 In a simple groundbreaking ceremony, De La Salle Lipa officially sealed its commitment to donate two rooms for Anilao Labac Elementary School in Lipa City, in celebration of the imminent golden jubilee of the former.
DLSL representatives, led by President and Chancellor Br. Joaquin S. Martinez FSC, D. Min., together with administrators, employees and students, were in full force on January 17, 2012 to personally partake in one of the highlights of this school year.
The beneficiary´s Principal, Nelly L. Atienza, expressed her utmost gratitude and gushed that it was "a dream come true" to finally have a donor and that the timing could not be better. Aside from De La Salle Lipa, Atienza thanked other conrtibutors who made the project a reality. With the materialization of the grant, the isolated students will no longer face the difficulty of passing by the muddy road going to their old building.
Barangay Captain Armando M. Recinto, one of the people who unceasingly searched for donors, appreciated the efforts and cooperation of the Parent-Teacher Association, represented by its president, Imelda Custodio, and the rest of the Barangay officials who continue to support their advocacies. He hoped this would be a precedent to other interested individuals, companies or advocates.
OIC Office of the Schools, Division Superintendent Dr. Mercelita L. Pormentilla was more than glad to personally thank all those who have joined forces to make sure that the students of Anilao, Labac Elementary school will have their classrooms in their current location. Pormentilla said, "Life is a matter of choice," and she is happy that De La Salle Lipa made the right choice of bestowing the young ones, not just one, but two classrooms.
Vice Chancellor for Mission Violeta Ramirez warmly accepted the gratitude expressed by the preceding speakers and acknowledged the urgency of additional classrooms. So instead of bestowing one, two classrooms were granted. She also informed everyone that the National Service Training Program (NSTP) department, headed by its Chair Bernadette Dimaculangan, has already endorsed the initial financial assistance to initiate the construction of the building. The NSTP will be the major contributor of the project.
Commencing his message with a quotation, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever," De La Salle Lipa President and Chancellor Bro. Joaquin S. Martinez FSC, D. Min. said that DLSL took the opportunity to "give back or pay it forward." Being blessed for 50 years, it has been inherent for the institution to share its blessings, one way or another. He explained that the program is also in response to the growing need for additional venues for learning, especially in the public schools of Batangas, as pointed out by DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro FSC in his meeting with the congressmen. He hoped that the building will be able to service not only the current but including the coming generations. Likewise, it should serve as an inspiration to all the students to study diligently.
A couple of students read their letters thanking their benefactors and promising that they will take care of the classrooms and share their blessings with others.
Also present in the occasion were Asst. DepEd Superintendent, Corazon Mosca, and Albert De La Rosa, Construction Facility Coordinator.
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