- St. John Baptist de La Salle

source: The Letters of St. John Baptist de La Salle

DLSU chosen as Asia and Oceania service-learning hub

The Uniservitate Program of the Centro Latinoamericano de Aprendizaje y Servicio Solidario (CLAYSS) recently selected De La Salle University to serve as a regional hub for service-learning (SL) in Catholic Higher Education Institutions (CHEIs).

As the Asia and Oceania hub, DLSU will receive a grant of EUR 244,540 from Stichting Benevolentia. DLSU will provide support to satellite Catholic universities and serve as activities coordinator, parallel to its ongoing engagement with the Service Learning Asia Network.

The CLAYSS Universitate Program seeks to generate a systemic change in CHEIs through the institutionalization of service-learning as a tool “to fulfil their mission of an integral education, to generate agents for social change who critically engage for a better society according to the social teaching of the Church.”

Introduced about 50 years ago, SL has been changing teaching methods, research projects, and social outreach through the integration of academic activities with community involvement. In the area of research, the spiritual dimension and multicultural contexts of SL offer appropriate models for the development of CHEIs identity and mission. Through a global network with regional hubs, the Program eyes the permanent promotion and capacity building of service-learning in CHEIs. It notes that approximately 200 CHEIs—members of the International Federation of Catholic Universities—have the tools to institutionalize quality service learning.

Capacity building will involve training for trainers, as well as the development of a communication system including a digital platform. The program envisions a global award to offer recognition and visibility to best practices and the creation of global standards of quality SL.

photo and story source: 2401 newsletter, Volume 51, Number 20

University Fellows named Asian Scientist 2020

Congratulations to Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and University Fellow Dr. Raymond Tan and University Fellow Dr. Susan Gallardo for being part of Asian Scientist 2020!

Released by the Asian Scientist Magazine, the Asian Scientist 100 list recognizes the region’s outstanding researchers, highlighting their achievements across a range of scientific disciplines.

To be acknowledged on the list, the researcher must have received a national or international award in the preceding year for his or her research area, have made a significant scientific discovery, or took on a leadership role in academe or industry.

Dr. Tan was awarded the Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Advanced Research in 2019 for his significant contributions to the development of novel computational techniques for the design of sustainable industrial systems.

Dr. Gallardo, on the other hand, received the David M. Consunji Award for Engineering Research last year for her exemplary work in environmental engineering and catalysis and industrial and hazardous waste treatment and management. 

photo and story source: wheninmanila.com

One of Asia’s Rising Scientists

Asia Scientist Magazine recognized Prof. Kathleen Aviso, PhD, assistant dean at the DLSU John Gokongwei, Jr. College of Engineering, as one of Asia’s rising scientists for her relevant contribution to environmental research. She develops mathematical models to aid agencies and companies in making sound environmental decisions.

Tanging Yaman Foundation, Inc. - Evelyn Ang Memorial Scholarship

“Lasallian education taught me to be compassionate and to have empathy towards individuals regardless of background, culture, race, or circumstance.”

Vaugirard scholar Jennica Arana shares how she breaks boundaries to excel and how she applies the Lasallian values to her current work given the challenges of the pandemic. 

A lasting legacy for future generations

Preserving the historical heritage of San Jose, Batangas

A project to preserve the historical heritage of San Jose, Batangas through the archiving of old demographic and canonical records is currently being undertaken by the College of Liberal Arts’ History Department through the initiative of DLSU alumnus Marlou Castillo (LIACOM ‘72).

Castillo first took interest in the history of his hometown back when he was still in college thinking of a possible thesis topic. After extensive research of San Jose’s centuries-old ecclesiastical books housed in the town’s parish church, he eventually wrote his thesis San Jose, Batangas: A Study in Historical Demography, which earned him the Gold Medal for Research in Economics in 1972.



Almost half a century later, Castillo returns to his Lasallian roots to seek assistance from research experts in ensuring the preservation and protection of his hometown’s rich history. The project, dubbed as Kasaysayan ng San Jose: Preserving a Historical Heritage, involves the cataloging of archival books (as part of the practicum of DLSU History majors) as well as the writing of a book on the history of San Jose based on old demographic and canonical records.

CLA Dean Dr. Jazmin Llana, History Department Chair Dr. Ma. Florina Orillos-Juan, and Dr. Arleigh Ross dela Cruz, are working with Castillo in this worthwhile project, which also seeks to develop and establish an archive within San Jose, Batangas to house the centuries-old records in physically and environmentally safe conditions by next year.

For more information on the project, visit https://kasaysayansj.com.

Walk with Bro - a free live webinar

The De La Salle Alumni Association, in partnership with the DLSU Lasallian Mission, invites all Lasallians to join “Walk with Bro”, a series of formation sessions and conversations with the De La Salle Brothers and Partners. The webinar aims to accompany the alumni in their journey towards renewing their commitment to the Lasallian Mission.

Based on the actual places in France where St. John Baptist de La Salle lived and worked, Walk with Bro is a journey re-telling the story of the great educational movement that De La Salle and his First Brothers began in 1680 to renew the Lasallian identity and spirit.

Register at dlsaa.com/wwb1
To view the recorded live video of the Reims Experience with Br. Michael Broughton FSC go to this link

photo and story source: fb.com/DeLaSalleAlumniAssociation

Chesca Buencamino (AB-OCM, ‘15), a social media producer for CNN Philippines, points out how her experience in organizations at DLSU honed her marketing and public relations skills.

Chi Datu-Bocobo (AB-CAM, ‘96), a TV host for local news channel One PH, shares how her undergraduate course served as a training ground to learn how to tell effective stories. 

DLSU Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Dr. Raymond Tan, Chemical Engineering Full Professor Dr. Kathleen Aviso, and Economics Associate Professor Dr. Krista Danielle Yu are part of a multidisciplinary team that studied how economic losses can be mitigated due to COVID-19.

The project was supported by a special COVID-19 grant from Heriot-Watt University’s Global Challenges Research Fund. The DLSU team worked with Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and University of Nottingham Malaysia.

De La Salle University has partnered with Globe Telecom to develop modules and specialized courses that will promote the University’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics academic programs.

LSEED: DLSU’s flagship initiative in social entrepreneurship and innovation

The Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) was developed in 2015 as a strategy to localize the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) #8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG #17 - Partnerships for the Goals. LSEED is De La Salle University’s center for social entrepreneurship. It houses the University’s efforts on social entrepreneurship and social innovation.

LSEED implements programs in areas of formation / fellowship, social enterprise development, advocacy & internationalization, internship and volunteering, and curricular and co-curricular initiatives.

This initiative has developed over 40 social enterprises, and has trained over 250 aspiring social entrepreneurs from 8 cities in 20 communities, people organizations, and local government units. It also worked with over 120 local and international organizations and universities from ASEAN+3 countries, for both its advocacy and internationalization efforts.



LSEED student fellows and mentors have successfully participated in 16 national and international programs & competitions, with 12 recognitions. In 2019, DLSU-LSEED was named In_Pact Asia’s 1st runner up for Academic Leadership in Social Innovations in Asia Pacific by ASSIST, AsianNGO, and ADB.

LSEED Talks - LSEED offers free webinars for those interested in social enterprises. Last October 2, LSEED Talks featured Wincel Ong and Pao Alcantara, MBA students, and founders of VIANCO (https://www.facebook.com/viancoph/), a social enterprise, and an agriculture marketplace that connects farmers to customers through an integrated e-commerce solution. VIANCO envisions itself to be an end-to-end marketplace and service provider to improve the agricultural ecosystem

To know more about LSEED and its webinar series, follow LSEED on FB

photo and story source: fb.com/lseed

Mark Harold Calderon (Master in Information Technology 2020), a Tier 3 Engineer, proudly shares how the DLSU MIT program hones him with better decision making techniques and applications as it bridges the gap between IT professionals and business leaders.

“My Lasallian education taught me that I should help not just the company where I work, but also serve the society where I belong,” Calderon shares. Read more about his testimony and learn more about the DLSU Graduate Studies here:

DLSU Graduate Studies applauds its graduate students for holding on to their dreams, for continuing their education for self-improvement and professional growth, and for keeping the Animo alive despite the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. Learn more about DLSU Graduate Studies and its programs. Visit https://www.facebook.com/DLSU.GradStudies for more information.

KiT, a supplement to 2401, the official newsletter of De La Salle University, seeks to continue expanding the Lasallian story of faith, zeal for service, and communion in mission by featuring personal notes from fellow Lasallians. To view the latest issue, click http://bit.ly/2401KiT

Share your rediscovered talents, new interests, amazing tools, inspiring art, musings, favorite podcasts, engagements, or activities that help you cope in this time of lockdown. For contributions, please email johannes.badillo@dlsu.edu.ph or ruby.carlos@dlsu.edu.ph This supplement is released monthly.

World Teachers’ Day

Last October 5, we celebrated the dedication and hard work of our teachers. Despite the many challenges, difficulties, and fears we experienced, their selflessness, perseverance, and compassion bring us to a moment of gratitude and grace. Thank you for ensuring that learning continues and no one is left behind in this journey. In the words of our Founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, “May God continue what he has begun in you.”

Lasallian Conversations Over Coffee

The Lasallian Animation & Formation Office (LAFO) invites all members of the Philippine Lasallian family (Brothers, partners, alumni and students) to share their thoughts and reflections on the Lasallian mission and what it means to be a Lasallian. To be uploaded bi-weekly, every 2-3-minute episode will showcase reflections to spark conversations while enjoying a cup of coffee (or tea, or juice, or even water).



In the pilot episode of Lasallian Conversations Over Coffee, Jose Israel A. Boncodin, LAFO Coordinator, discusses the program and invites members of the Philippine Lasallian Family to share their video reflections.

Interested to share your reflections with us? Check out this link for more details: http://bit.ly/LasallianConversationsOverCoffee.

Whenever you are ready, you may send your videos through this link: http://bit.ly/SubmitConversations.

--- Intro Video: Coffee Making Art by Bartender by Kelly Lacy from Pexels Music: Contact High by RKVC from the Youtube Studio Audio Library

photo and story source: fb.com/dlsp.lafo