By: Ar. Aiza A. Fernandez-Gawisan
October is National Shelters Month in the Philippines, a time to spotlight efforts to provide housing solutions across the nation. This year, the Cordillera Regional Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Coordinating Committee (DHSUD-RHSUDCC) hosted a Housing Summit from October 9-11, 2024, themed “Matibay na Tahanan, Matatag na Komunidad Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
One of the summit’s highlights was the Cordillera 4PH Design Contest, a competition inviting students to create innovative, economically viable socialized condominium housing designs. Architecture students from the University of the Cordilleras College of Engineering and Architecture rose to the challenge, submitting nine creative entries that adhered to sustainable building standards and showcased resilient, livable structures.
At the awarding ceremony held on October 11, 2024, on the 5th Floor of Porta Vaga Building, Baguio City, UC students stood out by winning four major awards.
The Winning Projects and Teams:
First Place: ISNA-GAN by Jamil A. Abangoen, Ellen Mae T. Bautista, Abeleth B. Buhong, Crayshame M. Gatudan, Mellorie Jade T. Lazaro, Leanbert Lie L. Leal, Naylor Marquez, and Jerri Mariel A. Zaparita.
Second Place & People’s Choice Award: BALAI by John Joseph D. Delos Reyes, Jezreel D. Maches, Gianne James Q. Monton, Grace Morales, Hasim W. Peralta, Jemimah Paula N. Portuguis, and Venus T. Tallawan.
Third Place: GAN’ZA by Jalen Ross A. Castaneda, John Chris F. Muyalde, Jeremiah T. Mocati, Kevin Paul P. Napadao, and Marvin J. Bruno.
UC’s impressive participation and success highlight the school’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions in housing. The top design will also contribute to the 4PH housing project for Conner, Apayao, as confirmed by DHSUD-CAR Regional Director Antonette A. Anaban, En.P.
Congratulations to all our talented students! Your dedication to sustainable development is paving the way for a brighter future.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), the participation of UC Architecture students in the Cordillera 4PH Design Competition supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting resilient, livable, and sustainable housing solutions that contribute to inclusive and well-planned communities. It advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the development of innovative and economically viable housing designs that integrate sustainable construction technologies. The initiative also reflects SDG 4 (Quality Education) as it demonstrates how architectural education nurtures students’ ability to apply design thinking and technical knowledge to address pressing housing and urban challenges. In addition, the competition aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) by emphasizing climate-responsive design strategies that help mitigate the environmental impacts of urban development. Lastly, it strengthens SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the collaboration between the University of the Cordilleras and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development – Cordillera Administrative Region (DHSUD-CAR), showcasing how academic and government partnerships can advance sustainable housing initiatives in the region.
