Lasallian education needed in globalization era

DLSU-Manila Executive Vice President Dr. Carmelita Quebengco underscored the relevance of Lasallian education in the face of globalization during the 6th National Lasallian Educators’ Congress held from December 12 to 16 in La Salle Green Hills.

As keynote speaker, she said “Except for graduate education where students are assumed to have been adequately socialized most likely, schools in the 21st century will strike a balance between electronic learning and a shorter duration, but an immensely richer education conducted by teachers, and a healthy active campus life.”

Quebengco noted that the influx of rapid change at the exterior level would require a stronger, more stable basic values formation to ensure that what is universally desired and accepted to be good remains.

“Given the current state of Filipino youth, I cannot think of anything more relevant than our Lasallian Mission of “a humane and Christian education for the young, especially the poor,” she added.

One of her five “practical but deceptively simple recommendations” for Lasallian educators is the need to undertake continuous learning. She emphasized the importance of keeping updated about national and international trends and developments, and studying their impact on societies, governments, and schools.

She also urged the participants to take the initiative, pro-act, and lead. She said that St. La Salle should be the educators’ model—“he, who had enormous courage to singly implement innovative ideas, the do-ability of which were doubted, even opposed by many, during his time.”

For those who are not administrators and classroom teachers, she suggested the adoption of a widely consultative and participatory process in decision-making, starting with the development of a school vision.

She also urged them to be vigilant of students and to empower them to help them develop a strong sense of school ownership and stewardship.

Quebengco also encouraged the audience to form their own Lasallian support groups and association, the need of which was noted in the 43rd General Chapter.

New Lasallian Civil Engineers

Thirteen civil engineering graduates passed the licensure examinations given by the Philippine Regulatory Commission Board of Civil Engineering Examiners last November 2000. DLSU-Manila obtained a passing percentage of 81.25 percent, ranking the university 8th among others with 10 or more examinees. The national passing percentage is 33.11 percent.

The successful examinees are Andrew Abrenica, Michael Alan Anciano, Ana Marie Joy Benitez, John Paul Carillo, Marilou Shaira Lacson, Earl Howard Melendres, Ma. Kristina del Mundo Mendoza, Peter Pocholo Olanday, Allan Purificacion, Bjorn Buford Timario, Tonie Grace Vera Cruz, Sherwin Villar, and Francis Villegas.

Cory urges Lasallians to continue fight against corruption

The fight for good and honest governance goes beyond juetengate.

This was the message by former President Corazon Aquino after a prayer vigil held last December 12 at the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

Speaking before the Lasallian community, she stressed that “if President Estrada is acquitted of the charges against him, I will still continue to fight for good governance.”

In a forum sponsored by the Office of the Executive Vice President and the Lasallian Pastoral Office and attended by DLSU-Manila administrators, faculty, students, alumni, and friends, Aquino urged the audience to pray so that the truth would prevail in the ongoing impeachment trial.

Aquino expressed hope that through the prayers of Filipinos, the senators would act according to their conscience. “Being optimistic by nature, I believe in the power of prayer,” she pointed out.

Furthermore, Aquino urged the audience to write the senators so that they would decide not for their personal interest but for the welfare of the country. She further said that an active and enlightened citizenry would serve as a vanguard against corruption in government.

Aquino also added that she is also praying for her sister-in-law Senator Teresa Aquino-Oreta and brother-in-law Representative Agapito “Butz” Aquino so that they would someday see the truth in this issue.

Also during the forum, former House Speaker Manuel Villar, Jr. said the private sector must support the prosecution panel because it has a dearth of resources.

Aquino and Villar both expressed satisfaction with the performance of the 11-member prosecution panel, which earlier received flak for its perceived lapses in its handling of the trial against the President. “But they are prepared now, and they’re getting better every day,” he said. (Rizal Reyes)

Lasallian named outstanding international student

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student Prashant Srinivasan was named as one of the three recipients of the 2000 Search for the Most Outstanding International Students in the Philippines. The presentation and proclamation rites was held in San Beda College on December 6.

The award aims to identify leadership potential and capabilities and encourage social consciousness among foreign students; promote international friendship and understanding; and motivate international students to achieve academic excellence.

Indian national Srinivasan is a consistent dean’s lister and a member of the Society of Proactive Role Models Involved in and Aspiring Total Development. He has also actively participated in various local and international socio-cultural activities.

The nominees were selected by school officials based on the following criteria: academic excellence, leadership qualities, school and community involvement, and adjustment to the Philippines. The organizing committee further screened the finalists through individual interviews, a written test, extemporaneous speech, and a talent portion.

Now on its 31st year, the nationwide search is organized by the Philippine International Friendship Organization, a private, non-profit organization created to help all foreign students in the country.