THE UNIVERSITY of San Carlos in Cebu City was victorious in the recent Nippon Paint Asia Young Designer Awards.

USC was named Best Educational Institution while IDr. Hermie Ray Oplado grabbed the Best Mentor Award.

The university also received the following recognitions:

• Gold Awardee – Maureen Abegail Mendoza

• Silver Awardee – Maryloise Guzman

• Best Color Choice Award – Theresa Marie Cabales

• Best Green Innovation Award – Maureen Abegail Mendoza

• People’s Choice Award – Maureen Abegail Mendoza

• Finalists – Mikaela Jacy Rebaño and Valerie Mae Alvarez

USC has secured its third Gold Award, with previous victories in 2014 and 2019.

As this year’s Gold Awardee, Mendoza will be representing the Philippines in Chennai, India in July 2024.

“Her work, ‘KITA-KITA’ emphasizes early evacuation, trust, and community support to mitigate the impact of natural calamities, especially in disaster-prone areas like the Philippines,” USC said.

“Serving as more than just a shelter, ‘KITA-KITA’ aims to be a community space for healing and renewal, advocating for hope and resilience in the face of challenges,” it added.

First launched in 2008, the AYDA Awards is part of Nippon Paint’s vision to nurture the next generation of Architectural and Interior Design talents.

AYDA provides students with networking opportunities, workshops, mentoring, and the chance to win fully-funded placements at prestigious institutions like Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

Since then, AYDA has grown in terms of reach and stature, establishing itself as one of the premier design awards globally.