20 August 2025
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde officially launched the Benilde Romancon Press on August 6 at The Atrium@Benilde Campus. The new publishing platform supports original authorship, creative expression, and intellectual property development within the College. Managed by the Center for Intellectual Property Management (CIPM), the press provides a formal structure for publishing works by Benildean faculty, associates, students, and alumni.
Benilde’s publishing license was first granted in 2012 through the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD). Since then, the College has quietly supported several publication projects under various initiatives. This launch marks a shift toward something more structured and sustainable, establishing a dedicated platform to nurture intellectual property and creative output across the Benildean Community.
“We want to encourage authorship by offering meaningful incentives,” said CIPM Director Atty. Janice Tejano. “We also want to create opportunities for commercialization, so our copyright-protected works can generate revenue and reach more readers.”
One of the highlights of the launch was the unveiling of CCA 2015-2025, a two-volume catalog that documents ten years of exhibitions and creative programming by the Center for Campus Art (CCA). Outgoing CCA Director Architect Gerry Torres shared how the book came together, and how it marks the close of his chapter with CCA as he transitions to lead the upcoming Benilde Fashion Museum. “This book is not just a record,” he said. “It’s a testament to Benildean creativity. In all the exhibits we did, we always involved Benildeans. I saw my work in CCA as a continuation of my work in the classroom.”
Torres recalled how the catalog took months to complete, with contributions from students, faculty, artists, and partners. “It was even harder than the exhibits,” he joked. “But it’s a love letter to the lives and ideas we’ve nurtured.”
The event also introduced the first batch of Benilde Romancon Press Grant Awardees, recipients of the BRP Grant. Three grantees signed their agreements and shared a glimpse of the books they’re working on, each one deeply personal, socially relevant, and proudly Benildean.
Benilde faculty Jag Garcia talked about Be Your Own Baon, a book that reimagines design thinking through a Filipino lens. He uses baon, the packed lunch we prepare with care, as a metaphor for problem-solving and self-care. “Baon is love. Baon is care. Baon is understanding that you will not go hungry,” he said. “The challenge is to transform our tired, commute-killed baon into something colorful, magical, and nourishing.”
Benilde HiFi’s Entrepreneur in Residence Camille Albarracin shared Smart Failures: Hugot of a Startup Founder, a reflective guide for entrepreneurs navigating the messy world of startups. Her book blends personal stories with journal prompts, offering a space for readers to process failure and growth. “This is not your typical success story,” she said. “It’s about failing smartly and learning from mistakes. It speaks directly to the hearts of founders.”
Benilde CIE Inclusion Advocacy Unit Head Jeremiah Adriano introduced Bakit Mo Pinipiling Bumangon sa Umaga?, a book that explores mental health and resilience through real-life stories. It’s a project close to his heart, written for those who’ve struggled to get out of bed and still chose to rise. “It’s for those who have asked themselves whether they can rise again, and for those who have chosen to rise anyway,” he said. “I hope this book reminds people that they are not alone.”
Chancellor Benhur Ong emphasized the importance of nurturing authorship within the academic community. “Publishing is not just about output. It’s about ownership, reflection, and impact,” he said. “Benilde Romancon Press gives our Community the space to tell stories that matter.”
Brother President Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, in a message delivered by Atty. Tejano, affirmed the Press’s role in advancing Lasallian values. “This initiative reflects our mission to accompany learners in their journey of discovery,” he said. “Through authorship, we deepen our commitment to inclusion, creativity, and social transformation.”
With the launch of Benilde Romancon Press, the College takes a big step forward in building a culture of authorship, creativity, and inclusion. From documenting a decade of campus art to supporting new voices, the press is ready to grow with the Community.
Copies of featured publications are available for browsing at the Book Nook located at the Br. Fidelis Leddy Center for Learning Resources (CLR) on the sixth floor of The Atrium@Benilde Campus.
Follow the Center for Intellectual Property Management on Facebook for the latest updates on Benilde’s intellectual property initiatives and creative rights programs. For inquiries, contact CIPM at +632 8230 5100 local 3404 or email ipmc@benilde.edu.ph.
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