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PERSPECTIVE FEBRUARY 2026
February may be the shortest month, but at Benilde it was filled with milestones. The College showcased innovation through new exhibits, faculty transformation programs, and strengthened industry partnerships, while students and alumni shone in creativity, leadership, and professional success. Institutional excellence was recognized with awards for teaching and service, a National Book Award for MCAD, and consecutive NCAA championships capped by MVP and Coach of the Year honors. Safety initiatives and admissions momentum further underscored Benilde’s resilience, credibility, and forward-looking spirit.
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MCAD opened Poets of Physics on February 12, bringing science out of the classroom and into lived experience. The show draws our attention to forces we often overlook, such as time, rhythm, balance, and scale, and how they shape the way we see.
Transformation is about people choosing to grow together. At the IGNITE launch on February 9 at the Augusto‑Rosario Gonzalez Theater in Taft Campus, Benildean faculty gathered to talk about what change really means.
SHRIM signed a memorandum of agreement with the Food Safety and Hygiene Academy of the Philippines (FoodSHAP) on February 10, 2026, at Café Romançon in Hotel Benilde Maison de La Salle. Through this agreement, FoodSHAP officially becomes a partner course provider for SHRIM, delivering its food safety and hygiene certification programs within Benilde’s curriculum.
The Vateliens in Progress (VIP), student leaders from the International Hospitality Management program, joined SpeakerCon 2026 at SPACE, One Ayala last February 11. They attended the event with their faculty adviser Mr. Wilbert Ong, Dean Marie Paz Castro of SHRIM, and Chancellor Benhur Ong.
At Benilde’s February 14 Commencement Exercises held at the Philippine International Convention Center, milestones took center stage. Professionals from different fields turned years of experience into degrees through ETEEAP, proving that persistence and opportunity can make dreams real. Among them were the first woman to graduate in Music Production, a seasoned visual merchandiser completing Production Design in his fifties, and overseas professionals who showed that distance is no barrier to success.
The hall at the Philippine International Convention Center filled with cheers on February 14, 2026 as graduates stepped onto the stage for their Commencement Exercises. When Klark Lynus Marquez, Summa Cum Laude of the Bachelor of Arts in Animation program, took the podium, he opened with a line that felt simple and personal. “I have a voice, as so many of us do.” He spoke about how that voice changes depending on the situation.
Precious “Prep” Palacios stood on the stage of the Philippine International Convention Center on February 14, 2026 and looked out at a familiar sight. Thirty-three years earlier she had sat in the same hall wearing a graduation toga, wondering what the real world would bring next. Now she returns as the Country Manager of Google Philippines, speaking to Benilde’s Class of 2026.
Benildean Associates Celebrated for Extraordinary Service at Gawad Sinagtala
Gawad Sinagtala Excellence in Service Awards shined the spotlight last February 24 on Benildean Associates who go above and beyond, whether behind the scenes or front and center to make the Benildean learning experience like no other.
This year, 8 Non-Teaching Associates were awarded while a total of 26 Teaching Associates were recognized in the following categories: Extraordinary 10, Faculty Like No Other, and Gawad Sinagtala for SPaCE.
The Gawad Sinagtala Excellence in Service Awards was held at the Design+Arts Theater, spearheaded by the People and Organization Development Office, together with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics.
CEMSS Kicks Off Fire Prevention Month with Campus‑Wide Drills
On 26 February 2026, the Benilde Center for Emergency Management, Safety, and Security (CEMSS) kicked off the observance of Fire Prevention Month with coordinated fire drills across all campuses, reinforcing the community’s commitment to safety and emergency readiness. Earlier this month, CEMSS also partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection to host a Fire Safety Seminar, further strengthening Benilde’s culture of preparedness.
MCAD Manila Wins National Book Award for Best Art Book
On 26 February 2026, the Benilde Center for Emergency Management, Safety, and Security (CEMSS) kicked off the observance of Fire Prevention Month with coordinated fire drills across all campuses, reinforcing the community’s commitment to safety and emergency readiness. Earlier this month, CEMSS also partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection to host a Fire Safety Seminar, further strengthening Benilde’s culture of preparedness.
IN PHOTOS: Benilde BFA in Culture-Based Arts at Luneta Art Fair 2026
On February 7–8, 2026, the Benilde Bachelor of Fine Arts in Culture-Based Arts (BFA-CBA) program joined the Luneta Art Fair at the Noli Me Tangere Garden in Luneta Park — a major showcase of traditional and non‑traditional artworks from emerging artists, schools, and galleries across Metro Manila. Featuring Passers‑by, open‑call works by BFA‑CBA students, and Sonder, a curated exhibition under the mentorship of Mr. Wilfredo Offemaria Jr., the Benilde presentations explored impermanence, chance encounters, and unseen stories, contributing to the vibrant dialogue of this growing art fair.
Benilde Netters Reign Supreme: Four Straight for the Men, Three in a Row for the Women
The Benilde Blazing Netters and Lady Netters have once again proven that excellence is a tradition in Taft. The men’s team rewrote history with their fourth consecutive NCAA Lawn Tennis Championship, cementing a dynasty built on grit, discipline, and composure. Not to be outdone, the women’s team claimed their third straight crown, showcasing unmatched unity, spirit, and dominance on the court.
Back‑to‑back MVPs Claire Miraflor and Marco Macalintal embody the hunger, fire, and consistency that keep Benilde at the top, while Coach John Rey Moreno’s Coach of the Year honor in NCAA Season 101 Lawn Tennis reflects the leadership and presence that shaped the team’s dominant run. Together, their achievements highlight a season defined by pride, discipline, and a winning spirit that continues to elevate the Benildean community.
Watch out as the Benilde Blazing Strikers take the pitch at Rizal Memorial Stadium for another exciting set of matches in the NCAA Season 101 Football Tournament. Expect precise passes, relentless pressure, and clinical finishes as the team battles for control of the game and every goal on the turf. Best of all, admission is free, so come through and bring the energy for the green and white.
The Benilde Lady Blazers stretched their winning streak to four games after defeating Mapúa, securing strong momentum as they head into the quarterfinals. On the men’s side, the Benilde Blazers have also built a notable winning streak, keeping them firmly in contention for the playoffs as the season advances toward the semifinals and finals.
Follow Benilde Sports on Facebook for the latest game updates and standings.
Admissions and Marketing Updates
Admission for the 3rd Term of Academic Year 2025–2026 is ongoing, with the last scheduled entrance examination set for March 28.
Admission for the 1st Term of Academic Year 2026–2027 has been extended, with entrance examinations scheduled on March 28 and April 18.
The Benilde Marketing Center will hold Benilde Preview: Unplugged 2026 for the School of Diplomacy and Governance on March 14, 2026 and for the SMIT–Analytics, Computing, and InfoTech Cluster on March 21, 2026.
Earlier, on March 7, Benilde Preview: Unplugged was conducted for SHRIM and the SMIT–Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship Cluster.
Want to refer a potential applicant? Kindly direct them to the Benilde Preview: Unplugged 2026 online registration form.
In Case You Missed It
- People Organization and Development Office
- Reminder on the Mandatory Annual Physical Examination (APE) which will be held from March 2 to 5 at the Greenway Square, Taft Campus.
- PODO and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics announces the opening of the position of Dean, School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM). All Benildean teaching faculty associates are eligible to apply, and nominations of qualified candidates from the Benilde community are encouraged.
- The search for the Dean of the School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG) is not open. Benildean teaching faculty associates are encouraged to apply, and members of the community may also submit nominations of qualified candidates.
- Innovation Office
- Be IT: Got an idea? Let’s hear it! All ideas matter, share it with us!
- From March 23–27, we will celebrate INNOVATION WEEK 2026 with the theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Curiosity and Creativity.” This five-day celebration is designed not only to showcase innovative work but also to spark meaningful conversations, widen perspectives, and inspire a mindset of possibility. Innovation Week will feature a rich lineup of talks, workshops, showcases, and activities facilitated by thought leaders, industry practitioners, innovators, and community changemakers.
- Office of the Institutional Effectiveness and Research
- 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.
- You may 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. How to Provide Your Feedback: Option 1: Scan the QR Code available inside the e-shuttle. Option 2: To offer feedback at your convenience – anytime, anywhere, and on any day, please fill out this link.
- Center for Learning Resources
- Benildeans have premium access to PressReader. You can read thousands of top-tier publications right on your phone or tablet. Start reading now!
- Center for Student Life
- Get bound by the power of art! We’re thrilled to invite you to the 21st Lasallian Arts Month, where creativity takes center stage, and boundaries get redefined. March 7 and 9: Tanggal 2026 | March 16 – 20 : Art Ammo + BazaArt + Art Break/Karilyo Vignettes.
- Benilde Well-being Center
- BWC, in response to the Strategic Initiative on Lasallian Formation (Lasallian Adult Formation Program) and in coordination with the PODO, invites associates with 16-up years of service to the College to an activity entitled “OASIS: Embracing a Life Well-Lived” on March 4 (Wednesday), from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Center for Lasallian Ministry
- Everyone is invited to the Benilde Lenten Silent Retreat 2026 on March 4-7. To join, please register through the Enlistment to the Benilde Lenten Silent Retreat 2026.
- School of Professional and Continuing Education
- Invest in your career without putting it on pause this March 2026. You may refer to the Program Calendar for the schedule of each module offered this year.
- Center for Procurement
- Please note that the CAPEX and OPEX AY 2025-2026 MRF Deadline is on March 13, 2026.
- Office of the President
- Benilde and Vatel Manila join the global academic and hospitality community in mourning the passing of Mr. Alain Sebban, Founder and President of Vatel Group.
- Information System and Technology Office
- This is to inform everyone that AI Companion is now activated in our institutional Zoom subscription, an AI-powered feature designed to assist with meeting summaries, chat highlights, and productivity support. For guidance on the use of AI Companion, please visit Zoom.
- Office of the Vice President for the Lasallian Mission and Student Life
- This March, “Breaking Bias, Building Balance: Women’s Month Celebration 2026” will be launched, a series of initiatives that emphasize the importance of recognizing and challenging both subtle and systemic forms of gender bias that persist in everyday spaces: March 2 (10:00 AM–12:00 NN): Opening of Women’s Month Exhibit at the GF Lobby, Atrium@Benilde *Please wear Purple in solidarity with this celebration and advocacy | March 6 (9:00 AM–12:00 NN): Adbokaserye: Usapang Kontra Karahasan sa Kababaihan (with Barangay Partners) via Zoom | March 9–10: Women’s Month Celebration of SDEAS Community through Play Performance at 5F ARG Theater, Taft Campus | March 9: GAD to Be Safe: Self-Defense Training for Associates and Students AM Session – Students; PM Session – Associates at 8F CLR Learning Commons, Design+Arts Campus | March 10 (8:00 AM–4:00 PM): Gender-Responsive Leadership: Empowering Advocates for Safe Spaces and Mainstreaming at 2F Ideation Room, Atrium@Benilde | March 16 (1:00 PM–4:00 PM): Carnival of Equality: A Gender and Development Advocacy Fair (“Gender Fair”) at GF Greenway Square, Taft Campus | March 17 (1:00 PM–3:00 PM): EmpowerHer Circles: Conversations on Leadership, Balance, and Compassion at 2F Ideation Room, Atrium@Benilde | March 18: BookTalk: Featuring Women Author / Book About Women at 8F CLR Learning Commons, Design+Arts Campus | March 19: Benildean Inclusion Stories via Zoom.
Upcoming Events
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![[TRIP] 50th TTE - Talk Main Poster - 1](https://www.benilde.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Perspective-upcoming-events-February-2026-SIU-TRIP-50th-TTE-Talk_16-Mar.jpg)
![[TRIP] 50th TTE - TAGLAY: Digital Tourism Marketing Competition](https://www.benilde.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Perspective-upcoming-events-February-2026-SIU-TRIP-50th-TTE-TAGLAY_16-Mar.jpg)
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