Mari-vikk Viñas Made Affiliate Member of the De La Salle Brothers

In a simple ceremony on 7 September, Mari-vikk Viñas became an affiliated member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for her many years of service to the Lasallian Mission in the Philippines.

Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, Lasallian East Asia District Visitor, praised Br. Mari-vikk in what he calls her “quiet service.” He further commends her in his homily saying of the new affiliate member:

“Your affiliation is important as it is a recognition of all the good things you represent— a Lasallian who is low key, quiet and hardworking, profoundly committed to the mission, disciplined, highly ethical, deeply professional.”

One La Salle Relief Drive (Maring) Updates

De La Salle Health Sciences Institute

The relief efforts of the school and its partners were able to reach the following barangays: Brgy Zone 1 Dasmariñas City; Barangays 2 & 4 Ligtong, Rosario; Sasahan, Naic; Tabon, Kawit; Sunny Brooke, General Trias; San Lorenzo Ruiz Pulo, Cavite City; nine different barangays of Binakayan; San Antonio, Noveleta; Guyam Munti, Indang; Kiko Rosa Creekside, General Trias; Pabahay Creekside; and Bacao 1 & 2. A total of 1,605 families received relief packs. Php 17,692.90, 28 Boxes of Water, 3 Boxes of Groceries, and 20 Boxes of clothes were also endorsed to St. Peter’s Parish for ditrubution around Cavite City. 

The Medical Mission was able serve 306 households, consisting of 654 patients. Ten medical doctors, three interns, ten nurses, four PGNT’s, eight housekeepers,

four pharmacists, and other hospital employees, teachers, students from Colleges of Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, Rehabilitation Sciences and Medical Radiation Technology volunteered for this effort. Another 50 volunteers from Our Lady of Fatima Parish also pitched in.

Our sincerest thanks to all our donors, medical team, SPC Sisters, DLSHSI and PPVR volunteers! Special thanks to our silent and dedicated supporters, without whom our relief operation would not have materialized:

  • personnel from Admitting, Information and Cashier’s Sections who accepted and recorded donations;
  • our Security Guards who helped receive and protect the goods;
  • our house keepers who helped in the loading and unloading of goods and our drivers who made transportation of people and goods possible.

De La Salle Lipa

De La Salle Lipa Community Involvement Office, in partnership with the Student Coordinating Board and Student Government, spearheaded the relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Maring and Habagat. Served areas are as follows:

  • Evacuation Center, Brgy. 10 Lipa City
  • Brgy. Halang, Lipa City
  • Brgy. San Roque, San Pedro Laguna
  • Brgy. Cuyab, San Pedro Laguna
  • Brgy. Landayan, San Pedro Laguna
  • Evacuation Center (old municipal hall) San Pedro, Laguna
  • Cavite
  • Brgy. Pansol, Calamba Laguna
  • Brgy. Palanas, Lemery Batangas

Goods donated: 1,199 bags; 88 mats; 100 blankets; 500 pcs bottled water. Served families: 1,299.

 

Br. Mandy Dujunco FSC Wins Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Award

Photo from Br. Mandy Dujunco FSC

Johnny's Big Secret, written by Br. Mandy Dujunco FSC, won the Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Award for the Youth and Children category at recent Catholic Mass Media Awards.

This book is the fruit of his studies with the Formation Institute for Religion Educators (FIRE) at the Ateneo de Manila University. It tells a story of a young boy who discovers other boys playing with devils and wants one for himself. It was written to teach very young children about the sacrament of reconciliation.

The book is illustrated by Kenneth Atendido, colored by Marc Reil Gepaya and laid out by Myrna Bongala Caquilala. 

 

Apple Inc. Invites Br. Dennis to be a Resource Speaker

Last 19 August 2013, Apple South Asia invited Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC to be their main resource person in one of their workshops. Br. Dennis is currently the president of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB) but was chosen as a resource speaker based on his work as the president of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) and its mLearning program.

The technology-enhanced curriculum led to the development of DLSZ’s teacher training, instructional design, classroom management, home-school collaboration, cost of the mobile learning devices, research, physical facilities and networking/internet access, for today’s technology driven learner.

School administrators and teachers from over 35 schools from across South attended the Apple South Asia workshop. Br. Dennis’ talk revolved around comprehensive sharing on iPad deployment in schools. The talk included a Skype conversation with a class from DLSZ.

With Apple using DLSZ as a model in the use of tablet in classroom instruction, this marks a historic moment, not only for DLSZ but also for the entire De La Salle Philippines.

 

Signum Fidei Holds Second International Assembly

Rome, Italy– on 1 - 13 July 2013, twenty-one Signum Fidei members and five Brothers converged at the Generalate for the revision and ratification of the Signum Fidei Style of Life, a document that was implemented ad experimentum by the Assembly of 2006. The International Advisor, Br. Alberto Gomez, and the Secretary for Lasallian Family and Association, Br. Charles Kitson accompanied the group.

The theme: Being today Signs of Faith, Builders of Community, Ambassadors of God’s Love, indicated the mandate, the process and objective of having come together. The process of language group and plenary discussions allowed in-depth sharing of experiences and realities; issues and concerns were carefully handled; horizons have become broader and everybody was happy about the task that was accomplished. It was humbling to note that Signum Fidei communities in many parts of the world have gone as far as establishing centers that cater to oppressed young women as well as educational institutions that house abandoned children and youth at risk. Br. Charles challenged the delegates by saying: “Make your STYLE of LIFE a living document that in turn breathes life into the entire Lasallian Family. Let it not be just words but let it touch the hearts of those entrusted to your care.”

Beyond borders and language, all those present had been drawn to a deeper sense of being one family, different in many ways but ONE heart that beats with love flowing from a God who continues to nourish and sends every Lasallian out into the world to participate more concretely and faithfully in the very Mission bequeathed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

By Myra A. Patambang

 

One La Salle Relief Drive (Maring) Updates

DLSZ

By 23 August, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) has distributed relief packs around Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Parañaque and helped over 3,000 families. 150 students, 70 faculty and staff, and 17 parents, friends and alumni volunteered in the relief efforts.

DLSU-D

The LCDC of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas reported that, as of 27 August, they were able to help 1,291 families in eight areas (Dasmariñas, Rosario, Naic, Noveleta, Kawit, Gen Trias, Cavite City, Indang). DLSU-D wishes to acknowledge DLSZ for their support.

DLS-CSB

As of 23 August, there were a total of 167 volunteers from the school. DLS-CSB also reached out to five of its neighboring barangays (Brgys. 43, 728, 730, 746 and 760) and delivered a total of 595 relief packs.

DLSHSI

On 21 August: Php 5000 worth of relief goods were given to the families of Barangay Zone 1, Dasmarinas City, courtesy of Dr. Charles Yu.

On 22 August, we went to Ligtong, Rosario and delivered around 500 packs of relief goods ( 2 kilos of rice, bottled water, various groceries and clothes/blankets) to 261 families in Barangays 2 & 4. Said areas were referred to by the Social Action Office of the Diocese, in coordination with the Barangay Officials who guided us along coastal lines of said barangays. Student volunteers from the four Colleges, academic staff, hospital employees, faculty members and PPRV volunteers helped prepare and distribute the goods.

As of 23 August, DLSZ has turned relief goods, approximately for more than 500 households, to be donated to calamity victims in Naic, Cavite.

On 26 August, a medical mission and relief operation was held in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite in coordination with Our Lady of Fatima Parish. A joint program of the Medical Center and Social Action Office.

 

Lasallians Join the #MillionPeopleMarch

Last 26 August, over 1,000 Lasallians joined the Million People March in Rizal Park, a mass action against the misuse of public funds particularly the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allotted to Philippine lawmakers.

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What You Need to Know About the Pork Barrel

A summary of information on the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), more commonly known as the "pork barrel". In this article, the Lasallian Justice & Peace Commission (LJPC) also discusses how the PDAF is a susceptible to abuse and misuse.

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Renewed Call for Transparency and Accountability

At this extraordinary time in our nation's life, we Lasallians hear again the call to renew our commitment to good governance. As one Lasallian Family, let us participate in the efforts to ensure that our government will be transparent, accountable, honest, and principled in the use of our nation's resources. We invite all to join the mass action calling for transparency and accountability in the use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)/Pork Barrel on 26 August 2013, Monday at the Luneta (Km 0, Carabao).

  • Assembly Time: 7:30 am
  • Assembly Point: De La Salle University (Taft Campus) at the Cory Aquino Democratic Space, Ground Floor of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall
  • Attire: White shirts and green armbands/ribbons

We will walk as one towards Luneta at 8:00am. Facilitators will be identified by the Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission (LJPC) of De La Salle Philippines to lead the group discussions on the nature and use of the PDAF/Pork Barrel allotted to our lawmakers. It is our hope that our action as a Lasallian family will lead to a deeper commitment to our nation's good and be based on an educated understanding of the deeper issues involved.

We also ask our schools in Visayas and Mindanao to join the mass action in your respective communities as there are groups who are calling for similar mobilization in major cities/towns outside of Metro Manila.

You are advised to coordinate with Mr. Gladstone Cuarteros of LJPC at +63 917 843 9468 or gladstone.cuarteros@delasalle.ph regarding the participation of your community.

Let us proudly proclaim our being Filipino by seeking to lift our people into their better selves.

New Residencia De La Salle Blessed

The New Residencia De La Salle, aresidential health care facility for Brothers, was blessed on 29 July 2013. The Residencia
 De LaSalle has rooms 
and facilities that are 
designed to be 
comfortable andrestful 
for Senior Brothers or 
younger Brothers 
recovering from illness.
 TheResidencia De La
Salle is located in the 
Campus of the De La Salle
 HealthSciences Institute in
 Dasmariñas, Cavite. The Senior Brothers will be accompaniedby a community of younger Brothers who are still actively working in schools inthe area. The De La Salle Health Sciences College of Medicine and the De LaSalle University Medical Center will take care of all health-related needs ofthe Resident-Brothers.

Mr. Eduardo “Danding” Congjuangco (right) and his wife, Soledad "Gretchen" Cojuangco (center), unveil a commemorative marker in their honor while Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, LEAD Visitor, looks on.

The blessing was
 graced by the presenceof the 
Superior General, Br. Álvaro Rodriguez Echevarria FSC, PARC GeneralCouncilor Br. David Hawke FSC, Lasallian East Asia District Visitor Br. DodoFernandez FSC and Auxiliary Visitor Br. Tom Lavin FSC. The building of theResidencia was made possible through the donation of DLSU Alumnus andbenefactor, Mr. Eduardo “Danding” Congjuangco, Chairman of the Board of SanMiguel Corporation.

  0  0  1  179  1024  De La Salle Philippines  8  2  1201  14.0   Normal  0      false  false  false   EN-US  JA  X-NONE                                                                                                                                                                                       /* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

By Br. Sockie dela Rosa FSC (Originally published in LEAD Story No. 114)

DLS-CSB SDEAS Volunteers

Photo courtesy of Br. JJ Jimenez FSC

The 26th of July 2013 marked a special day for DLSP and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) as Yamie Fiestada, Basil de Leon, and Jonathan San Juan were commissioned to comprise the first batch of deaf Lasallian Volunteers of the Lasallian Volunteer Program. These three Volunteers are deaf alumni of DLS-CSB’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies.

In a simple send-off Eucharistic celebration held at the Chapel of Resurrection at DLS-CSB, the three deaf Volunteers offered their prayer of commitment to help carry-out the Lasallian Mission in Ozamiz City as teaching assistants in La Salle University’s School for the Deaf. Present at the Eucharistic celebration and commissioning rites were Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC, Sector Leader and DLSP President, as well as DLS-CSB President, Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC. 

Let us continue to pray for Yamie, Basil, and Jonathan as well as the other 10 Volunteers comprising Batch 17 of the program that they continue to be steadfast in their commitment in the education of the underprivileged youth. May they likewise continue to inspire others to volunteer for the Mission.

 

Lasallians win in International Math Contest

The Philippines ousted China as champion in the 9th International Mathematics Contest (IMC) held in Singapore. The Philippine delgation won 23 gold, 45 silver, and 93 bronze medals— a total of 161 medals.

Among the proud winners are some of our very own students. Two students won silver medals— Vincent Angelo Suarez of De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) and Daniella Kristin Marie Evan from De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ)— while three other Lasallians bagged bronze medals— Angelo Vince Perez (DLSL), Carlos Benedict Echevarria (DLSZ), and Dabin (Jessica) Park (De La Salle University Integrated School).

DLSL-led PH Team Bags Bronze in ASG

In photo: (L-R first row, sitting) Reneil Roxas, Mark Petancia, Nikko Ortega, Jopet Movido, Peter Perez (coach); (L-R second row, standing) John Rivera, Derick Delizo, Rosel Sumcad (coach), Lawrence Magadia, Jerard De Castro, Levin Dimayuga, Kit Canobas, Joshua Diaz (Not in photo is Ulyross Lopez)  

The 5th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) was held last 24-29 June 2013 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The country’s representative in the boys’ volleyball team bagged the bronze medal as a first-time participant. The team consisted of seven players from De La Salle Lipa, two from Cavite, two from Cebu, and one from Batangas Province.

Lasallians mourn the loss of Santiago "Sonny" Alvarez Jr. [Update 2]

Photo from Sir Sonny's Facebook profile.

The Philippine Lasallian Family mourns the passing of Santiago "Sonny" Alvarez Jr. (De La Salle College High School 1964) yesterday, 2 August, sometime between 5:30-5:45pm. Papa Archer, as he was affectionately called, was the Sports Director at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

His remains lie in state at the National Shrine of the Divine Child, La Salle Green Hills.

Below are the scheduled Masses (as of 3 August, 3:42pm): 

 

3 August, Saturday

8:00pm - Sports Council (Sponsor)

4 August, Sunday

10:00am  - De La Salle Brothers (Sponsor)

4:00pm -  Alvarez Family (Sponsor)

8:00pm - Servants of the Good Shepherd Community (Sponsor)

5 August, Monday

3:00pm - De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Sponsor)

8:00pm - De La Salle Alumni Association (Sponsor)

6 August, Tuesday

10:00am - Mass of Resurrection
 Internment: Manila Memorial, Sucat, Parañaque

 

Lasallians have taken to social media to pay their respects. Below are some tweets in honor of their Papa Archer. 

 

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Update 1:   Added schedule of Masses and corrected interment details.

Update 2: Updated Mass Scheduled as of 3 August, 3:42pm

Br. Armin Lauded by Philippine President

In his 2013 “State of theNation Address”, His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III highlighted theachievements of his Cabinet and other government officials. Br. Armin, thecurrent Secretary for Education, received the most praise from the President.The following is an excerpt from the President’s report to the Filipino people:

“Let us move on to education. Our goal is to raise the quality of learning thatour children undertake, so that once they finish their schooling, they can seizethe opportunities now opening up in society: accomplished. We have finallyerased the backlog we inherited in books and chairs, and if Secretary ArminLuistro continues to demonstrate true grit, even the backlog we inherited inclassrooms will also be erased this year. And there is even more good news:Now, we also have the ability to prepare for the additional needs that theimplementation of the K to 12 program will require.

“The problems that plagued Brother Armin in the DepEd are no laughing
matter. Just think: one textbook used to be priced at PhP58; since he
assumed office, the price of the exact same textbook has gone down to PhP30. What would have happened if we had been paying the proper price
from the beginning? If we had saved the difference of PhP28  for all the
books bought, at five textbooks for each of the estimated 20.7 million
students in our public school system, the equivalent would amount to almost PhP2.9 billion. These savingsalone could have funded our plans to repair and rehabilitate around 9,502 classrooms.

“If Brother Armin didn’t have strength of will, he could have just left this culture of negligence in his agency for hissuccessor to deal with. He could have also left the backlog, as well as the growing gap of needs because of therising number of enrollees each year. But instead of being content, instead of saying, “This will do. My job is done,”Brother Armin will build even more chairs and classrooms, and will buy even more books, to ensure that even theneeds in future years will also be met.” Congratulations to Br. Armin!

 

Hong Kong Lasallian Volunteers Formation Trip

Photo by Keane Palatino

An overseas formation trip to the Philippines was organized by the Hong Kong Lasallian Volunteers last 15 to 22 June 2013. The volunteers experience various community services done in the country. 

Their formation experience began on their second day, with a Street Walk in Commonwealth, an exposure program that gave the volunteers first hand experience of the living conditions of street children. This was followed by a visit to the Kuya Center, a home for street children aimed at rehabilitation and reconciliation. 

Next, they visited Bahay Pag-Asa (The House of Hope), located in De La Salle University-Dasmarinas (DLSU-D). The center aims to nurture Children-in-Conflict with the Law (CICL). The volunteers took part in a two-day program with the residents. 

Lastly, the volunteers also visited Gawad Kalinga (GK) in Baseco. 

Throughout their trip, the volunteers were also able to visit five different campuses in the Philippines – La Salle Green Hills (LSGH), De La Salle University (DLSU), De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), De La Salle University-Dasmarinas (DLSU-D), and De La Salle Health Sciences Institute (DLSHSI). Below is an excerpt from their reflection paper:

“The delegates were deeply touched by the community service done by the Lasallians in the Philippines. The Filipino Lasallian brothers and sisters also showed their warm hospitality to the participants. 

The Hong Kong Lasallian Volunteers Formation Trip 2013 was indeed an eye-opening and memorable experience for the participants. Even though we have been told of the social realities from various corners of the world, the impact and influence can never be the same as witnessing it with our own eyes. We are glad that the Lasallian brothers and sisters are taking care of the less fortunate in response to the call of Saint La Salle. With the experience and success of the trip, a similar trip for the new volunteers would likely be held in a few years time. “

 

Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC: The Eighth President of DLSZ

Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, or Br. Bernie, was officially inducted as the eighth President of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) during the solemnity of the birth of St. John the Baptist last 24 June 2013. The occasion was graced by one of the sisters of the president, Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, members of the DLSZ Board of Trustees, De La Salle Brothers, alumni, parents, students, Lasallian Partners and distinguished guests. 

A Eucharistic Celebration, presided by Msgr. Rufino Suplido, preceded the Installation Rite. Br. Armin Luistro FSC, Department of Education Secretary and former DLSZ President, read the letter of appointment that was signed by the Chairman of the DLSZ Board of Trustees, Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC. It was followed by the Presentation of the Presidential Medal. Julia Therese P. Sabitsana (DLSZ 2025), one of DLSZ’s Brother President Scholars, carried the medal. Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC, outgoing DLSZ President, then bestowed the medal to Br. Bernie. Br. Armin administered the Oath of Office while Jay La Salle, a Br. Rafael Donato FSC Night High School student, held the Bible for Br. Bernie.

The acceptance speech of Br. Bernie highlighted President Corazon C. Aquino as his source of inspiration. He was inspired by her selfless response to God’s call to serve our country when she took on Ninoy Aquino’s fight for democracy. He stressed a correlation between being a nationalist and a Lasallian; that DLSZ, as a Catholic institution, should form saints and heroes or heroines who will contribute to the betterment of our country. 

Br. Bernie animatedly invited Br. Armin, to also impart some words. Br. Armin eagerly agreed and shared his experience during one of his school visitations around the country. He emphasized the importance of having a decent school that the youth deserves. DLSZ, as one of the premier schools in the Philippines, is blessed enough that it should continue St. John Baptist de La Salle’s mission to serve the deprived sectors of our community.

In the parting, Br. Bernie expressed his gratitude to Br. Dennis for handing him an already excellent school. With his remarkable experience as a Lasallian educator and leader, it allows him to hit the ground running and continue to lead in forming “Christian achievers for God and country”.