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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
At a time when modern challenges test collective responsibility and community resilience, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) continues to champion a holistic Lasallian education. Reinforcing its mission of deep character formation, the institution formally launched RISE — Respect, Integrity, Stewardship, and Empathy — last July 2–3, 2026, at the SENTRUM, gathering Lasallian Partners and students in a renewed call to action.
Organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Mission and facilitated by Vice Chancellor Wenifredo Angeles, the two-day launch introduced RISE as the everyday language of campus life. More than a new acronym, RISE serves as a tangible expression of the institution's core tenets of Faith, Service, and Communion in Mission, translating abstract principles into concrete daily interactions. During the launch, Angeles challenged participants to move beyond a static identity and adopt a kinetic identity, emphasizing that values should not remain beautiful words painted on classroom walls but lived realities. Transforming belief into practice means listening attentively when others speak, extending kindness to those who feel isolated, maintaining shared spaces, and treating every individual with dignity. Through RISE, DLSL seeks to provide a shared framework that empowers the community to translate faith into action, integrity into decision-making, stewardship into responsible citizenship, and empathy into supportive human relationships. This local push mirrors the broader global Lasallian movement across 80 countries, where institutions continue to respond to contemporary social anxieties by anchoring learners in human dignity and social justice. RISE serves as an operational compass. For current students, the framework provides a daily guide for navigating academic life, relationships, and unexpected challenges with clear purpose. For prospective families, it underscores the distinct Lasallian advantage at De La Salle Lipa: an educational experience that deliberately prioritizes ethical leadership and character alongside academic excellence, preparing graduates to build more compassionate, resilient communities. At the heart of De La Salle Lipa are four core values that dictate how we think, act, and relate to one another. Far from static ideals, Respect, Integrity, Stewardship, and Empathy (RISE) serve as practical, everyday guardrails shaping our choices both inside and outside the classroom.
Respect — Respect is the active recognition of the inherent dignity in every person. Rather than passive politeness, it is demonstrated through deliberate, active listening, inclusive collaboration, and a shared responsibility for our community spaces. By choosing respect, Lasallians build a campus culture where every voice has a place, and every individual is genuinely heard.
Integrity — Integrity is the quiet alignment of our words with our deeds, especially when compromise is the easier path. It challenges us to remain authentic, truthful, and accountable for our actions. When students and Lasallian Partners choose integrity, they build the trust and credibility necessary for true ethical leadership.
Stewardship — Stewardship is our commitment to nurturing the resources, talents, and opportunities entrusted to us. It asks us to look beyond personal gain, treating our education and influence as gifts to be used for the collective upliftment of society — whether through environmental advocacy, mindful use of resources, or service.
Empathy — Empathy is the bridge that connects us to the lived experiences of others. It goes beyond mere sympathy, calling us to actively stand with those who are marginalized and to counter indifference with meaningful, compassionate action. Through empathy, Lasallians transform shared spaces into a community of genuine solidarity and care.
Together, these four pillars do not just define who we are; they serve as the shared moral compass directing where we are going.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
