18 December 2025
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Dana Asia Philippines have entered into a new partnership that strengthens their shared commitment to applied learning, community engagement, and research. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on December 12 at Café Romançon, The Atrium@Benilde Campus in Manila, bringing together leaders from both institutions to formalize the collaboration. The agreement opens opportunities for students and faculty to take part in projects that connect classroom lessons with real-world challenges.
Dean Marie Paz Castro of the Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management welcomed the collaboration by recalling its beginnings. “This project started in 2018, and now we are calling it Cafe Lab 2.0. We are very excited to continue this initiative with a new team on board,” she said. She added that the school looks forward to launching the project in a bigger way during one of its upcoming events.
Dana Asia Philippines Managing Director Ami Jean Valderamo-Diaz shared her excitement about the renewed partnership. “At the heart of what we do is empowering communities, individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs to live to their fullest potential. Cafe Lab 2.0 is a testament to our commitment to help young people build the skills they need today,” she said.
The ceremony also featured Dana Asia CEO Duncan Power and Benilde Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson. In his closing remarks, Lacson emphasized the values that guide Benilde. “We are not just an educational institution that focuses on teaching skills and knowledge. We also carry the values and mission that shape everything we do,” he said.
The agreement outlines a wide range of activities, including joint workshops and seminars, faculty-led project development, student participation in business challenges, mentorship, expert talks, shared resources, and cooperative research. Both institutions agreed to continue developing initiatives that benefit students, faculty, and the wider community.
This partnership builds on Benilde’s ongoing efforts to strengthen industry relevance. Earlier this year, the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management launched a microcredentialing program that equips Benildeans with specialized skills recognized by industry partners. The program boosts employability by giving students practical certifications alongside their degree, complementing initiatives like Cafe Lab 2.0 and the collaboration with Dana Asia.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
