Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines — St. Dominic College of Asia (SDCA) has achieved international recognition after being named a “Highly Commended 2025” institution in both the Student Engagement and Next Generation Learning & Skills categories of the International Green Gown Awards 2025.
The Green Gown Awards, in partnership with the UN Environment Programme and various sustainability stakeholders, celebrates best practices in sustainability and social impact across higher education institutions worldwide. The “Highly Commended” distinction is granted to finalists whose programs are judged outstanding by an international panel, even if they do not take home the top prize.
Recognizing SDCA’s Innovative Engagement & Learning Approach
SDCA’s dual commendation underscores its continuous efforts to embed meaningful student participation and forward-leaning teaching models into its institutional fabric.
In the Student Engagement category, the institution was lauded for initiatives that deepen student ownership of sustainability practices—especially through participatory projects in local communities, co-designed programs, and peer-led campaigns.
In Next Generation Learning & Skills, SDCA’s model emphasizes equipping students with the competencies needed in a rapidly evolving world: critical thinking, digital fluency, adaptability, interdisciplinary problem solving, and sustainability literacy.
These recognitions build on SDCA’s prior successes. In earlier Green Gown cycles, the college was also shortlisted in categories such as Next Generation Learning Skills, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability, and “Creating Impact.”
Its programs, such as TeleMental Health (providing virtual mental health support), ArtReach (cultural preservation through multimedia arts in Indigenous communities), and the Sustainable Training and Education Program (STEP) for lifelong learners, exemplify how the institution has combined relevance, innovation, and community integration.