Nayong Pilipino unveils winners in design tilt

A jubilant cheer greeted the top three winning teams of University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and University of the Philippines (U.P.) in Diliman as they claimed their major prizes in the Nayong Pilipino Conceptual Master Plan Design Competition held at the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) auditorium last April 3.

The grand architectural event held under the auspices of Nayong Pilipino and the NCCA culminated a fruitful search for the meaning and vision given by the youth to a new Nayong Pilipino that represents the primary cultural landmark and symbol of the nation.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon led the special guests in simple ceremonies as he delivered the keynote speech to mark the occasion. Carrying the theme: Tiwala sa Kabataang Pilipino (Pagsibol ng mga Dalubhasang Batang Arkitekto), the rites paid tribute to the eminent national artists who originally conceived of Nayong Pilipino and the young architects represented by the first prize winner, UST’s Karen Cheung and Jason Buensalido. Their winning design will be the master plan of the new Nayong Pilipino.

PLM’s Jayson Obed Ello, Benjamin Cabigting, April Balubar, Rafael Banaag III, Cirpriano Gabayno III, Anne Maureen Lozano and Edvard San Gabriel obtained the second prize. The third prize was awarded to U.P.’s Ismael Melendres III, Cristina Angeles, Mia Roselle de Guzman, Mary Bridget Josef, Mark Anthony Nieva, Mark Anthony Marcos and Diana Zaragoza.

The board of judges led by Arch. Augusto Villalon gave full accolade to the inspiring and creative designs as testament of the intellectual achievements of the Filipino.

The design plans which were exhibited last April 3-8 at the lobby of NCCA building in Intramuros reflected visual and graphic images of the nation constructed around natural settings and scenery. Famous landmarks of the major regions cluster around the central lagoon. Utilizing indigenous materials, the new Nayong Pilipino will provide visitors and residents with picturesque sights of the country in an experimental tour around the wide expanse of Nayong Pilipino’s remaining grounds.

Chairman Evelyn Kilayko and NP executive director Charito Planas acknowledged the new and young architects’ vital contribution in bringing up a new Nayong Pilipino and the support extended by the other participants, the board of judges and the different agencies and private groups which have maintained Nayong Pilipino through its 30 years of existence since its establishment in 1972.