Celebrating Leadership: The Reprint of De La Salle, CEO

May 3, 2025

As De La Salle Araneta University approaches its 80th anniversary, the Lasallian community is embarking on a meaningful initiative that highlights the legacy of our founder, St. John Baptist De La Salle. We are proud to announce the reprint of De La Salle, CEO, a compelling work by Mr. Napoleon Almonte that presents St. La Salle not only as the founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools but also as an exceptional leader with a vision that transformed education.

Originally published 20 years ago, De La Salle, CEO offers a fresh perspective on St. La Salle’s leadership qualities, strategic foresight, and innovative approach to education. Often regarded primarily for his contributions to pedagogy, this book sheds light on his role as an exemplary CEO—someone who laid the foundations for an enduring institution through principles of servant leadership, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

This initiative invites school leaders across the La Salle network to support the distribution of this reprint, ensuring that students, educators, and administrators can reflect on and learn from St. La Salle’s leadership. More than just a historical account, De La Salle, CEO offers insights that remain relevant in today's educational and organizational landscapes, inspiring current and future leaders.

Beyond celebrating the university’s milestone anniversary, this reprint underscores the enduring significance of our founder’s legacy. By fostering discussions around leadership, innovation, and service, we hope to deepen the Lasallian community’s appreciation for the values that continue to guide us.

For those interested in supporting this initiative or learning more, please reach out to Mr. Christopher Polanco, Vice President for Advancement, Linkages, and Special Projects at DLSAU, via email at christopher.polanco@dlsau.edu.ph.

Let’s honor St. John Baptist De La Salle’s leadership and ensure that his lessons resonate with generations to come.

Pathways Pilipinas opens doors to a brighter future for Rohingya youth

March 28, 2025

Press Release

25 March 2025

Pathways Pilipinas opens doors to a brighter future for Rohingya youth

Manila, Philippines – Pathways Pilipinas, a groundbreaking initiative under the Philippines’ Complementary Pathways programme, was officially launched today with the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among seven (7) partner academic institutions. The signing ceremony marks the formal collaboration between these institutions to provide support for Rohingya scholars under the programme, enabling them to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.

The event, held at the Horacio Cebrero Hall of De La Salle Philippines, was attended by key representatives from the academe, Department of Justice (DOJ), UNHCR and other key stakeholders. The seven founding academic institutions—Columban College Inc. (CCI), De La Salle Brothers Inc. (DLSBI), De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU), San Beda University (SBU), Saint Louis University (SLU), Tarlac State University (TSU), and University of St. La Salle (USLS)—officially committed to supporting refugees through scholarships, mentorship, and holistic academic programs that focus on integration and self-reliance.

“This agreement marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to ensure that refugees and stateless persons have the opportunity to access quality higher education in the Philippines,” said Mr. Andyo Abusmas, National Convener of Pathways Pilipinas. “Through this partnership, we are not only offering a degree but also creating safe pathways, through education, for Rohingya youth to thrive and build a better future.”

The MOA sets the framework for the participating institutions to work together in offering educational opportunities to refugees and stateless individuals, with a strong emphasis on supporting their personal and professional development. Under the agreement, each institution will provide scholarship slots, academic support, and other resources necessary to ensure that refugees scholars, Rohingya youth in particular, succeed in their educational pursuits.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to upholding refugee rights in the Philippines,” said State Counsel Paulito de Jesus, assistant head of the Department of Justice - Refugee and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU). “This agreement will provide the framework for stronger collaboration among the partner academic institutions of the Complementary Pathways programme, which are working tirelessly to support Rohingya scholars who are pursuing their studies in the Philippines.”

The signing of the MOA is a direct outcome of the academic institutions’ participation in the Complementary Pathways Programme, an initiative that seeks to provide alternative pathways for and with refugees, Rohingya in particular, to find durable solutions to their displacement, including through access to education. The collaboration also reinforces the Philippines' ongoing support for refugees as a key element of the country’s longstanding tradition of opening its doors to those seeking safety from war, persecution, and violence.

It also outlines that partner institutions will work closely with the DOJ-RSPPU and UNHCR to implement refugee-centered policies and programs, ensuring that refugee scholars are meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their education and integration.

“Today’s signing ceremony is a powerful demonstration of the commitment of the partner academic institutions under the Complementary Pathways programme of the Philippines and a testament to the belief that education is a key tool for integration and empowerment,” said UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo. “With more support committed through Pathways Pilipinas that strengthens this whole-of society approach, we envision more young Rohingya gaining the skills and knowledge they need to rebuild their lives.”

The ceremonial signing marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rohingya youth under the Complementary Pathways Programme, where education will play a central role in fostering integration, empowerment, and self-sufficiency. Through the efforts of Pathways Pilipinas and its partners, refugees will be given the chance to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.

About Pathways Pilipinas

Pathways Pilipinas is a new non-profit alliance of seven higher education institutions in the Philippines, dedicated to providing refugees and stateless persons with access to higher education. This initiative, which is part of the Philippine Complementary Pathways Programme, focuses on creating opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives through education and integration into Philippine society.

For more information, please contact : Andyo Abusmas, National Convener

tulonglasalyano@delasalle.ph

Shaping the Future of Lasallian Education: Highlights from the 2025 Joint Council Workshop

January 20, 2025

The 2025 Joint Council Workshop, held on January 7 at the Malate Ballroom of Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle in Manila, brought together representatives from various Lasallian Councils across the Philippines. The event focused on aligning the network’s mission and values, while addressing emerging challenges in education. Key discussions centered on strategies for educational excellence, leadership, governance, and shared services, led by Lasallian leaders such as Mr. Edgar O. Chua AFSC and Br. Jose Mari L. Jimenez, FSC. A highlight of the workshop was the unveiling of Project Miles, the rebranded version of Project 2022, marking a new chapter in Lasallian education innovation.