A FOURTH-YEAR architecture student from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) in Cagayan de Oro earned national recognition after placing third in the OUR HOME Inter-School Furniture Design Challenge: Sofa & Bed Edition.

Cedric Bernaldez secured the award with her design titled “Alaaya,” which ranked among the top five finalists out of 22 entries from universities across the country.

Organized by OUR HOME in partnership with Carl Colossal Creations Corporation, the competition highlighted innovative furniture concepts that balanced creativity, functionality, and comfort.

Bernaldez advanced to the final stage after submitting her entry during the extended registration period and later collaborated with industry partners over two months to translate her design into a manufacturable product.

As the lone regional finalist from Cagayan de Oro, she overcame logistical constraints by relying on virtual coordination and local resources, while adapting her material choices to meet industry standards.