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PERSPECTIVE DECEMBER 2025
Despite the Christmas rush and the holiday break, the College continued to reach milestones and live out our Mission. Partnerships and advocacy remained strong, with new collaborations through Acer and Dana Asia, alongside updates on specialized trainings that advanced safe spaces and gender development. Innovation and learning took center stage with the blessing of Makerspace Benilde and the launch of the College’s new AI chatbot. The Benildean Community celebrated tradition and generosity through EXTRO, the Belen Festival, and Christmas parties, capped by awards and achievements that closed the year on a high note. Through it all, the Christmas spirit was alive across the Benildean Community.
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Future-Ready Education Strengthened Through Acer and Benilde MOU Signing
Dana Asia Joins Benilde in Advancing Applied Learning and Research
Leading Creative Practitioners Convened at REVERIUM Roundtable on Economy Design
Family Story Concludes First Term of AY 2025-2026 With Shared Benildean Journey
Benilde Leadership Team Advances Commitment to Gender and Development (GAD) Mainstreaming through GAD Executive Briefing
Benilde Holds CODI Debriefing in Strengthening Safe Spaces Advocacy at the start of the 18-day Campaign to End-VAW
Benilde Centers and Schools Partner with OVPLMSL to Strengthen GAD Advocacy Through GAD Talks
Benilde Strengthens Safe Spaces Implementation Through Specialized GST for the CRD
Makerspace Benilde Blessed as SED’s New Hands‑On Learning Hub
An EXTRO-dinary Night of Music and Giving
Stellar Moments at the Benilde Belen Festival 2025
Relive the Memories of the Benilde Community and Children’s Christmas Parties
Watch Again: Brother Dodo’s Christmas Message
Championing Extraordinary: Awards and Achievements in December
Benilde’s New AI Chatbot Now Accessible on the Website
Admissions Updates
In Case You Missed It
The Benildean Community gathered on December 12, 2025, at the Miguel Febres Cordero Grounds, Taft Campus, for the launch of the Giselle Montero (G.M.) Legacy Fund. The fund was created to provide calamity, emergency, and well-being assistance for Deaf students, faculty, alumni, allies, and partner communities in times of crisis.
Benilde and Acer Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding on December 16, 2025. The agreement sets the stage for programs that prepare students for the future through internships, microcredentials, immersion, mentorship, and real‑world IT projects.
Benilde and Dana Asia Philippines have entered into a new partnership that strengthens their shared commitment to applied learning, community engagement, and research.
Last September, REVERIUM became Benilde HiFi’s milestone during the Philippine Creative Industries Month Celebration. The gathering brought startups, creative practitioners, and community partners together to talk, create, and imagine how design thinking can shape a creative economy that works for people and communities.
The first term of AY 2025-2026 is ending. Students are busy with finals, and the Christmas rush is in the air. It is a season of wrapping up requirements, catching breath, and looking back at what the past months have meant. For father and daughter Rico and Ritamae Rosima, this moment carries a special meaning. They are both Benildeans, and they are both closing the term together.
By Nicole Trisha F. Panganiban
The Benilde Leadership Team (BLT), composed of the Brother President, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor and Vice Presidents, advances commitment to Gender and Development (GAD) by participating in the GAD Executive Briefing last October 14, 2025. The session served as a strategic milestone in strengthening the College’s commitment to nurturing a culture of respect, inclusivity, and safe spaces within the Benildean Community.
By Nicole Trisha F. Panganiban
As part of its ongoing Gender and Development (GAD) advocacy, Benilde gathered the dedicated individuals who have served, and continue to serve, on the College’s Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI). This gathering reaffirmed Benilde’s commitment to implementing Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, a national mandate that protects all individuals from gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) in schools, workplaces, and online spaces.
By Nicole Trisha F. Panganiban
As part of its continuing Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, several Benilde Centers and Schools partnered with the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life (OVPLMSL) to conduct a series of GAD Talks aimed at promoting safe, inclusive, and respectful environments across the College. All sessions were facilitated by Ms. Nicole Trisha F. Panganiban, Benilde alumna, AB-Consular and Diplomatic Affairs graduate, and current Institutional GAD Focal Person, highlighting her pivotal role in advancing GAD education throughout the Benildean Community.
By Nicole Trisha F. Panganiban
In line with its commitment to nurturing a safer, more respectful, and gender-responsive campus environment, the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life (OVPLMSL), in partnership with the Center for Restorative Discipline (CRD), conducted a three-day Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) on August 18–20, 2025 at the Benilde Retreat and Conference Center (BRCC).
Makerspace Benilde Blessed as SED's New Hands‑On Learning Hub
On December 2, 2025, Benilde formally inaugurated Makerspace Benilde, the newest hands-on learning hub of the School of Environment and Design.
Makerspace Benilde provides students with a dedicated environment where ideas are transformed into tangible outcomes. Equipped with advanced tools and resources, from 3D printers to cement mixers, the facility encourages experimentation, prototyping, and innovation across disciplines.
Located at 1099 Camachile Street, Malate, Manila, Makerspace Benilde reflects the College’s commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and practical learning experiences that prepare students to meet the demands of industry and society.
An EXTRO-dinary Night of Music and Giving
Photos from Benilde’s Annual Christmas Concert held last December 3, 2025 at the Benilde HIFI Parking Grounds.
This year’s concert theme is EXTRO Express: All Aboard the Gift of Giving. The event was filled with music, energy, and holiday spirit, featuring performances by DJ Eros, the Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company – Hip-hop, King Alvaro, Jaydee, IÚNO, Karilyo, fitterkarma, and Hey June.
In keeping with the season’s message, the event also highlighted Benilde’s ongoing advocacy for the gift of giving. The Community is still invited to donate brand-new or preloved toys in good condition to support the outreach initiatives of the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit, Center for Lasallian Ministry, and Lasallian Mission and Student Life, benefitting children from neighboring barangays.
Stellar Moments at the Benilde Belen Festival 2025
The Benilde Belen Festival shines once again with extraordinarily crafted Belen installations made by our barangay partners. With the theme “Guided by the Star of Hope,” this year’s celebration invites us to rediscover the light that inspires and strengthens us.
The panel of judges this year include Ms. Dindin Araneta, Director of Benilde Center for Campus Exhibitions, Ms. Teresita Magmayo, Worship Unit Head of Center for Lasallian Ministry and Rev. Fr. Tedley Villanueva, Benilde Chaplain and Local Treasurer of Minor Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Sta. Cruz Parish.
The Benilde Belen Festival 2025 is organized by the Benilde Center for Social Action (CSA) in partnership with the Benilde Industrial Design Program of the School of Environment and Design (SED). The Belen Festival 2025 is part of EXTRO 2025; celebrating creativity, collaboration, and community.
Relive the Memories of the Benilde Community and Children's Christmas Parties
Benilde associates and their families gathered for the annual Community and Children’s Christmas Party 2025, a celebration that brought together colleagues and their children for an afternoon of festive activities.
The event highlighted the spirit of the Benildean community, with associates and families joining in shared celebration. Photos from the party are available for viewing and download at https://bit.ly/BCXP25. Attendees are reminded to respect colleagues’ privacy when sharing images externally.
To further enhance future gatherings, participants are invited to provide feedback and suggestions through this link: https://forms.gle/yJsHZsU47ntxiEvC6.
Watch Again: Brother Dodo's Christmas Message
For those who may have missed it, the Christmas message of Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC, released last December 21, remains available to watch, calling Lasallians to be bearers of hope, integrity, and service.
Championing Extraordinary: Awards and Achievements in December
Congratulations to the passers of the September & November 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. Benilde Antipolo excels with a passing rate of 87.50%.
Warmest congratulations to Arianne Micaela Bulaong and Grace Anne Pico-Alferez, proud SDEAS alumni, for passing the 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers!
As graduates of the Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), they went on to complete the Teacher’s Certificate Program at Benilde Antipolo in collaboration with SDEAS and the Benilde Center for Education Advancement of the Deaf, through the MLITEDCE Project funded by The Nippon Foundation.
Congratulations to our Benilde Blazers Blazing Paddlers and Lady Paddlers for securing the NCAA Season 101 Table Tennis tournament championships!
Benilde won the following coveted awards:
- Men’s Division Champion
- Women’s Division Champion
- Most Valuable Player Men’s Division – Neo Angelo Laudato
- Most Valuable Player Women’s Division- Jesmaine Tayag
- Freshman of the Year Women’s Division – Zach Miel Chua
- Rookie of the Year Women’s Division – Zach Miel Chia
- Coach of the Year Men’s Division – Rudolph Palermo
- Coach of the Year Women’s Division – Jesusa Tayag
Another Gold for Agatha!
Benildean alumna Agatha Wong won her sixth overall gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games last December 14, 2025.
Agatha is a Benilde Consular and Diplomatic Affairs (CDA) graduate who have recently won Gold in SEA Games Women’s taolu (taijijian) competition with a score of 19.556. Her previous gold medals include: 2017 (taijiquan), 2019 (taijijian and taijiquan), 2021 (taijijian), and 2023 (taijijian and taijiquan).
A smashing force like no other!
Congratulations, Alron Alonzo!
Most Valuable Player
NCAA Season 101 Men’s Badminton
Award-winning like no other.
Congratulations, Allen Liwag!
NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball:
- Most Valuable Player
- Mythical 5 Awardee
- All-Defensive Team Awardee
BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS!
The Blazing Shuttlers bring home ANOTHER championship after an epic showdown, winning 2-1 against San Beda!
A huge thank you and congratulations to our players for their dedication, hard work, and heart all season long. The whole Benildean community is proud of you!
WHAT A SPLASH!
The Benilde Blazing Torpedoes closed the season with a stellar overall medal count:
- MENS: 7 Gold, 12 Silver, 5 Bronze and total of 1,063 points
- WOMENS: 2 Gold, 9 Silver, 6 Bronze and total of 862points
Every stroke, every lap, every finish — you made it count.
We are proud to share that our Benilde Global is the Winner of the Outstanding International Education Program Award at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ICONS Awards 2025.
The Outstanding International Education Program Award honors Higher Education Institutions that champion inclusive internalization and expand access to global opportunities.
Receiving the award at the Philippine International Convention Center, on behalf of the College, is Dean Marie Paz Castro of the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management.
We are proud to announce that Benilde SDEAS has been named National Champion under the Rights Promotion and Advocacy Award Category.
The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) held the Awarding Ceremony of the NCDA Partners’ Awards Recognition 2025, PINNACLE: Partners in Inclusion, National NCDA Awards for Championing Lasting Excellence, on Monday, 1 December, at the Manila Prince Hotel.
Benilde is deeply honored to receive two recognitions like no other from CHED-NCR during Ugnayan at Kamustahan: 2025 CHED Year-End Convergence of NCR International Relations Officers held at Life Academy International, Pasig City:
- New Global Star Award – for Benilde’s entry into the THE Impact Rankings
- Bridge to the World Award – for establishing numerous global partnerships.
Thank you, CHED-NCR, for this extraordinary recognition.
Benilde’s New AI Chatbot Now Accessible on the Website
Benilde’s new AI‑powered chatbot, launched on December 15, is now available on the official website. The chatbot provides round‑the‑clock support and responds in English, Tagalog, and Taglish.
Feedback may be submitted through this form: https://forms.gle/qTL1AHHpPciYov2V6
Admissions Updates
Admission for the 3rd Term of Academic Year 2025–2026 opens on January 16, 2025, with entrance examinations scheduled on February 28, March 28, and April 18.
Admission for the 1st Term of Academic Year 2026–2027 is ongoing, with the next exam date set on January 31.
Applications for scholarships and grants will close on January 15.
The Benilde Marketing Center will hold Benilde Preview: Unplugged 2026 on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Design and Arts Campus, this time featuring the School of Environment and Design. The program will highlight campus tours, faculty introductions from Architecture, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Industrial Design, and Interior Design, and opportunities for Grade 11–12 students to engage with current Benildeans.
In Case You Missed It
- Center for Built Environment and Logistics
- Condo Rental for Associates and Faculty Members | Only 2 slots available for Avida Condo rental—1 male and 1 female. Each unit is priced at Php 5,000 per month, with a 1-year contract required.
- The Tree of Sustainable Hope is a festive Christmas display that integrates the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using recycled materials, symbolic ornaments, and an eco-friendly design. Each element encourages viewers to reflect on sustainability and inspires them to take small but meaningful actions for the planet. Let the presence of this tree inspire you to embrace a sustainable lifestyle.
- Innovation Office
- Be IT: Got an idea? Let’s hear it! All ideas matter, share it with us!
- All are invited to Hack‑to‑the‑Future 3.0, an innovation hackathon designed to ignite creativity, spark bold ideas, and strengthen collaboration across the Benilde community. As one of OVPAI’s key initiatives, this event embodies our commitment to innovation and progress. It is open to all Benildean students and associates who share the vision of driving creativity and shaping transformative solutions. Deadline of Registration: January 23, 2026. Please click the link to register.
- Office of the Vice President for Finance
- For the Yearly Submission of Sworn Statement for Professional Services Rendered by 3rd Party/Outside Individual Consultants, Finance sent the guidelines for withholding taxes pertaining to payments to individual consultants, 3rd party provider and similar engagements: BIR Revenue Regulations No. 11-2018 dated January 31, 2018, Section 2.57.2 & 2.57.3 related to Professional fees, talent fees, etc. for services rendered by an Individual (where no Employee-Employer relationship exists). This is In preparation for the incoming Taxable Year 2025.
- Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life
- Ever heard of the Safe Spaces Act or the “Bawal Bastos Law”? The advocacy to promote safe spaces is not just through a slogan, but is concretized through a national law known as the RA 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (commonly referred to as the Bawal Bastos Law) that protects everyone from gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH), whether on the streets, in school, at work, or online.
- School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies
- We continue Ms. G’s lifelong commitment to empowering the Deaf community through timely, compassionate support. Guided by the theme “Leaf a Legacy – One Leaf. One Gift. One Future Reimagined,” the campaign reminds us that even the smallest act of giving can spark hope, transform lives, and grow into something lasting. Each contribution becomes a leaf on our Tree of Legacy, a living symbol of collective care, resilience, and shared purpose. Donors will also receive a Harvest Token, offered as a gesture of gratitude and unity.
- Office of the Institutional Effectiveness and Research
- Your Feedback Matters: Enhance Our Cafeteria and Store Service by scanning the QR Code available on each cafeteria table to share your feedback directly, whether you are dining in or grabbing a take-out or at your convenience – anytime, anywhere, and on any day, please fill out our accessible google form.
- Share your feedback through our e-Shuttle Rider’s Evaluation. Your input is essential to helping us improve our service and ensure we continue to meet your needs. Scan the QR Code available inside the e-shuttle, or to offer feedback at your convenience – anytime, anywhere, and on any day, please fill out this link.
- Office of the President
- We are informing the entire Benilde Senior High School (SHS) Community that we are convening the Senior High School Multi-Sectoral Tuition Fee Committee comprising crucial sector representatives of the Students, Parents, Faculty, Associate and Administration. The meeting is set on 07 January 2026 (Wednesday), 11:00 AM-12:00 PM via Zoom for the SY 2026-2027 tuition and other fees consultation.
- We are introducing the approved Unified Logo Usage Guidelines, developed by the Center for Institutional Communications. This initiative streamlines and standardizes the use of logos across all Benilde materials, ensuring a clean and unified visual identity that reflects our brand’s professionalism and clarity. The implementation of the new system will begin in the 2nd Term of AY 2025–2026. This term, the primer and updated style guide will be released, and orientation workshops will be conducted for offices and student organizations requiring additional guidance during the transition.
- School of Professional and Continuing Education
- Celebrate the season with learning. Gift yourself growth with SPaCE’s instructor-led programs. Please refer to the Program Calendar for the schedule of each module offered this year.
- Center for Student Life
- The deadline for the submission of completed application forms and required supporting documents for the Graduation Special Awards for the First Term, AY 2025-2026 Commencement Exercises has been moved to January 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM.
- Office of the Registrar
- Please be informed that due to the recent challenges encountered between the BigSky and BEStAR systems, the encoding of final grades for 1st Term, AY 2025–2026 shall be done manually and directly through BEStAR, and not through BigSky. You can check the adjusted schedule and revised procedure in the previous email blast.
- For the Application for Leave of Absence (LOA) 2nd Term, AY 2025-2026, you may access the Google Form and provide all the required information. For other inquiries or concerns, students may email their respective Records Associate [Contact Details].
- Center for Lasallian Ministry
- All Benildean Associates and Retirees are invited to the 18th Benildean Family Pilgrimage from March 11–15, 2026. We will journey through Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, not simply to visit places, but to allow God to meet us along the road. Only the first 60 pilgrims will be accepted. Registration is first-come, first-served, and the online form will automatically close once all slots are filled. The registration deadline is Friday, January 21, 2026, at 12:00 NN, or earlier if all slots are filled. If you are longing for a pause, a deeper sense of meaning, and a journey shared in faith, this pilgrimage may be the step your heart is waiting for. Enlist to the pilgrimage by clicking this link.
- People and Organization Development Office
- A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Community and Children’s Christmas Party! The event photos are now available to view and download here: https://bit.ly/BCXP25. Please feel free to relive the memories, but do remember to respect your colleagues’ privacy if sharing photos externally.
- The schedule for the Benildean Associate Appraisal and Review (BeAR) Goal Setting Workshop can be viewed in the previous email announcement.
Upcoming Events
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