BRIDGING SOCIOECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GAPS

SDG 10 – REDUCED INEQUALITIES

In line with the Lasallian value of Service, De La Salle University ensures socioeconomic aid and anti-discrimination for marginalized members of the Lasallian community. DLSU plays a part in representing the Philippines on a local and global scale. This means bridging the gaps between communities, offering aid when it is needed, and amplifying the voices that are discriminated against. 

One means for doing so is the Lasallian Mission Office (LMO) at the DLSU Laguna Campus, with their various volunteer programs through the Social Action Unit (SAU). Curricular service-learning implementation is also included, such that students learn through, and contribute to, different cross-sectoral partnerships. The DLSU Integrated School (DLSU-IS) and Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) also offer long-term scholarships to public school students through the Lasallian Institutional Gift to Adopted Pupils (LINGAP) Program. These LINGAP scholarships apply from Grades 7 to 12. In addition, the Lingkod Lasalyano Program provides regular capacity-building programs to grassroots communities for developing sustainable livelihoods within them. An example of this is when 30 University personnel hosted by the DLSU Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center (SHORE) in Lian, Batangas, conducted mangrove planting training and support in Batangas throughout November 2023.

The Kaliwa Dam Project forum, hosted by COSCA and Terrestrial Ecology N01-BIOSEC students led by Prof. Emelina Mandia, brought attention to the plights of indigenous communities. It emphasized the environmental impact the dam would have on the ecosystem and livelihoods of indigenous groups in November 2024. To protect marginalized groups on campus, the DLSU Safe Spaces Policy ensures students and employees’ human dignity, regardless of gender, sexuality, and expression. Thus, it upholds the rights of stakeholders and protects them from harmful acts. Additionally, the University Code of Ethical Conduct establishes respect for all stakeholders, promoting solidarity and justice among the Lasallian body. 

DLSU is also partnered with many global institutions and universities, particularly in Association of the Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) and ASEAN University Network (AUN) organizations such as Universiti Brunei Darussalam, University of Indonesia, University Sains Malaysia, Vietnam National University, and more. In 2021, Emmanuel Mirus Ponon, AB Development Studies major, was chosen as one of the Three Dot Dash Global Teen Leaders. He was recognized by We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) for the formation of Youth Advocates in the Philippines in 2019, promoting socio-civic engagement to ASEAN Youth. Furthermore, DLSU co-hosted AUN Summer Camp #5 2024 in the Philippines alongside Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). “Walk the Talk! Breathing Life into the UN SDGs” brought 43 third and fourth year undergraduate students from 30 AUN Universities to participate in multi-module learning on sustainable development. Through this, students are exposed to social issues and sustainable goals around the ASEAN region. 

By participating in local and international initiatives, DLSU aids in spreading awareness on social issues. Students are encouraged to engage in service and global conversations, forging them into ASEAN leaders. To recognize inequality leads to finding solutions. Finding solutions requires learning where the gaps are located and how to fill them.

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