University News

Prominent figures, policy makers and experts in the field of education bannered the well-attended 2nd Lasallian Education Symposium held at the St. La Salle Coliseum on July 18-19. 

The two-day event brought together administrators, faculty members, and non-teaching office personnel from the University of St. La Salle and St. Joseph School - La Salle, as well as members of schools from the Catholic Education Association of the Philippine - Negros Island Region. 

The symposium aimed to provide a valuable learning opportunity for all attendees, fostering a deeper understanding of the current education landscape in the country.

With the theme "Philippine Education: Onward to New Pathways of Education," this year's symposium aimed to analyze the national and local education situation, focusing on the necessary changes, challenges, and reforms required to forge new pathways for education in the Philippines.

The event jump-started with a presentation that tackled "The Macro Data on Philippine Education" by Justine B. Raagas, the Executive Director of the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd).

Her talk provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of education in the Philippines, presenting valuable data for analysis and consideration.

Meanwhile, Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director of the EDCOM II -  2nd Congressional Commission on Education, also took part in the symposium as an esteemed speaker. 

Dr. Yee explained the mandate of EDCOM II and delivered a situational analysis on the state of education in the Philippines, focusing on assessment and reforms necessary to enhance the education system in the country.

Among the notable figures also present during the first day were Congressman Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez, Dr. Raul Alvarez from the Commission on Higher Education- Region IV, and CEAP Executive Director Jose Allan Arellano. These personalities lent their expertise as panelists in a session that delved into the state of Philippine Education at the local level.

Benitez, known for his advocacy in education reform, addressed the symposium participants on the specific challenges faced by the education sector at the local level. 

Congressman Benitez also urged the Lasallian participants specifically the  academic sector to adopt the “lifelong - learning model” to elevate the education system while addressing the impacts of digitalization and the COVID-19 pandemic in Negros Occidental. 

“The Philippine education system should take seriously a lifelong-learning model, and explore as many modalities as that might entail,” Benitez said. 

Dr. Raul Alvarez, representing the Commission on Higher Education- Region IV, focused on the state of higher education and its implications for the region. His presentation shed light on the existing opportunities and obstacles in providing quality higher education.

Furthermore, Jose Allan Arellano, the Executive Director of the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines (CEAP), brought his extensive experience in the field of education to the panel. Mr. Arellano discussed the collaborative efforts of CEAP member schools and their contributions to addressing education challenges.

The second day session of the symposium was filled with inspiration and profound insights as motivational speaker and "Chief Disturber" Anthony Pangilinan took the stage to deliver a powerful talk on "Leadership in a Time of Change." 

Mr. Pangilinan's engaging and thought-provoking presentation left a lasting impact on the attendees as he shared six principles that are essential for effective leadership.

Drawing from his vast experience and expertise as a motivational speaker, Anthony Pangilinan captivated the audience with his dynamic speaking style and real-life anecdotes. His talk focused on equipping leaders with the tools and mindset needed to navigate through periods of change and uncertainty successfully.

In the afternoon session, Fritzie Ian de Vera, the Vice President for Mission at De La Salle University, took the stage to share the resolutions from the Philippine Lasallian Family Convocation 2023. 

The convocation, which took place earlier in the year, served as a gathering of Lasallian institutions committed to upholding the shared Lasallian values and mission.

Ms. De Vera's presentation shed light on the collective efforts and aspirations of the Lasallian family in the Philippines. 

The 2nd Lasallian Education Symposium proved to be a resounding success, serving as a platform for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. 

As the administrators, faculty members, and non-teaching office personnel returned to their institutions, they carried with them the motivation and tools to effect positive change and lead their respective communities toward a better future in education.

The importance of education cannot be overstated, and this symposium reaffirmed the commitment of the University of St. La Salle, St. Joseph School-La Salle, and other member schools of the Catholic Education Association of the Philippine - Negros Island Region to continuous improvement and innovation in the field of education.

USLS President and Chancellor Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez FSC, expressed his gratitude to all the attendees and speakers for making the event a resounding success. He emphasized the significance of working together as a community of educators to create positive change in the education sector.