Being an undergraduate is arguably one of the best years in anyone’s life, however, it is also a time for bittersweet endings. For College students, their journey may culminate in perhaps a grand graduation ceremony.
It has been 15 years since De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) first opened its doors to the pioneer students of its Architecture program in Academic Year 2009-2010. Since then, the foundation that the College has built has only been more fortified over time, refurbished by the excellence that young minds bring in every year.
This November, the College took another bold step toward advancing inclusive education, as representatives Sherlo Reyes from the Center for External Linkages (CEL) and Ana Kristina Arce, BAPDST chairperson, journeyed to Japan. Over five impactful days, they shared expertise, built alliances, and opened doors to transformative opportunities that transcend borders.
On November 22, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde concluded the Deaf Out-of-School Youth Academic and Career Transitions (DO ACT) project, a transformative program that has opened new pathways for Deaf learners to access higher education and career opportunities. The culminating event marked the successful completion of this initiative, which demonstrates Benilde’s leadership in inclusive education.
In a proud moment at the CHED Autonomous and Deregulated Awarding Ceremony for Private Higher Education Institutions, Benilde was awarded the Autonomous Status certificate by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The event took place on November 24, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where Chancellor Benhur Ong graciously accepted the prestigious certificate.
Securing autonomous status from CHED is no small feat. This accolade grants Benilde the freedom to innovate its curriculum, form international partnerships, and prioritize academic excellence without the red tape. Plus, it opens doors to financial incentives, allowing for substantial investments in research, infrastructure, and overall institutional growth.
With this renewed autonomous status, valid until 2027 and formalized through CHED Memorandum Order No. 7, Series of 2024, Benilde reaffirms its commitment to high academic standards, top-notch faculty, and unparalleled student success. First achieved in 2019, this continuous recognition highlights Benilde’s dedication to providing a world-class education.
Throughout the month of November, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Strategic Initiative (SI) teams held the #IKnowThePlan Roadshow Series, led by the College’s Center for Institutional Planning (CIP).
According to the CIP, the series hopes to provide clear guidance to the Benildean community on how to align their plans with that of the strategic initiative teams of the college. “This [series] aims to guide you (Benildeans) in making your programs more relevant and innovative to boost productivity and efficiency. We hope this roadshow will motivate you to find ways to support the realization of the plan and the fulfillment of the college’s vision and mission,” CIP Planning Officer Angeli Villamor expressed.
On November 5, School of New Media Arts Dean and SI Academics Team Leader Maria Sharon Arriola together with Center for Restorative Discipline Director and SI Lasallian Formation Team Leader Norie Ador Dionisio kickstarted the roadshow with their presentations.
Arriola provided top-line information about the strategic direction of our program offerings from the current academic year (AY) until AY 2026-2027, emphasizing that the College’s degrees remain industry-relevant, innovative, and inclusive in terms of their creation, enhancement, and delivery.
She shared that the SI Academics team aims to have Benilde implement an expanded educational framework by (1) redesigning program offerings and activities for relevance and compliance, (2) developing accessible new programs and pathways, (3) enhancing faculty development and teaching excellence, (4) achieving readiness for external accreditations, and (5) promoting collaboration across programs and with external partners by AY 2026-2027.
By achieving the measures they set, Arriola reported that this would lead to (1) relevant programs that are aligned with current trends and responsive to society’s needs; (2) success that will provide new, accessible learning pathways, enhance faculty development, and improve readiness for external accreditations; and (3) strengthened collaborations within Benilde and with external partners will position the institution as a leader in niche academic programs.
With this, Arriola encouraged the Benildean community to help in achieving the milestones they had set through active participation and feedback, collaboration and interdisciplinary work, continuous professional development, support in accreditation readiness efforts and quality assurance, and participation in partnerships and outreach.
Following Arriola was Dionisio, who presented the SI on Lasallian Formation. Overall, the milestones they had set provide relevant, compelling, and holistic Lasallian Formation programs to strengthen the Benildean-Lasallian Identity.
“We wanted to highlight that formation starts with the individual, where you are in the context. We want integration of your knowledge and the experience that you have in the Lasallian education system,” she expressed. “Formation is lifelong—meaning it’s a process and it’s a journey.”
Overall, the SI Lasallian Formation emphasized that with the fulfillment of their laid-out initiatives, they will lead to (1) the development of the whole person not just academic success or professional life experience; (2) instilling the core values of faith, service, and community; (3) preparing individuals for leadership roles that prioritize service to others; (4) spiritual development grounded in Christian tradition that leads to a deepened sense of faith and purpose.; (5) significant contribution to the service of the poor, marginalized, economically disadvantaged in a personal and communal way; (6) community and relationship building, it also requires accompaniment through presence; (7) leading a balanced, fulfilling life as it fosters resilience, enhances productivity and supports overall happiness; and (8) a personal engagement in formation.
Similar to Arriola’s request, Dionisio shared that the SI Lasallian Formation will need support in ways such as (1) sufficient financial resources and assistance in the development of evaluation tools for programs and also access to appropriate technology; (2) collaboration where cross-functional offices share skills and expertise, and promote and practice regular communication and ownership to the targets and key objectives; (3) feedback about their programs; (4) active participation among students, associates, administrators, and community partners; (5) training and development to provide a continued platform for continuous learning of the Lasallian Charism and Mission for service providers; and (6) strong assistance from Benilde leaders to ensure engagement to Lasallian Formation programs and activities.
The discussions were continued on the roadshow’s second day, November 13, led by Benilde Marketing Center Director and SI Marketing Team Leader Marco Santiago.
In general, the SI Marketing’s measures are meant to increase College visibility, sustainability, and growth by promoting high-quality programs and support services to our target markets, setting their sight on a specific goal of increasing entry enrollment by 50% by AY 2025-2026.
The measures the SI team had set include increasing (1) entry enrollment by 30% in two years; (2) applications of the College to meet the 30% target; and (3) brand awareness.
If these are all achieved, Santiago shared that these would lead to (1) greater resource allocation; (2) enhanced institutional reputation; and (3) stronger community engagement.
In order to assure the success of the SI on Marketing team’s goals, Santiago invited the Benildean community to help out in ways that they can. These can be through (1) active participation in marketing and outreach efforts; (2) engagement in marketing posts on social media; and (3) referrals and word-of-mouth marketing. Reiterating the three suggestions, the SI on Marketing Team Leader said, “These can be significant to enhance our recruitment efforts because there’s already supplemental messaging coming from the community.”
“Of course, the more students that we have, the more exposure that we can get also. It can also affect the future recruitment efforts,” highlighted.
Following the SI on Marketing was the presentation of the SI on Digital Transformation team, led by Center for Project Management Services of the Digital Technology Office Director Randy Tandoc.
As a team, the SI on Digital Transformation supports initiatives toward a future-proof educational institution marked by efficiency, innovation, and enhanced services of the College. With this, they aim to (1) drive institutional awareness on Digital Transformation initiatives; (2) explore emerging technology on Computer-Adaptive Testing; and (3) establish a roadmap that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration within the College.
Having cited these, Tandoc bared that successfully implementing these initiatives have implications including (1) nurturing a culture that embraces changes, commits to improve, and recognizes successful changes and (2) promoting and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the College.
“Having these in mind allows Benilde to not only respond to current demands, but also anticipate future trends and set a competitive standing in the industry,” Tandoc affirmed.
The SI Digital Transformation Team Leader then encouraged the Benildean community to be engaged in training and workshops that will be offered. This includes, he said, being comfortable with new tools and technology and actively practicing the learnings in new platforms or systems that will be implemented. “Work together and help each other to get up to speed with the changes,” stated Tandoc.
Another way of supporting their team’s initiatives is through feedback. “Let us know what’s working and what is not,” he emphasized. “Your first-hand feedback will help us refine and improve the transformation process. So, share your ideas and highlight challenges, identifying any obstacle you are encountering so we can address them quickly and ensure no one is left behind.”
Lastly, Tandoc invited Benildeans to be advocates for digital transformation. He expressed, “Encourage others. Help others understand the benefit of our digital transformation efforts and the positive impact it can have on your work.” He furthered that the community can share success stories and improvements when they see them—with colleagues and online to “build enthusiasm and momentum.”
“Let’s embrace this journey and support each other as we grow,” he closed, wrapping up his presentation and Day 2 of the roadshow.
Discussions continued on the following Monday, November 18, for the last leg of the #IKnowThePlan Roadshow sessions, which focused on the SI on Resource Management, led by Diogenes Ungab.
Overall, their team aims to be the leading innovative, inclusive, and sustainable support services achieving the programs that are centers of excellence responding to industry and societal demands.
In order to achieve this, the team set four measures: to (1) consolidate non-traditional revenue and increase its contribution to the College; (2) generate savings from existing cost areas through efficient facilities and/or services; (3) develop sustainable and competitive people strategies; and (4) grow the population of scholars.
Referring to Measure 1, Ungab rationalized that the College does not want to rely on students’ tuition and miscellaneous fees to fund some of the major projects of Benilde, leading them to increase the fees. “This is really the reason why part of the measure one is really just focusing on non-traditional revenue,” the team leader declared.
Another that was emphasized in Ungab’s presentation was maximizing financial gains on collections and disbursements. “We hope to save and reduce our costs, as well as maximize the placements of our collections,” he furthered, which he explained is related to the fees for online-banking transaction offerings to students.
He then recalls Measure 2 and discloses that the team plans to upgrade the College’s facilities and services—such as technologies that are less energy intensive in terms of consumption.
“We hope to come up with a revitalized campus redevelopment master plan that will manage all our facilities well, as well as the conversion of more renewable energy sources, either by the introduction of new technologies such as solar, as well as inverter technologies, as an example.”
Ungab also mentioned their plans of making the procurement process more efficient, saying, “We hope that we upgrade and upgrade.”
The SI on Resource Management team then cited that the achievement of their measures will lead to (1) stakeholders being happy, knowing everyone is part of the growth of the College and has contributed to its growth; (2) physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially healthy students and associates; and (3) the achievement of the College’s Vision-Mission statement.
“We hope that you can already share your ideas on how we can still maximize resources. And then also, as the CIP team always mentions, always be in the know, attend and participate,” Ungab ended.
While there are new initiatives, there were also some that were carried over from the previous AY. Their inclusion not only emphasized the continuity in the College’s plans but also that Benilde is owning up to the shared responsibilities in achieving its goals.
The SDEAS Alumni Summit 2024 was held on November 16, 2024, at Greenway Square in Taft Campus. Centered on the theme “Building a Thriving Workforce: Unity in Achievement,” the event gathered Deaf professionals, alumni, and leaders for a day of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Keynote signer David Nelson, Manager for Passenger Accessibility at Amtrak, delivered insights on fostering inclusivity in the workplace. An alumni panel featured Michael Lopez, translator and transcriber at Benilde; Aileen Gay Sibal, HR associate for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Teleperformance; and Morly Canta, senior graphic designer at MPT Mobility. The panel was moderated by Beth Karbowski of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
The summit also included hands-on workshops and networking sessions, providing participants with tools to advance their careers and strengthen their community connections.
Congratulations to Benilde President Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC on his re-election as Treasurer of the (CEAP) Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines!
The College and Mark Henry Lapuebla of the Center for Emergency Management, Safety and Security (CEMSS) were recognized by the City Government of Manila and Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for their efforts during Benilde PRIME, held from July 1 to 5, 2024.
Benilde PRIME, short for “Promoting Resilience through Innovation in Managing Emergencies,” brought together key partners like the MMDA, MDRRMO, BFP Manila, and PRC-Manila Chapter for a week of seminars and hands-on activities on fire safety, earthquake preparedness, and emergency response.
The plaques were handed out on October 25, 2024, at The Rizal Park Hotel. Lapuebla accepted both—one for the College and one for himself.
Blazers Men’s Basketball Team vies for the Championship title against Mapua Cardinals at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
December 7 at 2:30pm • Smart Araneta Coliseum
Game 2
December 14 at 2:30pm • Smart Araneta Coliseum
Game 3
For tickets, visit the CSD Office at the Benilde Sports and Dorm Complex.
Benilde Blazing Shuttlers
Champions
Men’s Badminton
Alron Cyril Alonzo
Most Valuable Player
Men’s Badminton
Troy Oliveros
Freshman of the Year
Men’s Badminton
Antonio Mance
Coach of the Year
Men’s Badminton
Benilde Blazing Paddlers
1st Runner-Up
Men’s Table Tennis
Benilde Lady Blazers
2nd Runner-Up
Women’s Table Tennis
Benilde Taekwondo Jins
1st Runner-Up
Taekwondo Women’s Division
Sean Falsis, Adrian Paul Yadao & JV Anthony Villaron
Gold Medal
Poomsae Competition, Team Seniors Men’s
Zyrra Delgado, Tisha Ulat & Elisha Aguilar
Gold Medal
Poomsae Competition, Team Senior Women’s
Tisha Ulat
Gold Medal
Poomsae Competition, Women’s Individual
Francesca Robrigado & Adrian Paul Yadao
Silver Medal
Poomsae Competition, Mixed Pair Seniors
Sean Falsis
Silver Medal
Poomsae Competition
Alyza Kate Savilla
Freshman of the Year & Rookie of the Year
Taekwondo Tournament, Women’s Division
James Bernal
Silver Medal
Kyorugi Lightweight Category
Karl Aricayos
Gold Medal
Kyorugi Heavyweight Category
Sean Falsis
Bronze Medal
Kyorugi Featherweight Category
Ethyl Palconit
Silver Medal
Kyorugi Hevayweight Category
Lycah Segura
Gold Medal
Kyorugi Welterweight Category
Kynna Pilarica
Silver Medal
Lyorugi Lightweight Category
Gleistel Bobadilla
Bronze Medal
Kyorugi Featherweight Category
Heaven Acta
Bronze Medal
Kyorugi Flyweight Category
Coleen Alexi Co
Gold Medal
Kyorugi Flyweight Category
The leadership teams of Benilde, La Salle Green Hills, and De La Salle Lipa participated in the Future Thinking Workshop held from November 28-30 at the First Pacific Leadership Academy.
This program, designed as both a capacity-building and strategic planning initiative, brought together key decision-makers to prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the future. While the workshop itself took place over three days, planning and coordination efforts began well in advance to ensure its success.
Through dynamic sessions and hands-on collaboration, the workshop aimed to:
This shared journey reflects the schools’ commitment to proactive leadership and innovation in shaping the future of education.
The Future Thinking Workshop was facilitated by Forge Futures.
The Benildean Entrance Exam (BEE) is back for applicants for AY 2025-2026.
Scholarships and Grants Application is open starting December 2, 2024.