London, UK — On 24 July, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo graduated with a Master of Science in Cities from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE Cities) during London, UK — On 24 July, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo graduated with a Master of Science in Cities from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE Cities) during a ceremony held at the Peacock Theatre. Her capstone research, “Assessing the Viability of the 15-Minute City Model in Metro Manila,” examines how the widely discussed urban planning model can be adapted to address the complex and fragmented urban landscape of the Philippine capital.

A Karay-a scholar and policy advocate, Lamentillo’s research delves into the unique challenges and opportunities across Metro Manila’s diverse urban typologies — from informal settlements and dense inner-city districts to sprawling outer suburbs. Her findings propose a phased and context-sensitive approach to urban development, advocating for immediate, medium-term and long-term interventions that prioritize accessibility, climate resilience and inclusivity.

“As cities continue to evolve, we must listen to the people who live in them. Urban planning cannot be limited to technocratic ideals — it must include the lived realities of elders, persons with disabilities, single mothers and children. Inclusion is not optional; it’s essential,” said Lamentillo, born to Ilonggo parents on 7 February 1991.

“We must critically assess what’s working and what isn’t. Escalating commitment to outdated or ineffective solutions is the worst thing we can do to our cities. Take flooding, for example — have we truly considered solutions like sponge cities or permeable pavements? These aren’t just concepts; they are urgent alternatives.”

Lamentillo’s academic and professional background reflects her commitment to interdisciplinary thinking and systems-level change. She is the founder of NightOwl AI, a pioneering initiative that leverages machine learning to preserve endangered and morphologically complex languages.

She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law in 2020, completed executive studies at Harvard Kennedy School in 2018, and graduated cum laude from the UP Los Baños in 2012 with a Faculty Medal in Development Communications. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Major Programme Management at the University of Oxford.

LSE Cities is a world-leading center at the London School of Economics that conducts research, education and policy engagement on the challenges of contemporary urbanization, shaping more equitable and sustainable cities worldwide.

Lamentillo’s graduation from LSE marks not only the culmination of another academic milestone, but also a renewed commitment to reshaping the future of cities — starting with Metro Manila.