In the wake of Metro Manila’s systemic transport and city planning concerns, internationally renowned Danish urban design expert and architect Jan Gehl discussed planning livable cities with UST Architecture students. The Zoom webinar, held on February 24, 2021, was made possible through the collaboration of the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila, the ��ɫ Office of Public Affairs, and the UST College of Architecture as part of a series of programs celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between Denmark and the Philippines.

Ambassador of Denmark to the Philippines Her Excellency Grete Sillasen, in her message, mentioned that she grew up in Copenhagen, a city that was designed through Gehl’s methodology of ‘Cities for People.’ 

“[Copenhagen] got better year by year, and we are all very proud that it is considered one of the most livable cities in the world. For that, we can thank Jan Gehl,” said Ambassador Sillasen, adding that “’Cities for People’ is not only about traffic, but I noticed that when we talk about livability, traffic is often an issue because it affects us as much as it does. Part of the livability of Copenhagen is that it’s a city for bikers and pedestrians.”

“I hope that you will walk in the footsteps of Jan Gehl. I dare you to be the ones to make Manila a city for the people,” the Danish Ambassador challenged her online audience.  This webinar with Gehl is part of a series of programs under the celebration of the 75 years of Diplomatic Relations between Denmark and the Philippines.

            Jan Gehl, whom the Ambassador called the ‘Grand Old Man of Urban Planning for People,’ is an award-winning architect and expert on urban planning with over 50 years of experience. He is a recipient of the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture in 2015, and the Sir Patrick Abercrombie Prize for exemplary contributions to Town Planning in 1993, among others.  

Gehl centered his lecture, “Livable Cities of the 21st Century,” on the people-oriented approach to city planning. By keeping the people’s experience or ‘the patterns of public life’ in urban environments at the heart of urban design, Gehl envisions lively, safe, sustainable, and healthy cityscapes that are not so dependent on motor vehicles. In the course of his decades-long career, he has created such spaces in Copenhagen, Melbourne, New York, and other urban centers around the globe.

This idea was echoed by the UST College of Architecture Dean Ar. Rodolfo S. Ventura in his remarks. He reminded the 442 Architecture students and faculty members attending the webinar that “We are always challenged not just to create inspiring and functional works of art, but also to be mindful of the spaces we use and create.”

In particular, Gehl emphasized that planning and building for urban centers needed three main points of consideration: the protection, comfort, and enjoyment of the people who will inhabit or pass through the space.

“First, we shape the cities, then they shape us,” said Gehl, adding that “Architecture is the interplay between form and life. If life and form interact in a successful way, then that is good architecture.”

The urban design expert recommended that they (architects) should study public life or inhabitants’ behavior within and around the planned space to see their habits and needs instead of building a city space that merely looks good from above or as a 3D model.

Gehl further explained that architects should design for protection against traffic accidents, crime, and inconvenient sense experiences involving weather and pollution. One should also add a clean and unobstructed street layout, defined spots for staying, sufficient lighting and unhindered views, and open spaces for talkscapes and group physical activities. The scale, ventilation and insulation as necessary, and positive sense-experiences and aesthetic qualities are also key points.

When these key factors successfully come together, the result is a livable, lively, healthy, and sustainable city that would also be “good to be old in”, he said.

UST College of Architecture faculty members Ar. Ruth Marie I. Equipaje, Ar. Cesar Concio III, and former Dean Ar. Luis Ferrer served as the panel discussants.

The ��ɫ, aside from being known for producing topnotchers in the national licensure examinations in Architecture, also has National Artists and renowned architects within its ranks of alumni, namely Leandro Locsin, Ildefonso Santos, Jr., and Francisco Mañosa.

Aside from being the Founding Partner of Gehl Architects, Jan Gehl is Professor Emeritus of Urban Design at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts — School of Architecture. In the last 50 years, he has published several books, including, “Life Between Buildings”, “Cities for People”, “New City Spaces”, “Public Spaces – Public Life”, “New City Life” and most recently, “How to Study Public Life.”

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“Napakalaki ang nagawa at naiambag ng mg Tomasinong guro sa mga ma-tagumpay na Tomasino. Sigurado ako na kabilang kayo sa inspirasyon ng mga mag-aaral sa kanilang pagsusumikap na makamit at matupad ang kanilang mga pangarap. Hindi lamang iyan maliit na bagay,” Rector Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. said in his message. “Pinapatunayan ito ng napakaraming mahuhusay at kapuri-puring indibidwal na mula sa iba’t-ibang larangan na nagmula sa ating pamantasan,”

According to Fr. Dagohoy, the theme underscores the relationship between dignity and quality. “Ang dignidad ng guro ay nakabase sa kanyang atas, sa kanyang mandato, sa kanyang responsibilidad; samakatuwid, sa kanyang tungkuling ginagampanan: ang paghubog sa mga kamalayan upang masusing timbangin ang katwiran at turuan ang mag-aaral kung papaano umiwas sa panlilinlang, manindigan sa katotohanan, at ipaglaban ang katarungan.”

“Ang saligan ng dignidad ng pagiging guro ay ayon sa antas ng kanyang pagtupad sa atas na iginagawad sa kanya; ito ang nag-aangat sa guro. Ginagawa siyang kakaiba at nagtatangi sa kanya sa ibang mga larangan,” Dagohoy added.

Give Students a Chance

Honorary Speaker Prof. Gerardo Janairo, PhD, De La Salle University Chancellor and a Thomasian from the College of Science, recalled his days in UST as a BS Chemistry student who spent his college days with a bad start. Janairo turned this around, though, credited his Thomasian professors for giving him a lending hand in times of trouble and most especially in retaking the bar exams. “Sila ang mga tao na nagbigay ng inspirasyon sa akin at nagbigay ng pag-asa,” he said.

As a professor, Janairo said he preferred to handle “repeater sections” and underscored his love for both his profession and his students. Being a product of second chances himself, Janairo justified that he will do what he can to bring the best of his students: “Buong tiyaga ko silang tinuturuan, tinutulungan, at binibigyan ng pag-asa. Marami akong mag-aaral na nabigyan ng pagkakataon tulad ng ginawa ng dati kong mga guro sa UST.”

The annual recognition program conferred the following awards: Gawad Benavides (for length of service); Gawad San Alberto Magno (for outstanding research); Gawad Santo Domingo (for outstanding community development program); Gawad San Lorenzo Ruiz (for outstanding achievement, as recognized nationally or internationally); and the Hall of Fame Award (for receiving three awards in the Dangal ng UST, except the Gawad Benavides).

Gawad Benavides

20 years

1. Asst. Prof. Reverendo R. Vargas ()
2. Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina ()
3. Asst. Prof. Danilo C. Guinto ()
4. Asst. Prof. Beverly Sarausad (Faculty of Engineering)
5. Asst. Prof. Naomi Paz S. Nemenzo ()
6. Asst. Prof. Ariel S. Sta. Ana (Conservatory of Music)
7. ()
8. Asst. Prof. Maria Antoinette L. Rosete (College of Commerce and Business Administration)
9. Asst. Prof. James Rabago ()
10. Ms. Maria Teresa Ramos (Junior High School)
11. Asst. Prof. Marie Anne Lourdes N. Guanzon ()
12. Asst. Prof. Jose L. Ngo Jr. (UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy)
13. Asst. Prof. Marcelita Apolonia ()
14. Asst. Prof. Diana Dy (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
15. (College of Education)
16. (College of Education)
17. (College of Education)
18. Mrs. Lucila B. Adriano (Miguel de Benavides Library)
19. Mrs. Arlene Matias (Miguel de Benavides Library)
20. Ms. Michelle San Gabriel (Miguel de Benavides Library)
21. Ms. Arni M. Agustin (College of Science)
22. (College of Science)
23. Prof. Corazon Menguito, PhD (College of Science)
24. Asst. Prof. Ma. Victoria B. Pangilinan (College of Science)
25. (College of Science)
26. Asst. Prof. Jennifer T. Angeles (College of Architecture)
27. Asst. Prof. Armando L. Miranda (College of Architecture)
28. Asst. Prof. Enrique C. Sta. Maria (College of Architecture)
29. Mr. Cesar M. Velasco, Jr. (College of Architecture)
30. Asst. Prof. Jocelyn A. Amongo (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
31. Asst. Prof. Mildred Antonio (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
32. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
33. Mrs. Aurora Cristina P. Bermudez (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
34. Asst. Prof. Rhodoralynn Lintag (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
35. Asst. Prof. Andres Julio V. Santiago, Jr., PhD (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
36. Asst. Prof. Maximo B. Sauz, Jr. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
37. Asst. Prof. Noel Martin Bautista, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
38. Asst. Prof Celeste Mae Campomanes, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
39. Asst. Prof Dakila P. De Los Angeles, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
40. Asst. Prof . Lerrie D. Gutierrez, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
41. Prof. Agnes Cecille G. Llamas, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
42. Asst. Prof. Dennis G. Lusaya, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
43. Asst. Prof. Alberto P. Paulino, Jr., MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
44. Asst. Prof. Alberto V. Molano, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
45. Mr. Juan Ramon V. Perez de Tagle, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
46. Asst. Prof Roberto Uy, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)

25 years

1. Assoc. Prof. Ma. Ninia I. Calaca (College of Science)
2. Asst. Prof. Rafael Alfonso (College of Science)
3. (College of Education)
4. Asst. Prof. Myra D. Alvarado (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
5. Asst. Prof. Gilda R. Kamus (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
6. Asst. Prof. Emmanuel D. Batoon (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
7. Asst. Prof. Antonio Chua (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
8. Asst. Prof. Emerito Gonzales (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
9. Asst. Prof. Emmanuel Lopez, PhD (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
10. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
11. Asst. Prof. Rogelio O. Almira Jr. (Faculty of Engineering)
12. (Faculty of Engineering)
13. Asst. Prof. Joycelyn Poblete (Faculty of Engineering)
14. Asst. Prof. Dolores T. Andres (Conservatory of Music)
15. Ms. Cynthia Justinia P. Yumul (Conservatory of Music)
16. Mr. Proceso Yusi (Conservatory of Music)
17. Mr. Rodolfo Ventura (College of Architecture)
18. Asst. Prof. Avelino D. Micu (College of Architecture)
19. Assoc. Prof. Mary Caroline Castano, PhD (College of Commerce and Business Administration)
20. (Faculty of Pharmacy)
21. Asst.  Prof. Perla P. Cosme ()
22. Mr. Cesar D. Jucutan (Education High School)
23. Prof. Marcelino Banzon (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
24. Prof Mary Jocylyn Bautista (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
25. Asst. Prof. Eduardo Caguioa (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
26. Assoc. Prof. Ruben Cardenas (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
27. Asst. Prof. Ma. Rosario Irene D. Castillo (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
28. Prof. Ditas Christina Decena (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
29. Asst. Prof.Nilo Delos Santos (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
30. Prof. Olivia Go (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
31. Prof. Isias A. Lanzona  (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
32. Prof. Redario C. Laygo (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
33. Asst. Prof. Rosella L. Montano (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
34. Prof. Alejandro V. Pineda Jr. (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
35. Asst. Prof. Estrelita J. Ruiz (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
36. Prof. Anniela Y. Soliven (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
37. (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
38. Assoc. Prof. Edgardo Tan (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
39. Assoc. Prof. Ronald A. Yutangco (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
40. Prof. Mauel B. Zacarias (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)

30 years

1. (College of Science)
2. Asst. Prof. Cecilia M. Villaraza (College of Science)
3. Assoc. Prof. Rebecca Adri (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
4. Assoc. Prof. Ogden Javier (Faculty of Engineering)
5. Assoc. Prof. Raul Ortega (Institute of Religion)
6. Asst. Prof. Maria Vicenta D. Sanchez (College of Architecture)
7. Asst. Prof. Teresita D.L. Altre (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
8. Prof. Ma. Minerva P. Calimag (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
9. Prof. Mary Agnes S. Regal (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
10. Prof. Clara R. Rivera (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
11. Assoc. Prof. Stephen Querico A. Buni (College of Fine Arts and Design)

35 years

1. Ms. Marivic G. Usita (Miguel de Benavides Library)
2. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
3. Asst. Prof. Pilar I. Romero (College of Education)
4. Assoc. Prof. Angelo A. Morsquillo (Faculty of Engineering)
5. Prof. Edna C. Quinto (Faulty of Engineering)
6. Assoc. Prof. Emmanuel G. Fiedecan (Institute of Religion)
7. Prof. Maribel Nonato (College of Science)
8.  Assoc. Prof. Felix Michael C. Silbor (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
9. Asst. Prof. Ramon Javier (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
10. Asst. Prof. Ma. Cristina C. Doria (Faculty of Pharmacy)

40 years

1. (College of Science)
2. Prof. Lucila O. Bance (College of Science)
3. Asst. Prof. Angelina A. Silverio (College of Science)
4. Prof. Alfredo P. Co (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
5. Prof. Evelyn R. Laurito (Faculty of Engineering)
6. Prof. Aristea V. Bayquen (Faculty of Pharmacy)
7. Assoc. Prof. Enrique D. Barcelo (Conservatory of Music)
8. Prof. Julie Ann A. Hallazgo (Conservatory of Music)
9. Asst. Prof. Edna B. Sanchez (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
10. Assoc. Prof. Digna S. Sese (Institute of Religion)

Gawad San Alberto Magno

1. (College of Science)
2. Prof. Raymond Rosales, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
3. (College of Science)
4. (College of Science)
5. Chuckberry Pascual, PhD (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
6. Prof. Alfredo P. Co, PhD (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
7. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)

Gawad Santo Domingo

1. People Empowerment for Arthritis and Lupus (PEARL) (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)

Gawad San Lorenzo Ruiz

1. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
2. (College of Science)
3. (College of Science)
4. UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Life Support Training Center

Gawad Hall of Fame

1. (College of Science)

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