A team of third-year architecture students from the University of San Carlos secured 2nd place in the Projeto Ideas and Design Competition Cebu Edition 2025. The awarding took place during the Philippine Building Exposition (PHILBEX) held at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino on September 14, 2025.

The team, composed of Patrick Luis Abellana, Chris Alister Bayno, Dyshell Claire Gementiza, Jodi Gabrianne Soriano and Rina Jane Te, gained the judge’s nod for their design entry entitled “Hakbayan,” a proposed cultural mixed-use building. The design proposal, which was presented in front of a panel of judges, revolved around the preservation of cultural identity while addressing contemporary issues in the community.

The students presented their work before a panel of judges, who commended the team for weaving together tradition and modern solutions.

Projeto is a national interschool competition that showcases innovative ideas from architecture and design students across the Philippines. USC has consistently made its mark in the contest, having previously won the grand prize in 2023 (see related story here).