BENILDE STUDENTS DO ‘BATIBOT’-INSPIRED RENOVATION OF MANILA DAY CARE CENTER
Thirteen graduating Interior Design students of De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB) recently conducted a renovation mission dubbed “Batibot, Tara, Laro!” for Barangay 753 Kabaka Day Care Center on Arellano Street, Singalong, Manila.
CSB Interior Design faculty member Randy Pabona proposed a classroom development plan, based on principles and theories from lectures, that included the classroom, restroom, kitchen, and exterior play area.
“Our main objective was to make a proper design for day care students. If the space is clean, well-ventilated and beautiful, kids would be more productive,” Pabona said.
The renovation mission’s name was derived from “Batibot,” a TV program for children that aired in the 1980s-’90s. The concept for the day care was inspired by traditional Filipino games like sipa and patintero, which help develop cognitive and physical skills.
The CSB students first held donation drives by selling preloved clothes and blankets, books and toys, kitchen and household items. Proceeds went to the restoration expenses of the day care center.
The students also designed the chairs, tables and cabinets. Learning materials such as storybooks, building blocks, wooden peg letters, numbers and shapes were likewise integrated to fire up the kids’ imag- ination and comprehension.
The renovation took a month.
“Through this project, we were able to maximize our skills and create a significant impact on the children as well as the community,” CSB student Fanchesca Juliano, who also led the Batibot project, said.
Apart from the renovation project, the CSB team also distributed school supplies and toys.