A Cause for Running

With his love for running, Christopher Polanco takes to the streets and runs for De La Salle University Araneta agriculture scholars

“I run regularly and encourage generous individuals and groups to contribute varying amounts for every kilometer I run and the donations go to the endowment fund.”

There is a unique sense of freedom in running. Aside from the long list of health benefits one gets, there is a great sense of pride in the capacity to traverse distances on your own two feet, literally. For De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU) chancellor Christopher Polanco, who’s first running experience was with his alma mater, things are slightly different. He doesn’t just run for himself, he runs for future Filipino farmers. 

 “The first official run I did was during the One Run, One Family, One La Salle Run organized during the Centennial Celebration,” he shares. But he began running seriously in 2016. His first 10km run was in Bacolod. From there he’s moved on to half marathons in 2017 and he took on his first full marathon in 2019 during the Los Angeles Marathon.

At first, Polanco was running for fun, fitness, and health. Running, he shares brings him calmness and an opportunity to reflect on life. After noticing others who used running to raise funds and awareness for certain advocacies, he was immediately drawn to the idea. “So I started to run and raise funds for the DLSAU BS Agriculture Scholarship Endowment Fund by February or March 2018.” 

The Salikneta Farm in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan houses the BS Agriculture program of DLSAU. There, students are able to learn and experience—first hand—concepts and theories on agricultural and farming systems. The students live on the farm for the entire duration of their studies, three years to be exact. “Almost 99% of our students in the program are on scholarship,” Polanco says. The University covers their education together with their lodging and food. 

This dedication to Filipino Agriculture is a response to the shortage of capable agriculturalists. Polanco, together with the University, strongly believe that agriculture continues to be the key to developing our country. We are, after all, still an agricultural country. “There seems to be little focus and attention, especially government funds, in strengthening the agricultural sector in the country,” he shares.

“I run regularly and encourage generous individuals and groups to contribute varying amounts for every kilometer I run and the donations go to the endowment fund.” To date, Polanco has raised almost Php 600,000.00 from running and plans to continue running, with several runs scheduled in the coming months: the OYM Run (21km) on September 15 the Runrio Trilogy Leg 3 (42km) on September 22, the Yakult Run (16km) on October 6, the Chuncheon Marathon (42km) on October 27, and the HOPE Run (21km) on December 8

But more than donating, Polanco wishes everyone to take part in building up Filipino farmers. “You can also help by caring for the environment by planting trees. You can also plant vegetables in your home gardens, that you will eventually consume. You get a better appreciation of what our farmers are able to do for us when you do this. And, of course, support our local farmers by purchasing local produce,” he says. For now, he does what he can. And, with the help of generous donors and his own two feet, he continues to run and give new life to future Filipino farmers. 

If you wish to contribute to the BS Agriculture Program of DLSAU you may contact Chancellor Christopher Polanco through the following avenues:

Email: christopher.polanco@dlsau.edu.ph
Mobile: +63917 522 5683 or +63918 911 0626

DLSAU–ECCRI PARTNERS WITH HKSAAP AND HARVARD CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR INAUGURAL CLIMATE SMART AND DISASTER RESILIENT ASEAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

The De La Salle Araneta University–Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute (DLSAU–ECCRI), together with the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of the Philippines (HKSAAP) and Harvard Club of the Philippines, organized the inaugural Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient ASEAN International Conference last April 22-24 at The Bay Leaf Hotel in Manila. Among the objectives of the two-day, high-level conference is to create a network that can and will address pressing concerns and threats brought about by climate change and disaster risks in the ASEAN region. Two hundred participants attended the activity, where His Excellency US Ambassador to the Philippines Mr. Sung Kim served as the keynote speaker. The event also featured plenary, parallel, and poster seasons where the following topics were highlighted:

Plenary Sessions:
1. Policy and Governance
2. Science, Technology, and Innovations
3. Best Practices and Lessons Learned
4. Finance and Investment

Parallel and Poster Sessions:
1. Science, Infrastructure, Design, and Assessment
2. Climate and Disaster Education
3. Human Security and Capacity Development

With the working theme Leadership for Climate-Disaster Resilient ASEAN, the conference gathered decision makers, scientists, experts, development partners, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders so that they were able to (1) define their role in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management strategies; (2) gain directly from the experiences of other international and local practitioners, scientists, and experts; and (3) promote science-based policy solutions, innovative mechanisms and platforms, indigenous local structures, and gender-responsive approaches to strengthening resilience. The conference was supported by the ASEAN, ASEAN Foundation, United States Agency for International Development, US Embassy, and the US Mission to the ASEAN.

Appointment of De La Salle Philippines' Chief Executive Officer

Edgar O. Chua earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from De La Salle University.

He joined Shell Companies in the Philippines in 1979, where he eventually became President and Chairman of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation. His years in the industry has given him extensive knowledge in the business fields of chemicals, auditing, supply planning and trading, marketing and sales, corporate affairs and general management.

On his engagements with the DLSP network, Ed has chaired the Board of Trustees of the National Mission Council of De La Salle Philippines and De La Salle University for the past years and is now the new chair of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. He continues to sit in a number of other DLSP Schools boards and executive committees.

Accompanying him with his new mission will be Br. Alexander Ervin T. Diaz FSC, Chief Operating Officer of De La Salle Philippines. Concurrently, Br. Alex is also the Country Bursar to the De La Salle Brothers and Executive Assistant to the President of La Salle Green Hills. His previous assignments include serving as Director of the Lasallian Formation Center, National Vocations Promoter to name a few.

INIIBIG KO ANG PILIPINAS: Entrusting a revolution to the young on the eve of the 2019 elections

Defend Press Freedom

Let’s give our all out support as Lasallians to Rappler. Let’s defend press freedom. Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s vote with our feet and stand with Maria Ressa!

— Br. Armin Luistro FSC

Photo by The LaSallian