A Philippine Lasallian assembly took place on May 12, 2011 at the St. Benilde Gymnasium of La Salle Greenhills for the end of term report of the Brother Visitor, Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC, as he takes on a new role as the head of the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD).

In the rare occasion, Br. Dodo´s end-of-term address focused on four themes: 1) Continuing efforts to be faithful to the Lasallian mission; 2) advocacy for justice, peace, integrity of creation; 3) the formation of DLSP and; 4) LEAD as the product of restructuring in this part of Asia. 

With a variety of data to share, the LEAD head began by disclosing the current state and statistics of the 17 La Salle schools in the country – the number of students, brothers and the dramatic increase in the number of postulants and novices aspiring to become a Lasallian Brother. 

Other matters such as structures of association – for the partnerships established in expansion and accessibility of Lasallian education; Lasallian justice and peace, including social concerns in which the Lasallian community took part; and the LEAD – which now covers East Asia countries such as Malaysia, HK, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand and Japan, were also discussed. 

Lastly, the first ever LEAD head presented the lights and shadows referring to strengths and challenges that the sector is now facing. 

Br. Dodo concluded his remarks by commemorating through an audio-visual presentation, the Lasallian Brothers who may have gone before him but will eternally be remembered by the Philippine Lasallian family. 

In a gracious act of gratitude, Br. Dodo was surprised with a slide show of his memorable moments during his term, including pictures in his younger years. 

The event was completed with the investiture of the first Philippine Sector Leader – Br. Ricardo “Ricky” Laguda FSC. Br. Ricky’s acceptance speech translated his humble acceptance of his new task and the reaffirmation of the Lasallian core values: faith, service and communion, as they are the proven and tested formulas which keep the community resilient in making a difference to individuals. 

De La Salle Lipa´s multi-sectoral delegation in the affair included Br. Bong Servando FSC (VCAd), Dr. Alicia Botardo (VCAR), Ms. Violeta Ramirez (VCM), Dean Conrada Bacong (CoN), Br. Ruben Caluyong FSC (YLM), Pablito Sarmineto (CEAS faculty), Rey Villegas (IS faculty), Catherine Perez (PRO), Rose Marie Lumbera (PENCIL), Marina Bagulbagul (PENCIL), Michiko Takemori (SG), Jun Dio (Lavoxa), and Glo Pierre Angelie Kalaw (SCB).