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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL), through its NSTP (National Service Training Program)-Lasallian Community Engagement Program, officially turned over a ₱205,000 donation to Barangay Nangkaan, Mataas Na Kahoy, Batangas in a ceremonial event held at the campus' Yellow Room last May 30, 2025. The donation comes from the fund of the NSTP-DLSL and will be used to purchase fishing boats and nets to help local fisherfolk recover and sustain their livelihood, especially after the devastation brought by Typhoon Christine, which damaged much of the barangay’s fishing equipment.
In her welcome remarks, DLSL’s Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Tessie Palma expressed her gratitude to local government partners and acknowledged the collaborative spirit that made the project possible, saying, “We are honored to finally welcome you here in De La Salle Lipa after years of going to your offices. This simple ceremony is a big step forward, as we formally turn over the donation made possible by the generosity and compassion of our NSTP students.” Dr. Palma also emphasized DLSL’s commitment to community development and sustainability, noting that this initiative reflects the school’s mission to go beyond classroom learning and provide meaningful support to its partner communities. Dr. Ivee Guce, Director for the Strategic Planning Office and former Dean of the College of Education, Arts, and Sciences (CEAS), also spoke during the program, sharing that the original intent of the project was to support local tourism through a boat donation. However, after community consultations, it became clear that the most impactful support would be to address immediate livelihood needs through fishing-related tools and equipment. She explained, “Instead of just one boat for tourism, the community asked for a bangka and a lambat to sustain their daily lives. That shift of focus came from listening — and that’s what this program is about.” Dr. Guce also proudly noted that the project was featured in DLSL’s AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) ranking submission as one of the school’s best community engagement efforts.
Mataas Na Kahoy Municipal Mayor Hon. Janet Ilagan graced the event with heartfelt remarks, expressing appreciation to the DLSL community for extending timely and meaningful help. The mayor said, “The ₱205,000 donation is a huge blessing. After Typhoon Christine, many of our fisherfolk lost their boats and nets. This support comes at just the right time. We commit to nurturing this blessing so that more in our barangay — and hopefully even in our neighboring barangays — can benefit.” The Barangay Council of Nangkaan also formally passed a resolution recognizing and accepting the donation from De La Salle Lipa. This resolution outlines that the funds will be properly allocated and that proceeds from the livelihood support will also go toward future barangay development. It is worth noting that in 2023 and 2024, De La Salle Lipa signed Memoranda of Agreement with Barangay Lumanglipa, Barangay Kinalaglagan, and Barangay Nangkaan. These partner communities have already received initial donations of fishnets and small boats. If the expanded support for Barangay Nangkaan proves successful, it is expected that the other two barangays will likewise benefit from additional assistance through DLSL’s NSTP community engagement project.
The ceremonial turnover concluded with a heartfelt message from DLSL NSTP Program Chair Dr. Renan Kasilag who led the initiative. He emphasized that, as stated in the original plan and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed with the local government, 20% of the total fund will be saved in the bank to ensure long-term impact. He also shared that the school, through its cooperative, plans to accommodate the fisherfolk’s produce — an initiative that directly supports their livelihood. Dr. Kasilag highlighted that sustainability remains a core goal of the program, not only to benefit today’s community members but also to create lasting opportunities for future generations. He closed by expressing his hope for a continued partnership between De La Salle Lipa and the municipal government of Mataas Na Kahoy, reinforcing the Lasallian mission of faith, service, and communion in mission.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
