London, UK — July 24, 2025 — Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, a proud Ilongga and Karay-a scholar, graduated with a Master of Science in Cities from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE Cities), during a ceremony at the Peacock Theatre. Her capstone research, “Assessing the Viability of the 15-Minute City Model in Metro Manila,” explores how global urban planning frameworks can be localized to meet the specific challenges of the Philippine capital.
Hailing from Iloilo, Lamentillo carries with her not just academic credentials but also a deep cultural grounding. “My Bisaya upbringing shaped how I see communities,” she said. “We were taught to value ‘pakig-ambit’—to share in the struggles and hopes of others. That’s at the heart of urban planning too: listening to people and designing cities that serve everyone.”
Her research tackles the complexity of Metro Manila’s urban sprawl—from informal settlements to overstretched suburbs—proposing a phased, community-sensitive approach that emphasizes accessibility, climate resilience, and inclusivity.
“As cities evolve, we need to include the stories and realities of those often ignored—like persons with disabilities, elderly residents, or solo parents,” Lamentillo stressed. “Urban planning must be people-first. It’s time we take solutions like sponge cities and permeable pavements seriously—not as trends, but as necessities in a climate-vulnerable country like ours.”
Known for her interdisciplinary work, Lamentillo is the founder of NightOwl AI, an initiative using machine learning to document and preserve endangered Philippine languages—especially those with complex morphology like Kinaray-a and Hiligaynon. Her academic journey includes a Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines College of Law (2020), executive studies at Harvard Kennedy School (2018), and a cum laude degree in Development Communication from UP Los Baños (2012), where she was awarded the Faculty Medal. She is also currently pursuing a Master of Science in Major Programme Management at the University of Oxford.
Lamentillo also officially became a lawyer after passing the 2025 Bar Examinations on her first attempt, a vow she made with her late father who passed away in 2017, which she carried through years of rigorous study, uncertainty, and quiet perseverance. The Supreme Court of the Philippines released the list of successful examinees on January 7, 2026.
LSE Cities is a globally recognized center at the London School of Economics dedicated to advancing sustainable, inclusive urban development.
For Lamentillo, this milestone is more than a personal achievement—it’s a call to action. “As an Ilongga, as a Filipino, I carry the hopes of communities whose voices deserve to shape our future cities. We can’t afford to build for the few. We must build for everyone.”
