Enderun Colleges proudly hosted a landmark roundtable engagement at the Titans Hall Library, gathering key representatives from the Taguig Local Government Unit (LGU), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), top industry partners, and the College of Architecture and Design (CAD) community to discuss climate-resilient urban planning and sustainable design.
The event was headlined by International Design Conference (IDC) keynote speaker Eisuke Tachikawa, who led the session titled “Tropical Design for Resilient Cities.” The roundtable served as a dynamic conversation among leaders in design, government, and the private sector, addressing urgent challenges and opportunities in building climate-adaptive cities.
Exploring frameworks for resilient urban design
The session, moderated by Carla Leonor, Design Services Division Chief at the Design Center of the Philippines and faculty member at Enderun, explored practical frameworks introduced by Prof. Tachikawa—from infrastructure to urban planning—with a special focus on the realities of Metro Manila. The discussion also touched on the National Design Policy as a strategic move toward embedding sustainability in the country’s design and planning initiatives.
Collaboration among design and planning leaders
The panel brought together a diverse group of thought leaders and experts in the field, including Rhea Matute, Executive Director of the Design Center of the Philippines; Nikki Escalona-Tayag, Dean of Enderun Colleges’ College of Architecture and Design; Harvey Vasquez, Dean of the School of Environment and Design at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde; Ar. Alfred Panugao, Chief of the Land Resource Management and Zoning Division at the MMDA; Engr. Emmanuel Umali and Ar. Dennis Allan Quan from the Taguig City Planning and Development Office; and Ar. Erick Yambao, Founder and Principal Design Lead of Plontur Group.
Each panelist brought a unique perspective, contributing insights on the urgent need for sustainable urban development and climate-adaptive strategies in Metro Manila and beyond.
Design as a responsibility for the future
“At CAD, we believe design is more than form or function—it is about responsibility, adaptation, and creating pathways to a sustainable future,” said Tayag. “Through education, research, and collaboration, our mission is to prepare designers who can lead change and contribute meaningfully to society.”
“In today’s world, joining conversations like this ensures our voices are heard and acted upon. Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s the standard by which we must design. As I teach sustainable interior design at Enderun, I see future designers preparing to shape not just spaces, but futures. Designing for the cities we live in means taking proactive roles through collaboration, creativity, and responsibility to our communities. Our dialogue with Professor Tachikawa and partners shows that resilience and progress are possible when sectors unite with a shared commitment to design change,” Leonor emphasized.
Continuing Enderun’s commitment to sustainable design
The event, attended by students and faculty of Enderun’s College of Architecture and Design, marks another milestone in the institution’s ongoing mission to champion purposeful design education. Known for its emphasis on design entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability, Enderun continues to foster meaningful engagement between academe, industry, and government—equipping professionals to lead with impact in an ever-evolving world.
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