La Consolacion College Bacolod held an online benchmarking discussion with an academic from the National University of Singapore on Thursday, focusing on curriculum design, program structure and the evolving demands of architectural education.
The conversation brought together Johannes Widodo of the National University of Singapore; Vincent Raymund Alovera; LCC Bacolod President Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA; Bachelor of Science in Architecture Program Head Ar. Gary Peter Bello; and Interior Design Program Head Idr. Rachel Jutare.
The discussion centered on how LCC Bacolod can further strengthen its Architecture program by examining its curriculum, academic structure and pedagogical approaches against broader international perspectives in architectural education.
Widodo, in a social media post following the meeting, said the exchange examined the changing educational demands faced by architecture programs in the Philippines while also reflecting on LCC Bacolod’s institutional development, academic expansion and community engagement.
He noted that the college, founded by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation, has grown from its beginnings as a higher education institution in Negros Occidental while maintaining its Catholic educational mission.
The benchmarking conversation also continued an earlier academic connection between LCC Bacolod and the NUS Department of Architecture. Widodo said representatives of the college visited the department two years ago and delivered a lecture on sustainability.
For LCC Bacolod, the discussion provided an opportunity to examine how its Architecture program can remain responsive to developments in architectural practice, sustainability, technology and the changing needs of communities.
Bello said the exchange allowed the program to gain insights from an international academic perspective as it continues reviewing its curriculum and learning experiences for Architecture students.
Catungal said academic benchmarking supports the college’s continuing efforts to strengthen the quality and relevance of its programs while expanding opportunities for institutional and international engagement.
The activity forms part of LCC Bacolod’s continuing initiatives to strengthen academic quality, global linkages and future-ready professional education.