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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
On October 15, 2024, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL)’s South Lounge became the hub of Lasallian spirit with the launch of the “I Am La Salle” campaign. The event brought together the Integrated School (IS) Student Coordinating Board, Student Government, Campus Ministry, and other sectors to reignite the core Lasallian values of faith, service, and communion. Gracing the launch were DLSL Vice Chancellor for Mission Wenifredo Angeles, Student Services Director Rene Villanueva, and Campus Minister John Rafael F. Guce. First introduced in 2019 during the Tercentenary of St. John Baptist de La Salle’s passing, the “I Am La Salle” campaign has grown into a key component of the institution's values advocacy. This year, it served as a timely reminder for the community to live out the mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle — transforming lives not just through words but through action.
The event served as a reminder to stakeholders to embrace the Lasallian Mission and its transformative power in education. Participants were called to embody the values of Faith, Service, and Communion, contributing to the ongoing mission of the institution. The launch featured engaging activities that inspired deeper reflection on Lasallian identity. A testimonial wall invited students, faculty, and staff to share their experiences of living out Lasallian values. A highlight of the event was a video presentation of diverse community members, each concluding with the phrase, "I am La Salle," capturing the spirit of the campaign. The campaign also expanded its reach through social media, encouraging participants to share their own stories online, extending the Lasallian spirit beyond the event. Other features included a photo booth for capturing moments of togetherness and performances showcasing the talents of the vibrant Lasallian community. More than just a celebration, the “I Am La Salle” campaign is a call to action. It challenges every Lasallian to live out the core values in daily life. The campaign encourages a renewed commitment to the Lasallian Mission through shared stories, community engagement, and active participation in the initiatives. Ongoing "I Am La Salle" engagements are available through DLSL's official Facebook page @IAmLaSalleDLSL, ensuring the spirit of the campaign endures in the hearts of Lasallians.
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| St. Bro. Jaime Hilario FSC Hall, De La Salle Lipa's newest learning hub exclusively for Junior High School students (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
Meanwhile, DLSL has recently held the ceremonial inauguration and blessing of the St. Bro. Jaime Hilario FSC (SBJH) Hall last October 9, 2024 which now serves as the new hub for its Junior High School students. The special occasion, which marks the completion of DLSL's 28th learning structure, was graced by notable guests including the DLSL Leadership Team, the Board of Trustees, the De La Salle Brothers Community of Lipa led by its Director Bro. Bobby Casingal FSC, representatives of the City Government of Lipa, students, and Lasallian Partners. The new 21st-century facility, which welcomed the over 2,000 strong Junior High School community a day following its inauguration, is designed with safety, sustainability, and technology in mind, creating an ideal environment for modern learning. The St. Br. Jaime Hilario FSC Hall over-all architecture took inspiration from the ancestral bahay-na-bato homes in Lipa City through the use of stone, beige and earth tone elements and large overhangs. Its design is both climate-conscious and energy efficient. Large windows are utilized to maximize good daylight and passive ventilation. Long overhangs will protect the interiors from rain and the afternoon sun. The structure uses energy efficient fixtures to save on operational cost. This will include LED light fixtures, inverter aircons and water saving devise. The SBJH Hall has 43 Modern Learning Centers (Classrooms, 2 Robotics Laboratories, 3 Science Laboratories, a Learning Commons (Library), Student Hubs, Faculty & Administration Facilities, Toilet Facilities and Utility Cores. The inauguration and blessing of the Hall was initiated by Rev. Fr. Leonido Dolor, Rev. Fr. Genrod Hadrian Carreon, Rev. Fr. Jared Christian Aro, and Rev. Fr. Jumy De Claro; followed by the unveiling of a Dedicatory Marker for the simultaneous opening of the Recto Student Hub, previously known as the St. Br. Jaime Hilario FSC Parkway, with Ryan Christian Recto attending as donor representative.
The excitement of the Junior High School community was palpable when more than 2,000 students and their teachers officially occupied the building for the first time. The state-of-the-art facilities, designed with sustainability and cutting-edge technology, offer students a vibrant, engaging environment that reflects the institution’s commitment to providing a world-class education. The hallways buzzed with energy as students explored their new classrooms, fully equipped to support 21st-century learning with features that prioritize safety, innovation, and a nurturing educational experience. As De La Salle Lipa continues to serve the community through education, the St. Br. Jaime Hilario FSC Hall stands as a testament to the institution's forward-looking vision. This new milestone reinforces the school’s dedication to advancing its mission of providing a holistic, transformative education that empowers its students to innovate and excel both locally and globally. With the first day of learning in this new learning space behind them, the Junior High School community now ventures on a chapter of full face-to-face learning, one filled with endless possibilities for personal and academic achievement.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi and Dfezie Tipan, De La Salle Lipa)
