 |
| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) officially formalized its partnership with the Women In Security Alliance Philippines (WISAP) through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held at the DLSL Boardroom last August 6, 2025. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding the institution’s commitment to inclusive, globally oriented, and future-ready education — particularly in the field of digital risk and cybersecurity.
Gracing the occasion were WISAP President and Chairperson Mel Migrino and Founding Board Member and Data Protection Officer Beth Perez as well as DLSL signatories and academic heads including Chancellor Dr. Teodosia Merlin Suarez; Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Tessie Palma; Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalization (OVCRII) Dr. Shiela Maloles; and members of the External Linkages and Internationalization Office led by Director Grace Sanchez along with program chairs and the Dean of the College of Information Technology and Engineering (CITE). In her welcome message, Dr. Suarez expressed gratitude for WISAP’s partnership, noting its alignment with DLSL’s thrust for internationalization and practical exposure. She said, “WISAP is a regional organization that supports students across Southeast Asia — perfectly aligned with our goal of giving our students international learning opportunities. This collaboration supports our initiatives in faculty development and work-integrated learning, and we are genuinely excited about what lies ahead.”
Migrino highlighted how the partnership represents a shared vision for digital empowerment, community development, and environmental responsibility, stating, “We’re excited to work with De La Salle Lipa — not just in co-facilitating academic tours to Singapore, but also in co-creating digital risk initiatives and opening learning experiences that transcend borders.” Mel also cited WISAP’s partnerships with organizations such as the Digital Defense Alliance Singapore (D-DAS) and the Association of Information Security Professionals (AISP), signaling the strong potential for expanded international engagements with DLSL. She underscored WISAP’s roots as a non-profit organization driven by advocacy and expressed eagerness to contribute resources, speakers, and technical knowledge to support the academic tour and future joint activities. In her closing remarks, Dr. Maloles affirmed the institution’s commitment to meaningful, impact-driven collaborations, stating, “This agreement is more than just a document — it marks the beginning of a shared journey rooted in trust and collaboration. We are proud to stand with WISAP, whose commitment to empowering women and building secure, inclusive communities mirrors our own.”
The partnership with WISAP opens new opportunities for student immersion, faculty development, and co-hosted learning experiences abroad. It also strengthens De La Salle Lipa’s growing network of international collaborators, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, inclusion, and global citizenship. As preparations begin for the academic tour and upcoming joint activities, both DLSL and WISAP remain united in their vision: empowering the next generation of leaders through education, advocacy, and action.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
