The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) broke ground on its 6th campus in the heart of Aseana City in Barangay Tambo on Nov. 28.
The ceremony marked a significant partnership between Parañaque City and the renowned institution, promising to advance the city’s educational landscape.
Mayor Edwin Olivarez hailed the project as a transformative milestone and fulfillment of its commitment to progress.
“This ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in education and innovation, providing hope, opportunity, and shared purpose for Parañaque,” Olivarez said.
He emphasized the city’s full support and envisioned the campus as a crucible for future leaders.
“We envision this campus to be a hub for creativity and innovation, where our young people can develop their skills and talents, and become the leaders of tomorrow,” he added.
The new campus, named the Delfin J. Wenceslao Jr. Campus in honor of the former president and chairman of Developer D. M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc. for his contributions to the Philippine construction, leasing, and real estate industry, rises on a 3,845-square-meter lot located on L. Celerio corner.
Cezar Consing, chairman of the DLS-CSB Board of Trustees, underscored the school’s learner-centered philosophy.
“It was built with students at the very center of the overall design,” Consing said. “And they will receive an education worthy of their tuition and their time—an education devoted to developing each and every one of them.”
Brother Edmundo Fernandez, president of DLS-CSB, highlighted the campus’s role in fostering connections.
“We emphasize the building of community in our schools in all its many dimensions,” he said. “And it is my wish that this campus will allow for the building of community in Aseana, where the different stakeholders—where young and old—can come and have conversations, have interactions, and have fellowship.”
“In Benilde’s own little way, I pray we will be able to contribute to the dynamism of this young and growing community as well as to the dynamism of Parañaque,” Fernandez added.
Designed by Architect Ed Calma, the structure will be a beacon of sustainable design, aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification – a globally recognized green building rating system.
It will house state-of-the-art facilities for its flagship School of Environment and Design, offering programs in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Fashion Design.
Slated for completion in 2027, the campus will also host freshman classes from the School of Multidisciplinary Studies and innovative business programs, with key focuses on Business Intelligence and Analytics and Business Solutions and Applications.
The city government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the campus’s success, viewing it as a long-term investment in the youth and progress of Parañaque.
The ceremony was also attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Sylvia Wenceslao, chairperson of the D. M. Wenceslao Associates; the Wenceslao family; members of the DLS-CSB community and other city officials.
The new campus, which will begin accepting students for the 2027-2028 academic year, will be home to the School of Environment and Design, offering programs in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Fashion Design and Merchandising.
