| Lasallians Celebrate Centennial |
| Jerwin M. Lasin | 7/8/2011 9:31:16 AM |
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June 16, 2011- over 90,000 students in 17 Lasallian institutions simultaneously celebrate the 100 years of Lasallian presence in the Philippines.
De La Salle Lipa started the celebration with a ceremonial parade participated by the Pep Squad, Student Coordinating Body (SCB) Officers, Student Government, organizations´head from the College Student Organizations, and other student representatives.
A High Mass for the Centennial celebration immediately followed at the Capilla de San Juan Bautista De La Salle. Fr. Junie Maralit, DLSL HS alumnus, led the Lasallian community in commemorating the first founding brothers way back 1911. He also instilled among students their role as Lasallians and in exemplifying the teachings of our founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle.
The Centennial tree, Philippine Teak, was planted after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Community Involvement Office (CIO) and the College Student Activities Office (SAO), together with faculty members directly involved in the "One Million Trees and Beyond" project, prepared a short program as two new students of the institution do the ceremonial tree planting. The tree guard, which housed the newly planted tree, symbolizes the unity among Lasallian institutions and the legacy that will be shared to the next generation of Lasallians.
The main celebration of the 100 years took place at the SENTRUM, with over 3,000 student audience. The audience´s animo spirit soar as selected faculty, staff, and students performed the “Live it Up” Centennial Mob Dance. The event formally started with the De La Salle Voices as they lead in the singing of the Doxology and the National Anthem.
Video messages from the Superior General, Br. Alvaro Echeverria FSC, the Lasallian East Asia District Head, Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, and the Sector Leader, Br. Ricky Laguda FSC, directed Lasallians to the real meaning of the celebration and the legacy it will share not only in the country, but in the whole world.
Audio visual presentations were prepared to highlight the significant Lasallian memorable moments from 1911 to 2000´s. Per decade, the AVP highlighted the significant persons behind the founding of Lasallian institutions. Faculty and student performers likewise gave life to each decades: the Salindayaw Dance Troupe showcased a 1960´s dance, the DLS Voices performed a 1970´s song, the Hilarian Dance Troupe danced in a 1980´s hit, and the IS Quartet rendered the 1990´s hit - All for Love.
The celebration also instilled the Lasallian mission of "transforming lives" by reaffirming the selfless commitment in sharing the Lasallian education to the poor. Mr. Morris Lingao, Development Officer, shared the current status of the One La Salle Scholarship grant which targeted 20% of each Lasallian school´s student population is enjoying full scholarship. To date, De La Salle Lipa´s share in the total amount is Php 77 Million which is equivalent to 15.9% of our student population. Mr. Lingao encouraged every members of the community to do their share to provide free education to deserving students.
The June 16 celebration also launched the Project Carbon Neutral, an initiative of the Lasallian Institute for the Environment (LIFE). DLSL´s PCN Champion, Mr. Jojo Magsino, reiterated the importance of saving Mother Earth by reducing carbon emission. A video presentation highlighted the simple tips to be stewards of the environment.
The centennial countdown officially ended as Vice Chancellor for Administration Br. Bong Servando FSC and Br. Aikee Esmeli FSC changed the countdown to zero. The Centennial Mob Dance once again turned the audience to groove as we mark our 100 years in the Philippine History.
Happy Centennial!
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