NDMU Reaffirms Commitment to Resilient Urban Development and Dignified Living at RE:SHAPE 12 Expo

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), through its University President, Bro. Paterno S. Corpus, FMS, EdD, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable and resilient community development during the opening of the RE:SHAPE 12 Expo: Reimagining Places. Designing Resilience. on October 26, 2026, at the Mall of Ace Centerpoint, Koronadal City.

Organized by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Region XII in celebration of National Shelter Month 2026, the expo highlights the importance of thoughtful planning and design in building greener, safer, more inclusive, and more livable communities across SOCCSKSARGEN.

In his message of appreciation and partnership, Bro. Corpus emphasized that urban development should ultimately serve its most important purpose: giving dignity to people. He underscored the importance of government agencies, academic institutions, and local government units working together in implementing urban design initiatives that respond to the actual needs of communities.

He called for the prioritization of resilient and climate-responsive urban planning, emphasizing that safety, aesthetics, and functionality must be integrated into the built environment. Beyond creating visually appealing spaces, he stressed the importance of developing communities that are safe, practical, sustainable, and capable of adapting to environmental challenges.

Bro. Corpus also highlighted the need to promote orderly development through effective enforcement of planning regulations, balanced with compassion and consideration for the people affected by development decisions. He emphasized that access to affordable housing remains essential in ensuring that families can live with dignity and have opportunities for a better future.

As an academic institution, NDMU recognizes its responsibility to prepare future professionals who can contribute to these goals. Bro. Corpus affirmed the University’s commitment to integrating sustainable design principles, responsible resource utilization, and innovative planning tools into its curriculum. Through these initiatives, the University seeks to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to address emerging challenges in architecture, urban planning, and community development.

The message also underscored the value of the continuing partnership between NDMU and DHSUD Region XII through the Planners’ Network. This collaboration connects classroom learning with actual planning and design concerns, allowing BS Architecture students to develop design concept proposals for selected local government units, particularly in open-space development and Resilient Urban Design and Development.

The resulting student outputs, showcased at the expo through architectural drawings, miniature models, and other design presentations, demonstrate how academic learning can contribute ideas and potential solutions to local development priorities. Through this partnership, NDMU continues to strengthen the link between education and community service, recognizing that resilient communities are built through shared responsibility, informed planning, and sustained collaboration.

Bro. Corpus’s message reinforced a shared vision of development that goes beyond physical structures and infrastructure. It is a vision where orderly and sustainable communities, accessible housing, and climate-responsive design work together to protect human dignity and improve quality of life.

As NDMU and DHSUD Region XII continue their collaboration, both institutions affirm the importance of working toward better housing, stronger community resilience, and a better future for all.