Benilde’s contributions to sustainable planning, inclusive community development, and improved living environments, supported by project descriptions, photographs, and available documentation.
Interior Design Program (4 Activities)
- APOH: Awakening the Pride of the Olden Hope — May–July 2024
- DAONG: Navigating Spaces with Unity and Resilience — August–December 2024
- Liwaga 2025: Puno ng Liwanag, Punong Liwaga — January–May 2025
- Aliway 2025: Creating a Community Clinic — May–August 2025
Architecture Program (10 Activities)
- Road to Progress: Advancing with Jeepney Modernization — October 16, 2024
- Hairdressing and Haircutting Skills for Livelihood Development — October 30, 2024
- Lolo ‘t Lola: Dance and Art Workshop for the Elderly — November 15, 2024
- Low Impact Development in Urban Design: The Value of Interconnection and Sustainability — November 22, 2024
- Metro X: Hacking Metros and Cities Towards Sustainability — March 7, 2025
- Sustainable Spaces: Waste Management and Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions — March 7, 2025
- BP 344 Accessibility Law: Levelling the Playing Field for PWDs — March 14, 2025
- Adaptive 3×3 Basketball League — March 14, 2025
- The Future of Passive Fire Protection — March 22, 2025
- Missing: Reflections on Manila’s Disappearing Plazas and Their Implications for Urban Design — June 13, 2025
Industrial Design Program (3 Activities)
- McDonald’s ReClassified Project Challenge: Sustainable School Furniture Design — AY 2024–2025
- Metro Pacific Tollways Innovation Olympics 2024: Special Citation Award — November 11, 2024
- Ergoneering 2025: SustainX — June 8, 2025 (article publication date)
Fashion Design and Merchandising Program (7 Activities)
- Sustainable Fashion for the Healing World — October 2024
- Rag Making Livelihood Outreach Project — November 2024
- FDM × BAYO × FIT: Farm to Fabric — February 2025
- INTDXHI Aliway 2025 Sewing Masterclass — July 2025
- Circularity and Sustainability in Fashion — July 2025
- MASDA AW Natural Dye Testing — August 2025
- Hapa Zome Workshop: Sustainable Textile Surface Design — August 2025
Interior Design Projects for Sustainable Urban Planning and Community Development
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (BS-InD) | School of Environment and Design (SED)
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through its Interior Design program by promoting sustainable design, inclusive spaces, and community-centered development. These initiatives encourage practical design solutions that address local planning challenges, accessibility, and community needs.
The following projects highlight the program’s contributions to sustainable planning and community development.
APOH: Awakening the Pride of the Olden Hope
May–July 2024
The APOH project was a student-led service-learning initiative by the Benilde Interior Design Program, undertaken in partnership with the Magsilay community in Pasil, Kalinga Province, through De La Salle Philippines. The project focused on empowering elderly community members through cultural reconnection and the development of a dedicated Senior Citizen Center. The renovated space supports social gatherings, counseling, leisure activities, and community engagement, strengthening the social inclusion, dignity, and cultural identity of senior citizens.
Project documentation: APOH Facebook Page | APOH Project Book
Photograph: APOH Senior Citizen Center
APOH Senior Citizen Center
DAONG: Navigating Spaces with Unity and Resilience
August–December 2024
DAONG was a service-learning project led by graduating Interior Design students of Benilde, dedicated to improving the living quarters of personnel at the Philippine Naval Reserve Center. Through functional, adaptable, and comfortable interior spaces, the initiative promoted well-being, unity, and community among Navy personnel. The project demonstrated how interior design can contribute to improved living conditions and recognize the service of those protecting the country.
DAONG Project
Project documentation: DAONG Facebook Page | DAONG Project Book
Liwaga 2025: Puno ng Liwanag, Punong Liwaga
January–May 2025
Liwaga 2025 was a student-led capstone project undertaken by graduating Interior Design students to renovate the common areas of the Hospicio de San Jose dormitory. The initiative transformed shared spaces into welcoming, functional, and nurturing environments for residents with special needs. Through thoughtful design, the project promoted comfort, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among marginalized members of the community.
Liwaga Renovated Spaces
Project documentation: Liwaga Facebook Page | Daily Tribune Feature | Manila Standard Feature
Aliway 2025: Creating a Community Clinic
May–August 2025
Aliway 2025 was a collaborative Interior Design project with St. Jaime Hilario–De La Salle Bataan, a mission school by the sea. The initiative focused on developing a community clinic that supports health and well-being. Inspired by the Filipino words alon and liwayway, the project embodied hope, compassion, and collaboration through the creation of accessible and functional healthcare spaces for the local community.
Aliway Community Clinic
Project documentation: Aliway Facebook Page
Architecture Projects for Sustainable Urban Planning and Community Development
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS-ARCH) | School of Environment and Design (SED)
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde promotes sustainable urban planning and community development through its Bachelor of Science in Architecture program. Through research-based design, collaborative urban studies, and community-centered architectural initiatives, the program explores solutions to urban challenges, inclusive development, and sustainable living environments, supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Road to Progress: Advancing with Jeepney Modernization
October 16, 2024
The Jeepney Modernization Outreach Program engaged drivers, operators, community partners, and Architecture and Industrial Design students in discussions on sustainable transportation. The initiative provided technical knowledge on modernized jeepney design and operations while encouraging collaboration toward safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible public transportation systems.
Hairdressing and Haircutting Skills for Livelihood Development
October 30, 2024
This community outreach initiative brought together Architecture students, the Center for Social Action, Childhope Foundation, and community partners to provide hands-on hairdressing and haircutting training to underserved communities. The program promoted livelihood opportunities, practical skills development, creativity, and local entrepreneurship while supporting the economic empowerment of participants.
Hairdressing Livelihood Training
Lolo ‘t Lola: Dance and Art Workshop for the Elderly
November 15, 2024
Organized through the collaboration of Architecture students, the Center for Social Action, Theresa Charities Foundation, and community partners, this outreach activity provided elderly participants with opportunities to engage in dance and art workshops. The initiative promoted physical and mental well-being, self-expression, social interaction, and community participation, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment for senior citizens.
Lolo ‘t Lola Workshop
Low Impact Development in Urban Design: The Value of Interconnection and Sustainability
November 22, 2024
This learning session featured Ar. Pamela Pagana and Ar. Jojo Gutierrez discussing low-impact development principles, sustainable architectural materials, and environmentally responsible urban design solutions. The activity highlighted practical alternatives for integrating sustainability into the urban environment, emphasizing that sustainable design does not necessarily require additional construction costs.
Low Impact Development Event
Metro X: Hacking Metros and Cities Towards Sustainability
March 7, 2025
Metro X brought together diverse perspectives to explore innovative solutions for smarter, greener, and more livable cities. The initiative emphasized multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing energy consumption, improving public transportation, strengthening waste management systems, and developing resilient urban environments. It encouraged community-driven approaches to sustainable urban development through co-creation and stakeholder participation.
Metro X Sustainability Forum
Sustainable Spaces: Waste Management and Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions
March 7, 2025
This event explored sustainable waste management practices and innovative, environmentally responsible cooling technologies. Bringing together industry practitioners, academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders, the initiative encouraged discussions on practical solutions to climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainable resource management in the built environment.
BP 344 Accessibility Law: Levelling the Playing Field for PWDs
March 14, 2025
This educational event examined Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, the Philippine Accessibility Law, and its implications for inclusive architectural design and public spaces. Discussions addressed accessible parking, ramps, restrooms, transportation facilities, implementation challenges, and regulatory developments. The activity promoted awareness of accessibility standards and the importance of creating inclusive built environments for persons with disabilities.
Adaptive 3×3 Basketball League
March 14, 2025
The Adaptive 3×3 Basketball League promoted inclusive participation in sports and greater awareness of the experiences of persons with disabilities. The initiative brought together athletes, students, and community stakeholders in an environment that encouraged understanding, empathy, and social inclusion through accessible recreational activities.
Adaptive Basketball League
The Future of Passive Fire Protection
March 22, 2025
This forum explored developments in passive fire protection, including fire-resistant materials, smart monitoring technologies, and improved application techniques. Discussions addressed challenges related to implementation, costs, technical skills, regulatory enforcement, and retrofitting older or historically significant buildings. The initiative promoted safer and more resilient structures through knowledge-sharing and professional collaboration.
Missing: Reflections on Manila’s Disappearing Plazas and Their Implications for Urban Design
June 13, 2025
This educational discussion examined the historical and cultural significance of Manila’s public plazas and their gradual disappearance due to urbanization, neglect, and inadequate heritage protection. Featuring Ms. Bea Dolores of Renacimiento Manila and Ar. Miguel Ordoño of the Benilde Architecture Program, the session encouraged students to reflect on the importance of preserving public spaces as centers of social, cultural, and community life.
Manila’s Disappearing Plazas
Industrial Design Projects for Sustainable Urban Planning and Community Development
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BS-ID) | School of Environment and Design (SED)
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through its Industrial Design program by promoting sustainable product innovation, inclusive design, and community-centered solutions. These initiatives encourage the development of practical and accessible designs that respond to local community needs and contribute to more sustainable living environments.
The following projects highlight the program’s contributions to sustainable development, community engagement, and inclusive design.
McDonald’s ReClassified Project Challenge: Sustainable School Furniture Design
AY 2024–2025
The McDonald’s ReClassified Project Challenge recognized innovative and cost-efficient school furniture designs developed by repurposing discarded materials from McDonald’s warehouses. The competition encouraged Industrial Design students to explore sustainable material use, practical production methods, and environmentally responsible product development. Entries were evaluated based on design quality (50%), cost efficiency (30%), and ease of production (20%).
McDonald’s ReClassified Project
Metro Pacific Tollways Innovation Olympics 2024: Special Citation Award
November 11, 2024
Benilde Industrial Design students Justin Osorio, Laurence Hernandez, and Ralf Sales, collectively known as Team Benilde’t Different, received the Special Citation Award at the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation Innovation Olympics 2024. Guided by faculty mentor Romeo Catap, the team developed an innovative proposal addressing challenges in the transportation sector. The competition promoted creative problem-solving and sustainable innovation in national infrastructure and mobility systems.
Ergoneering 2025: SustainX
June 8, 2025 — Philippine Star feature date
Ergoneering 2025: SustainX was a two-day event organized by the Benilde Industrial Design Program in collaboration with the De La Salle University College of Engineering and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of the Philippines. The initiative brought together students, experts, and industry practitioners to explore the integration of ergonomics and sustainability in design. It highlighted human-centered and environmentally responsible solutions that improve everyday living while addressing broader sustainability challenges.
Ergoneering 2025 SustainX
Fashion Design and Merchandising Program
The Fashion Design and Merchandising Program of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through sustainable fashion initiatives, community livelihood projects, and collaborative design activities. These initiatives promote responsible resource utilization, textile recycling, upcycling, and environmentally conscious production practices while supporting local artisans and marginalized communities.
Through partnerships with industry organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders, the program demonstrates how fashion and textile design can contribute to sustainable community development, livelihood opportunities, and environmental responsibility. The following activities highlight the program’s contributions during AY 2024–2025.
Sustainable Fashion for the Healing World
October 2024
The Fashion Design and Merchandising Program collaborated with the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, designers, and community partners in a sustainable fashion exhibition celebrating United Nations Day. Students transformed pre-loved clothing donated by The Little Vintage Shop into creative fashion pieces and accessories, demonstrating the potential of upcycling to reduce textile waste. Proceeds from the sale of the creations were intended to benefit the ZCME Psychological Center for Sexually Abused Girls at Marillac Hills in Muntinlupa, combining environmental sustainability with social responsibility.
Sustainable Fashion for the Healing World
Related article: The Philippine Star – Today’s Buzzword: Sustainability
Rag Making Livelihood Outreach Project
November 2024
The Rag Making Livelihood Outreach Project was a collaborative initiative of the Architecture and Fashion Design and Merchandising Programs of Benilde’s School of Environment and Design. The project aimed to empower marginalized communities by teaching participants how to produce and sell rags using recycled and upcycled materials. By combining sustainable waste management with practical livelihood training, the initiative supported community entrepreneurship and opportunities for additional income.
Rag Making Livelihood Project
Project documentation: Rag Making Livelihood Project Document
FDM × BAYO × FIT: Farm to Fabric
February 2025
The Farm to Fabric project was undertaken through a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative involving Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Bayo Foundation. The collaboration explored sustainable fashion production from raw material sourcing to finished textiles. Students engaged in cross-cultural learning, developed textile patterns inspired by Filipino heritage, and collaborated with local artisans to promote responsible fashion production and cultural appreciation.
Farm to Fabric Collaboration
INTDXHI Aliway 2025 Sewing Masterclass
July 2025
The INTDXHI Aliway 2025 Sewing Masterclass provided a hands-on learning experience focused on curtain and pillowcase production. The workshop strengthened basic sewing competencies and practical textile applications while encouraging collaboration between Fashion Design and Merchandising and Interior Design students. The activity supported the creation of functional textile products for the Aliway community development initiative.
Aliway Sewing Masterclass
Circularity and Sustainability in Fashion
July 2025
The Circularity and Sustainability in Fashion talk explored responsible approaches to fashion design, production, and consumption. The session highlighted recycling, upcycling, material innovation, and closed-loop systems as strategies for reducing textile waste and minimizing environmental impact. It encouraged students to adopt sustainable and ethical practices in fashion development.
Circularity and Sustainability in Fashion
MASDA AW Natural Dye Testing
August 2025
The MASDA AW Natural Dye Testing activity introduced students to sustainable color application through natural dye experimentation. Conducted in partnership with MASDA AW and led by Ms. Nina Poblador and Ms. Diana Katigbak, the initiative explored plant-based and environmentally responsible dyeing techniques. The activity promoted material innovation, sustainable textile production, and alternatives to conventional dyeing methods.
MASDA AW Natural Dye Testing
Hapa Zome Workshop: Sustainable Textile Surface Design
August 2025
The Hapa Zome Workshop introduced students to the Japanese art of leaf and flower pounding as an environmentally conscious textile design technique. Participants used natural plant pigments to create unique textile impressions while exploring sustainable surface decoration. The workshop encouraged creativity, experimentation, mindfulness, and appreciation for eco-friendly practices in fashion and textile design.
Hapa Zome Workshop
