De La Salle Philippines Media Bureau

DLSP - PRV Integration of Offices

2010-07-28T19:06:00.002+08:00

A letter from the office of the Brother Visitor regarding the integration of De La Salle Philippines and The Provincialate. For the full transcript, please click on the image below.

DLSP Media Bureau news update 32 (SY 09-10)

2010-02-12T08:29:00.010+08:00

Event announcements
8-13 February
DLSL: Great @ 48! DLSL Foundation Week

12 February
DLSP: DLSP-BEC Christian Living Coordinators and Faculty Seminar

15-16 February
DLSP: DLSP-TEC seminar on 2 topics: Current and Potential Opportunities for Social Action and Development and their Implications for Curriculum Development and Research + Global and National Trends in Key Professions and Industries and their Implications for Curriculum Development and Research

16 February
DLSU: Lecture on Identifiying the Poor using Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS)

18 February
DLSU: Seminar on Free Trade Areas and Philippine Business : Evidence From Transport, Food, And Electronics Firms

18-19 February
DLSL: Tupada Action and Media Art (TAMA) International performance art lecture

19 February
DLSU: Book Launching of "Lumbay ng Dila" the first novel of Dr. Genevieve Asenjo

19-20 February
DLSC: Science-Math Interschool Challenge
Contact person: Ms. Wek Cidro or Mr. Bong Dejan at (02) 6700-1111 local 126

20 February
DLSU: Symposium Tungkol Sa 'Ang Ama Namin'

22 February
DLSL: Culture and Arts Lecture/Workshop on Poetry Writing

23-26 February
DLSP: DLSP-BEC Principals' Workshop at La Salle University

26 February
DLSL: 12th Sayaw Filipinas

De La Salle Brothers news
Canonical visits

Read about the Brother Visitor's sharing on his canonical visits to the DLSU Brothers' Community (FSC Bulletin 2010-04) and the St. Benilde Brothers' Community (FSC Bulletin 2010-05) by clicking on the links to the FSC Bulletin.

Remembering Br. Ceci Hojilla FSC, 8 February 1944 - 21 June 2009
By Br. Bobby Casingal FSC

June 20, Saturday, Br. Ceci was dressing up to attend a 1:30 p.m. wedding but he never left his room. He missed Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Br. Gus checked with the cook on who among the Bros had not yet eaten his breakfast. Upon learning that Br.Ceci had skipped breakfast, Br. Gus knocked on Br. Ceci’s door. After getting no response, he entered the room where he saw Br.Ceci sprawled face down on the floor. Br. Gus called Br. Dennis and together they checked Br. Ceci. An ambulance was called to bring Br. Ceci to the hospital where he was pronounced as having expired long before he was brought there.

By 9:00 p.m. of Sunday night, the NSDC [National Shrine of the Divine Child] in LSGH [La Salle Green Hills] was already filled with the many students, former students, alumni and friends of Br. Ceci. His remains arrived at around 9:15 and a Mass was celebrated at around 9:30 p.m.

The next 4 days saw one of the biggest continuous gatherings of the Lasallian family. All barriers and differences among the various La Salle schools, sectors and age groups simply disappeared. Even the usual protocols, procedures and bureaucracy so common among big institutions were gone. Even the fear of the H1N1 virus could not stop so many kids from Zobel with their parents and former students bringing their sons and daughters to see Br. Ceci. They all came and gathered to pay their respect to a Brother who had touched their lives in so many various ways.

During these past few days, I saw and was inspired as I witnessed one of the finest examples of us being a family, the Lasallian family.

Many came not to cheer our basketball team and show that we are better than the other schools or because of intense school rivalry. No, they did not come because they were attracted due to the publicity of a show featuring alumni stars and celebrities. Neither were they organized and asked by administrators to attend a “media event” that usually accompanies a major La Salle project like the scholarship fund or the anniversary of one of our schools. The Lasallian family gathered because one man, a La Salle Brother touched and made a difference in their lives.

I was humbled as I saw that in one flawed and even inconsistent Brother how God in his goodness has reached out so that the young are valued, cared for, nurtured and can experience that they are loved. I can only pray that I too may be as faithful to our mission of caring for the young and showing them God’s goodness and his loving plan.

Goodbye, Ceci, I’ll see you again sans your outlandish colored shirts, your gadgets and electronic devices, your odds ways and death defying eating habits (that finally caught up with you) but always with the joy, the hope and laughter you bring and infect all of us. We are richer having known you. Maraming Salamat, Kapatid!

De La Salle Canlubang news
DLSC Boys Soccer Team Places 2nd in Football Fiesta

The 13 and under Boys Soccer Team of De La Salle Canlubang won second place in the Football Fiesta held January 30 at De La Salle Zobel.

The soccer team, composed of nine students won against the team of La Salle Greenhills with a score of 3-0 in the semifinals. The team lost by one point to De La Salle Zobel, the game ending with a score of 2-1.

The team is composed of Marco Benito, Lance Montenegro, Ramon Reventar, Gwen Casas, Paulo Punzalan, Miguel Luna, Nathan Velasques, Marc Vincent Galang and Micheal Ching.

DLSC Students Win Big in Campus Journalism Awards

De La Salle Canlubang college students brought home seven awards from the recently concluded Campus Journalism Awards (CJA) held on January 23, 2009 The CJA encourages student writers to excel in the different areas of journalism, particularly in editorial writing, cartooning, photojournalism and investigative reporting. It is one of the programs under the Student Publications Office of De La Salle University-Manila.

Stories reprinted from the DLSC website.

De La Salle Health Sciences Institute news
Dr. Yu Honored as Outstanding Filipino Physician

Congratulations to Dr. Charles Yu, DLSHSI Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Linkages, for being honored as one 2009's Outstanding Filipino Physicians. The prestigious award is sponsored by the JC International Senate, the Department of Health, PhilHealth and PCSO. The TOFP is an annual recognition for the best Filipino doctors in their respective fields.

Lasallian Physician Named Top Doctor in Cincinnati

A Filipino Lasallian physician was listed as among the “Top Doctors” in the January issue of Cincinnati Magazine in the US. Dr. Manuel Villareal, practitioner and clinical researcher at the Fragge Allergy and Asthma Clinics and Abraham Research in Kentucky, was cited in the annual guide for the Greater Cincinnati area’s most respected physicians. Villareal finished his degree in Medicine with cum laude honors at the College of Medicine of the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute in 1984.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

De La Salle Lipa news
Lasallian Multi-Sectoral Congress Held

A multi-sectoral congress of the different representatives from Lasallian schools in South Luzon took place at DLS Canlubang on 5-6 February 2010. “Bringing the Lasallian Guiding Principles to Life in Association” was the congress’ topic where key players from DLS Canlubang, DLSU Dasmariñas, DLS Health Sciences Institute, DLS Lipa, and DLS Zobel gathered. Administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni shared their experiences and practices in ensuring the continuity of the Lasallian Guiding Principles in the areas of education, formation, association, and social development.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

DLSL Celebrates National Arts Month

The Cultural Office joins the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) in the celebration of National Arts Month through its series of activities geared towards the support of Philippine International Arts Festival program. Everyone is invited to participate on the activities aimed at making arts accessible to everyone. All activities are open to the public.

BOUND/UNBOUND-Exhibit on February 10 at the Batangas Sining Galeri Sentrum. DLSL alumni artist will display multi media works on the theme bound/unbound. Exhibit runs until March 2010 and co sponsored by Presidential Management Office, Alumni Linkages.

Tupada Action and Media Art (TAMA) International performance art lecture on Feb 18-19, 9:00 am -5:00 am at the Br. Henry Virgil Gymnasium. Top local and international performance artists from USA, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, etc will facilitate the workshop and explore performance art as less restrictive and more inclusive form of creative practice.

Culture and Arts Lecture/Workshop on Poetry Writing. Award winning writers Manolito Sulit and Ramil Gulle will facilitate the workshop on February 22, 2010 at the Diokno Auditorium. A whole day writing workshop to be participated by invited campus literary writers but is also open to the public.

12th SAYAW FILIPINAS on February 26, 6:00 pm at the Sentrum. The event will once again gather distinguished national and international dance companies to celebrate and bring together different dance forms expressive of indigenous cultures.

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School news
DLSZ Celebrates a Green Valentine's Day

As part of the school’s environmental advocacy, De La Salle Santiago Zobel will be holding A Green Valentine's Day celebration on Friday, February 12, 2010. This is also the Student Representative Coordinating Council's response to Donate-a-Plant Project which promotes the use of ornamental plants as Valentine's gifts instead of cut-flowers or chocolates. The purchased plant, which comes with certificate of donation, will be planted on campus and tagged with the name of the recipient. To give more meaning to the occasion, students and employees are requested to wear green shirt and jeans on the said day.

Grade Schoolers Bag Medals in Carlos Palanca, Jr. Taekwondo Championship 2010

Congratulations to Julia Luisa Panganiban (DLSZ 2017), Camila Sta Ana (DLSZ 2015), Jose Lorenzo Gonzales (DLSZ 2015), and Caitlin Baradas (DLSZ 2015) for winning 2 silver medals (sparring), 1 bronze medal (sparring), and one bronze medal (poomse), respectively, during the recently concluded Carlos Palanca Jr. Taekwondo Championship held last February 7, 2010 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Kudos to Coach Ricky Santiago for his tireless efforts in training our taekwondo team!

News items reprinted from the DLSZ website.

De La Salle University news
DLSU Established College of Business and School of Economics

Starting Academic Year 2010-2011, the College of Business and Economics will be restructured into two separate entities, namely the College of Business and the School of Economics. The reorganization was undertaken to strengthen the foothold of the College of Business as the premier business school of the country and to promote the School of Economics as a prime resource in understanding economic policy issues.

Engineering Faculty Wins International Best Paper Award

A faculty from the Civil Engineering Department earned the Best Paper Award for enlightening Asia-specific topics in the 8th Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies (EASTS) International Conference last November 16-19 in Surabaya, Indonesia. Dr. Alexis M. Fillone’s paper titled, “The Estimated Effect of the Proposed Fx Megataxi Express Service on Mode-Changing Behavior in Metro Manila,” earned the award out of around 600 papers submitted and presented in the conference.

Lasallians Embark on Quest for Fitness

Last January 20, the launching of Fit Quest: The DLSU Weight Loss Challenge 2010 took place at the E. Razon Sports Complex. The contest will cover the entire third term of the current academic year. The Office of Sports Development (OSD) started the three-month long challenge because the department believes that healthy people redound to a productive society. In this regard, OSD is embarking on a campaign of health and wellness designed to get the community moving and living a more active life. To do this, Fit Quest aims to create high impact, fun, safe, and medically sound activities that will encourage a more active lifestyle for all involved.

To read more on the items above plus other news, download the latest issue of 2401 HERE.

University of St. La Salle news
ABComm sophomore is Jury's Choice in 180 Microcinema Film Festival

The documentary film entry, “Modelo”, of Mel Rose Aguilar was given the Jury selection award for the documentary category in correspondence with Jeremy Segay in Paris, France at the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) office last Jan. 21. The jury consisted of Jeremy Segay of Paris Cinema; Manet Dayrit, the Managing Director of RoadRunner Network, Inc; and award-winning Director, Francis X. Pasion.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

Yap, Legislador and Mijares Top the Nursing Licensure Exam

The College of Nursing takes pride in informing the Lasallian Community the latest results of the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) last Nov. 29 and 30, 2009. USLS alumni Karla Andrea C. Yap ranked sixth with 86.20 percent passing rate and Kristin Angeli P. Legislador and Manelle P. Mijares who both ranked ninth with 85.60 percent passing rate. In the overall NLE results out of seven schools in Negros Occidental, USLS ranked number one. Furthermore, with schools reaching 100 and more examinees in Region 6, USLS ranked number four and compared with other La Salle schools, USLS ranked number one. The current passing rate of USLS which is 68.22 percent is higher than the 39.73 percent national passing rate.

Congratulations to our new Lasallian Nurses!

News item reprinted from the USLS website.

DLSP Media Bureau update 31 (SY0910)

2010-01-13T11:11:00.012+08:00

Event announcements

12 January 2010
DLSU: Sikat National Roadshow Kickoff, 11 am, Central Plaza
To view the GMA News video of the SIKAT kickoff, please click HERE.

21 January 2010
DLSU: STAR Manila Grand Finals, 7 pm, Yuchengco Auditorium

26 January 2010
All schools: Catholic Teachers' Day festivities

29 January 2010
DLSHSI: I think, therefore, I am a proud Lasallian scholar! 5 pm, Lasallian Animo Center

8-13 February 2010
DLSL: Great @ 48! DLSL Foundation Week

De La Salle Brothers news
Donations to Jaime Hilario Integrated School

I would like to acknowledge groups and individuals who donated to Jaime Hilario this December starting with the Martinez Family and the friends of Br. Kenneth. The Martinez Family donation was turned over during Br. Kenneth’s silver jubillee held 08 December. It has been earmarked as seed money for the construction of the 3rd school building which will commence towards the end of this year. Thank you also to the Atayde family as well as to the De La Salle University Student Council.

Farewell, Mr. Bringas

We received word today that Mr. Domiciano Bringas, long-time staff member of De La Salle University and Benefactor of the De La Salle Brothers, returned to the Lord on the morning of 11 January 2010. “Dom” Bringas joined De La Salle College – Taft in 1951 was secretary to several Presidents of De La Salle College and later, De La Salle University: starting from Brother Richard Duerr FSC, Brother H. Gabriel Connon FSC, Brother Andrew Gonzalez FSC, and Brother Rafael Donato FSC. He retired in October 1995 after 44 years of service. Mr. Bringas was presented the Letter of Benefaction on November 16, 2004.

To read more on the 2 items above and other news from the FSC Bulletin, please click HERE.

De La Salle Philippines news
DLSP Holds 2009 Corporation meeting

De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) held its 2009 Corporation meeting on 16 December at the Multipurpose Hall of Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall. The 58 corporation members who attended the annual event that was presided by Mr. Ramon del Rosario, Jr., National Mission Council Co-Chair, ratified the acts and resolutions of the Corporate officers and NMC members and perused over the audited SY 08-09 financial statement. In his first year in office, Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, NMC Co-Chair and DLSP President, presented a mid-year report to highlight the accomplishments of the network office in the first half of the school year. Ms. Caroline Labrador, Investment Management Unit Head, presented an investment report prior to Dr. Carmelita Quebengco AFSC's quantification of the services offered to the 17 DLSP-member schools. The meeting proper ended with the re-election of 5 NMC members who were given fresh 3-year terms: Dr. Allan Bernardo, Mr. Francis Estrada, Br. Ricky Laguda FSC, Sr. Cora Manalo DC and Mr. Joaquin Quintos IV.

After the meeting adjourned, the 2010 National CHIMES Awardees were honored over lunch.

De La Salle Lipa news
Back-to-back Alumni Homecomings

The college alumni co-workers hosted a College-MMT Alumni Homecoming last December 30, 2009 at the Sentrum. The alumni were welcomed and inspired by Dr. Corazon Abansi, Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research. She shared the importance of coming together and the achievements of the Colleges. She also mentioned that homecoming creates new relationships among alumni such as business partners, “magbalae”, etc. The gathering was filled with games and presentations from De La Salle Voices, Salindayaw and Integrated School Acoustic Band (College alumni faculty and staff singing group). An election of officers for the College-MMT Alumni Council followed.

To read more on this story, please click HERE.

NAHEI Cultural Contest

Showcasing the talents of their students, at least ten schools of Batangas Province participated on Saturday in the cultural competitions sponsored by the National Higher Educational Institution (NAHEI) hosted by Lyceum University Batangas. Categories of the competition included, Vocal Solo, Duet Singing, Creative Dance and the Ginoo/BB. Pamantasan.

To read more on this story, please click HERE.

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School news
DLSZ Hosts KILALANIN Presidential Forum

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) hosted the KILALANIN Presidential Forum on 9 January 2010 at the Sylvia P. Lina Theater. The event was organized by DLSZ, GMA News and Public Affairs, Friends in Art (FIAT), Inc., Ayala Alabang Village Association, St. James Parish Council, and Barangay Ayala Alabang. Members of the school community and other guests were able to dialogue and interact with the following presidential candidates: Sen. Benigno Aquino III, Sen. Richard Gordon, Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, and Sen. Manuel Villar.

To listen to the audio recording of GMA News.tv of the presidential forum, please click HERE.

De La Salle University news
SY 2010-2011 Star Scholar Candidates

To view the list of DLSU Star Scholar candidates for SY 2010-2011, please click HERE.

DLSP Media Bureau news update 30 (SY0910)

2009-12-18T10:54:00.023+08:00

De La Salle Canlubang
Indignation Prayer Rally and Candle Lighting held for Maguindanao Massacre Victims

The Lasallian Missions office of De La Salle Canlubang staged a prayer rally, calling on Lasallians and Filipinos to express indignation over the massacre of 57 people that happened in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province last November 23, 2009. Prior to the prayer rally, a minute of silence was observed on Tuesday, December 8.

To read more on this story, click HERE.
To see pictures of the event, click HERE.

De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
Deaf Festival Best of 15 Years

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) went all out for the celebration of the 15th Deaf Festival Week on November 16-21 with the theme “Best of 15 Years.”

The Festival featured activities that aim to boost awareness of the Deaf culture. Sports activities, a fashion show, and several seminars were held during the Festival. Fulbright Scholar Robert Baron gave a talk about Deaf Folklore and discussed how unique and rich the Deaf culture is.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

De La Salle Health Sciences Institute
Scholarship application schedule for Summer 2010 and SY 2010-2011 1st term

To read the announcement on DLSHSI's scholarship application schedule, please click HERE.

College of Physical Therapy Grand Alumni Homecoming

The College of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Alumni Association will have their 30th anniversary celebration and grand alumni homecoming on 21 and 28 December 2009. Festivities will begin with a Holy Mass at 8 am on 21 December at the Two Hearts of Mary and Jesus Chapel. to be followed by a number of other organized activities. The CPT Gala Night on 28 December will be held at Vivere Hotel Suites, Alabang.

To download the event banner, please click HERE.

De La Salle Lipa
U.S. Embassy Turns-Over Books to DLSL

Two months after the U.S. Embassy in Manila donated the USD 20,000 fund grant to the DLSL College of Law and DLSL Center, Mr. John McGuire, the Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy, officially turned-over seventy-one law books last Dec. 3 at the DLSL College of Law Library, 2nd floor Mabini Building. More books are expected to be delivered as they were already ordered for the same purpose.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

10,000 BC: Bottles for a Cause

For two years in a row, the Council of Student Organizations (CSO) has successfully organized the 10,000 BC: Bottles for a Cause, Bottles for Christmas, with this year’s theme: “Para maging mabuti ka, kailangan maging mabote ka.” The said organization collated 10,000 plastic bottles, based on their target, which made-up the giant Christmas tree that was lit on the 4 December at the Sentrum. The lighting ceremony was preceded with spectacular numbers from the pool of talents in the college department. Various organizations participated in the very entertaining program, showcasing their extraordinary and outstanding talents in singing, and dancing to the tune of yuletide carol medley. Another group displayed its members’ acting prowess through the “Panuluyan 2009” – a dramatization on Christ’s nativity.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

A Christmas Special, by the IS Green Talents

Once again the very talented students, faculty and staff of the Integrated School (IS) got to showcase their talents at the SM Lipa last December 5. It was the sixth time that the Green Talents overwhelmed the audience with their outpouring talents. Even the by-standers were enticed with the very entertaining presentations.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

De La Salle Lipa Dominates Regional Presscon

De La Salle Lipa reaffirmed its commitment to excellence when its student publications and journalists ruled the 2009 Regional Higher Education Press Conference, Dec. 9-11, in Batis Aramin, Lucban, Quezon. The Lavoxa Group of Publications – official student publication of the college division – won the top honors in four out of five publication brackets en route to the Best Performing School in Campus Journalism award.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

1st CALABARZON Statistics & Research Forum

In a collaborative effort and initiative between Statistical Research Training Center, Regional Development Council and De La Salle Lipa, the First CALABARZON Statistics and Research Forum was successfully held last December 11 at the Diokno Auditorium of Sen. Jose Diokno Hall.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School
Rajo Laurel (DLSZ '88) Receives 2009 TOYM Award

DLSZ congratulates Raymund Joseph Laurel (Rajo Laurel) of Batch 1988, for being one of the The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines for 2009. The TOYM awardees were honored by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang.The Outstanding Young Men award is given to young Filipino men and women, ages 18 to 40, for their selfless vocation that significantly contributed to the welfare of their countrymen and advancement in various fields.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

Election Results for the New DLSZAA Board of Directors

The election for the new Board of Directors of the De La Salle Zobel Alumni Association (DLSZAA) was recently held during the Grand Alumni Homecoming on December 12, 2009. The election had begun at about 6:30 pm when the alumni started coming in and it ended at around 10:00pm. With the help of the Information Systems & Technology Services Office (ISTS) of the school, the Election Committee composed of Mr. Jeff Aromin (ISTS head), Mrs. Eden Juanillo (Faculty), Mrs. Maritri Africa (Faculty), and Mrs. Suzette Balgos (Faculty) were able to facilitate a speedy process of voting through the online system and get the results even before the end of the homecoming program.

To view the DLSZAA election results, click HERE.

De La Salle University
DLSU SC President Recognized as Jose Rizal Model Student

Congratulations to Aimee Jane W. Chua, DLSU Student Council President, for being selected as one of the ten awardees in the recently concluded Search for the Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines 2009. The search, organized by the Knights of Rizal, aims to honor students who have excelled in their academics and in their extra- and co-curricular involvement.

(Reprinted from the DLSU website)

DLSU Team Tops Economics Quiz Competition

DLSU Applied Economics and Management of Financial Institution majors Rosana Maria Luisa Vazquez, Francis David Roque, and Zebedee Mejia won the grand prize in the first PSE-JPES-PhilCES National Economics and Capital Markets Quiz Competition held last 4 December at the Philippine Stock Exchange Trading Hall in Ortigas.

CCS Thesis Group Wins in 2009 DOST National Invention Contest

A group of students from DLSU College of Computer Studies won the grand prize in the Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) during the Department of Science and Technology's 2009 National Invention Contest held last 16-20 November at the Philippine Trade Training Center.

Study on Automated Election System Presented to COMELEC

After months of conducting focus group discussions and data gathering, the Caucus on Ensuring the Trustworthiness of the Automated Election System (AES) for the May 2010 Elections presented its study findings to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) last 13 November at the Fajardo-Gonzalez Auditorium of the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall.

Climate Change Video Brings Alumni to Copenhagen Conference

The video entry of DLSU alumni Paul Darwynn Garilao (MEE '06) and Alfonso Orioste, Jr. (POM '07) bested 500 others from around the world in the COP15 Raise Your Voice, an environmental video contest sponsored by CNN, Youtube and the Danish government.

To read more on these stories and to download the latest issue of 2401, click HERE.

New Academic Publications Office Titles for the Year

To read the new titles announced by the DLSU Academic Publications Office (APO), click HERE.

De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
DLSU-D’s ARPO conferred Best Academe-Based PESO

DLSU-D’s Alumni Relations and Placement Office (ARPO)-University Public Employment Service Office (UPESO) was conferred the “Best Academe-Based PESO” by the Provincial PESO, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), during the Recognition Night for Employers and Industrial Peace Partners on Nov. 26.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

Museo holds dedication ceremony for Kalaw-Katigbak Room Museo

De La Salle intensifies its dedication to the preservation of certain aspects and material culture of the 19th century Philippine ilustrado lifestyle by hosting the dedication ceremony for the Kalaw-Katigbak Room held at the Zaguan on Dec. 5. Established on 2001, the Kalaw-Katigbak Room contains the exhibition on the evolution of the Filipina dress. For years, visitors and friends of the Museo have generously contributed to the collection which spans from the late 1880s to the early 21st century. Museo De La Salle Executive Director Jose Ma. Ricardo Panlilio highlighted that the superb workmanship craftsmanship of the Filipino artist shines through the collection. He further shared that the significance of the exhibition is in relevance to the first mother and daughter couple, Pura Villanueva Kalaw, the first Queen of the Manila Carnival (the title equivalent to Miss Philippines today) in 1908, and her daughter Maria Kalaw-Katigbak, Miss Philippines 1931.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

Kilos Kabitenyo: Be Part of the Revolution

“Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal famously decreed. Staying true to this conviction, the fourth year AB Communication students with course track in Public Relations conceptualized “Kilos Kabitenyo: Be Part of the Revolution,” a campaign that aims to generate not just awareness but support and volunteerism among the youth of Cavite for a clean and honest election. This noble endeavor reaped its first laurel when they placed fourth at the 2009 Public Relations Students’ Grand Prix held recently at the University of Santo Tomas.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

Heraldo Filipino reaps 16 Awards in Region IV-A Higher Education Press Conference
News from BRENDA F. MARTINEZ, DLSU-D Student Publications Office Director

The Heraldo Filipino participated in the recently concluded Region IV-A Higher Education Press Conference held on December 9-11, 2009 at Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel in Lucban, Quezon.

We are pleased to announce that our official student publication has won the following awards in the Broadsheet category:

2nd place, Best News Page (Broadsheet Category)
2nd place, Best Opinion/Editorial Page (Broadsheet Category)
3rd place, Best Sports Page (Broadsheet Category)
3rd place, Best Broadsheet
4th place, Best Devcom Page (Broadsheet Category)
4th place, Best Page Design (Broadsheet Category)
4th place, Best Feature/Literary Page (Broadsheet Category)

Moreover, the Heraldo Filipino team composed of Ana Elisha Cortez, Cathlea Rosas, Myka Jolola, Millicent Andres and Krisha Lou Doliente ranked 4th in the on-the-spot Desktop Publishing contest.

In the individual categories, on the other hand, our campus journalists competed against 46 other representatives from various tertiary schools in the region and won the following awards:

Ana Elisha Cortez (Jou3)
1st place, Feature Writing (Filipino)

Patrick Quintos (Com3)
2nd place, Poetry Writing (English)
6th place, Column Writing (Filipino)

Cathlea Rosas (Com3)
2nd place, Poetry Writing (Filipino)

Paul Amiel Salonga (Com4)
2nd place, Column Writing (English)
6th place, Editorial Writing (English)

Rizza Mendoza (BIT3)
7th place, Copyreading and Headline Writing (Filipino)
9th place, Newswriting (Filipino)

Cortez, Quintos, Rosas and Salonga qualified to represent Region IV-A to the Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference in February 2010 in Laoag City.

La Salle Green Hills
Accolades for LSGH Debaters, Musician

Congratulations to the LSGH Debate Team C (Migs Adriano, 4C and Daryl Isla, 3C) for making it to the semi-finals and LSGH Debate Team A ( LJ Galvez, 2B and Guillian Sencio, 4G) for making it to the finals in the recently concluded PSDC (Philippine Schools Debate Championships) last Nov. 4-6 held at the Ateneo De Manila University.

In the Individual Pubic Speaking Rounds, Migs Adriano and Daryl Isla also made it to the finals with Daryl ranking as one of the Top 10 Best Speakers in the Philippines. LORENZO MEDEL of class 1J for being the Grand Prize Winner and the Chairman's/Best Filipino Piece in the recently held National Music Competitions for Young Artist - Piano Category at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last November 10, 2009.

(Reprinted from the LSGH website)

University of St. La Salle
Ecological Park Inaugurated

After twelve long years of planning and developing the USLS Granada Campus, the Ecological Park has finally been inaugurated last Dec. 8. With its inauguration and blessing recently, USLS opens the ten- hectare Center to students and teachers, families, NGOs, professional societies, civic organizations and corporations which they can utilize for different occasions and purposes.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

NSTP bags National Award

The National Service Training Program (NSTP) of USLS won the Green Philippines Awards 2009 Search for the Best Environmental Program - NSTP category B ( covers coastal areas and marine environment program ) last Dec. 10. Among the three categories, USLS joined in the NSTP category B, which covers coastal areas and marine environmental program while the other two categories cited in the competition were NSTP category A which is about land based programs and usually are urban environmental programs and the NSTP category C which covers forest areas, mountainous regions and upland areas.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

USLS-IS win awards in RSPC

Congratulations to the following secondary students who represented USLS in the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) 2009 at Punta Villa, Iloilo City last Nov. 8-9.

Claire Alellie Adeva, 2nd place – Editorial Cartooning-English
Sofia Isabelle Ortiz, 3rd place – Photojournalism-English
Marietta Trimpe, 10th place – Feature Writing-English
Lance Vincent Llamas, Editorial Writing-Filipino
Modesto Gargaritano Jr., Sports Writing-Filipino

To read more on this story, click HERE.

THE SPECTRUM sweeps awards in COPRE’09

Click HERE to view the awards won by THE SPECTRUM, the official student publication of the University of St. La Salle, during the last Western Visayas College Press Awards (COPRE) held in Iloilo City on 26 November 2009.

MassComm paper bags awards in COPRE’09

USLS Mass Communication Department’s official publication The LEAD won three out of four major awards bagging Best Departmental Publication, Best Newsletter and Best Newspaper in the 36th College Press Awards 2009 of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region VI in Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City last Nov. 26.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

DLSP Media Bureau news update 29 (SY0910)

2009-12-03T15:31:00.009+08:00

De La Salle Brothers
5th Inter Luzon Aspirants Workshop

6 La Salle Brothers (Brs. Rey, Vince, Mandy, Mike, Ruben, Mikey and Aikee), 4 Postulants (Ignaci, Francis, Gelo and Wilson) and 19 Aspirants from Luzon attended the Mt. Samat Pilgrimage in Bataan. Together with other Catholics ages eighteen to thirty who feel drawn to a life of service in the Church, they went on a journey to the summit of Mt. Samat. The program, conceptualized by Bishop Soc Villegas, aims to assist those in the early discernment process by providing young adults an opportunity to talk about vocation and expand the appreciation of those drawn to a life of service in the Church. The aspirants have adapted the activity for the first time for the 5th Inter Luzon Aspirants Workshop (ILAW).

To read more on this story and to view the latest FSC Bulletin from the Brother Visitor, click HERE.

Philippine Lasallian Family Statement on the Maguindanao Massacre

Brutal, barbaric, and heinous. These were words used to describe the Maguindanao massacre that has claimed the lives of more than 50 people—the majority of them being political supporters, lawyers and media practitioners in the company of scions of a political clan.

Eyewitness reports from survivors have pointed to the perpetrators responsible for this gruesome mass execution, and while verification of these accounts has yet to be done, there is little doubt that at the core of this barbarism is a politics bereft of principle, a politics that has lost touch with the very foundations of human decency. What happened in Maguindanao was an animal act. The savage atrocities wreaked upon the victims and horrifyingly evident on their mutilated corpses beggars the imagination. This incident is a warning about the depths to which human beings can descend when they allow the lust for power, possessions and prestige to take over their lives.

“God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, so shall he reap”(Gal 6:7). Let us not fool ourselves. The Maguindanao Massacre is not a mere election-related feud. It is a symptom of the moral bankruptcy, lack of accountability, and wanton disregard for human rights that has characterized the culture of the Arroyo administration since consolidating its power in the contested elections of 2004. Such trends, well-documented by various local and international human rights agencies and by no less than the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Human Rights Commission in 2007, have been tolerated for too long.

The Arroyo administration took a double tack, on the one hand, expressing indignation at “a most heinous crime” that constitutes a “supreme act of inhumanity that is a blight on our nation,’ while on the other hand, dragging its heels in pursuing the capture and detention of a political ally whose fortunes flourished under this administration’s patronage. We note that the administration’s invocation of the rule of law and call for the respect of due process, while appropriate in normal circumstances, sounds mightily suspect coming from an administration that is beholden to the political clan said to be behind this atrocity, an administration that has failed to successfully prosecute any of its allies and supporters for corruption, human rights violations, and other high crimes. Actions speak louder than words.. Why treat with kid gloves those who use their influence to silence their political opponents and disenfranchise citizens in elections? Why weren't the alleged murderers at least immediately called in for questioning, if only to answer the charges of survivors or clarify the presence of the local government’s backhoe in the area of the mass grave?

An additional source of discomfort is the clear dereliction of duty of the police and military in the province and region who were informed earlier about the prospect of a violent incident and decided to steer clear of deploying forces to prevent the lawless armed thugs of the political warlord from carrying out their sinister plan. While the military was quickly mobilized to avoid any possible retaliation of the aggrieved clan, the leadership of the Armed Forces at present (with a Defense Secretary that headed an Inter-agency Legal Action Group that prioritized cases of extra-judicial killings perpetrated by “enemies of the state,”) leaves much doubt as to its capacity to effectively defang armed political warlords.

We condemn the Maguindanao Massacre not only because of the brutal and barbaric murder of those who sought only to exercise their political rights, but more importantly because it unravels in a most telling way, the age-old problem of a feeble state that has allowed private armed groups to lord it over territories in exchange for propping up the national leadership and its cohorts at the local and national levels. Whatever blight we now face does not fall simply on the hands of the alleged perpetrators of the Maguindanao Massacre. The blood that flowed in Maguindanao stains the hands of the President who ultimately commands the forces of political control and coercion in this country. We demand that justice be done with all transparency and in the quickest possible time.

We call on Lasallians and all Filipinos to express our indignation at the moral bankruptcy that has led to this paroxysm of violence. If we are not to be complicit in this abomination against humanity, we must act now and demand that this administration be held accountable for the quality of its stewardship and for its continuing debasement of the political system.

Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC
Brother Visitor

Br. Felipe Belleza, Jr. FSC
District Council Member

Br. Narciso Erguiza Jr. FSC
District Council Member

Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC
District Council Member

Br. Victor Franco FSC
Auxilliary Visitor

Br. Armin Luistro FSC
District Council Member

Br. Ray Suplido FSC
District Council Member

Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC
District Council Member

De La Salle Canlubang
Events Management Seminar

Planning and successfully running events can be an exciting yet challenging task. Whether you are planning large-scale conferences, sports events, board meetings or dinner and dance, this seminar will equip you with the necessary tools to manage your events with efficiency and professionalism.

Speaking on this subject is Maricar R. Donato, the founding director of WashingTours & Events (WTE), a professional tour and event company based in Washington D.C. in the United States.

To attend or to know more about the event on 7 December, click HERE.

De La Salle Lipa
100% passing rate on Abacus exam

The DLSL community congratulates the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) for the 100% passing rate on the Abacus Hands-On and Written Examination. Senior students of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism took the said exam on Abacus functionalities prior to their practicum. The Abacus is an effective tool in their function in the fields of tourism and travel.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

ORP Holds 2009 College Research Forum

The Office of Research and Publications in coordination with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research, sponsored the 2009 College Research Forum which was successfully held on November 9, 2009 at the Nursing Skills Lab 1, Mabini Hall. Attended by 106 faculty and staff from different colleges, this half-day activity showcased different research outputs which were proposed and accepted last SY 2008-2009 as internally-funded research projects.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

De La Salle University
CCS demonstrates RP's first empathic computing space

College of Computer Studies’ Center for Empathic Human-Computer Interactions (CEHCI) had a demonstration of the Philippines’ first physical empathic computing space last November 20 at Room 402 of the Gokongwei Building.

The space is equipped with a sensor network to identify its current occupant, recognize his emotions, and respond in an empathic manner. By empathic responses, the space can mirror its occupant’s emotion via adjustment of ambient parameters such as temperature, lighting and background music.

DLSU celebrates Lasallian Action Week

Through the efforts of the Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO) and the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), De La Salle University’s annual Lasallian Action Week was held last November 16-20 with a number of activities lined up for all members of the community.

Two outstanding research papers recognized abroad

Three faculty members from the Accountancy Department received Distinguished Research Awards during the 2009 Allied Academies International Fall Conference held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA last October 14-16. The research paper of Cynthia Cudia and Ma. Gina Manaligod titled “EPS as a Measure of Intercompany Performance: Philippine Evidence” was awarded under the Academy for Studies in International Business.

To read more on these stories and to download the latest issue of 2401, click HERE.

DLSP Media Bureau news update 28 (SY0910)

2009-11-24T09:32:00.002+08:00

De La Salle University
College of Law Tackles Automated Polls in Lecture Series

The College of Law (CoL) of De La Salle University conducted the first of a series of lectures titled, “A Forum in on Automated Elections: Learnings from Minnesota” last November 6 at the Nolledo-Hernandez Function Rooms of The Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

Aimed at dissecting relevant national issues, the forum was the first in a series organized by the College of Law. The subject was chosen for the May 2010 national elections, in which over 50 million Filipino voters will be introduced to the automated electoral system.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of 2401, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 27 (SY0910)

2009-11-19T09:13:00.002+08:00

De La Salle Lipa
World University Presidents' Dialogue

Br Manuel Pajarillo FSC was invited for the second time to be speaker at the World University Presidents’ Dialogue during the 2009 Asian University Presidents’ Forum (AUPF) held at the Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta, Indonesia on October 19-21, 2009. Among the other University Presidents who spoke were Dr. Yosef Shevel of Galillee College in Israel, Dr. Lutgardo Barbo of Philippine Normal University, Dr. Matthew Min-Teh Yu of Providence University in

Taiwan

and Br Manuel Pajarillo FSC of De La Salle Lipa.

to read more on this story, click HERE

Dr. Abansi Speaks at AUPF

VCAR Dr. Corazon L. Abansi was speaker in the recently concluded Asian University Presidents Forum held at Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta, Indonesia on October 19-21, 2009. The theme of the forum is “Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Best Practices”. Dr. Abansi discussed the experiences and lessons learned by De La Salle Lipa in its preparations for IQuAME accreditation. IQUAME which stands for Institutional Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Evaluation is a program of the Commission on Higher Education which aims to examine the effectiveness of HEI in its entirety, particularly the overall strategic and operational management of academic affairs and other programs and services.

to read more on this story, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 26 (SY0910)

2009-11-10T09:04:00.002+08:00

De La Salle Lipa
DLSL Ranks 6th in the ECE Board Exam

After producing the top two placers in the recent CPA Licensure Examination, DLSL hits the topnotch again. In the recently concluded Electronics Engineer (ECE) Licensure Examination, Charle Niño F. Pasahol of DLSL ranked sixth with a score of 88.10%, tied with Mark S. Cayubit of Rizal Technological University. Pasahol graduated Cum laude last March 2009. Ranking first was Rizaldo Fuentes of Cebu Institute of Technology with a score of 91.10%.

To read more on this story, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 25 (SY0910)

2009-11-05T09:31:00.002+08:00

De La Salle University
A (H1N1) Info Campaign Wins Quill Excellence Award

De La Salle University recently won a Philippine Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines for the “Be Flu-less, Not Clueless!” information campaign on the Influenza A (H1N1). The awarding ceremony was held last October 22 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Receiving the award for the University was the Marketing Communication Office, which spearheaded the information campaign.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of 2401, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 24 (SY0910)

2009-10-29T10:04:00.002+08:00

FSC Bulletin no. 41

Silver Jubilee of Br. Dindo. Br. Dindo Maralit FSC celebrated his silver jubilee last 24 October at the beautiful Capilla San Juan Bautista De La Salle at De La Salle Lipa. In attendance were his immediate family, very close friends and the Brothers. Main celebrant was Br. Dindo’s younger brother, Fr. Junie, Rector of the Lipa Theologate.

Lasallian Sports Camp. The biennial grade school sports competion formally opened at De La Salle Canlubang last Sunday, 25 October. Formerly known as Inter La Salle, it is now called Lasallian Sports Camp and emphasizes friendship, cooperation and fellowship rather than just fierce competition. There are 643 participants representing 11 schools including first time participants Jaime Hilario Integrated School.

To read more on the latest FSC bulletin, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 23 (SY0910)

2009-10-27T10:00:00.002+08:00

De La Salle University
Shalom Center Opens to Promote Employee Wellness

Part of De La Salle University’s National Teachers’ Day celebration last October 5 was the opening of the DLSU Shalom Center, an in-campus relaxation and wellness facility for exclusive use of the university’s faculty, non-academic, and administrative personnel.

The project is an integral component of the University’s wellness program for employees, which is aimed at helping them cope with work-related stress.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of 2401, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 22 (SY0910)

2009-10-22T09:36:00.002+08:00

De La Salle Lipa
DLSL Tops CPA Board exams

The results are in! The institution is proud to announce that in the recently concluded Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Board Examination, DLSL’s Romelyn L Carpio, with a rating of 91.71%, tied with Bicol University – Legazpi’s Ivan Rhett Macabeo for first place. Reginald L. Laco ranked second at 91.57%, tied with Laila Amon of DLSU Dasmariñas and Ariel Nacion of MSU – General Santos City. Carpio and Laco graduated Magna Cum Laude last March 2009 and are first-time takers of the CPA Board.

To read more on this story, click HERE

PAF Awards Certificate to DLSL

The Philippine Air Force Air Education and Training Command Fernando Air Base in Lipa awarded a certificate of recognition to De La Salle Lipa last October 19, 2009 “for spearheading the collection of relief goods and clothing at AETC (Air Education and Training Command) that benefited more than 3,000 families affected by Tropical Storm Ondoy, thus alleviating the grief and loss they suffered in the wake of the tragedy” (an excerpt from the citation). The awarding ceremony took place at the Headquarters of Air Education and Training Command, Fernando Air Base, Lipa City and the certificate was signed and given by Brig. Gen. Cmdr. Renato Lorenzo.

To read more on this story, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 21 (SY0910)

2009-10-15T09:03:00.002+08:00

De La Salle University
Annual DLSU S&T Congress Held

De La Salle University, in cooperation with Osaka University, organized the annual Science and Technology Congress last September 21-23 at the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall.

Now on its 11th year, the congress highlighted the ongoing partnership between DLSU and Osaka University in the varied fields of science and technology. Plenary speakers on the first two days of the congress include distinguished technocrats, researchers and academicians in the country, from both DLSU and Osaka University.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of 2401, click HERE

Lasallian community storms Ondoy victims with relief goods

2009-10-13T11:13:00.022+08:00

Update 2
Compiled by Raffy Malenab, Carlos Sasis and Jay Calleja

University of St. La Salle
with a report from Ms. Julie Dojillo

Over the course of the week that followed Ondoy's devastation, USLS, in cooperation with the De La Salle Brothers, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation and the SAC-Diocese of Bacolod, collected and donated 340 packages (sacks and boxes) of assorted relief goods and over 156,000 pesos in cash. An estimated 100 volunteers from Balayan, USG, clubs and students from different classes through the initiative of faculty members contributed and repacked relief goods together with the school's Discipline Office.

De La Salle Andres Soriano Memorial College
With a report from Ms. Leah Gabuya

DLSASMC through ABS-CBN Cebu donated close to 16,000 pesos in cash along with an assortment of relief goods such as food and toiletries in a combined effort from the whole academic community.

La Salle University
with a report from Ms. Flor Ejercito

LSU was able to raise over 16,000 pesos in cash donations for victims of storm Ondoy from the students, faculty, staff, administrators and parents of the College, Integrated School, and Special Education Units including NHS, BMSLS, and SPED. The donation was made to the De La Salle Brothers Inc.- Disaster Response effort.

DLSP Media Bureau news update 20 (SY0910)

2009-10-13T08:29:00.003+08:00

compiled by Raphael Malenab

De La Salle Lipa
US Embassy's Fund Grant to DLSL

On September 30, 2009, the United States Embassy, through its Cultural Affairs Officer, Ms. Martha Buckley gave a Fund Grant of USD5,000 to De La Salle Lipa through its representative Atty. Emerito Enginco. The donation is intended for the purchase of books for the proposed DLSL College of Law and the DLSL Center, the law school’s outreach arm. Books on rule of law, good governance, public policy and the like are only some of the future acquisitions.

To read more on this story, click HERE

Tourism Students Visits Macau and Hong Kong

Fifty-seven sophomore Tourism Management students visited Macau and Hong Kong last September 30 to October 3, 2009. The four-day study tour is in line with their subject World Geography and International Tourism. Joining the group were College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) Dean Ms. Joy S. Zapata, Tourism Department Chairperson Ms. Andrenelyn Varon and Chéz Rafael Supervisor Ms. Jovita Morada.

Highlights of the international study tour include Gondola Ride at the Venetian Hotel in Macau, tram ride at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, and visit in other tourist destinations like the Wax Museum, Abardeen Court, and Avenue of Stars. The participants also attended the lecture of Ms. Rosia Lau, the Senior Executive of Trade Services-South and Southeast Asia of Hong Tourism Board at Ramada Kowloon, a first class hotel where the delegates stayed.

To read more on this story, click HERE

Lasallian community storms Ondoy victims with relief goods

2009-10-09T15:53:00.025+08:00

Update 1
compiled by Raphael Malenab, Carlos Sasis and Jay Calleja

In the wake of the death and destruction left by Typhoon Ondoy, Lasallians responded as a community to the needs of the calamity victims by mobilizing students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, friends and other members of the Lasallian family for relief operations that continue to this day. Here is a brief update on the efforts of some of the La Salle schools.

La Salle Green Hills
with a report from Ms. Eden Battad, CSD

(27 September 2009) A day after Typhoon Ondoy struck the greater part of the capital, relief operations immediately began at LSGH with calls for donations and volunteers permeating virtually every available communication line. Utilizing the LSGH Gymnasium as the base of operations, as many as 1400 volunteers consisting of high school students, faculty, staff and alumni donated, repacked and distributed relief goods to an estimated 60,000 families over the past week. Roughly 2 million pesos in cash donations were also received. At one point, the massive quantities of relief goods to be distributed to areas such as Cainta, Pasig, Rizal, Marikina, Fairview, Bulacan and Antipolo already lacked a means of transport. An overwhelming response from volunteers, mostly alumni, for trucks was received as they sent their personal vehicles and some container vans they use for business. As of this time, LSGH, now a major depository of relief materials, is still distributing relief goods in cooperation with different organizations such as the Ayala Foundation and Akbayan Party-list. Plans have already been submitted to Br. Felipe Belleza, Jr., LSGH president, to organize medical-dental missions and a rehabilitation program in disaster areas.

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School
with a report from Ms. Angie Brazan, SAO

With the Muntinlupa area also affected by tremendous flooding, an estimated 1500 volunteers composed of students, parents, alumni and DLSZ employees worked together to gather around 3.5 million pesos worth of relief goods plus another 150,000 pesos in cash donations. A part of this amount has been distributed to 12,500 families in the Muntinlupa, Marikina, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna areas. Relief operations are planned to reach San Pedro and Cabuyao, Laguna in the coming week. With the resumption of classes, DLSZ plans to hold with the students and the rest of the DLSZ community outreach programs in the Muntinlupa evacuation centers in line with its 2nd phase of relief operations.

De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
with a report from Ms. Grace Saflor, LCDC

In DLSU-D, 482 volunteers helped pack and distribute relief goods to Ondoy victims in Dasmariñas, Bacoor and Taytay, Rizal. in cooperation with the other members of the De La Salle Philippines network, 150 "family packs" from DLSU, 500 from DLSZ and 166 packs from Brightways Academy were also distributed through DLSU-D to ensure that relief goods reached the community faster. A total of roughly 125,000 pesos in cash has been collected. The school is still calling for school supplies and cash donations for the 2nd phase of relief operations for schools in the area that were devastated by Typhoon Ondoy.

De La Salle Health Sciences Institute
with a report from Ms. Myra Patambang

As many as 35 sacks of rice and 35 Balikbayan-sized boxes of clothes were collected, repacked and distributed by the 160 volunteers of DLSHSI. Students, employees, alumni, administrators, faculty and staff, including the St. Paul Sisters, helped in the relief operations mounted with DLSU-D at local communities in Cavite. 80,160 pesos in cash has been collected. Donations for the 2nd phase of relief operations, which includes adopting a flood-stricken community in Laguna for rehabilitation, are being solicited.

De La Salle Lipa
with a report from Ms. Judith Alcaraz

A total of 357 volunteers from the DLSL community helped pack and sort relief goods
which were distributed together with 15 members of the Philippine Air Force. An estimated 738,000 pesos worth of relief goods and 130,000 pesos in cash donations were received for the 2642 families from Cainta, Rizal, Lemery, Batangas and Pinagbuhatan, Quezon City. Repacking and distribution is still on-going as relief operations for the Laguna area has been scheduled for Monday.

photos courtesy of De La Salle Lipa, Mr. Andrew Eustaquio, Mr. Nico Avellaneda, Ms. Cheng Legaspi, Robbie Hilado and Ces Tirona

DLSP Media Bureau news update 19 SY0910

2009-10-06T08:53:00.002+08:00

De La Salle University - Dasmarinas
CSC receives Lingkod Caviteño award

The Cavite Studies Center (CSC), the University's lead unit in upholding and fulfilling its mission of promoting local history and culture, was awarded by the Provincial Government of Cavite as the 2009 Lingkod Caviteño for Education and Research during the recently concluded Gawad Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo Parangal sa Natatanging Rebolusyonaryong Caviteno held at the Taal Vista Lodge, Tagaytay City.

To read more on this story, click HERE

NSTP Voter's Ed gears up DLSU-D for automated elections

The National Service Training Program-Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS), in cooperation with Pre-Law Society, conducted a forum focusing on voter's education and the computerization of the 2010 National Elections dubbed "Hi-Tech na Boto, Uubra ba 'to?" on Sept. 18 at the Severino de las Alas Hall Auditorium.

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Spokesman and Education and Information Department Director James Jimenez discussed the ways and means around the controversial Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) system which will be used for the automated election system during the 2010 National Elections. Jimenez also showed the participants how to use the machine, what the ballot looks like, and how they would vote. The PCOS requires voters to indicate their choice by shading an oval beside the candidate's name. The ballots with the shaded ovals will then be fed into the counting machine, speeding up the release of election results.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of the Newsette, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 18 SY0910

2009-09-22T12:21:00.000+08:00

De La Salle Lipa
Fulbright Professor Speaks on Globalization

Dr. Marcus Noland, 2009 Fulbright – SyCip Distinguished Lecturer, was the guest speaker during the College of Business, Economics, Accountancy and Management (CBEAM) sponsored Lecture Seminar last August 28, 2009 at the Mabini Auditorium.

“Globalization in the 21^st Century” was the lecture-seminar theme which focused on the implication of globalization in underdeveloped countries like the Philippines. The developments and role of trade organizations in globalization were also discussed together with the contributions on international trade and markets by Asian countries specially the participation of China, Singapore and Indonesia in International Trade Policies.

to read more on this story, click HERE

Rabino Holds NOCEI Post

De La Salle Lipa’s College Learning Research Center (LRC) Head, Ms. Lillian Rabino was inducted as Treasurer of the NOCEI (Network of CALABARZON Educational Institution) Library Committee last August 25, 2009 at the University of Batangas. Aside from NOCEI, Ms. Rabino was also elected last year as member of the Council Board of Trustees of the Philippine Librarian Association, Inc., Southern Tagalog Region Librarians Council (PLAI STRLC) at Queen Margaret Hotel, Lucena City. Her term in the council is for two years.

To read more on this story, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 17 SY0910

2009-09-17T11:05:00.002+08:00

De La Salle University- Dasmarinas
DLSU-D kicks off Teachers’ Month celebration

“My teacher, my hero.”

Thus said this year’s theme for the nationwide celebration of the Teachers’ Month to honor our most silent yet most admirable and noble nation-builders. The month-long celebration started on Sept. 4 and will culminate on World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5.

The Commission on Higher Education called for the re-launching of its Teachers’ Month Campaign (TMC) to increase public awareness on the value of the teaching vocation and to celebrate the unique role of teachers in our community and in nation-building.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of The Newsette, click HERE

De La Salle Lipa
Blessing of Gen. Malvar Hall

On September 1, 2009, the blessing of the newly constructed building – Gen. Miguel Malvar Hall of DLSL was held. The new structure houses the following offices: General Services Department (GSD), the GSD workshops, Property and Reservations, as well as the CITE Industrial Engineering Laboratory. The furnishings of the said building are 70% made from recycled materials. Instead of disposing the various parts of the former GSD building, all materials that can be reused were fabricated to office tables, partitions, and other furniture in the offices. This is in response of DLSL’s way of implementing one of its environmental programs under the Green Initiative, Green Imperative (GIGI) project.

To read more on this story, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 16 SY0910

2009-09-10T10:53:00.002+08:00

FSC Bulletin no. 35
La Salle Academy Brothers’ Community Canonical Visit.

After spending time with the Brothers of Ozamiz, I crossed over to Iligan City. Along the way I stopped with Br. Jun and Jimmy at our property in Binuni. The property is currenly being developed by LSU and will be used by their students starting November. There are three Brothers working at La Salle Academy namely, Br. Manny Sia, Br. Raffy Reyes and Br. Alex Diaz. Br. Manny is the director of the house and works in the elementary as Prefect for grades four to six. He also handles four Christian Living classes for Grace six. Br. Raffy is President of the school and continues to steer the basic education institution towards becoming an excellent Lasallian institution.

To read the complete news around the Philippine Lasallian Family, click HERE

FSC Bulletin no. 34
DLSAA Award for Dr. Quebengco AFSC

Dr. Carmelita Quebengco AFSC will be receiving the Distinguished Lasallian Award on 18 September 2009 at the Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory. The Distinguished LS is the highest award given out by the De La Salle Alumni Association. It is awarded to alumni as well as faculty who have distinguised themselves in their respective fields.

To read more on this bulletin, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 15 SY0910

2009-09-08T10:16:00.002+08:00

De La Salle Lipa
GIGI Program Launched

Last September 2, 2009, the Green Initaitive, Green Imperative (GIGI) program of the General Services Department was launched at the Centen Sports Plaza. Administrators, faculty members, and students joined together to welcome GIGI as part of the institution’s environmental programs. In his message, DLSL President Br. Mawel stressed the significance of the event and reiterated especially to the young ones the repercussions if Mother Nature is neglected. It is the responsibility of each and everyone, whether Lasallian or not, to do his or her part in protecting Mother Earth.

To read more on this story, click HERE

De La Salle- College of St. Benilde
Mainstreaming Deaf Education

DLS-CSB is one of few educational institutions in the Philippines that provide Deaf students an opportunity to earn a college degree through programs suited for the Deaf learner’s need for inclusion in industries and communities.

With the Lasallian centennial just a few years away, DLS-CSB’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) looks forward to extending its accessibility and inclusion programs for the Deaf. It aims to mainstream Deaf students with hearing students in classrooms by school year 2011-2012.

To read more on this story, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 14 SY0910

2009-09-03T10:45:00.002+08:00

FSC Bulletin no. 33
Residencia Community Canonical Visit

I travelled to Dasmariñas, Cavite on the 26th to spend a few days with the Brothers of the Residencia Community. There are five Brothers in the community servicing four institutions namely, DLSU – Dasmariñas, Health Sciences Institute, De La Salle Santiago Zobel and De La Salle Canlubang. The community’s theme, Stability in Mobility, captures the reality of the situation of the community as three of the five members have to travel daily to their assigned ministry. Despite that, there is a strong effort to be present in community structures.

Fourth Inter Luzon Aspirants Workshop

29 aspirants from La Salle Green Hills, DLSU Manila, DLS College of Saint Benilde, DLS Lipa, DLSU Dasmariñas and DLS Health Sciences Institute attended the 4th Inter Luzon Aspirants Gathering (ILAW). Brs. Roly, Mandy and Vince were resource persons. Others who were present were Brs. Joseph Scheiter, Ruben Caluyong, Mikey Cua, Aikee Esmeli and Postulant Gelo.

To read more on the latest bulletin from the Philippine Lasallian Family, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 13 SY0910

2009-09-01T11:16:00.003+08:00

De La Salle University
DLSU Holds First Borad of Advisers' Meeting

Members of the newly established De La Salle University Boards of Advisers (BOA) gathered for its first meeting held at the Natividad Fajardo-Rosario Gonzalez Auditorium of Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall last August 8.

The meeting aimed to gather the members of each college’s BOA and allow them to engage the University in meaningful dialogue, and to establish a concrete and sustainable touch point for industry through the advisers.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of 2401, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 12 SY0910

2009-08-26T14:33:00.007+08:00

compiled by Raffy Malenab

FSC Bulletin no. 32
PARC Commitment Renewal Program

22 Young Brothers from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are gathered together in Bangalore, India for the Commitment Renewal Program, now in its integration and evaluation stage. The program began 1 August and will end on the 31st. Practically all of the YBs in the program had their novitiate in Lipa under different novice masters. The participants were either preparing for Final Vows or have recently professed. Among the presentors in the month long program were Vicar General Br. Thomas Johnson, FSC (Lasallian Spirituality), Fr William Sekuerra, SJ (Psycho-spiritual Integration), Br. David Hawke, FSC (”The Institute and the Young Brothers”), Fr. Arul Sivan, SJ (Prayer – Yoga and Meditation), and Bros. Joseph Fernando, FSC, Mark Murphy, FSC and T. Amalan FSC (Integration of the Experience and Evaluation). The 8-Day Directed Retreat is traditionally part of the renewal program and among those who flew in to help were Brs. Peter Foo and Vincent Keating. Brs. Joseph Fernando and Mark Murphy put the program together.

To read more on the latest FSC bulletin, click HERE

To visit the official website of the Philippine Lasallian Family, click HERE

De La Salle University - Dasmarinas
DLSU-D and Jollibee find their ACEs

Five young hopefuls received the gift of education, endless possibilities, and the reason to “be happy.” DLSU-D students Mary Jane Bares, Marites Cuaderno, Nestor De Tobio, Alexandra Jane Fernandez, and Ace Van Marc Jacela were awarded the Jollibee Foundation’s (JF) ACE Scholarship. Project ACE, or Improving Access, Curriculum and Employability in HRM Education towards Poverty Alleviation was established in 2004 with the aim to produce competent graduates in the HRM field who are qualified for immediate employment.

To read more on this story and the rest of the news from the Newsette, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 11 SY0910

2009-08-25T10:30:00.004+08:00

compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle Lipa
DLSL family congratulates the new Registered Nurses (RN) who have passed the Nurse Licensure Examination last June 2009.

To view the list of DLSL graduates who passed the Nurse Licensure Examination, click HERE

De La Salle Health Sciences Institute
DLSHSI ranks 4^th during the 2009 NLE

Batch 2009 of the College of Nursing and School of Midwifery’s BS Nursing program posted a passing rate of 97% during the recent Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE), gaining for DLSHSI the recognition of being the fourth top performing school with 100 or more examinees. Administered by the Board of Nursing of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the overall national passing rate of the June 2009 exams is 41.87%

To read more on this story, click HERE

DLSHSI inaugurates MDR TB Treatment Center

Caviteños with multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB) do not have to go far for cure now that the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute has opened the first MDRTB Treatment Center in Region IV-A.

naugurated on July 10, the new MDRTB Treatment Center is the fruit of the partnership between the DLSHSI, the Tropical Disease Foundation Inc.(TDF), and the Department of Health (DOH). The center is expected to provide services to TB patients in Region IV A who have developed resistance to at least two of the most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs—Isoniazid and Rifampicin.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of FOCUS, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 10 SY0910

2009-08-19T10:11:00.004+08:00

compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle University
New bank Agreement to Professionalize Bank Compliance Practices

The College of Business and Economics (CBE) of De La Salle University and the Association of Bank Compliance Officers of the Philippines (ABCOMP) recently signed a memorandum of agreement that seeks to implement a training program meant to professionalize the careers of bank compliance officers.

Dubbed as the Certificate Course in Strategic Compliance in the Banking Industry, this training program was jointly designed by the Professional Development and Training Services unit of CBE and the Education Committee of ABCOMP.

To read more on this article and the latest issue of 2401, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 9 SY0910

2009-08-18T12:13:00.002+08:00

compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle University - Dasmarinas
Nice Capture, Brother!

Br. Ceci was an inspiring animator to all persons who came into his life. He had the right words at the right time to energize his listeners with stories full of meaning, and encouragement. The good he has done will live long beyond our time. He has left an inspiring legacy for us to carry on contribution is to our society.

Br. Gus Boquer FSC

To read more on the ICO special issue on Br. Ceci, click HERE

Not everyone can be A Brother Like That

If it were a miracle to rebuild lives that threaten to fall apart, would you want to know how many miracles this Brother has performed?

Turning around the lives of less fortunate youth is one of the strong suits of Br. Gus Boquer FSC, EdD, the eighth president of DLSU-D and DLS-HSC. For the greater part of the past two decades, Br. Gus has worked towards the reformation and rehabilitation of the youth-at-risk by pioneering pursuits such as the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, which has brought a significant number of children in conflict with the law back to the right track.

To read more on A Future to Build: A Special Feature on Br. Gus, click HERE

Lasallian Wins Magsaysay Award

2009-08-11T14:12:00.007+08:00

by Raffy Malenab

Atty. Antonio Oposa Jr., a famous environmental lawyer and an alumnus of De La Salle University, will be the only Filipino among six recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay award this year. In an article from Inquirer, Oposa was recognized as one of the awardees who will be receiving the prestigious award later this month at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Oposa was recently honored with the Distinguished Lasallian Award during the One La Salle Night of Excellence organized by the De La Salle Almuni Association.

To read the article "Oposa among Magsaysay Awardees" from Inquirer, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 8 SY0910

2009-08-04T14:46:00.004+08:00

compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle University
DLSU, Metrobank Ink Scholarship Program for Outstanding Teachers

De La Salle University and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) signed a memorandum of
agreement last July 14 for the establishment of the Teaching Excellence Assistance for the
Completion of Higher Education (TEACH) Scholarship Program.

The TEACH Scholarship Program is offered to past awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers to provide an opportunity for them to obtain professional advancement and academic excellence.

To read more on this story and the latest issue of 2401, click HERE

Cory, the Heart of a Saint

2009-08-04T11:55:00.002+08:00

Brother Armin A. Luistro FSC
Homily delivered on 02 August 2009, 8:00 PM at the La Salle Greenhills Gymnasium

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God. As the world continues to bestow accolades on Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and as the Nation gathers in solemn rites before her mortal remains we cannot help but recall that God is truly with us here and now. Her mortal remains remind us of a time in the not-so-distant-past when we saw with our own eyes the hand of God in our nation’s history. The biblical stories of old were nothing but myths to me until I was with my own eyes how tanks can be stopped by unarmed civilians, guns can be silenced with flowers and dictators can flee from the power of prayer.

The prophetic vision of Jaime Cardinal Sin and the courage of Corazon Cojuangco Aquino transformed this nation paralyzed by fear into a nation of everyday heroes. At EDSA, we prayed with all our hearts and blessed it with our tears and hallowed the streets with our faith. The world stood in silence and awe at this Biblical story recreated in our own eyes and written in its entirety by ordinary Filipinos who allowed the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to work His mighty wonders in our own land and in our own time.

If we honor Cory tonight, it is because she has kept that memory alive in our hearts so we can share our journeys of faith to our children and our children’s children. God is not dead and Cory’s mortal remains are living proof of that. The Nation should be eternally grateful to Balsy, Pinky, Noynoy, Viel and Kris for generously sharing the gift of their mother to us, for those who are nearest and dearest to her must have shared the pain and the cost of her life’s sacrifices. We have not thanked them enough. And for this distinct privilege and honor to receive her in this campus, now her home, we owe the family a debt of gratitude for, indeed, this place has been transformed into sacred ground and when we bid her goodbye tomorrow, this place will never be the same again. I sincerely pray that those of us, who pay our respects now, can also say we will never be the same again.

PASASALAMAT. Ang gabing ito ay isang gabi ng pasasalamat para sa ating pinakamamahal na Ina. Ang ating mga dilaw na laso ang magsisilbing alay ng bayan at ng ordinaryong Pilipino para sa maningning na liwanag ng katotohanan, kalayaan at katarungan na kanyang pinangalagaan at ngayon nama’y ipinagkakatiwala na sa atin. Malaki ang ating utang-na-loob sa kanya at hinding-hindi natin siya malilimutan.

As her mortal remains entered the halls of this campus, the heavens poured as though to share our grief. The heavy downpour, however, has not dampened the spirits of those who have patiently waited in line, some traveling from distant provinces and some for as along as three hours, to pay their last respects to President Cory and to give thanks for the magnanimity of heart that allowed her to endure many trials and sacrifices for the sake of the nation. It is for our sake that she bore them all. She bears the wounds of her sufferings; her heart has scars to show for them. She is battered but not defeated. And in her powerlessness ordinary Filipinos will surely find the strength to rise as a noble nation, proud of its heritage and secure in its future.

Our immense debt of gratitude stems not only from the acts of sacrifice and courage that she did for the country; it is also about what she has been for us—a pillar of strength and a moral compass for the Nation; a guiding light that constantly rekindles our passion to uphold the democratic values and morals that Filipinos hold dear.

Tonight, I stand in awe and profound gratitude at the person we have come to know through the years simply as Tita Cory. In an interview before she hid from the public eye, she said, “Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa Panginoong Diyos na ginawa niya akong isang Pilipino.” Can we say the same with the passion and conviction of Tita Cory? We can only truly show how truly grateful we are to her if we understand and live that conviction.

PANGUNGULILA. Ang gabing ito ay isang gabi ng pangungulila. Ang mga anak ng bayan ay nagluluksa sa pagpanaw ng isang ginigiliw na Ina. Sa kanyang paglisan, hinaharap rin natin ang kaba na baka tuluyan nang maglaho ang ating mga pangarap at inaasam-asam at matagal nang ipinaglalaban. Maaari pa ba tayong tumayo, kung wala na siya?

After her death, TIME Magazine posted this article in their website entitled People Power’s Philippine Saint: Corazon Aquino 1933-2009. This is what it says: “Whenever the country appeared to be in a crisis, Cory Aquino rose above the bureaucratic procrastination that had always bogged it down, reminding her people that they once astonished the world with their bravery—and that they could do it again. But Filipinos must now take stock. Whom will they march with now that their saint has gone to meet her God?”

How could I forget her when, after the De La Salle Brothers issued a statement expressing our grave concern on the conduct of the last national elections, we felt all alone and perhaps much maligned in that conviction. Did anyone really care? Would it have been better if we remained silent? But she stood by us, supported us. She marched with us and even in the dark nights of our frustrations when we felt defeated, she reminded us that victory will surely come not in our time, but in God’s time. But we must now take stock. Whom will we march with now that our saint has gone to meet her God? I certainly wish I had an answer to my grief.

PANANAMPALATAYA. Nguni’t ang gabing ito ay isang gabi rin ng pananampalataya. Sa kanyang katauhan ay nakilala ko ang tunay na diwa ng kabanalan: isang taimtim na pagnanamnam ng dakilang kabutihan ng Diyos na nagbubunga sa walang pakundangang pagtataya ng sarili. Ipinakita niya ito sa puso at sa diwa, sa salita at sa gawa.

Cory exemplified how to live sanctity in the modern world. She showed us the virtue of remaining steadfast in our faith in the midst of our daily struggles. In her life, in her sufferings and now in death, she has taught me that my faith must necessarily bear fruit in action. She has taught me that from the cathedral we must return to the streets. But she has also taught me that all of our struggles can only find meaning if I can learn to kneel down in prayer and patiently wait for God’s time. She has left me with a lasting conviction that whatever we do and whatever we fight for is not our work alone. Lord, the work is yours!

She has taught us that those of us who dream impossible dreams can find their sanctity in the sure hope that God is on our side and that, no matter how hopeless, we should fight for the right, yes, without questions or pause. With her we should be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause. What woman will dare do that unless she lives in the conviction that it is God who leads?

I have thought before and now am more convinced in my heart of hearts that before us is a saint of the modern times. Not in the canonical sense, and surely not a saint in a pedestal or confined to the pious devotions of a cathedral but one who lived her faith in the marketplace and found her life’s meaning in God’s promise: Cory, hindi ka nag-iisa. She shows all of us that the heart of patriotism resides in a passionate love for God. She shows all of us that our love for God must find its expression in our love for our fellow men and women. Were we wrong? Why should saints remain in the cathedrals? Why should activists just struggle in the streets? Why should saints be perfect—devoid of human weakness? Why should activists think that there is no God? Ipinakita niya sa atin na ang tunay na Pilipino ay tapat na Kristiyano.

Now she has come home, back in the loving embrace of the God she loves and the God she has dedicated her life to. She has run the race; she has loved God and Country passionately. Love covers a multitude of sins. She has kept the faith. From hereon it is up to us to continue the good fight. That is what we are called to do now. As our Saint watches over us, let us continue her fight to promote and defend the values for which she lived for.

Paalam, pinakamamahal naming Ina.

God of Benigno Aquino, Jr., Jaime Cardinal Sin, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, continue to walk with us in our journey to faith.

DLSP Media Bureau news update 7 SY0910

2009-08-03T12:19:00.006+08:00

compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle University - Dasmarinas
DLSU-D roams with Philippine Lasallian Family

The iLasalle RoAM (Roving, Accessible, Mobile) Post 2008 Philippine Lasallian Family (PLF) Convocation Luzon South Team visited the DLSU-D campus on July 24. The team, composed of Br. Vincent Fernandez FSC from the District Council, Dr. Ma. Therese Jochico from the Lasallian Partners Council, and John Abraham Chua from the youth sector, enlightened the DLSU-D community on how to fully embrace the Lasallian spirit not only in the schools but also in their personal lives.

With the aim to disseminate the 2008 PLF Convocation and introduce the Strategic Intents (SI), iLasalle RoAM aspires Lasallians to connect and resonate with the 2008 PLF Convocation, and to reflect on ways and means to live out the Lasallian Mission, and identity in the different Lasallian ministries and day to day life.

To read more on this story, click HERE

First E-jeep in CALABARZON is at DLSU-D

You might be one of those who gave curious glances and hushed queries on what the new little green jeepney roaming around the campus is when Ikot La Salle 2, the first electric jeepney in CALABARZON, first roamed DLSU-D in February. A project of the Parents Organization of La Salle Cavite (POLCA), the 10-seater electric jeep would serve as a support jeep to the bigger Ikot La Salle.

To read more on this story and other campus news from the Newsette, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 6 SY0910

2009-07-31T10:01:00.006+08:00

De La Salle Lipa
NCAA 11th Season Torch Relay

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – South successfully had a torch relay last 27 July 2009 at De La Salle Lipa. This tradition is in preparation of the awaited 11th season opening on August 29, 2009 at this year’s host school, San Pablo Colleges. This year’s theme is “Blaze and Shine in 2009.”

To read more on this story, click HERE

The Lasallian Leadership Program

The recently concluded Third International Lasallian Leadership Program held in Rome, Italy at the Casa Generalizia that took place on 7 June until 19 June 2009, was attended and represented by Mr. Hermogenes Panganiban, Dean of College of Education, Arts and Sciences (CEAS). The global event was participated in by various countries such as the United States, Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, and Palestine. The annual program that brought together fifty-three participants from twenty-four universities had the opportunity to introduce their respective institution via their video and printed promotional materials.

To read more on this story, click HERE

Response In Behalf of the Graduates DLS-CSB and DLSU (July 2009)

2009-07-30T12:02:00.003+08:00

RESPONSE IN BEHALF OF THE GRADUATES
Princess May A. Villesenda
3rd Term SY 2008-2009 Commencement Exercises
De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
4 July 2009

Brother Provincial, Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC; Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Dr. Merlinda Bucad; Assistant Vice Chancellors and School Deans of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde; dear faculty members; parents; fellow graduates; ladies and gentlemen… a blessed day to you all!

Diamonds have been of a great interest to a lot of people but only some know how they are produced. Let me tell you the recipe of how diamonds are made.

You begin by placing pure carbon under exact pressure at the exact temperature and this is best achieved at approximately a hundred miles below the Earth’s surface. You must be sure that the pressure and temperature are just right or your recipe will fail and you may end up with plain old graphite.

Next, you will have to leave the carbon in this state for approximately one million years. The stone must also be within volcanic area. After heating it up for such a long time, you have to cool it down.

Afterwards, the diamond is made.

But it doesn’t end there. A final touch to your recipe for making a diamond can be achieved by using what is commonly referred to as the “four Cs”. These are cut, clarity, carat and color. Most diamonds do not reach commercial vendors because they fail one or more of the “four Cs” and instead are used for various industrial purposes. The cut should bring out its natural sparkle and should be nicely proportioned. The clarity, on the other hand, should be at the highest level possible. Finally, the carat and color should perfectly fit the consumers’ taste. These are the main reasons why a lot of people have been perpetually attracted to diamonds.

We are diamonds, submerged in difficulties and pressures. Research papers, Oral exams, Reminders and Reprimands from our teachers. It was a very challenging road for all of us. At times, it may have tripped us and somehow it may have crossed our minds that the challenges do not cease at all.

But despite the challenges of being students, we still have a lot of things to be thankful for. We had first-time excursions like the exposure trip to Paris and Brussels for our world tourism class and the New York study tour of the students of the Consular and Diplomatic Affairs program. We had activities that honed our leadership and events management skills like the Young Hoteliers Exposition programs and Student Tour Guide program. And we had socially-relevant opportunities like the Summer of Service of the Center for Social Action.

We are all gathered here, dressed up in our gowns and caps with tassels swinging in front of us, soon to face the world that was once not so familiar to all of us. We learned a lot in the years we had within the four walls of our college.

And yet, the ‘learning’ will still continue. We’re still not through with the challenging road. We still have a long road ahead of us and maybe, at this point, it may even be more challenging than it was before. All we have to do is to never let go, never give up. The point is to just keep on going. No matter what life may hurl at us, we all should stand up straight and face it head on. My fellow graduates, don’t be afraid of the low points of our lives for they are the ones that shape us. We have been through what we’ve been through and nothing will ever change that or take it away. We’ve come a long way and we thank all those who have been with us--the College, our mentors, family, friends, and most especially our parents and the almighty God.

We are fortunate to have been students of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and we should not forget about the others who may be in different situations. Remember that generosity is the pathway for more and we can do this by using our knowledge and skills to help others. It’s a rewarding feeling when we are doing good and sharing with others. As the saying from Spiderman goes: “with great power comes great responsibility”. And since we have graduated from one of the premiere colleges in the Philippines, we have all acquired the great power of education. Now, the responsibility is given to us to help not only ourselves, our families, and friends, but, most importantly, our less fortunate countrymen who will need it more.

Whatever we may do in the upcoming years would not only affects us as individuals but also affects the future generations to come. Our children and children’s children will harvest the fruits of our labor. So it is in us to make this foundation tough to prevent our own heirs from any hardships and failures.

We are the future; what would be next for us lies in our hands. All our decisions play a general role in our lives and in the country. We, the students of DLS-CSB, were taught to strive for what is best. We are given the task of social responsibility in which we should take part in helping others live a normal and decent life.

We all know about the rampant scare of recession, but I believe that it wouldn’t be a major problem if we have the passion for what we are doing. If we love what we are doing and we know what we want to become, there wouldn’t be any barrier to achieve our goals. Always remember that we should be the ones chasing our dreams because our dreams wouldn’t run after us. If we’re determined to attain our goals, we will always find a way to reach it; so let’s just keep on striving!

This day marks the beginning of reality. This time, there wouldn’t be any more mentors to guide us, no more papers to be rechecked, no more walking along the halls of our College. Once the caps and gowns are taken off, we go into the world that is not well known to most of us. This time, it would only be us.

But it is also the best time to show the world what students of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde are made of—fine cut, pure clarity, stunning color and of the highest carat …

Good day and good luck to all of us.

Animo Benilde!

RESPONSE IN BEHALF OF THE GRADUATES
Nicole Marie R. Villarojo
155th Commencement Exercises
De La Salle University
18 July 2009

Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Br. Armin Luistro FSC, Mr. Joaquin Quintos IV, University Fellows, Vice-chancellors, administrators, faculty, parents, and fellow graduates: a pleasant morning to everyone.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending time with 31 of the most brilliant Filipino minds—the future movers and shakers of this country. I came in there thinking I was well above everyone else—a city girl who came from a well-to-do family and studied in one of the most expensive private universities in the country. However, that experience had proven to be nothing but humbling for me. Their stories burned my heart and if you’d allow me, I’d like to share some of their stories with you in the hope that it will inspire you and challenge you.

One of my roommates is an aspiring accountant from Tuguegarao who is a humble daughter of a tricycle driver. My other roommate is an education major from Bohol who is a proud daughter of a carpenter. We had a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy who, despite having only 30 days in a year to spend with his family decided to use this time to recruit volunteers from PMA to build houses for Gawad Kalinga. A particularly touching story was from a Physics graduate of Dumaguete who came from an extremely poor family. His home had no electricity and in the evenings, his home was lit by two crude lamps. When these would malfunction, he would be forced to leave his bed (which he shared with his 3 other siblings) and studied under the nearest street lamp. He used his first winnings from a science competition not to buy his prized cellphone, but to buy his family their first toilet. He finished Summa Cum Laude from his University and devotes himself to do research for our country.

I felt so insignificant after hearing their stories, after knowing how they battled with their personal demons and how, despite all these, they’ve remained steadfast in their faith in their god and their love for this country. But I came to realize that we don’t choose to be born poor or to be born rich. What is most important is what we make of what is given to us. In fact, the challenge given to us, as Lasallians, is even greater. I think Dr. Jose Rizal’s words speak to us even more clearly today:

“Where are the youth who will dedicate their innocence, their enthusiasm for the good of the country?

Where are they who will give generously of their blood to wash so much shame, crime, and abomination?

Where are you young men, young women, who are to embody in yourselves the life-force that has been drained from our veins, the pure ideals that have grown stained in our fiery enthusiasm that has been quenched in our hearts? We await you, come for we await you.”

Fellow Lasallians, these are great words to remember because today, more than ever, our country needs us. Too often we are confronted with news of massive corruption; of unexplained deaths and disappearances of farmers, of students, of journalists, of leaders who have placed their personal agenda above the needs and aspirations of our country and our people. We hear of laws that are conveniently resurrected and made menacingly real and of lawmakers who continue to make a mockery of our government. We are fast losing our moral moorings. We therefore have a responsibility to reverse the tide of injustice and mediocrity.

When Go Negosyo interviewed me and asked what my dream was for our country, my answer was simple: I said all I wanted, was for our country to DREAM AS ONE; for all of us to work tirelessly to BUILD THIS NATION.

I hope our future educators can significantly help shape the young Filipino minds of the next generation; our future engineers to help house our countrymen who continue to squat in their own country; our future businessmen and women to create products and provide services to make Filipino lives better; our future artists to continue preserving and enriching our Filipino culture; for those in the field of IT to become the bridge between us and the rest of the world; and for our future scientists to provide groundbreaking research for our country.

Fellow graduates, we are here today not only to end another chapter in our story, but to make the people closest to our hearts proud. To our Creator for the strength to endure life’s beatings. To our families for dreaming with us and for supporting our every endeavour. To our friends, for seeing the person who we truly are, for accepting and loving us despite all our shortcomings. Finally, to our alma mater, for believing in us and for inspiring us to dream bigger, to aim higher, but to still keep our feet on the ground.

Let me end with some words from Jose Diokno: “We Filipinos are a variegated people. We live in seven thousand islands. We profess no less than five major religions. We pray in no fewer than seven native tongues. But all of us—Muslims or Christian, Tagalog or Visayan or Ilocano or Kapampangan, all of us are Filipinos not only because we are brothers in blood—many of us are not, but because we are all brothers in tears; not because we all share the same land—many of us are landless, but because we share the same dream. Whether we like it or not we are one nation with one future, a future that will be as bright or as dark as we remain united or divided.”

On a personal note, I hope to see all of you in 2010 casting a vote for our country, casting a vote for our children; so that the next generation can inherit an even better Philippines.

Thank you and good morning. Animo La Salle!

DLSP Media Bureau news update 5 SY0910

2009-07-23T11:25:00.008+08:00

Compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle University
Br. Armin Elected to IALU Top Post

De La Salle University President and Chancellor Br. Armin Luistro FSC was elected as the new president of the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU) during the Encuentro IX last June 23-27 at the La Salle University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Br. Armin is the first DLSU president to hold the top post in IALU. Prior to his election, he had served as the association’s Asia-Pacific regional director since 2007.

Student Bags Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship

A Psychology student from DLSU won the gold medal in the Mundials (International Open Jiu-Jitsu Novice Championship) held last June 4 in California State University, Long Beach, CA, becoming the first Filipino world champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Maybelline Masuda, who was also president of the DLSU Psychology Organization and a Ms. Makati 2008 finalist, bested competitors from Guam, Brazil, and the US.

To read the latest issue of 2401, the official newsletter of DLSU, click HERE

La Salle Green Hills helps make dream possible for the football team

2009-07-17T14:35:00.001+08:00

By Raffy Malenab

17 June 2009 - La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) and LSGH president, Br. Felipe Belleza, Jr. FSC were featured in a Philippine Star article entitled "A football field of dreams" for contributing to the dream of a 'one football team'. The team is the Philippine contingent for the 2009 Homeless World Cup (HWC) to be held in Milan, Italy on the 6th of September. The HWC is an international football tournament organized by the Homeless World Cup Foundation to increase awareness on the problem of homelessness around the world. The Philippines will be seeing action for the second time after finishing 37th out of 48 countries in 2008. In keeping with the Lasallian Mission and being a football fanatic himself, Br. Felipe opened the doors of LSGH to the team by letting them use the school's football field as their regular practice venue in preparation for the tournament.

To read the article "A football field of dreams", click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 4 SY0910

2009-07-16T14:12:00.009+08:00

compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle University- Dasmarinas
A personal look on local history: CSC releases Tingkoraw

Balangaw, alik-ik, hiriklat, kahalidutdut, pugalsak. Unless one is a native of Alfonso, Cavite, these terms would sound like an alien talking. But to those who grew up in Alfonso, a balangaw is simply a rainbow, alik-ik is the ability to attract many lovers, hiriklat means stretched outwards, kahalidutdut is including oneself, and pugalsak means carefree.

These are just some of the contents of Tingkoraw Alfonso: History and Legend (Personal Impressions) by Dr. Julian Aviñante. A project of DLSU-D’s Cavite Studies Center (CSC) and published by the Cavite Historical Society, Tingkoraw is a hodge-podge of everything about Alfonso – the town’s folk beliefs and practices, folk medicine, development, religiosity, social organizations, local heritage and sites, food culture, local terminologies, social and physical challenges, and other tidbits such as Alfonso’s firsts, poems about the town, and its social upheavals. The book’s title, tingkoraw is another Alfonso term that came from the phrase “Tingnan ko raw” which means “Let me see.”

To read more on this story, click HERE

PARC’s La Salle-Dasma experience

DLSU-D, through the University Lasallian Family Office, welcomed the delegates of Pacific-Asia Regional Conference (PARC) during their exposure trip to the different Lasallian schools in Southern Luzon on July 10. Dubbed “Preparing Future Leaders for the Lasallian Mission in PARC,” the session paved way for the delegates to see and somehow experience how the DLSU-D community lives out its Lasallian mission.

To read more on this story, click HERE

To read the latest issue of the Newsette, click HERE

De La Salle Santiago Zobel
DLSZ Taekwondo Team Wins in Korean Championships

The DLSZ Teakwondo Team won 5 gold, 4 silver, and 9 bronze medals in the 3rd Korea World Culture Expo Taekwondo Championships held last July 3-10, 2009 at Muju, Korea.

To read more on this story, click HERE

To read more news and announcements from DLSZ, visit their website HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 3 SY0910

2009-07-08T12:46:00.009+08:00

Compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle University - Dasmarinas

Student leaders join ASEAN meet

Two students from the colleges of Business Administration and Liberal Arts bring pride to the University for having been chosen as the Philippine delegates to the ASEAN 10 + East Timor Joint Programme held in Japan during the summer break.

To read more on this story, click HERE

DLSU-D forges more int’l linkages

In its unfaltering pursuit of globalizing its educational standards and producing competitive graduates, DLSU-D recently established international academic linkage with Hawai’i Community College (HawCC) and Maui Community College (Maui CC), colleges under the University of Hawai’i System, and Widya Mandala Catholic University (WMCU) of Surabaya, Indonesia.

To read more on this story, click HERE

De La Salle - College of St. Benilde

DLS-CSBAA joins the 4th Bayani Challenge

The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Alumni Association (DLS-CSBAA) joined the week-long 2009 Bayani Challenge with partners from GK 1Pinagsama and Hiyas ng Manila.

To read more on this story, click HERE

SMIT Dean receives CHED Appointment

Benhur A. Ong, dean of DLS-CSB’s School of Management and Information Technology, has been appointed by CHED as a member of the Technical Panel (TP) for Business and Management Education.

To read more on this story, click HERE

Connect with the Lasallian Family!
Join the DLSP Facebook page HERE
Follow DLSP on Twitter HERE
Visit the DLSP website HERE

La Salle schools take measures against the A(H1N1) virus (Update 3)

2009-07-07T15:25:00.003+08:00

Compiled by Raffy Malenab

DLSUMC prepares for A(H1N1) (DLSHSI)

The De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) has learned that the throat swabs of the three suspected A(H1N1) patients who were admitted on June 14 tested NEGATIVE from A(H1N1) infection. The three siblings, aged 3, 5, and 9 were admitted to the DLSUMC due to upper respiratory tract infection. All three arrived in the Philippines from Japan on June 3 and have had cough, colds, and fever since June 8. The patients speedily recovered and were discharged June 16, two days before the results of the test were released by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine.

To read more on this article, click HERE

To visit the DLSHSI website, click HERE

DLSP Media Bureau news update 2 SY0910

2009-06-30T12:15:00.007+08:00

Compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle Lipa

BMW Voted Regional Director of IALU

Philadelphia, USA - In the plenary session held in the afternoon of Friday, June 26, 2009, at La Salle University, Philadelphia, USA, the General Assembly of IALU, or International Association of Lasallian Universities, unanimously voted De La Salle Lipa President Br. Manuel R. Pajarillo FSC, as Regional Director for the Asia-Pacific Region. The post is normally held for three years, until the next IALU General Assembly.

To read more on this story, click HERE

New Base Hospital for CoN

Lipa Medix Medical Center (LMMC) is the new base hospital of the College of Nursing (CoN) of De La Salle Lipa. Last June 16, 2009, LMMC, and the CoN of DLSL formalized the contract for LMMC as the Base Hospital for the CoN and a Memorandum of Agreement for LMMC as Affiliation Hospital Provision for Bachelor of Science in Nursing at DLSL. The agreement is effective May 14, 2009.

To read more on this story, click HERE

To view all the latest news around DLSL, visit their website HERE

De La Salle University

Br. Armin visits Osaka University, eyes stronger partnership

DLSU President and Chancellor Br. Armin Luistro FSC recently made a courtesy call to Osaka University (OU) President Professor Kiyokazu Washida as an expression of the importance the University is giving to the partnership between the two academic institutions.

To read the latest issue of 2401, click HERE

De La Salle University - Dasmarinas

We’ve still got it! PAASCU grants level 3 re-accreditation to DLSU-D

“The Colleges of Liberal Arts, Science, Education, Business Administration, Accountancy and Computer Science are granted re-accreditation for a period of five years, valid until May 2014. Congratulations!” This was the significant, albeit short, message from the Philippine Association of Accrediting Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) Board of Directors that came in on May 25.

To read the latest issue of Newsette, click HERE

La Salle schools take measures against the A(H1N1) virus (Update 2)

2009-06-30T11:06:00.004+08:00

By Raffy Malenab

Shoo the Flu, Know What to Do (DLS-CSB)

Aligned with neighboring campus DLSU’s Be Flu-less, Not Clueless campaign, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) launched its own campaign against A(H1N1) called Shoo the Flu, Know What to Do when it reopened classes on 19 June 2009. In a similar effort, DLS-CSB promoted awareness and encouraged support in the fight against the further spread of the A(H1N1) virus by distributing campaign materials such as statement shirts and pins. Posters and tarpaulins were also put up in all three DLS-CSB campuses including the Angelo King International Center (AKIC) in Estrada street and the School of Design and Arts (SDA) campus along Vito Cruz street.

To read the latest on announcements about A(H1N1) from DLS-CSB, click HERE

For medical inquiries, contact the following DLS-CSB clinics:
Taft Campus: 5267441 to 47 loc. 106 or 245
AKIC Campus: 5238888 loc. 253
SDA Campus: 5366752 loc. 301

Community-wide Prevention Effort (DLSZ)

In a series of letters to the community, De La Salle Santiago Zobel school president, Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC called for the participation of all concerned groups in preventing the spread of the A(H1N1) virus inside the campus. In his letters, the president called for increased vigilance in maintaining proper hygiene and a strong immune system to combat the virus. Also, different sectors of the community, including the Parent’s Association and the Ayala Alabang Village Association (AAVA), collaborated with the school to organize a Wellness Program and Infection Control Team.

To view the memo issued by the president, click HERE

To view the A(H1N1) prevention guidelines memo, click HERE

To view the 2nd memo issued by the president, click HERE

Health Alert: All about A(H1N1) (DLSL)

De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) has also taken the fight against A(H1N1) into cyberspace as the school published a comprehensive primer on the A(H1N1) virus, including information on how it is contracted and how it can be prevented. It has even taken its campaign to the community one step further by dispelling myths on the virus such as contracting it by eating pork.

To read DLSL's primer on A(H1N1), click HERE

Bulletin: Lasallian Community Responsibility (DLSU)

29 June 2009 – The office of Br. Armin Luistro FSC, President and Chancellor of De La Salle University (DLSU), released a letter addressed to the Lasallian community with updates on the A(H1N1) virus inside the campus and a call for continuous vigilance in ensuring proper hygiene. Also, Br. Armin called for responsibility in dealing with flu-like illnesses. Those exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to report to the DLSU clinic immediately and follow guidelines in managing the sickness.

To read on the letter from the president, click HERE

With reports from:
Romeo Catap, Jr., Marketing and Communications Office, DLS-CSB
Suzette Balgos, Head, Institutional Development & Communications Office, DLSZ

A(H1N1) updates from the Department of Health

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III reported on 26 June 2009 that 134 more mild cases of A (H1N1). According to him though, all are responding positively to treatment. These additional cases bring the total count of confirmed cases of the novel virus to 861.

To read the latest update on A(H1N1) from the Department of Health, click HERE

Other sources for A(H1N1) updates

To read the latest update on A(H1N1) from the World Health Organization, click HERE

To read the latest update on A(H1N1) from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, click HERE

Farewell Br. Ceci: the bard, the free spirit and the holy man

2009-06-25T21:42:00.006+08:00

By Raffy Malenab

Around 300 members of the Lasallian Family took time away from work and study on 25 June 2009 to join the family and friends of Br. Cecilio M. Hojilla FSC in prayer at his Mass of Resurrection held at the National Shrine of the Divine Child in La Salle Greenhills (LSGH). Br. Ceci, as he was known to most members of the community, passed away last Sunday, 21 June. In celebration of his life and work, different sectors from the La Salle schools celebrated mass in LSGH with the La Salle Brothers. Among those present were students, administrators and personnel and parents from La Salle schools in Luzon. La Salle University (LSU) and Brother Presidents attending a meeting of the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU) in Philadelphia tuned-in via live video streaming. Others followed the service online through the Tweetcast and Facebook Wall posts.

Remembering the good times

Although those present were still in a state of mourning, the general atmosphere in the Shrine was that of a community fondly sharing with each one their special personal memories of Br. Ceci. Following the readings from the book of Wisdom and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, Brother Visitor and DLSP President, gave a reflection on the life and death of Br. Ceci. According to him, while Br. Ceci was truly a multi-faceted person, he was mainly a storyteller, a free spirit and a blessed man. And while the Brother Visitor's sharing was a wonderful overplay of touching words and seriousness, this was easily overshadowed by the roaring laughter of the audience when Br. Dodo talked of Br. Ceci’s insatiable love for sinful foods.

Messages of love and goodbyes

Following the death of a truly beloved figure in the Lasallian community, countless messages, pictures and testimonials of love and goodbyes for Br. Ceci came from former students, associates and families he touched in his 48 years as a Brother. Aside from a board inside the church that was filled with pictures and notes, the Facebook page of the De La Salle Brothers and De La Salle Philippines were flooded with posts and messages from those who were unable to go to LSGH in person. Meanwhile, the Brothers had also requested that instead of flowers and offerings, donations for the One La Salle Scholarship Fund in the name of Br. Ceci be given instead.

Happy where he is now

Before the end of the mass, Br. Rolando Dizon FSC, a relative of Br. Ceci, delivered the eulogy and response in behalf of the family. Following a short round of reminiscing, Br. Dizon was momentarily overcome with grief but was quick to emphasize that Br. Ceci would have wanted everyone to simply be happy for him. “If you really wanted to say goodbye, be happy. If he were here, Br. Ceci would have said: I am home and I am very very very happy". After the final viewing, a convoy of Brothers, family and close friends left for the Brother’s Memorial Cloister at the La Salle Novitiate in Lipa, Batangas.

La Salle schools take measures against the A(H1N1) virus (update 1)

2009-06-18T15:43:00.005+08:00

By Raffy Malenab

In light of the A(H1N1) pandemic, La Salle schools have initiated measures and campaigns to prevent the further spread of the virus and to ensure the welfare of the academic community especially its students.

Be Flu-less, Not Clueless (DLSU)

In response to the confirmed cases of A(H1N1) inside the campus, De La Salle University (DLSU) in cooperation with Green Cross, the student body and the parents’ foundation organized the Be Flu-less, Not Clueless awareness campaign launched during the reopening of classes last 15 June. As the name suggests, the campaign is geared towards educating the Lasallian community on maintaining proper hygiene inside the university, spotting flu-like symptoms and most importantly what to do to contain the spread of the virus. Information pamphlets and free bottles of Green Cross alcohol were given to students while FAQ guides and button pins were also made visible around the campus.

Also, the office of DLSU President, Br. Armin Luistro FSC released separate letters to the community and to the parents assuring them of the University’s continuing efforts in keeping the school a conducive place for learning.

To read on the letter of the president, click HERE

To know more about the Be Flu-less, Not Clueless campaign, visit their Multiply site HERE and join their Facebook page HERE

For more information on A(H1N1) or to report possible cases in DLSU, visit the DLSU website HERE or contact the clinic at tel. nos.: (63.2) 5360252; 5244611 loc. 710

Visual Information Campaign (USLS)

Following DLSU's move, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) launched their own awareness campaign to prevent the spread of A(H1N1) by putting up A(H1N1) information tarpaulins and posters around campus. A health advisory was distributed to the community through flyers containing information on the signs and symptoms, mode of transmission and prevention techniques against the virus

For more information on the campaign, visit the USLS website HERE

Task Force Prevention (DLSC)

To respond to the threat of the A(H1N1) virus, De La Salle Canlubang formed a task force aptly named AH1N1 Anti-Infection Action Team. Composed of faculty and staff representatives and members of the school clinic headed by the registrar's office, the task force launched a two-fold prevention campaign through information dissemination and maintenance of physical facilities. According to Engr. Albert Llorador of the Physical Facilities Office (PFO), an orientation was held during the first day of classes to educate the students on the basics of the A(H1N1) pandemic and how to stop the further spread of the virus. Also, anti-bacterial soaps were placed in restrooms and regular spraying of insect repellants and aerosol sanitizers are done every afternoon after classes to prevent the spread of other diseases.

For more information on the campaign, visit the DLSC website HERE

With reports from:
Lee Santiago, Center for External Relations, USLS
Engr. Albert Llorador, Physical Facilities Officer, DLSC

DLSP Media Bureau news update 1 SY0910

2009-06-09T19:56:00.007+08:00

Compiled by Raffy Malenab

De La Salle Canlubang
Building Bridges Through Education

Consul General Raul S. Hernandez witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the De La Salle Canlubang, Inc. of Biñan, Laguna (DLSC) and Xiamen University of Technology of Xiamen, China (XMUT) on May 6, 2009. Signing on behalf of the two universities are DLSC President Br. Joaquin S. Martinez FSC, D. Min. and Prof. Xia Xiaocai, Director of XMUT International Cooperation and Exchange Office.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

De La Salle Health Sciences Institute
DLSUMC opens New Service Ward

In response to the Brother President’s thrust to increase the number of charity beds in DLSUMC, a new service ward was opened on the 3rd floor at Building 1 of DLSUMC. The new ward brings DLSUMC eight service beds and two Isolation Rooms closer to its goal of having 100 service beds by 2010. The addition brings the number of service beds at DLSUMC to a total of 37 beds.

To read the latest issue of FOCUS, click HERE.

De La Salle Lipa
BMW Speaks Before World Congress

Brother President Manuel R. Pajarillo FSC was keynote speaker during the 7th De La Salle World Congress held in Los Angeles, California, USA from 22 to 24 May 2009. It is a biennial world-wide reunion of all La Sallians, themed “Green and White Convergence”, envisioned to be a convergence of La Sallians from all over the world coming together toward a common point: One La Salle, One global community.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

DLSL Signs MOA With SPU-Manila

DLSL, in consortium with St. Paul University (SPU) – Manila, is pleased to announce that two new programs are now being offered - the Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) with majors in Academic Management and Clinical Management; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education, Major in Leadership and Management.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

De La Salle University
Students on the way to recovery

As of June 9, the Department of Health has announced seven confirmed cases from De La Salle University. All of the reported cases have exhibited mild symptoms. Three of the foreign students have fully recovered and are cleared for discharge by DOH.

To read more on this story, click HERE.

Connect with the Lasallian Family!
Join DLSP Facebook Page HERE!
Follow DLSP on Twitter HERE!
Visit DLSP website HERE!

Madagascan Lasallian Brother Beatified

2009-06-05T16:12:00.005+08:00

by Jay Calleja

Blessed Brother Rafael-Louis Rafiringa, a Madagascan Lasallian Brother, was among those beatified on 7 June 2009, Trinity Sunday, in a ceremony presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Blessed Brother Rafael-Louis joined the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1876, 10 years after entering the first La Salle school in Antananarivo, Madagascar. As the Superior General, Br. Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria FSC, intimates in his letter to the Lasallian Family, 'Brother Rafael was exceptionally talented and effective as an educator, a catechist and leader. During a time when foreign missionaries were expelled from the country, Brother Rafael was chosen as the President of the Catholic Union for all Madagascar, effectively running the Church during the period of great opposition. He suffered incarceration on false charges, yet held strongly to his faith and his vocation. Eventually, he was named a Member of the Academy of Madagascar and received the Medal of Civil Merit for the success of his efforts to normalize the relations between Madagascar and France.'

Blessed Rafael-Louis Rafiringa, pray for us.

Related information:
A brochure on Blessed Brother Rafael-Louis Rafiringa from the Institute here
Br. Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria FSC message here
Link to De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines website here

image courtesy of www.lasalle.org

DLSP re-elects Co-Chairs, President

2008-11-27T16:45:00.006+08:00

by Erwin Flores
(Update 1)

De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) held its 2008 Corporation Meeting on 26 November at the DLSP multipurpose hall on the 20th Floor of the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Building along Taft Avenue. Prior to the President's report on DLSP's accomplishments the past school year, 103 corporate members cast their votes to ratify the acts of the corporate officers and NMC members in SY 07-08. In affirmation of the positive strides that DLSP has taken towards a more unified Lasallian Family, the body re-elected Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, Mr. Ramon del Rosario, Jr, Br. Armin Luistro FSC, Atty. Eduardo Cueto and Dr. Oscar Hilado to fresh 3 year terms as National Mission Council members. The National Mission Council then reappointed Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC and Mr. Ramon del Rosario, Jr. as Co-Chairs and Br. Armin Luistro FSC as DLSP President and Chief Mission Officer during their organizational meeting. Likewise upheld as Corporate officers were Mr. Vicente Gamo as Treasurer, Atty. Cirilo Tolosa as Corporate secretary and Atty. Isabel Tolosa as Assistant Corporate secretary.

De La Salle Philippines is the network of 17 La Salle schools in the country.

Prime Communications to service 7 La Salle schools in SY 08-09

2008-07-10T00:59:00.011+08:00

by Jay Calleja, DLSP Media Bureau Chief

This school year, Prime Communications will be the internet service provider of seven De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) member schools delivering a combined bandwidth of 60 mbps via wired and wireless facilities.

The deal, brokered by the DLSP Central Procurement Unit (DLSP CPU), was announced during a simple signing ceremony led by Dr. Carmelita Quebengco AFSC, DLSP Executive Vice President and Ms. Julia Theresa Yap, Prime Communications President, held on 25 June 2008 at the DLSP multipurpose hall. Also present were other Prime Communications executives and IT professionals from the DLSP member schools. The seven schools are DLSU-Manila, DLS-College of St. Benilde, De La Salle Araneta University, DLS-Lipa, DLSU-Dasmariñas, La Salle Green Hills, and De La Salle Santiago Zobel.

DLSP online with Prime (L-R): Mr. Joseph John Ong, Prime Communications Executive Vice President for Operations and Chief Finance Officer, Ms. Julia Theresa Yap, Prime Communications President, Dr. Carmelita Quebengco AFSC, De La Salle Philippines Executive Vice President and Mr. Michael Gamo, De La Salle Philippines Treasurer.

The procurement for internet connectivity, backed by rigid service level agreements, went through a bidding facilitated by the DLSP CPU headed by Ms. Rhea Pabustan. This process also assisted in the deliberation of the procurement of the internet protocol services of the other 10 DLSP member schools, providing La Salle institutions with the service it requires to be among the top schools in the country in terms of IT development. The process of consolidating the requirements of the network also allowed the schools to secure better services at lower costs.

Primed for One La Salle. Prime Communications executives and DLSP IT professionals also attended the contract signing between one of the country's pioneering IP service providers and the DLSP member schools.

The 2 year-old DLSP CPU, which also assists the member schools in the purchase of IT hardware and software, is planning to include in its catalog within the current school year items commonly needed by schools to maintain and construct its facilities. The DLSP CPU is a unit under the Finance and Resource Services (FRS) team, one of the five departments that comprise De La Salle Philippines, the networking office of the 17 La Salle schools in the country.

Prime Communications, the trade name by which Primeworld Digital Systems, Inc. operates, is the only IP-based telecommunications company in the country and an expert in the delivery of feature-rich IP communications services. It is one of the pioneering ISPs in the Philippines which started operations in 1996.

13 July 2008 One Run, One Family, One La Salle

2008-07-07T12:52:00.009+08:00

13 July, Sunday, 5:30 am
The Fort, Taguig City

By Jay Calleja, DLSP Media Bureau Chief

One Run, One Family, One La Salle:
Zooming to victory with Nike

Everyone is invited to join One Run, One Family, One La Salle (OROFOLS) on 13 July 2008, Sunday, 6:00 am, at The Fort, Taguig City. OROFOLS is a project of La Salle Cares, presented in cooperation with Nike Philippines, for the benefit of the One La Salle Scholarship Fund campaign.

For 200 pesos, participants will receive a special OROFOLS singlet (sleeveless shirt for running), supplied by Nike Philippines. You can support this family-oriented fundraising activity by registering in La Salle schools as well as in Olympic Village, Olympic World and Olympic Gold outlets (click here for a list of branches) up to 11 July. Registration on-site will be 250 pesos.

During the event, Nike will launch its latest running shoe, the Nike Zoom Victory, which uses an innovative technology similar to the Nike footwear to be worn by the world's best athletes at the Beijing Olympics 2008.

The One La Salle Scholarship Fund campaign is the effort of the 17 La Salle schools in the country to raise P1 billion to provide for the full scholarship of at least 1 out of every 5 students in its schools. Given that Lasallian students today number about 87,000, this translates to more than 17,000 scholars by the time La Salle celebrates in year 2011 100 years of providing a human and Christian education to Filipinos. The campaign is coordinated by De La Salle Philippines, the educational institutions’ networking office in the country.

La Salle CARES, an initiative of the DLSAA Lasallian Formation Committee, intends to promote personal well-being to Lasallian alumni and students. Affirming the role and importance of the family in the development of a productive, just and peaceful society, LS Cares seeks to also provide assistance and services in resolving compulsive behavior and co-dependency problems. Guided by Lasallian values, La Salle CARES also aims to assist individuals to have healthy, loving relationships in the context of family, work, fellowship and community, to strive through life in spirituality.

17 June 2008 OROFOLS press conference at the National Sports Grill: Dr. Elis V. Maghirang, DLSAA Vice President for Lasallian Formation, Br. Bernie Oca FSC, DLSU-M Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and External Relations, Johnny Sy, DLSAA VP for Finance and Treasury and Jay Gervasio, OROFOLS Project Head
(Photo courtesy of DLSAA)

Online petition for aid for cyclone survivors in Myanmar

2008-05-14T18:45:00.005+08:00

by Hannah Riñoza
DLSP Media Bureau Correspondent

On 3 May 2008, an estimated 100,000 people were killed and thousands more left homeless when cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar's Irrawaddy delta. With the military junta blocking most of the foreign aid, survivors of the cyclone are now in danger of contracting diseases, hunger, and more deaths.

The refusal of the Government of Myanmar to accept help from the international community at the expense of its people is a humanitarian concern. If you want to make your voice heard, you may sign an online petition by clicking on the link below:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/490114

Of Interest: Gold of Ancestors Exhibition

2008-05-14T15:19:00.002+08:00

13 May 2008
2008 – 17

Dear Brothers and Partners:

Of Interest: Gold of Ancestors Exhibition. I am highly recommending an exhibition I
saw Saturday, 10 May, at the Ayala Museum in Makati called Gold of Ancestors. It is one
of three exhibitions included in Crossroads of Civilization, the other two being
Embroidered Multiples (18th – 19th Century Philippine Costumes) and A Millennium of Contact (Chinese and Southeast Asian Trade Ceramics in the Philippines).

Gold of Ancestors showcases 1,056 precious objects from the 10th – 13th century mostly
from the Visayas and Mindanao although a few come from the mountainous region of
Northern Luzon. The exhibition includes a spectacular array of golden sashes, necklaces,
pectorals, diadems, earrings and finger rings, bracelets and angklets. There are also
icons, funerary masks and various ritual objects.

The collection, publicly exhibited for the first time, mostly comes from the family of the late
National Artist and architect, Leandro Locsin. Among the noteworthy objects is a gold
vessel in the shape of a creature that is half-bird, half-woman. It is the “kinmari” of Hindu
mythology. There is a plaque that depicts a female figure in an elaborate headdress with a
tree-of-life motif. There is a 5-inch ear stud in a stylized flower design. The centerpiece of
the exhibition however, is an intricately crafted gold halter, weighing almost four kilograms,
that is believed to be the Upavita, or Sacred Thread, of the sort worn by the elite Brahmin
class in traditional Hindu society.

The breadth and depth of the objects on display suggest that ancient Filipinos had closer
links to their Southeast Asian neighbors than is more commonly believed.

It is a must see exhibition, excellently curated by Florina Capistrano – Baker Ph.D.

Fraternally,

Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC
Brother Provincial

Lasallians triumph in Palarong Pambansa 2008

2008-05-07T16:10:00.007+08:00

By Paul Darwynn Garilao and Hannah Riñoza, Media Bureau Correspondents

Lasallians across the nation notched medals in different competitions during the Palarong Pambansa held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from 20 to 26 April 2008.

Out of the 17 regions that participated in the weeklong competition for elementary and high school students, National Capital Region (NCR) dominated the league with 375 points. Student athletes from La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) and De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) shared the tastes of glory with other NCR delegates.

Mighty athletes from DLSZ

Three DLSZ athletes – Gino Tantuico, Paul Naguit, and Carlo Antonio Manzano – and other varsity players touched down the championship base in the baseball elementary division. On the other hand, three players – Felipe Carlos Remollo, Felipe Claudio Remollo, and Dylan Fransisco – were part of team that settled for second best in the baseball secondary division.

For the high school badminton (girls), Abigail Garcia bested other 16 representatives for the individual, doubles round. James Martin Ruiz de Luzuriaga was also hailed as champion in the takwondo secondary division.

Meanwhile, Maria Andrea Trinidad belonged to the team roster that landed third in the softball secondary (girls) division. Carlos Martin Espedido placed third in the lawn tennis secondary (boys) category.

The strong LSGH squad

Charles Andre Claro bagged gold and silver medals for the sparring and forms rounds, respectively in the Taekwondo (boys) division.

Two LSGH shuttlers also maintained top positions in badminton: Francis Alejo got bronze for doubles and team events, while Honesto Buendia III notched silver in the team event.

Western Visayans settled for second

Region VI (Western Visayas), on the other hand, placed second with a score of 210.67 points.

Composed of eight students from University of St. La Salle (USLS) and one from St. Joseph School – La Salle, the Region VI was declared second place in the volleyball high school division (girls) category. Three USLS sports administrators – Marilou Lozada, Rebbie Delotindo, and Jesusa Abanto –trained and coached the team.

According to USLS Coach Lozada, the volleyball players – mostly composed of Lasallian student athletes – secured their niche in the provincial and regional meet before they competed in the Palarong Pambansa.

For the elementary swimming division, two USLS students belonged to the winning streak: Joshua Balinas obtained two bronze medals and Danna Mae Testa got silver and two bronze medals. Hillary Jovette Tan also bagged silver medal in the swimming secondary category.

Other contenders

Carrying the banner of Region IV (Calabarzon), delegates from La Salle College Antipolo emerged as champions in the badminton category.

Representing the Region X, on the other hand, student athletes from La Salle Academy participated in swimming, basketball, and badminton competitions.

As a breeding ground of national athletes, the Palarong Pambansa aims to “promote Physical Education and Sports as an integral part of the basic Education Curriculum”. It also aims to give students the opportunity to hone their skills in athletics, and for them to be globally competitive.

For more information, visit this website:

http://depedschoolsports.wikispaces.com/2008+Online+Results

Baha-Talibayog farmers stopover at DLSU-Manila

2008-05-05T09:06:00.003+08:00

Hannah M. Riñoza, DLSP Media Bureau Student Correspondent

Last 28 April 2008, Monday, De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU-M) accommodated for one night around 60 farmers from Barangays Baha and Talibayog in Calatagan, Batangas and some of their supporters. These farmers who journeyed 300 kilometers to Manila starting 21 April, are in danger of losing their 508-hectare agricultural land to Asturias Industries, a mining firm.

Upon their arrival from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Parañaque, a mass, presided by Batangas Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, was celebrated at the Pearl of Great Price Chapel. Members of the Lasallian community attended the mass to show support for the farmers.

From DLSU-M, the protest walk, Lakbay-Kalampag para sa Lupang Sakahan, Hindi Minahan!, will proceed to the offices of the DENR, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Senate.

Sources:

Calatagan-farmers-launch-walk-vs-land-conversion

Briefer-calatagan-farmers-case

Supreme Court

Batangas-farmers-to-hold-protest-march-to-Manila-over-land-opened-for-mining

DLSAA Pangasinan participates in Bangus Festival

2008-05-04T21:09:00.005+08:00

by Rex Lor, DLSP Media Bureau Correspondent

The newly-formed De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) Pangasinan Chapter participated in the world-renowned Bangus Festival Street Party on 30 April 2008 at Dagupan, Pangasinan. The Lasallians got together at the La Salle Grill, the bangusan tent prepared by DLSAA Pangasinan Chapter President and City Administrator Alvin Fernandez.

The La Salle Grill served as a fellowship venue for the Chapter members and an announcement to the community of the green and white colors waving in the bangus capital of the Philippines. To help the Lasallians up north stay in touch with the other green-bloods the world over, free name@delasalle.ph accounts were issued to the students and alumni who attended the annual tourism spectacle.

The name@delasalle.ph project, spearheaded by De La Salle Philippines and aligned with the journey towards One La Salle and the Animo's centennial in 2011, aims to strengthen the connection among Lasallians by giving students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni and Brothers free personalized Google-powered email accounts.

For more info on the 2008 Bangus Festival, visit http://www.dagupanbangusfestival08.com If you would like to request for a name@delasalle.ph account, please email admin@delasalle.ph

Lasallian Mayor builds public library in Leyte

2008-04-28T09:29:00.004+08:00

By Hannah M. Riñoza, DLSP Media Bureau Student Correspondent

LEYTE - To provide education, particularly to the young and those who cannot afford it, is a mission taught to us as Lasallians. A mission taken to heart by Mayor Bernard “Benjo” Remandaban of Tabango, Leyte.

A Computer Science graduate (1990) from De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU-M), he was a faculty member of the Department of Computer Studies at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) for almost a decade before he entered politics in 2001. Mayor Benjo was recently hailed for constructing a two-story library in his hometown—an idea which according to him sprang from the awareness that people from barangays within his vicinity only had access to komiks, and had schools with dilapidated buildings in dire need of renovation. The library was constructed as a response to the need for a place for learning and research. It can house 20,000 books, has a television set with only National Geographic Channel and Discovery Channel, and also has five personal computer units with internet access.

The construction of the library was not without hindrances, in the form of political opposition and lack of resources. However, the desire to do good for others prevailed; a desire traceable to his Lasallian education, where discipline and the drive to be of service to other people were instilled in him. As a message to young Lasallians, this is what he has to say: “Count your blessings. There are millions of kids out there who do not have the same resources and opportunities that you have. Use it to do good for others.” As a final note, this 37-year old Mayor urges every Lasallian to “Make a difference as you have the moral obligation to give back to society.”

Primer on the Supreme Court Decision (Neri vs. Senate Committee and its Implications)

2008-04-23T16:14:00.000+08:00

In General:

What is the case of Neri vs. Senate Committee?

This case is about the Senate investigation of anomalies concerning the NBN-ZTE project. During the hearings, former NEDA head Romulo Neri refused to answer certain questions involving his conversations with President Arroyo on the ground they are covered by executive privilege. When the Senate cited him in contempt and ordered his arrest, Neri filed a case against the Senate with the Supreme Court. On March 25, 2008, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Neri and upheld the claim of executive privilege.

What is “executive privilege”?

It is the right of the President and high-level executive branch officials to withhold information from Congress, the courts and the public. It is a privilege of confidentiality which applies to certain types of information of a sensitive character that would be against the public interest to disclose. Executive privilege is based on the constitution because it relates to the President’s effective discharge of executive powers. Its ultimate end is to promote public interest and no other.

Is executive privilege absolute?

No. Any claim of executive privilege must be weighed against other interests recognized by the constitution, like the state policy of full public disclosure of all transactions involving public interest, the right of the people to information on matters of public concern, the accountability of public officers, the power of legislative inquiry, and the judicial power to secure evidence in deciding cases.

Did the revocation by the President of E.O. 464 on March 6, 2008 diminish the concept of executive privilege?

No. Executive privilege may still be invoked despite the President’s revocation of E.O. 464 because it is based on the constitution.

On the Contents of the Supreme Court Decision:

What events led to the filing of the case before the Supreme Court?

On April 21, 2007, the DOTC and Zhing Xing Telecommunications Equipment (ZTE), a corporation owned by the People’s Republic of China, executed a “Contract for the Supply of Equipment and Services for the National Broadband Network Project” (NBN-ZTE Contract) worth US$329,481,290.00 (around PhP 16B). The project sought to provide landline, cellular and internet services in government offices nationwide and was to be financed through a loan by China to the Philippines. President Arroyo witnessed the contract signing in China.

After its signing, reports of anomalies concerning the project (e.g., bribery, “overpricing” by US$ 130M, “kickback commissions” involving top government officials, and loss of the contract) prompted the Senate, through the Committees on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon), Trade and Commerce, and National Defense and Security, to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation. The inquiry was based on a number of Senate resolutions and in connection with pending bills concerning funding in the procurement of government projects, contracting of loans as development assistance, and Senate concurrence to executive agreements.

In one of the hearings held on Sept. 26, 2007, former NEDA Director General Romulo Neri testified that President Arroyo initially gave instructions for the project to be undertaken on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement so the government would not spend money for it, but eventually the project was awarded to ZTE with a government-to-government loan from China. He also said that then COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos, the alleged broker in the project, offered him PhP 200M in exchange for NEDA’s approval of the project. Neri testified that when he told President Arroyo of the bribe offer, she told him not to accept it. But Neri refused to answer questions about what he and the President discussed after that, invoking executive privilege since they concerned his conversations with the President. The Senate required him to appear again and testify on November 20, 2007. On November 15, 2007, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita wrote the Senate Committees and asked that Neri’s testimony on November 20, 2007 be dispensed with because he was invoking executive privilege “by Order of the President” specifically on the following questions:

a. Whether the President followed up on the NBN project?
b. Were you dictated to prioritize the ZTE?
c. Whether the President said to go ahead and approve the project after being told about the alleged bribe?

When Neri failed to appear on November 20, 2007, the Senate required him to show cause why he should not be cited in contempt. Neri explained that he thought the only remaining questions were those he claimed to be covered by executive privilege and that should there be new matters to be taken up, he asked that he be informed in advance of what else he needs to clarify so he could prepare himself.

On Dec. 7, 2007, Neri questioned the validity of the Senate’s show cause order before the Supreme Court. On January 30, 2008, the Senate cited Neri in contempt and ordered his arrest for his failure to appear in the Senate hearings. On February 1, 2008, Neri asked the Supreme Court to stop the Senate from implementing its contempt order, which the Court granted on Feb. 5, 2008. The Supreme Court also required the parties to observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of the contempt order.

What reasons were given for the claim of executive privilege?

Executive Secretary Ermita said that “the context in which executive privilege is being invoked is that the information sought to be disclosed might impair our diplomatic as well as economic relations with the People’s Republic of China.” Neri further added that his “conversations with the President dealt with delicate and sensitive national security and diplomatic matters relating to the impact of the bribery scandal involving high government officials and the possible loss of confidence of foreign investors and lenders in the Philippines.”

What issues were considered by the Supreme Court in resolving the case?

The Supreme Court said there were two crucial questions at the core of the controversy:

a. Are the communications sought to be elicited by the three questions covered by executive privilege?
b. Did the Senate Committees commit grave abuse of discretion in citing Neri in contempt and ordering his arrest?

How did the Supreme Court resolve these issues?

The Supreme Court first recognized the power of Congress to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. The Court said that the power extends even to executive officials and the only way for them to be exempted is through a valid claim of executive privilege.

On the first question, the Supreme Court said that the communications sought to be elicited by the three questions are covered by the presidential communications privilege, which is one type of executive privilege. Hence, the Senate cannot compel Neri to answer the three questions.

On the second question, the Supreme Court said that the Senate Committees committed grave abuse of discretion in citing Neri in contempt. Hence, the Senate order citing Neri in contempt and ordering his arrest was not valid.

What are the types of executive privilege?

a. state secrets (regarding military, diplomatic and other security matters)
b. identity of government informers
c. information related to pending investigations
d. presidential communications
e. deliberative process

In what cases is the claim of executive privilege highly recognized?

The claim of executive privilege is highly recognized in cases where the subject of inquiry relates to a power textually committed by the constitution to the President, such as the commander-in-chief, appointing, pardoning, and diplomatic powers of the President. Information relating to these powers may enjoy greater confidentiality than others.

What specifically are the executive privileges relating to deliberations or communications of the President and other government officials?

These are the presidential communications privilege and the deliberative process privilege.

How are the presidential communications privilege and the deliberative process privilege distinguished?

The presidential communications privilege applies to decision-making of the President. It pertains to “communications, documents or other materials that reflect presidential decision-making and deliberations and that the President believes should remain confidential”.

The deliberative process privilege applies to decision-making of executive officials. It includes “advisory opinions, recommendations and deliberations comprising part of a process by which governmental decisions and policies are formulated.”

Unlike the deliberative process privilege, the presidential communications privilege applies to documents in their entirety, and covers final and post-decisional materials as well as pre-deliberative ones.

Moreover, congressional or judicial negation of the presidential communications privilege is always subject to greater scrutiny than denial of the deliberative process privilege.

What is the type of executive privilege claimed in this case?

The type of executive privilege claimed in this case is the presidential communications privilege.

Is there a presumption in favor of presidential communications?

Yes. Presidential communications are “presumptively privileged”. The presumption is based on the President’s generalized interest in confidentiality. The privilege is necessary to guarantee the candor of presidential advisors and to provide the President and those who assist him with freedom to explore alternatives in the process of shaping policies and making decisions and to do so in a way many would be unwilling to express except privately.

The presumption can be overcome only by mere showing of public need by the branch seeking access to presidential communications.

Who are covered by the presidential communications privilege?

The Supreme Court ruled that aside from the President, the presidential communications privilege covers senior presidential advisors or Malacanang staff who have “operational proximity” to direct presidential decision-making.

What are the elements of the presidential communications privilege?

The following are the elements of the presidential communications privilege:

a. The protected communication must relate to a “quintessential and non-delegable presidential power”.
b. The communication must be authored or “solicited and received” by a close advisor of the President or the President himself. The advisor must be in “operational proximity” with the President.
c. The privilege is a qualified privilege that may be overcome by a showing of adequate or compelling need that would justify the limitation of the privilege and that the information sought is unavailable elsewhere by an appropriate investigating agency.

What are examples of “quintessential and non-delegable presidential powers” which are covered by the presidential communications privilege?

The privilege covers only those functions which form the core of presidential authority. These are functions which involve “quintessential and non-delegable presidential powers” such as the powers of the president as commander-in-chief (i.e., to call out the armed forces to suppress violence, to declare martial law, or to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus), the power to appoint officials and remove them, the power to grant pardons and reprieves, the power to receive ambassadors, and the power to negotiate treaties and to enter into execute agreements.

Are the elements of the presidential communications privilege present in this case?

Yes. The communications elicited by the three questions are covered by the presidential communications privilege because:

a. First, the communications relate to the power of the President to enter into an executive agreement with other countries.
b. Second, the communications are received by Neri, who as a Cabinet member can be considered a close advisor of the President.
c. Third, the Senate Committees have not adequately shown a compelling need for the answers to the three questions in the enactment of a law and of the unavailability of the information elsewhere by an appropriate investigating authority.

Does the grant of the claim of executive privilege violate the right of the people to information on matters of public concern?

According to the Supreme Court, it does not, for the following reasons:

a. Neri appeared before the Senate on Sept. 26, 2007 and was questioned for 11 hours. He also expressed his willingness to answer more questions from the Senators, except the three questions.
b. The right to information is subject to limitation, such as executive privilege.
c. The right of Congress to obtain information in aid of legislation cannot be equated with the people’s right to information. Congress cannot claim that every legislative inquiry is an exercise of the people’s right to information.

Was the claim of executive privilege properly invoked by the President in this case?

Yes. For the claim to be properly invoked, there must be a formal claim by the President stating the “precise and certain reason” for preserving confidentiality. The grounds relied upon by Executive Secretary Ermita are specific enough, since what is required is only that an allegation be made “whether the information demanded involves military or diplomatic secrets, closed-door Cabinet meetings, etc.” The particular ground must only be specified, and the following statement of grounds by Executive Secretary Ermita satisfies the requirement: “The context in which executive privilege is being invoked is that the information sought to be disclosed might impair our diplomatic as well as economic relations with the People’s Republic of China.”

What reasons were given by the Supreme Court in holding that it was wrong for the Senate to cite Neri in contempt and order his arrest?

a. There was a legitimate claim of executive privilege.
b. The Senate’s invitations to Neri did not include the possible needed statute which prompted the inquiry, the subject of inquiry, and the questions to be asked.
c. The contempt order lacked the required number of votes.
d. The Senate’s rules of procedure on inquiries in aid of legislation were not duly published.
e. The contempt order is arbitrary and precipitate because the Senate did not first rule on the claim of executive privilege and instead dismissed Neri’s explanation as unsatisfactory.

Implications of the Supreme Court Decision:

Who has the burden of showing whether or not a claim of executive privilege is valid?

Executive privilege is in derogation of the search for truth. However, the decision recognized Presidential communications as presumptively privileged. Hence, the party seeking disclosure of the information has the burden of overcoming the presumption in favor of the confidentiality of Presidential communications.

This presumption is inconsistent with the Court’s earlier statement in Senate vs. Ermita (April 20, 2006) that “the presumption inclines heavily against executive secrecy and in favor of disclosure”. It is also inconsistent with constitutional provisions on transparency in governance and accountability of public officers, and the right of the people to information on matters of public concern.

Does the decision expand the coverage of executive privilege?

Yes, the decision expands the coverage of executive privilege in at least two ways:

a. The decision explained that the presidential communications privilege covers communications authored or “solicited and received” by a close advisor of the President or the President himself. This means that the privilege applies not only to communications that directly involve the President, but also to communications involving the President’s close advisors, i.e., those in “operational proximity” with the President. There is no definition of “operational proximity”, so it is not clear how far down the chain of command the privilege extends. This expansion of the coverage of the privilege means that information in many areas of the executive branch will become “sequestered” from public view.

b. The decision also stated that the presidential communications privilege applies to documents in their entirety, and covers final and post-decisional materials as well as pre-deliberative ones. This means that the privilege protects not only the deliberative or advice portions of documents, i.e., communications made in the process of arriving at presidential decisions, but also factual material or information concerning decisions already reached by the President.

How will the decision affect other investigations?

The decision makes it easy for the President to invoke executive privilege, since what is required is only that an allegation be made “whether the information demanded involves military or diplomatic secrets, closed-door Cabinet meetings, etc.” This in effect will enable the use of executive privilege to hide misconduct or crime. According to Fr. Bernas, S.J., the implication of the ruling is that once the “presidential communications privilege” is invoked, no evidence is needed to support it even if there are valid reasons for disclosing the information sought. “This would revolutionize the doctrine in a manner that can affect all other investigations. This can, for instance, hamper effective use of the … writ of amparo and writ of habeas data. It can also cripple efforts to battle official corruption ….”

In particular, what is the effect of the decision on the Senate’s power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation?

The decision severely limits the Senate’s power of legislative inquiry and its ability to investigate government anomalies in aid of legislation. The decision encroaches upon matters internal to the Senate as an institution separate from and co-equal to other branches of government.

The decision, for instance, requires the Senate to give its questions in advance of its hearings. But this is a requirement applicable only to the question hour and not to inquiries in aid of legislation. Moreover, it is impractical, since follow-up questions of Senators will be difficult to anticipate.

The decision also requires the Senate to publish its rules of procedure on legislative inquiries every three years. But the Senate traditionally considered as a continuing body. Senate committees continue to work even during senatorial elections. By tradition and practice, the Senate does not re-publish its rules. To require publication of its rules every three years is unnecessary and inconsistent with its tradition and practice.

Did the Supreme Court ruling establish a doctrine on executive privilege?

No. Although the vote is 9 – 6 in favor of upholding the claim of executive privilege, two of the nine Justices concurred merely in the result, while one Justice argued not on the basis of executive privilege. Hence, only six out of the nine Justices explained their votes in favor of the claim of executive privilege. Six out of a total of 15 Justices do not establish a doctrine.

Can the Senate continue with its investigations despite the Supreme Court ruling?

The decision does not stop the Senate from continuing with its investigations and from undertaking other inquiries, although the government has already declared that officials will not appear unless the Senate rules are first published. Should Neri (and other officials) appear, the Senate can ask him questions other than the three questions. But Neri may again invoke executive privilege on other questions, which could result in another case before the Supreme Court, and the cycle may be repeated again and again. Such a situation, particularly where there appears to be a pattern of concealment in government activities, will ultimately be harmful to public interest.

Prepared by:

Atty. Carlos P. Medina, Jr.
March 30, 2008

Lasalyanong Panalangin para sa Pag-asa

2008-04-23T09:37:00.001+08:00

(Salin-dasal ni Yuri Cipriano)

Panginoon,
Ipahintulot mong ako ang magpasimula sa pagbabagong
Nais kong makita.

Gampanan ko nawa ito nang may lakas at karunungan
Upang gawing ganap ang lahat
At maging pag-asa sa abot ng aking makakaya.

Palayain mo ako sa takot at pag-aalinlangan.
Pagkalooban mo ako ng tapang at pagpapakumbaba.
Punuin mo ako ng iyong espiritu
Upang maharap ang mga hamon
At masimulan ang pagbabagong nais kong makita.

Sa araw na ito, sisimulan ko ang pagbabago
Na aking nais makita.
Hindi man ako ang liwanang,
Ngunit ako ay maaaring maging siklab.

Sa ngalan ng katapatan, paglilingkod at pakikibahagi
Halina't simulan ang pagbabagong ating nais makita,
Ang pagbabagong ako ang magpapasimula.

Manatili si Hesus sa ating mga puso magpakailanman!

De La Salle- College of St. Benilde offers summer courses

2008-04-18T09:23:00.000+08:00

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

School of Design and Arts

Short Courses Program

Summer 2008 course offerings

1. CRASH INTO AUDIO: Audio for Multi Media Productions

Facilitator: Mr. Andre Quimpo

Schedule: Monday and Thursday (8 Session) – start Apr. 24 to May 22, 2008

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1014, MMA Big Studio

Fee: Php. 7,500.00

2. BASIC TV DIRECTING: Hands-on workshop using Multi-camera operation for broadcasting

Facilitator: Ms. Connie Macatuno

Schedule: Monday to Saturday (4 Session) - start Apr. 26 to May 17, 2008

Time: 9:00am-5:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Green Room

Fee: Php. 6,000.00

3. BOOK DESIGN: The Students will explore actual book production workflow

Facilitator: Mr. Dino Brucelas

Schedule: Monday to Friday (5 to 10 days session) – start Apr. 28 to May 12, 2008

Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm and 3:00pm-6:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1204/1205

Fee: Php 6,000.00

4. SOCIAL DESIGN: Learn how design affects society

Facilitator: Mr. Dino Brucelas

Schedule: Monday to Friday (2 – 3 weeks) – start Apr. 28 to May 19, 2008

Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm and 3:00pm-6:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus 9^th floor

Fee: Php 6,000.00

5. POSTER ART: Concentrates on the poster as an art and design object

Facilitator: Mr. Dino Brucelas

Schedule: Monday to Friday (1 to 2 weeks) – start Apr. 28 to May 12, 2008

Time: 12:00pm–3:00pm and 3:00pm-6:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1204/1205

Fee: 6,000.00

6. WRITING STUDIO: Overview on writing techniques for various media and industry

Facilitator: Ms. Gerrilyn Cadiz

Schedule: Saturday (4 sessions) – start Apr. 26 to May 17, 2008

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus 9^th floor

Fee: 6,000.00

7. 3D ANIMATION: Basic Autodesk MAYA animation techniques

Facilitator: Mr. Francis Flores

Schedule: Monday to Saturday (14 sessions) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1007/1003

Fee: Php. 12,000.00

8. BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY: Hands-on workshop that covers all the fundamentals of Photography

Facilitator: Mr. Edwin Celestino

Schedule: Monday to Saturday (14 sessions) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1115 to 1117

Fee: Php. 9,000.00

9. BASIC AUTHORING: Learn Adobe Director, software used by majority of multimedia and web developers

Facilitator: Ms. Luna Pagarigan

Schedule: Monday to Saturday (14 sessions) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1011/1010

Fee: Php 7,900.00

10. DIGITAL DESIGN: Covers Photoshop, illustrator, indesign and Acrobat integration workflow

Facilitator: Mr. Jessie Lazaro

Schedule: Monday to Friday (14 sessions) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1109/1110

Fee: Php 7,600.00

11. DIGITAL IMAGING: Adobe Photoshop CS3

This course is an introduction to working with images and working with color, layers and photographs

Facilitator: Mr. Brian Brinas

Schedule: Monday to Friday (14 Session) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1109/1110

Fee: Php 7,600.00

12. DIGITAL VIDEO EDITING: Adobe Premiere PRO 2.0

This is Hands-on computer workshop will introduce students to digital video imaging and non-linear video editing with Adobe Premiere

Facilitator: Ms. Trinidad Suguitan-De Leon

Schedule: Monday to Friday (14 sessions) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1013

Fee: Php 8,500.00

13. SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR VIDEO: Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects is used to create video graphics, special effects and 2D Animation for digital video

Facilitator: Ms. Trinidad Suguitan-De Leon

Schedule: Monday to Saturday (14 sessions) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1013

Fee: Php 8,000.00

14. WEB ANIMATION: Learn Adobe Flash

Pave the way for the production and delivery of high-impact vector based animation, presentations and websites

Facilitator: Mr. Joby Provido

Schedule: Monday to Saturday (14 sessions) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1103

Fee: Php. 7,700.00

15. WEB DESIGN and DEVELOPMENT: Learn Adobe Dreamweaver

A professional HTML editor for designing, coding and developing Websites, Web pages and Web other application

Facilitator: Mr. Joby Provido

Schedule: Monday to Friday (14 sessions) – Apr. 28 to May 15, 2008

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Venue: SDA Campus Room 1103

Fee: Php. 7,700.00

Note: Each Course leads to Certificate of Completion in the field of specialization taken and includes Program Handouts, Internet and Access to college library's resources and facilities.

For inquiries and reservation, visit or call the DLS-CSB School of Design and Arts (SDA):

· 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate Manila 1004

· sda-scp@dls-csb.edu.ph

· 536-6752 loc. 138

Lasallian to carry torch for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

2008-04-17T14:23:00.008+08:00

by Paul Darwynn Garilao, DLSP Media Bureau Correspondent

For the upcoming 2008 Olympics, a Lasallian from La Salle Green Hills Batch '87 is determined to carry the torch not just to participate in the global ceremony but to raise the Filipino pride at its finest.

“Like me, they (Filipinos) will take pride in being part of the Olympic spirit of being united with the rest of the world, in striving for ‘One World One Dream’, the Beijing Olympic slogan,” Marco Torres shared in an online interview.

Marco, a Filipino expatriate based in Beijing, was chosen to join other nationalities in carrying the Olympic torch come August 2008 in Beijing, China. The last time a Filipino carried the Olympic torch was in 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Out of the 262 candidates from 47 countries and regions, only eight were chosen to participate in the ceremonies. According to China Daily, the eight expatriates will carry the torch for 200 meters on Chinese soil.

Chosen for two criteria, Marco was qualified because he was voted number two in the online polls and he has proven his love for China. Through forms of social media, they forwarded his plea via email, wrote blogs to communicate his appeal, and invited him to appear on TV and radio while he was in the country for a vacation.

Meanwhile, Marco enumerated activities on how to promote China. According to his blog, “He continues to explore the city (in China) almost every weekend and posts them online to share with his countrymen in the Philippines.”

As part of what he wanted to do in his life, Marco moved to China because he wanted to experience life outside the Philippines. He works as market manager for M Moser Associates, the number one design firm in China and the rest of Asia Pacific. “The job’s a perfect fit for me with my marketing background, a practitioner that used to manage the brands, Ovaltine and Anchor, back home, and my degree in Architecture,” he shared.

Despite having reached one of his dreams in life, Marco never forgets every single moment of his experiences in LSGH. He shared: “I learned many things inside and outside the classroom. Being called names in class, and everyone does get called names, is outweighed by all the fun and crazy times though. I believe La Salle is the best venue for one to learn to be well-rounded.”

(Photo courtesy of Marco Torres)

Kamalayan: Vanguards of Truth

2008-04-03T01:31:00.004+08:00

By Christopher Alcantara
De La Salle Philippines Media Bureau Student Correspondent

The final Kapihan ng Malalayang Lasalyano (Kamalayan) for the school year was held last 27 March 2008 at the De La Salle University - Manila Yuchengco Hall lobby. In its effort to sustain the social awareness and involvement of the Lasallian community carried over from the NBN-ZTE controversy, the Committee on National Issues and Concerns (CNIC), in cooperation with the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and the Student Council, aptly themed the forum, "Vanguards of Truth and How Lasallians Can Get Involved".

Notable speakers shared their insights on topics demanding truth and accountability from the government. The keynote speaker, Archbishop Oscar Cruz, spoke about the socio-moral perspective of the recent political developments. With the help of members of the audience, he identified a multitude of anomalies that have plagued the Filipino nation for years. He expressed sincere regret for not having done much about it when he was still young. He challenged the youth of today to move with urgency for the nation's welfare, or else future generations will suffer worse consequences.

Team RP, a coalition of students from the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) seeking transparency and accountability from the government, also provided their knowledge on issues of freedom and restraint. Atty. Eirene Aguila informed the audience on the Right to Information Act, and how such provisions and policies could safeguard the freedom and democracy of the Filipino people.

The forum was also intended for the launching of "GIN" or the "Get Involved" program of the CNIC. COSCA volunteers, led by their coordinator, Ms. Christina Umali, shared their experiences from the Summer Immersion Programs of DLSU-Manila every year. They extended their invitation to members of the Lasallian community who would like to vlunteer for socio-civic and community development programs during the summer vacation.

After an open forum with the speakers, Mr. Wadel Cabrera III, Institutional Advocacy Coordinator of COSCA, thanked the speakers and all the members of the Lasallian community who have made Kamalayan 2007-2008 possible. He challenged Lasallians to remain vigilant and involved, especially on pressing national issues.

EARTH HOUR 2008 /29 MARCH 08/ 8-9 PM

2008-03-28T17:50:00.001+08:00

EARTH HOUR 2008 /29 MARCH 08/ 8-9 PM

By turning off your lights for one hour on 29 March, from 8 to 9 pm, YOU participate in the fight against global warming.

On 29 March 2008, De La Salle Philippines will support Earth Hour, a global climate change initiative run by Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the conservation organization, which calls on individuals and businesses around the world to turn off their lights for one hour. Last year, more than 2 million Sydney residents joined Earth Hour by flicking the switch, turning appliances off stand-by-mode and enjoying an hour of quiet darkness. The aim of the campaign is to express that individual action on a mass scale can help change our planet for the better.ONE LA SALLE for
one hour.

"Fashion to Passion"

2008-03-25T13:39:00.003+08:00

If you’re in need of a fresh dose of the latest in fashion or you’re already moonlighting as the next style icon, “Fashion to Passion” will give you your headstart in the fashion industry. Meet and connect with the country’s top designers and stylists on April 4-5, 2008 at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts for the lowdown on the newest trends and the best tips in the industry.

Topics include:

Work it! Work it! Styling and Fashion Photography
Read the label: The Business of Fashion
Maria Clara to Marie Claire: Updating the Filipiniana
Style 101: A Crash Course on Style and Smart Clothing
See to Believe: Visual Merchandising
It’s in the Details: Fashion Accessories

Speakers include:

Brian Bravo
Helena Carratala
Joey Espino
Duzzi Gutierrez
Rajo Laurel
Mike Mariano
Dita Sandico Ong
Wynn Wynn Ong
Brian Tenorio
Xeng Zulueta
… and more!

For fees, updates and more details, please log on to http://fashiontopassion.multiply.com or contact Ms. Perpi Tiongson at 536-6752 loc. 121.

Search for Ms. Earth Lasallian 2008: "A Night of Beauty and Nature"

2008-03-18T14:41:00.002+08:00

By Moler James Memoria

The Search for Ms. Earth Lasallian 2008 was held on February 13, 2008 at the Arts Center at 7:00 in the evening

It was the night of collision between beauty and wit which was participated by 14 gorgeous and witty ladies from the LSU- Integrated school and LSU Night High School. The participants outwit, outplayed, and out charmed each other in order to gain the coveted title of the night – in the Ms. Earth Lasallian 2008.

But among the 14 ladies, Ms. Ryza Mae Reyes, of the Night High School, took home the crown as the Ms. Earth Lasallian 2008. Her uncanny talent in impressing the crowd and judges whether her speech or her poise, became the ticket for her to win the prestigious crown.

The runners-up composed of four lovely ladies from the De La Salle teams took the three other titles represented by their elements. Ms. Rovelyn Bale of the Red team took hold of the titles Ms. Fire; Ms. Angela Talibong of the Dark Blue Team grabbed the title Ms. Air, and Ms. Christine Grace Villa of the Dark Green Team won the title, Ms. Water.

Ms. Christine Grace Villa of the Dark Green Team received two special awards of the evening; the Best Speaker award for her impressive speech as a Lasallian in the awareness for the environment and the Best in Costume that portrayed the four elements: water, earth, air and fire.

Judges of the event were the respected faculty and staff of the university, Mr. Sotero Malayao Jr., the Assistan Vice President for Academics and Chairman of the Board of judges, Ms. Alma Ligaya Alegre of the Math and Sciences Department, Mr. Rio Salaguting of the P.E Department and Ms. Crystelin Yting of the Business of Economics and Mrs. Elsie Dajao, an instructor from the Languages Department and the former Languages Coordinator.

CED champs LSU's First Asian Parliamentary Debate Championship

2008-03-18T14:33:00.002+08:00

By Dandie Somoson

CED representatives. Ms. Rychenn Acapulco, Ms. May Christine Aguilar and Ms. Chelou Mugot were crowned as the Champions of the 1st Asian Parliamentary Debate on February 15, 2008.

After series of elimination rounds, LSU’s First Asian Parliamentary Debate reached the championship round on February 15, 2008 at the LSU Forum. The bes and the strongest teams who vied for the title were COA represented by Ms. MM Blanco (prime minister), Mr. Garry Curayag (deputy prime minister), and Ms. Joy Marie Engcoy (government whip) and the CED with the following speakers - Ms. Rychenn Acapulco (leader of the opposition), Ms. May Christine Aguilar (deputy leader of the opposition ), and Ms. Chelou Mugot (oppositoion whip). The adjudicators of the said championship were Mrs. Cathy Maghamil, Mr. Ryan Arances, Mr. Jade Bamba, Ms. Omega Lapitan, and the chief adjucator Atty. Roel Camorro.

With the motion “Political rallies do more good than harm,” team COA (government side) firmly believed with their stand that such movements bring nothing but physical injuries, harassments, discouragement to the foreign investors and the like. Thus, they proposed to have a creative way in experiencing the clamors and lamentations of the people in which they suggested to have these rallies be held in Freedom Park with the due permission and booking,. However as expected, the team CED strongly opposed them with their points. They stressed that the benefits of these rallies to people and accentuated the better changes to happen wherein faulty administration would be minimized if not eradicated if the power of the people will be freely exercised.

The adjudicators rated the round as above average. Before the announcement of the winning team, special awards were given first to Ms. Chelou Mugot, as the best speaker for the whole event with the total score of 224 points, followed by Mr. Kurt Cajeta, with 222 points, and by Mr. Felmar Lopez, Ms. MM Blanco, and Anthony Abcede, with 220 points each. Ms. Chelou Mugot was also named as the Best Speaker for the championship round. Chief adjudicator, Atty. Roel Camorro awarded the championship to team CED.

Towards a Morally Rebuilt Nation

2008-03-17T17:30:00.003+08:00

Today we are experiencing a social and political mess. This however goes beyond the question of truth to the search for probity. Probity is about the integrity of all, the accuser and the accused. We are unhappy and we feel betrayed. And yet as Pope Benedict XVI reminds us “in spite of our great disappointment our great hope can only be God who has loved us and who continues to love us to the end, until all is accomplished”, (Spe Salvi, 27). We also know that together we have the capacity to correct and purify the nation by starting with ourselves.

The Model for Change is the Desert.

The history of salvation teaches us that the long road to freedom inevitably passes through the desert of purification and conversion. Having escaped from Pharaoh, via the miraculous crossing through the Sea of Reeds, the Israelites considered themselves liberated. But they were not yet free, because they wanted to go back to their old ways in Egypt. “Should we not do better go back to Egypt?” (Numbers 14: 2- 3).

The chosen people hesitated at the shores of the Sea and remained enslaved. So Moses led Israel away from the Sea of Reeds, and they entered the desert of Shur. (Exodus 15: 22). Believing that Pharaoh was the idolater refusing them the worship of the true God, it was in the wilderness where the people discovered that they too were guilty worshipers of golden idols. (Exodus 32: 1-29). People were disciplined and converted from their greed (Exodus 16: 17-21); and the desert which the Israelites feared to enter became for them a place of purification, discipline and conversion, before they could enter the promised land of freedom, forty years later. There are yet no proven easy short cuts to conversion and renewal.

Looking back at EDSA I, euphoric and heroic as it was, it appeared that the event became the Filipinos’ day of crossing to freedom; but that was only the first step that hardly anyone knew. The “desert” awaited the people who would be purified and converted, before they become fully liberated. But people preferred the convenient streets as the easier route to an imagined freedom, and feared the “desert experience” that awaited conversion and new beginnings.

Corruption as the cancer of the nation.

We cannot add more to the wrath of God for lies, untruth, injustice and evil. Conscience, as the voice of God within, already tells us of what good there is to pursue and what evil to avoid. Our people are known to be God-fearing and God- loving; sadly, they fight, deceive and kill for money.

Shamefully we have been known to be a nation whose prime industry has been identified as politics simply because politics is the main route to power, which, in turn, is the main route to wealth (1). In this country people use politics to get money, and more politics to protect more money. “Corruption radically distorts the role of representative institutions, because they become an arena for political bartering between clients' requests and governmental services. In this way political hoices favor the narrow objectives of those who possess the means to influence these choices and are an obstacle to bringing the common good of all citizens.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 411).

The subordination of the public good to individual or group interests is what corruption is all about. In whatever form it takes, the practice of corruption is both immoral and unjust. Corruption is worse than lies, because lies are employed only to cover it. Whenever Government money is stolen or whenever suppliers or contractors’ money is offered as bribe to secure projects, to the disadvantage of the Government graft or corruption is committed. Graft is the acquisition of gain by dishonest, unfair and sordid means through the abuse of one's position in politics, business, etc., while corruption is the improper enrichment of politicians or civil servants or those close to them by the misuse of public power entrusted to them. [BIR, Revenue Memo Circular 12-2005]. As an injustice to the Government and people graft and corruption are against the Seventh Commandment and have the added element of betraying one's country.

The Universal and All-time Application of the Seventh Commandment.

The Seventh Commandment, “Thou shall not steal”, applies to all, as individuals or as groups. Thus, if one holds on to money or its equivalent that is not his or hers (or theirs), justice demands restitution of the stolen or bribe money to the owner. (CCC, 1459). If the owner can no longer be located, then the money should be given to the poor, or to a credible institution that will give the money for the poor or give true services for the poor.

Restitution was the constant teaching in relation to the violation of the Seventh Commandment in the Bible. “If anyone steals..., he will pay back”. (Exodus 21: 37).

“Look Lord, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount”. With this confession, the Lord Jesus blessed Zacchaeus with salvation. (Luke 19: 8-10). The teaching of the Church on stealing is this: No Restitution, no absolution. In the words of Jesus: with Restitution, there is Salvation. (Luke 19: 9). An authentic conversion demands willingness to restore what has been stolen and the resolve not to steal again. The penitent should not be so complacent about one's faith as to consider oneself truly absolved before God on account of faith alone, even if one has no contrition... For faith without penance would effect no remission of sins. (Council of Trent).

The mandate of the Seventh Commandment is also addressed to traders and ordinary citizens in all practices of business, commerce and trading. Fraud in business, over pricing, bribery
in contracts, cheating in scales, cheating in legitimate taxes and the smuggling of taxable goods, including also the smuggling and trafficking of substances for abuse to damn the innocent and the weak members of society, etc. --- all these are among the many forms of violating the Seventh
Commandment.

Our Response: Our desert experience.

The old and the young, from kindergarten through high school on to the tertiary level of education till up to the licensure exams, are all to be formed and guided towards integrity, trained never to cheat in studies and exams. The “discipline of the desert” is to be taught and applied, if anyone is to succeed at any level towards “the fullness of life”.

The Seventh Commandment covers not only the present corruption deals that have been recently exposed, but also all deals, at all levels of government service, of all administrations and governance, no matter what came out of the past or will come out of the present or future inquiries. “Thou shalt not steal” covers also all trading of even ordinary citizens.

We suddenly notice that the widespread corruption we see in others is also the corruption we detect in ourselves. Corrupt practices and fraud prevailed in the cities, towns and even in small Barangays. In the last two generations there had been tens of thousands of graft-ridden contracts in Government, the biggest single controversial project ever recorded in Philippine history was the Westinghouse’s Bataan Nuclear Plant (2).

True liberation will mean that we enter our desert of repentance and conversion. Change lies only at the heart of every person. Let us begin there. Values for living justly will be preached in parishes, prayed for in the homes, re-taught in schools, discussed in small communities and groups. Support structures will be required for a righteous life and fair dealings. After our personal and communal “desert” conversion, we will,
please God, be ushered to the freedom we seek.

God’s Help is always needed.

We need God’s grace, if we are to encourage one another, forgive each other, pay our debts to the justice that we all violated, and start again, not at the banks of “our Sea of Reeds”, but beyond the streets of EDSA. Believers and lovers of God, like true Christians, do not have to hate, destroy each other even if they want to correct the mistakes of the past or the present and of each other. Many are critical of the present governance particularly in the areas of truth and justice. But we can restore truth and justice without resorting to violence and hatred. A nation built on contempt is completely unimaginable. As pastors we cannot tell you less, even if some will resent the way we teach. It is for everybody's good, especially the very poor among our brothers and sisters that we now address this call for communal renewal.

We need the leaders from the highest to the lowest and their families not only to lead us, but also to give us examples of repentance and true humble conversion. We also need people with other ideas but with positive emotions in nation building. Given the example and encouragement, the citizens will be
inspired to follow where in the past they hesitated to proceed -
-- to their “desert” transformation.

Ngayon, diretso na tayo sa hindi natin kaagad gustong puntahan --- sa Disyerto ng ating mga masamang karanasan at kasalanan na dapat nating baguhin! May Pag-asa po ang ating Bayan at ang ating sarili. Basta’t sa pagbabago kay Kristo Hesus tayo ay magsama-sama.

In prayer let us beg Mary and Joseph to lead us back to the Christ that we had lost in the past! God bless us all!

+ Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales
Archbishop of Manila

Bp. Honesto Ongtioco
Bishop of Cubao

Bp. Jesse Mercado
Bishop of Paranaque

Bp. Deogracias Iniguez
Bishop of Caloocan

Bp. Francisco San Diego
Bishop of Pasig

Bp. Gabriel Reyes
Bishop of Antipolo

Bp. Antonio Tobias
Bishop of Novaliches

Bp. Jose Oliveros
Bishop of Malolos

Bp. Leo Drona
Bishop of San Pablo

Bp. Luis Antonio Tagle
Bishop of Imus

Bp. Pedro Arigo
Vicar Apo.of Puerto Princesa

Bp. Edgardo Juanich
Vicar Apo. of Taytay

Bp. Leopoldo Tumulak
Military Ordinariate

Bp. Francisco de Leon
Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo

Bp. Broderick Pabillo
Auxiliary Bishop of Manila

Bp. Bernardino Cortez
Auxiliary Bishop of Manila

Palm Sunday, 2008
(1) Samuel Huntington, Political Order in Changing Societies,
p. 67.

(2) Ricardo Manapat, Some are Smarter than Others, ($1.9B
in 1981 to $2B in 1982), pp. 324328; 341.

On Joe de V, Jun Lozada, Blink, and the Hinge Factor

2008-03-17T09:56:00.002+08:00

By Felicito C. Payumo

February 15, 2008
Article for the Management Association of the Philippines

I visited Joe de V in his residence on the morning after that fateful "night of a hundred knives". We were together for almost twelve years in the House, but I have not visited him since I got out of Subic and when he was still entrenched as Speaker. I thought it was better that I was seeing him when I didn't have any favor to ask, and he was absolutely powerless to grant any.

It was already 9 a.m. and no one else was in the sala. I was alone for one full hour before the media people started coming in to interview the ex-Speaker. Yes, there were some manangs who arrived later, but they were relatives from Pangasinan. There were no Congressmen, local officials or businessmen. Outside the house, the street was unusually empty of cars.

For those who knew him well, it was not hard to like Joe de V. Although prone to hyperbolic statements, he was amiable to a fault. He dislikes confrontation. To him there is no gap that cannot be bridged, and no quarrel that cannot be resolved or smoothed over…a quintessential diplomat or a shrewd politician. But there is no mean bone in his body. How come he was suddenly abandoned?

Not many days later, we would be watching Jun Lozada on TV during the Senate hearing. No one knew him personally, but everyone's heart went out for him. When he cried, I saw not a few tearful eyes in the crowd. Why the flood of sympathy for him?

That he was articulate helped, but beyond that, it was easy for people to identify themselves with him. It didn't matter that he owned up to his share of moral lapses and even outright transgressions.

His imperfections only made him more credible. In Lozada, they see a neighbor, a relative or a friend who was violated by the State… not just his physical body but his person (nilapastangan ang pagkatao), and not just by plain thugs but by the goons of the State. They, likewise, felt violated. They are smart enough not to swallow the line of the President's men that Lozada was being protected when he was held captive during that long "joyride".

Why did the people believe Lozada and not those arrayed against him? It's only his word against the others'. Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point) explained it in his other book, Blink. In a blink, people can tell if one is telling the truth or weaving a tale.

Just like the students can tell if a professor will be a lousy one after his first lecture. They don't have to wait until the end of the semester to render their judgment. Gladwell calls it the power of thin slicing - "human beings are capable of making sense of situations based on the thinnest slice of experience."

Is that the reason why the people know whose voice it was in the "Hello Garci" tape? No obfuscations from the "I have two tapes" tale of Secretary Ignacio Bunye or the voice print analysis from Mike Defensor can change their mind. And they were proven right by the "I am sorry" statement. There are, of course, exceptions. But more often than not, you can trust your rapid cognition. More information does not necessarily mean better.

What would the end game be? The impatient ask if this is the tipping point. It is hard to tell. But if the Administration has to learn from history, it is that hinge factors can cause events to take a sudden turn; that chance and stupidity can change the course of history. A student of military history, Erich Durschmied, has shown that many conflicts have been decided by the caprice of weather, or plain individual folly or incompetence.

From Agincourt to Mactan and to Vietnam the hinge factor was weather or human stupidity or the deadly combination of both. The numerically superior and armored French chevaliers were mowed down by the lances and arrows of the foot soldiers and archers of Henry V because of the fatal disregard by the French Commander of a field of battle made heavy by rain. "The soggy ground gripped the horses' hooves like thick molasses."

History repeated itself. What folly moved Magellan to disregard the long distance from his boats to shore because of low tide? Weighed down by their steel armor as they trudged on sharp corals, they were mowed down by the kampilan and spears and arrows of the foot soldiers and archers of Lapu-Lapu.

In Vietnam, the hinge factor was a single incident- the chief of South Vietnam's police, firing point blank into the head of another Vietnamese in a checked shirt and black shorts. While daily televised reports into American homes had helped catalyze public opinion against American involvement in the war, it was this one photograph, "the death of a man in a checked shirt on a street corner in Saigon, that first confirmed to many across the U.S. that this was a war fought for the wrong reasons, in the wrong country and on the wrong side…
From that moment on, American Generals had to fight world opinion instead of the Vietcong, and American soldiers had to sacrifice their lives for no gains whatsoever."

That stupid act done in front of the camera could only be matched by another stupid act of shooting into the head of a man in the tarmac of our airport. That was what started the chain of events that unhinged the grip on power by the Marcos dictatorship.

Would the stupid act of seizing Lozada out of the airport and through the same tarmac, the unleashing of the Government's wrath against this probinsyanong intsik for speaking out, the repression of the rights of citizens and the paranoid reaction to the statements of the businessmen start the snowballing of anti-Administration demonstrations?

The answer is: It depends on how stupid the Government would respond. Like the text message threat to Ramon del Rosario, Jr.? That was a warning shot to all Makati Business Club members and the Management Association of the Philippines. Will they be cowed or now join the masa by sending down not just confetti but their employees to every demonstration on Ayala Avenue?

But history has been as much marked by chance and stupidity as by gallantry and heroism. We have countless stories of heroic feats of individual soldiers that turned the tide of battles. But there was one patriotic act of a Filipino General that prevented bloodshed by letting history run its course…in favor of the people.

General Artemio Tadiar was in command of a marine brigade that was ordered to fire shells into Camp Aguinaldo when the crowd was still thin. Since I was at EDSA with a group of friends at that time, I was curious and asked him after he was subsequently assigned in Subic as Commander of the Subic Command (SubCom) why he did not obey.

He said that he did not directly defy the order. To buy time, he asked permission to drive to Malacanang to "clarify the order." After getting final instructions to carry out the order, he took a round-about route back to his command. By that time, the crowd has thickened and he told Malacanang that to comply with the order would cause the massacre of thousands of civilians. There was no way he would have the blood of innocent people on his hands. That was the end game for Malacanang. The hinge factor was the good sense and patriotism of a General.

The rest was history. Will there be a repeat of this patriotic act?

F. C. Payumo was a three-term Representative of the First Districtof Bataan, and former Chairman and Administrator of SBMA. Send comments to fcpayumo@hotmail.com.

DLSZ Father and Son Scouting Assoc: "We Must Act Now"

2008-03-14T13:53:00.001+08:00

Climate change is an urgent concern.

Global warming is taking place at an alarming rate, putting the future of mankind in grave peril. Experts predict that a temperature increase of 3 to 4 degree centigrade will cause irreversible ecological disasters that will deprive 1.8 billion people of drinking water and displace no less than 340 million more. What is clear at this point is that climate change will in inevitably affect all countries, whether rich or poor.

But climate change makes developing countries like the Philippines particularly vulnerable. In recent years, we have seen extreme weather events like typhoons, floods and landslides exact a heavy toll on lives and property, and even wipe out advances made in economic development. These ecological disaster will not only adversely affect agricultural production, destroy vital public infrastructure, and disrupt trade and commerce, they are also likely to determine our efforts to eradicate poverty in the country.

Safeguarding the future therefore calls for cooperation between the highly industrialized countries and the developing world. We have less than a decade to effectively address climate change. The rich countries with high levels of greenhouse gases emissions responsible for global warming have the moral responsibility to accelerate technology transfer and provide financing that will avert more disasters. The developing world must also do its share in mitigating the impact of ecological catastrophes that threaten their very survival.

The Philippines through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its allies among the civil society have committed itself to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent disasters brought about by global warming, such as floods water shortages, and destruction of crops and marine resources.

The government has achieved much headway along this line by accelerating the shift to renewable energy sources, including biofuels. The Philippines is now one of the few countries with mandatory vehicle emission testing. It is also among the top ten countries that have the most number of clean development mechanism (CDM) projects for greenhouse gas emissions.

But government cannot do the job alone. Protecting the environment and helping arrest global warming should be the concern of everyone. Thus, government has established partnerships with various stakeholders, including local government units, the private sector and civil society groups to implement various programs and projects that will enhance environment conservation and ensure ecological balance.

Crucial in this endeavor is educating the citizenry on the urgent need to address climate change. Schools and universities are in an excellent position to inform the youth of their critical role in addressing climate change. The academic community can help government, the private sector and civil society in finding real, lasting solutions to the country’s environmental problems.

Climate change is a serious problem needing urgent action. Schools and universities properly informed about the nature and extent of global warming can come up with unique and innovative ways to respond to its adverse effects. If knowledge id power, then the academic community and the succeeding generation of young Filipinos can play a bigger role in the common effort to adequately respond to our pressing environmental problems and safeguard our own future.

Prepared by the DLSZ Father and Son
Scouting Association by
TROOP PENGUIN
30TH Father and Son Camp
Bluroze Farms
Lipa City, Batangas
February 8-10, 2008

Former gov't officials continue their Appeal for Accountability

2008-03-13T23:00:00.007+08:00

by Christopher M. Alcantara, DLSP Media Bureau Student Correspondent

Some 80 Former Senior Government Officials (FSGOs) convened after their appeal to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to reveal the real score behind the NBN-ZTE deal was ignored last 13 March at the Club Filipino in San Juan.

It may be recalled that the ex-state officials, who served under different administrations, gave Arroyo one week to address their demands ranging from Neri's unrestrained testimony before the Senate investigation to the suspension of other government officials linked to the controversial deal.

The group continued to question the integrity of the Arroyo administration and stated that the current government has been consistently associated with numerous scandals and anomalies.

Karina David, former chair of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), said that the FSGO members are questioning if President Arroyo is fit to rule the government, with anomalous transactions such as the NBN-ZTE deal allegedly being covered up by the Palace. This is highlighted by the restriction of officials from the executive department to testify before Senate investigations.

David addressed the government officials, currently working for the administration to assess if they should continue serving under Arroyo's presidency.

One of the demands of the FSGO was to prevent certain political personalities from harassing Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr., star witness on the NBN-ZTE scandal, and others who were testifying in our nation's pursuit of truth.

The members of the FSGO will be joining the rally for truth and accountability in the Philippine government in Manila on Friday.

Photo by Francisco Gaurcho, DLSP Media Bureau Student Correspondent

Related articles:

1. ‘Arroyo at center of cover-up’ (Inquirer.net)

2. Ex-Cabinet members: GMA ‘at the center’ of corruption in NBN-ZTE deal (ABS-CBN interactive)

3. GMA at center of government anomalies’ (The Philippine Star)

Reaction to James Wolfensohn's Four-Speed World View

2008-03-13T10:19:00.001+08:00

by Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr.
5 March 2008, Asian Institute of Management

Thank you Mr. Wolfensohn.

It is heartening to note that, three years after leaving the World Bank, Mr. Wolfensohn has not diminished in his passion for finding solutions to the problem of global poverty. I believe I am not exaggerating when I say that, for many of us here in the Philippines and in the developing world, Mr. Wolfensohn’s continues to be the face that we associate with the Bank. This is a result, not only of the length of time that he served with the Bank, but also of the clarity of vision, passion and intensity and, I might add, the charm, that he brought to the job, that helped make the World Bank a more relevant institution to many developing countries including the Philippines.

In the decade that Mr. Wolfensohn served as World Bank president, our world achieved significant progress, not only in promoting sustained growth, but more importantly, in uplifting the lives of the poor in many parts of the globe. But many have also been left behind. It has been almost a year since Mr. Wolfensohn wrote his op-ed piece about his inspired hypothesis of a “four-speed world.” and his words ring truer today as we face the challenge not only of subprime mortgage failures and the threat of global recession, but perhaps more critically for the world’s poor, the possibility of spiraling inflation in the prices of basic commodities and food, in particular. As Mr. Wolfensohn points out, the world’s economies, while becoming more interconnected, thanks to tremendous strides in telecommunications technology, are also fragmenting and growing further apart. In a worldwide economic slowdown, the laggards regrettably tend to fall further behind.

In Mr. Wolfensohn’s view, the dichotomy between the North and South divide and the East and West twain has given way to four economic groupings that move at distinct velocities. These are the Tier 1 steady-growing high-income economies, Tier 2 rapid-growing middle-income economies, Tier 3 erratic-growing emergent economies, and, lastly, the Tier 4 stagnant-growth low-income economies. In highlighting these distinctions, Mr. Wolfensohn has emphasized the interdependence among these four circles and the need for concerted action on the part of global economic leaders to uplift the conditions of the poor in Tier 3 and 4 countries.

But the assistance programs of the developed world will have very little impact if these are not complemented by genuine efforts on the part of host countries to achieve sustainable growth and development. And, speaking from the viewpoint of one who dwells in a Tier-3 volatile economy that has the patent means and resources to climb to Tier-2 status but somehow remains held back: It is not only policy that matters—governance is equally important if we are to achieve sustained development. In fact, I would say that there is really no choice but for the two to go hand in hand. Good governance places the country in a position to adopt the best economic and social policies that will promote genuine development, and poor governance ultimately leads to poor policies and poor spending choices that limit the avenues for the poor to improve themselves.

One of the functions that Mr. Wolfensohn would assign to the ASEAN economies, such as the Philippines, is to light the path by which the impoverished countries in sub-Saharan Africa can rise above their vicious cycle of economic stagnation, widespread hunger, social unrest, internecine bloody conflicts and environmental degradation. Our intended role is to offer hope by being shining examples of the success that can be achieved in terms of economic progress and social stability.

While not shrinking from this all important role, I am afraid that the Philippines at this point is not yet ready to be one of the beacons of hope for the destitute economies of the world. I fear that we would set a less than ideal example for them to follow. For unless this country comes together to finally slay the hydra of government corruption that has tormented the Philippines’ political economy for so long, then I fear that the recent economic progress that we have seen will not be sustained.

It is not merely a four-speed world. National economies, if steered improperly, can swerve off the road and into the ditch of stagnant growth. What matters just as well is who is in the driver’s seat. Corrupt government officials, because of conflicting self-interests, will take the wrong turns and select the wrong paths at the expense of the national interest. For instance, they will create state projects and programs that serve to funnel tax money into their pockets with little or no regard for these projects’ ultimate benefits to the national welfare or the reduction of poverty.

Civil society and private-sector groups, such as the Makati Business Club, have been criticized for meddling with government affairs. We businesspersons face an ethical and professional dilemma: When the economy is humming along and business prospects appear bright, do we speak out, or stay silent in the name of stability and continued “progress” when confronted with credible testimonies of widespread and outrageous corruption? But it only appears a dilemma when one looks at the situation from a short-term point of view. Over the longer run, extensive corruption will put the brakes on the economy’s development and progress. In the long run, it is a culture of integrity, truth and accountability that will serve us well. This is why, if I may use Mr. Wolfensohn’s words, we must all “give a damn!”

Corruption at the highest levels of government poses a major obstruction to the national economy’s development. Corruption tends to subvert and destroy the very institutions that would sustain economic progress. For full economic development to take place, a country must first develop the economic, social, political and legal institutions by which the government and society in general will interact and bring about this momentous change. Institution-building can take a generation or more. But what takes a generation to build, corruption can tear down very quickly. Corruption creates economic distortions and inefficiencies by undermining the government’s processes of project evaluation and approvals and diverting public investments towards high-ticket uneconomic projects with huge kickbacks, by favoring the well-connected select few, by raising the costs of doing business, and by raising the risk of broken contractual agreements.

Third-speed countries such as the Philippines can thus fall back into fourth-speed stagnation if we do not take care to cleanse our political systems of widespread corruption. In our quest to do so, civil society and the business sector cannot be rightly accused of being “backseat drivers.” Rather, we function as the car’s navigator who sits beside the driver, befitting our crucial role as determinants of the optimum route to take.

Once a country embarks on its journey towards economic development and higher-speed growth, political stability becomes a governing requisite. In order to achieve this political stability, the nation’s leaders must not only be uncorrupt but must also appear to be so for all people to see. Only by this means will national projects be successfully undertaken that are truly aimed at uplifting the poor and channeling the gains of economic progress to them. Hope for a brighter economic future for the lower rungs can only start from the top.

Lozada celebrates Mass for Truth with Lasallian Community

2008-03-10T09:55:00.016+08:00

by Christopher M. Alcantara, De La Salle Philippines Media Bureau Student Correspondent

After visiting several schools around the metro, ZTE deal star witness Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr. attended the Mass for Truth and Accountability at the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel of De La Salle University - Manila on 9 March 2008.

Several priests, presided by Fr. Kim Lachica from the Society of Change, commenced the Eucharist, with the entire Lasallian community celebrating in our nation's pursuit of truth and accounatbility.

Br. Mike Valenzuela FSC, who delivered the homily, likened Lozada to Lazarus, a Biblical character, who had been resurrected back to life to speak the truth. "Like Jun, none of us are perfect... None of us are heroes but we all draw courage from our struggle for truth," Br. Mike said.

He furthered the People Power in 1986 was one great shining moment, regardless of the number of citizens who participated, "because if we are able to sustain self and sacrificial love for our nation, then the Filipino is worth dying for."

After the Holy Communion, Lozada was asked to lead the participants in reciting the prayer for the nation, a creed that helped him remain steadfast in his commitment to speak for the truth.

Meanwhile, Br. Bernie Oca FSC expressed his gratitude to all the individuals who contribute and support their quest for truth. He thanked the guests who attended the mass, including the 144 Sumilao farmers and the students of Adamson University who continue to express their allegiance in promoting justice and integrity in the government.

Former President Corazon Aquino shared the integral role of the religious community in National issues, quoting a speech she had delivered in 1995 about the significance of Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in enlightening the nation. She urged the nation to continuously pray for the religious.

When it was Lozada's turn to speak, he shared a realization about the youth. "Hindi lang pera, pati pag-asa ng bayan nananakaw ng korupsyon," he said, attributing it to the hopelessness and apathy of some adults who negatively influence their children. "Kung nakitang mali, demand accountability... We must teach our youth... give them a model of an active citizenry," he stated.

Lozada urged all those who are devoted to truth and justice to speak to those who are apathetic and those who feel hopeless. "Kwentuhan niyo po sila. Please tell them na may pag-asa pa ang Pilipinas."

The Eucharistic Celebration ended with another passionate rendition of Bayan Ko, with the Lasallian Community raising clenched fists in the air.

Students from various universities, parents, academic personnel, guests, and the religious continue to stand by Lozada's fight for truth and justice.

The next mass will be held in Miriam College, Quezon City. A prayer vigil for truth will also be held on 17 March 2008 at the Paco, Manila.

Triumphant entry. Jun Lozada Jr. and the rest of religious enter the Most Blessed Sacrament Church at De La Salle University - Manila (DLSP Media Bureau/Francis Garucho).

Smiles for Truth. Despite the political pressure, Jun Lozada still used to flash his smile to the religious who believe in him. (DLSP Media Bureau/ Francis Garucho).

Sumilao march. 144 Sumilao farmers from Bukidnon also attended the Mass for Truth . . They still appeal to claim the 144 hectare land (DLSP Media Bureau / Francis Garucho).

Believing in the Resurrection

2008-03-09T13:45:00.000+08:00

Mass for Truth
Most Blessed Sacrament Church
De La Salle University - Manila
March 9, 2008

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, he shall live. Whoever lives and believes in me, will never die.”

Brothers and sisters, in today’s gospel, Jesus challenges us to believe in the resurrection. His challenge comes to us at a time when our nation faces its worst crisis since the dark days of the Marcos dictatorship. All around us we see the masks that veil the face of corruption beginning to slip, and what we see appalls us: greed at a scale that is not only unprecedented but unimaginable, the willingness of good men and women to support cover-ups and deception through outright lies or complicity in silence, the repeated desecration of the electoral process, the cynical manipulation and subversion of nearly every system of executive checks and balances, and the use of violence and coercion on the part of those in power to harass, threaten, and even destroy those who stand for truth.

Brothers and sisters, the signs of moral and spiritual death are everywhere. It is in this context that Jesus’ question takes on a special resonance: “Do you believe in the resurrection?”

Many of us say we do. But what is it we think we believe in? For if the resurrection of Jesus is merely a past event, then it has nothing to say to those of us who rage, weep, suffer, sacrifice, and struggle to see the dawn of a better day. On the other hand, if resurrection is no more than a heavenly reward, it offers little more than pious consolation to those who seek significant social change.

RESURRECTION: AN ONGOING PROCESS

But the resurrection is neither simply past nor wholly future. Rather, it is an unfolding process which begins with God raising Jesus the Crucified One to a new existence so that through his Spirit, he can become active in the lives of people like you and me, overcoming our sins and weaknesses, awakening and fortifying the innate goodness in our hearts, and filling us with quiet courage so that we can live in the light of truth.

Jun’s resurrection began months ago when alone and struggling with the decision to appear before the Senate, he decided to tell the truth. There were many reasons not to. Speaking the truth would not only end his career, it would put his life in danger and his family at risk. He would become a pariah, or worse still have to live out the rest of his days in hiding or exile. For a person such as Jun, such a prospect must have seemed like death. The alternative however was to lose his soul and this he could not do. And so it came to pass that in the solitary darkness where each man must wrestle with his God, Jun capitulated to the workings of grace, emerging like Lazarus from the tomb of his sins and fears to speak the truth to power. It is due to his courage that we are all gathered here today.

Brothers and sisters, our Risen Lord is alive in you: in your desire for truth, in your yearning for justice, in your indignation at the brazen abuse of power, in your commitment to work for meaningful and lasting change. Like Jun, none of us are perfect. Like Jun, none of us are heroes much less saints. If anything, we are recovering sinners who like St.Paul are confounded by a mysterious, unmerited love that accepts us when we feel least acceptable, a gift of strength at work in our weakness. As we look to the struggle for truth that lies ahead of us, let us draw courage from the conviction that there is a power at work here far greater than we can imagine.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been murderers and tyrants, and for a time they seem invincible. But in the end they always fall.” Truth and love. That is the power of the resurrection. That is the power of the Spirit in history. That is the power of God.

Brothers and sisters, if we are to achieve any kind of success, the driving force of our efforts must be the power of truth and love. Our aim cannot be to destroy those who oppose truth. If anything, our task is to invite them to put aside all deception, all the deeds of darkness, and to live up to the best that is in themselves. We must call them out of darkness and into the light. This stance requires us to be firm and unrelenting in our pursuit of truth and accountability, demanding that the guilty face the consequences of their wrongdoings, but it also calls us to be compassionate with those who seek to redeem their souls.

PEOPLE POWER: RESURRECTION IN PRACTICE

This is what distinguishes People Power from the rule of the mob. Let me be clear that to my mind, People Power is the only effective means we have at present of insuring that truth emerges and that the guilty be accountable for their crimes. It is the one thing this administration fears because it knows a government’s power ultimately derives from the support of the people. As a son and veteran of the EDSA Revolution, let me share with you one experience that struck me during those tense but glorious days.

It was late one evening and thousands were milling in the streets. Coming in with a busload of teachers from Lipa, Batangas, that morning, I had seen the crowds and knew they stretched all the way from Buendia to Farmer’s Market in Cubao. The atmosphere was festive. As I walked the streets, I saw the rich distributing food to the poor, the houses of the wealthy opening their doors to tired and ragged passers-by, matrons offering cups of water to militant laborers, battle-clad soldiers embracing the nuns they had once faced down in rallies, and friendly smiles on nearly every face. It was as if all class barriers had dissolved overnight and we were for once what we aspired to be—united as Filipinos.

When the unconfirmed news came that there were cannons pointed at us from the University of Life (now Ultra), a palpable tension through the crowd. When helicopters swept low overhead , people ducked and looked up anxiously—searching for the LABAN sign that would mark them as defectors to the people’s cause. It suddenly occurred to me standing there, one with the huge crowd, that I could die at any moment—but that it didn’t seem to matter. This is where I wanted to be. This is where I needed to be. If I were to die, I could not have chosen a better time and place. In that moment, I truly felt what Ninoy must have meant when he said, THE FILIPINO IS WORTH DYING FOR.

Some time later, one of my aunts who had been in the States during the event told me this story. She had been doing groceries at a supermarket when she noticed that people were milling around the display TVs, all eyes glued to the events unfolding at EDSA. As she paid for her groceries, the lady at the cash register leaned over and asked her, “Excuse me Ma’am, but are you a Filipino?” When she answered yes, the lady turned around and yelled excitedly, “Hey everyone! Look! There’s a Filipino here!” and right then and there everyone in the supermarket burst into a standing ovation. It must have been the proudest moment of her life. It was our one great shining moment as Filipinos.

This is why I am dismayed at the attempts to demonize People Power. To dismiss it as mob rule is to spit on the graves of those who gave their lives to make it happen—the Ninoy Aquinos, the Evelio Javiers, the Ed Jopsons, and all those unknown, unnamed martyrs who fell in the long dark night of tyranny without ever seeing the dawn.

Brothers and sisters, if we are to sustain People Power, it must be fueled by more than indignation. If we are to sustain People Power, we must understand that real People Power is rooted in the selfless, sacrificial love that says, THE FILIPINO IS WORTH DYING FOR.
Listen again to those words and you will hear in them the voice of another who offered his body to be broken and poured out his blood for our salvation. This sacrificial love, this cruciform love which comes to us even now in the eucharist is what makes authentic People Power more than just a numbers game. Inspired by truth and love, People Power becomes nothing less than the RESURRECTION IN PRACTICE, our participation in God’s reaching into the places of sin and death to bring forth new life.

THE BEATITUDES AS STEPS TO RESURRECTION

The question is, how can we enter into this spirit? How can we transform People Power into a constructive force for truth, justice and peace?

I believe that the path to resurrection entails walking the path of the Beatitudes, and if that sounds obscure or difficult, let me say that I believe that this is the path Jun himself is learning to walk. Jun’s journey to the light is also ours.

The path of the Beatitudes entails three stages: CONVERSION, REPARATION and CONSECRATION.

The stage of CONVERSION comes when, faced with the enormity of evil, we recognize our powerlessness, our inability to change things on our own. We are a people damaged by sin-- not saints or heroes but prodigal sons and daughters. Like the publican in the parable, we must recognize the truth of our condition, and with POVERTY OF SPIRIT cry out to God, “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.” Only the recognition of our essential poverty opens us up to the saving power of God.

Let us also bear in mind that the culture of corruption is not the product of a few malicious individuals, but the flowering of seeds we ourselves have planted. Let us not lay the death of journalists, activists, labor organizers and victims of poverty and despair solely at the doorstep of politicians, the police, or the military. Let us not say that corruption is just their fault. We too are complicit by our moral compromises, by our willingness to keep silent rather than hold the guilty accountable, by our readiness to look the other way because our interests favor the maintenance of the status quo. Thus, we all need to MOURN, to cry “Mea culpa!” as Jun has done, for the ways in which we have allowed, excused and contributed to the culture of corruption. Only by sincerely mourning the dismal way of things can we be poised to change them.

The stage of conversion finally brings us to the point of surrender to God. That is what happened to Jun when, on the evening of February 6, in the company of Bishop Pabillo and a motley crew of religious, Jun committed himself to the truth. MEEKNESS is abandonment to the will of God. It is the spirit of Jesus at Gethsemane praying, “Father, if it be your will, let this cup pass from me. But let your will, not mine, be done.” This submission paradoxically brings with it an inner freedom and peace, a profound confidence in the power of truth and love to triumph over deception and violence. Perhaps that is why Jun keeps saying, “I thought I was defending the truth, instead it is the truth that is defending me.”

The second stage on the journey to resurrection is REPARATION. How do we repair the damage done to our souls and the soul of our nation? The answer of Jesus in the Beatitudes is twofold: RIGHTEOUSNESS and MERCY. Righteousness involves the desire to live a life pleasing to God, a life of integrity and justice. The truly righteous however are not arrogant; they understand human fragility and know that their righteousness rests not on any human perfection but on the mercy and fidelity of God who continually offers us salvation inspite of ourselves. The righteous are not sinless; rather, they are the ones who readily admit their sins repent of them, and seek to put things right.

MERCY, which flows from our identification with those who suffer, involves entering into the places of pain and extending to others the mercy we have received from God. Mercy is solicitude for the victims of injustice, but it is also solicitude for the perpetrators whose sins eat away at their souls. It strikes me that while Jun has every reason to condemn those who have used, betrayed and threatened him, he has repeatedly emphasized that goodness and compassion, not anger and indignation are the foundations on which a just and honorable society must be built. It strikes me that his predominant stance has been compassion for the people who are forced to lie in order to protect themselves or their masters, perhaps because he too has been the object of God’s compassion.

The final stage in the resurrection journey is CONSECRATION and by this I mean the free offering of ourselves to God to be used by him to accomplish his purposes and plans. Such an undertaking however involves purging ourselves of pride, hatred, and self-interest. Thus, we are summoned to become PURE IN HEART in order that God may use us to call sinners to his peace.

Now there is a cowardly peace borne of fear that avoids confrontation and conflict, one that uses concession and moral compromise to maintain the status quo. This is a fake peace, a peace without moral cost. True peace, God’s peace comes about through fidelity to the way of truth and love in the face of opposition. It comes through the willingness to confront, absorb and forgive the violence done to us, refusing to repay evil for evil, returning instead love for pain. In this way PEACEMAKERS hope to awaken the innate goodness in people and summon them to live up to the best that is in themselves. This is what it means to love our enemies—to help them repent and save their souls.

Enemy-love is the most Godlike of loves because it approximates God’s love for us. From the divine perspective, we are all at various stages of active rebellion against God. We are the enemy. But, the Father’s response to our rejection of him is to send us his Son to reveal the depths of the Father’s love to the point of dying on the cross. On the cross, humanity’s rejection of God is disarmed by God’s divine embrace. In like manner, the peacemakers are those who care enough to return love for pain. In doing this they become truly God’s sons and daughters, committed to carrying out his reconciling purposes in the world.

Finally, consecration involves the willingness to be vilified and suffer for the truth. Thus the final beatitude addressed to those PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE summons us to patience and persistence in resisting evil without violence at the cost of our reputations and even our lives. Such a sacrifice, modeled on that of Jesus, blossoms into eternal life.

Thus we see that the beatitudes by inviting us to move from conversion, to reparation and consecration enable us to become not just recipients but participants in the mystery of the resurrection. This is the Christian challenge of People Power.

Brothers and sisters, I am sure there are many people who still ask you “Why keep up these protests? Why make noise and take to the streets? The time for People Power has passed. You are just ruining the economy. Nothing will change anyway. Is this all worth it?” To them I offer these words from the late Senator Jose Diokno, that great champion of human rights, who wrote them to his son during the dark days of the dictatorship:

Why be honest when it pays to be dishonest? Why be fair to others when they are unfair to you? Why fight for others when they won’t fight for you?—or even for themselves? Why think for yourself when it is easier to let others think for you? Why lead when it is less troublesome to obey? Why have principles when others don't- and they often get away with it?. . .The answer I think lies in what life means to you. If life means having a good time, money, fame, power, security—then you don’t need principles; all you need are techniques. In fact, it's better not to have principles; they would just get in your way. On the other hand, if happiness means more than a good time, respect more than fame, right more than power, and peace of soul more than security; if death doesn’t end life but transforms it, then you must be true to yourself and to God, and to love the truth, justice and freedom that are God’s other names...

In this eucharist, let us pray that the Risen Lord grant us the grace to be above all things, true to ourselves, to our people, and to our God. May we walk the path of the beatitudes and so share in Christ’s resurrection.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Catholic schools in Taft Ave. stage noise barrage anew

2008-03-05T20:00:00.000+08:00

Christopher M. Alcantara
De La Salle Philippines Media Bureau Student Correspondent

Another Busina para sa Katotohanan was staged at around 615 PM on 5 March 2008. This noise barrage, staged as an appeal to the government and the rest of the nation to uphold truth and justice, involved students, administrators and personnel from De La Salle University – Manila (DLSU-M), De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and St. Scholastica’s College – Manila (SSC).

Upon hearing of the news that Romulo Neri was slated to attend the NBN-ZTE deal Senate inquiry on 7 March 2008, the Lasallian community wanted to intensify its efforts in promoting a culture of truth and integrity in the Philippine government.

At 530 PM, students from DLSU-Manila convened at the Amphitheater for the continuous prayer vigil co-sponsored by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and the Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO).

Lining up both sides of Taft Avenue, the concerned and vigilant individuals from the academic community encouraged motorists to honk their horns, a sign of support in the nation’s quest for truth. Armed with whistles and placards calling for transparency and accountability, volunteers from the Committee on National Issues and Concerns (CNIC), COSCA, LSPO and the Political Science Society (POLISCY) of DLSU-Manila spearheaded the noise barrage as more students from the three campuses joined the cause.

Flags of the three schools were also displayed as some students and administrators continued to express their concerns on recent political issues, hoping that their appeal for truth will be heard.

Meanwhile, the two political parties in DLSU-Manila, Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalista and Partido Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon, who were currently campaigning for the University General Elections, joined the rest of the community in raising awareness and involvement.

The noise barrage was punctuated by a candle-lighting and a brief prayer service facilitated by the Lasallian Pastoral Office.

SC, tagumpay sa GEN-ID

2008-03-05T16:10:00.002+08:00

Faye Bernadine Cabio, Justin David Pineda at Janice Rodriguez, Mga Kasapi ng Ang Pahayagang Plaridel

Matapos ang paglunsad ng Generosity ID (GEN-ID) ng office of the President (OPRES) upang suportahan ang One La Salle Scholarship Fund noong University Week ng Pamantasang De La Salle-Maynila (DLSU-M), nakalikom ito ng Php 57,6503.50 mula sa mga estudyante sa iba’t ibang mga antas. Nakilahok din ang mga pakultad at administrasyon ng Pamantasan sa Gen-ID. Ang batch ID# 107 ang nakapag bigay ng pinakamalaking donasyon sa halagang Php 20, 302.50.

Ayon sa talaan ng OPRES, umabot sa 744 ang lumahok na mga estudyante, pakultad at myembro ng administrasyon. Php10,860 ang naibigay ng ID# 106, Php 11,507 naman sa ID#105, Php10,564.00 sa ID#104 pababa at Php 4,820 ang galing sa mga pakultad at myembro ng administrasyon. Sa panayam ng Ang Pahayagang Plaridel (APP) kay Noey Arcinue, Pangulo ng Student Council (SC), sinabi niyang isang Lasalyano sa ilalim ng OPRES ang nakaisip na magkaroon ng isang fund-raising activity na lalahukan ng mga Lasalyano para sa One La Salle Scholarship Fund. Kadalasan umanong mga alumni lamang ang sumusuporta at nakikilahok sa mga aktibidad ngunit wala masayadong kooperasyon ang mga estudyante.

Istratehiya ni Arcinue para sa Gen-ID na malaman at makilahok lahat ng 10,000 Lasalyano rito at hindi lang basta makalikom ng pera. “Hindi lang yung kunwari itong mga tao lang sa SPS (Student Personnel Services) mag-dodonate ng let’s say [Php]500. significant amount nga pero konti lang yung makakaalam atmakakpagbigay,” paliwanag ni Arcinue. Sa isang hiwalay na panayam naman nga APP kay Kirk Amante, Finance Head ng OPRES at Project Head ng Gen-ID, sinabi niyang naisip ng mga tauhan ng OPRES na mas maganda kung magiging paligsahan ng pinakamaraming donasyon ang makakalap mula sa iba’t ibang mga ID number’s upang magkaroon ng pagkakapantay-pantay kaysa bawat kolehiyo ang paligsahan dahil may mga kolehiyong may maliit na populasyon.

Para kay Amante, naging matagumpay ang naging proyekto kahit na hindi umabot sa Php1 Milyon ang nalikom mula sa pamayanang Lasalyano, nasaksihan naman ang pagbibigay ng pera galing sa kanilang mga puso. “Nakakataba ng puso na makita ang mga taong lumalapit sa aming mga booth upang magbigay ng donasyon na alam nilang wala silang makukuhang anumang kapalit kung hindi ang mga salitang “thank you”. Dito naipakita ang pagiging matulungin ng mga Lasalyano,” paliwanag niya. Ipinaliwanag niya. Ipinaliwanag naman ni Arcinue ang dahilan kung bakit Php 1 Milyon ang target nilang makuhaang donasyon. “The 1 M target is for, kami ng organizers was to set kahit papaano, objective or parang visual goal. Yung hindi lang yung “guys, donate, guys, donate” tapos hindi maramdaman yung goal, yung target. So, sabi naming, ano ba ang feasible sa atin na yung we stretch our limits also.” Nilinaw ni Arcinue na kung mayroong 10,000 mga estudyante, lohikal na makapagbibigay ng Php100 isa sa isang lingo. Para naman hindi maging mabigat sa bulsa ng bawat estudyante, hinati na lang sa Php 20 bawat araw.

Na-anunsyo naman ng husto ang Gen ID ayon kina Amante at Arcinue. Nagkaroon ng email blasts, text brigade at room-to-room announcements. Nakatulong din ang Information Technology Center (ITC) na mai-anunsyo ang Gen ID sa website ng DLSU-M pati na sa My.Lasalle email at ang The Lasallian (TLS) upang maisapubliko ang proyekto. Pero ayon kay Amante, naging pinakaepektibo pa rin ang “word of mouth” at pagpapakita sa kapwa estudyante na nagbibigay ang bawat isa.

Positibo ang tingin nina Amante at Arcinue na posibleng makamit ang Php 1 Milyon bilang suporta sa One La Salle Scholarship Fund. Para kay Amante, kung mas mahaba ang panahon na inilaan para sa GenID, mas marami pang pera ang makukuha. Dagdag pa niya, kung itutuloy sa isang termino ang GenID, maabot ang Php 1 Milyon. Ngunit, paglilinaw niya, kung maabot na ang Php 1 Milyon, hindi titigil ang SC at ipagpatuloy ang paghanap ng paraan upang makalikom pa ng pera para sa One La Salle Scholarship Fund.

Nagpapasalamat si Amante sa lahat ng mga estudyanteng sumuporta sa GenID. Aniya, “Tunay ngang naipakita ang pagiging mapagbigay at pagiging matulungin ng mga Lsalyano. Sa bawat donasyon na aming natanggap ay nakakataba ng puso at napakalaking tulong sa pagpapaaral sa mga iskolar na estudyante sa hinaharap. Sinisigurado naming na ang inyong mga donasyon ay malayo ang mararating.”