20 October 2025
Apple joined the Benildean Community last October 15 at The Atrium@Benilde Campus to celebrate the College’s renewed recognition as an Apple Distinguished School. The handover ceremony marked another milestone in Benilde’s ongoing work in inclusive innovation, creative learning, and purposeful design.
Robert Appino, Apple’s Head of Education for South Asia, praised Benilde’s continued leadership in higher education, noting its role as the only higher education institution in the Philippines recognized under the program. He pointed to Benilde’s strong focus on accessibility, its future-forged initiatives, and its commitment to preparing students for emerging fields like AI, big data, and design-led problem solving. “You do always come up with really clever things to drive the next wave of innovation,” he shared during the ceremony. Trish Castro, Apple’s Leadership and Learning Executive and a proud Lasallian herself, also joined the celebration, bringing a shared sense of mission and community to the handover.
Appino also spoke about the evolving demands of the workplace and how schools must adapt to prepare students for jobs that didn’t exist five years ago. He cited creative thinking, analytical thinking, and technology literacy as core skills, alongside the growing need for AI and data specialists. “How do we empower all learners today and prepare them to thrive tomorrow?” he asked, framing the challenge as both urgent and ongoing.
Benilde’s reapplication showcased how technology supports every kind of learner, from Deaf students who prefer video-based communication to design students reimagining spaces for the blind. Faculty and students alike cited Apple’s seamless ecosystem and creative tools as essential to how they teach, learn, and collaborate. “If technology is a sandbox, then Benilde is the playground,” said Althea Sevilla from the School of New Media Arts. Julianne Ang, a student from the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, added, “Many Deaf people prefer video messages, which is why Apple’s video technology is a great help. It’s easy to use and produces high-quality results.”
Nearly 90% of Benildeans use Apple devices for teaching, learning, and collaboration. Faculty say Apple empowers them to create interactive lessons that spark creativity, while students value the freedom to express ideas and connect with others. “Our vision is to prepare students not just for today’s world, but to shape tomorrow’s through design and purpose-driven creativity,” said Vanessa Puente from the School of New Media Arts. Michael Vea from the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies added, “Technology is a bridge to opportunity, so I motivate them to explore tools and platforms that will help them grow professionally.”
The College’s Innovation Office continues to lead efforts in embedding creativity and accessibility into everyday learning. Through programs like Benilde Breakthrough, the community is encouraged to pitch ideas that improve services and support well-being. This initiative supports academic programs, alternative learning pathways, and operational improvements. All are aimed at fostering a more inclusive and responsive campus. “Benilde leverages technology as a powerful tool to break down traditional barriers to access,” said Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Lacson.
Appino also acknowledged Benilde’s visibility within the Apple Distinguished School network, noting that the College didn’t need reminders to showcase its work. “I love that this is already on your college website,” he said, referring to Benilde’s innovation page and its focus on future-forged learning. He encouraged the community to stay connected with other schools across Southeast Asia and beyond, sharing ideas and building capacity together.
As part of the renewed recognition, Benilde joins over 1,200 Apple Distinguished Schools across 40 countries. In Southeast Asia, only 52 schools hold the distinction, and in the Philippines, Benilde remains the sole higher education institution in the network. “With that comes big responsibility,” Appino added. “How can we inspire and support other colleges along the journey?” Benilde has held the Apple Distinguished School designation since 2017, with the current recognition period covering Academic Years 2025 to 2028.
The ceremony closed with a reminder that the Apple Distinguished School designation is not a finish line, but a checkpoint. “Becoming an Apple Distinguished School is a journey, not a destination,” Appino said. “You’ve been there for several years, but it’s always about what more we could be doing. What’s the next thing for us?”
To learn more about Benilde’s journey and the values behind its renewed recognition, visit the Fostering Innovation, Forging the Future page.
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