In 1989, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) was a newly established school with its whole future ahead of it. Now on its 30th year anniversary, the College proudly presents the identity that Benilde has formed throughout time by taking a trip down memory lane with the “Benilde at 30” exhibit at the School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus.
“Without inclusion there’s no need for innovating,” are the words plastered on the exhibit’s wall quoted by DLS-CSB President Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC. As it has continually opened its doors to people of different backgrounds, the College, with its humble beginnings, has formed a culture wherein everyone can pursue their dreams, with innovation and inclusion at its core.
Opened to the public last September 20, the “Benilde at 30” exhibit is both a celebration and a reminder of the extraordinary achievements that the College, its students, and its graduates have achieved in the 30 years of its existence.
Mr. Gerry Torres, Director of Center for Campus Art, expressed how the College’s move towards inclusive education is “laudable.”
“The move towards inclusive education, through the target of 25 to 30 percent scholars, is a laudable program of our school. This and the innovative measures that we continuously strive to practice,” he stated in an interview with The Benildean.
While carrying the name and message of Saint John Baptist La Salle’s widespread importance of education for all, the College also aims an education system that would cater to the needs of diverse students.
The “Benilde at 30” exhibit is a commemoration of those who have dedicated a part of their lives to the College, including alumni from different programs. It showcases all aspects of DLS-CSB through their communities, artworks, and services––with creativity as one of the many prominent characters of the College. A timeline of Benilde’s beginnings are clearly displayed around the exhibit, giving the audience a glimpse of how the College became a significant force in education.
“Benilde’s 30 years is a milestone, a celebration and an opportunity for reflection. It is a time to ask ourselves if what we are doing is for the greater good of the country,” Torres said.
Messages from notable people, such as the founders and executive board that gave the College a chance to shine, are artistically designed, with the notable “Benildean” style. In the middle of the exhibit are 30 small tables, representing the years of DLS-CSB, displaying several unique accomplishments of the school, including artworks created by students and alumni together with some write-ups from faculty members.
To those who pay the exhibit a visit, Torres also envisioned a place where it would not only be a simple display of achievements, but also tell the story of Benilde’s beginnings.
“I wanted people to see the different facets of Benilde, especially the members of our community who may not be aware of the various programs that our school has been doing that work towards the betterment of society,” Torres, former SDA Dean, explained.
“I wanted the viewers to see how we have evolved from our humble beginnings to a school of choice and to offer recognition and gratitude to the many people who worked hard to make Benilde what is is today,” he added.
Through the eyes of strangers, Benilde may simply be an ordinary college thriving in different conditions through the arts. However, to those who step inside the campus and immerse themselves in the learning experience Benilde provides, whether one is a learning student, an educator, or part of the school staff, it will be easy to understand why the Benildean community is a home to many.
As a school that started within the history of De La Salle University, Benilde was originally a night school for working students. Eventually, Saint Benilde Romançon became the symbol of the school’s pride in providing inclusion to artists, handicapped, and the Deaf Community––allowing it to stand on its own as an autonomous college with both Saint Benilde Romançon and John Baptist De La Salle’s core values.
“Benilde at 30” is located at the 12th floor of the SDA Campus. It will run until October 27 with gallery hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
