BS Architecture students from UC College of Architecture and Fine Arts clinched both First and Second Place during the the Kalinga Rotunda Design Competition, a conceptual design challenge to create a culturally grounded landmark for the Province of Kalinga.

Leading the winners, Harriz Paddison Luyo, Rexted Kian Nicolas, and Lemuel Suyom secured First Place and a ₱30,000 cash prize. Their design transforms the rotunda into cultural symbol, anchored by a towering banga (earthen jar) representing life, abundance, and memory. The structure draws from Kalinga’s rice terraces and geography, while eight pillars stand for the province’s municipalities, an architectural gesture of unity. Inspired by the rhythm of the gong and the motion of the Banga Dance, the concept breathes movement into tradition.

Ricson Moron and Lejuel Besa-ang earned Second Place with a cash prize amounting to ₱20,000.

A total of 22 entries from various higher education institutions and industries in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The competition was held in November 2025, with the awarding ceremony conducted in January 2026 at the Department of Public Works and Highways–Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office, bringing together government officials, design professionals, and academic leaders.