The graduating class of the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design launched ‘Project Sirong’ fundraising initiative, aimed to redesign the Women and Children’s Shelter in Tacloban City.

As a part of the ID 426: Interior Design (Special Project) course, the Graduating Class seeks support in improving the shelter’s environment as a help to its clients.

Supporting vulnerable populations, especially to women and children who have experienced traumas and challenges in their live inspired the graduating batch to conduct the fundraising event as a way of extending their hands in giving help.

The students also highlighted the significance of applying Interior Design principles in Project Sirong in improving the lives of other people.

Moreover, Jessiel Ocenada, the Batch President and current Head of the initiative shared her experience of applying the lessons from her program to the real-problems, especially on designing the effective environment in the shelter.

“Participating in a project like this, especially given that it is our first design initiative in a real-world situation, allows us to learn, hone our skills, and get valuable experience,” Ocenada emphasized.

She also added that this project aligns with the core values of interior design in creating spaces that can give support and uplift the lives of individuals.

“This project has the potential to shape future interior designers by teaching them valuable lessons in empathy, collaboration, social responsibility, and real-world application of their skils,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Project Sirong incorporates a researched-based Trauma-Informed Design principles in making a comfortable environment for its clients.

The fundraising event is currently on-going where various events is offered to the people as the students raised a raffle draw and conduct commissioning.

Donations will go directly to the structure and design improvements of the shelter.

by Carl Anthony Dotingco