The University, through the Board of Trustees, conferred two of its highest institutional honors—the Signum Lasallianum Award and the Fides Award—during a ceremony held on January 23 at the Santuario de La Salle. This significant event recognized the individuals whose lives and work embody Lasallian leadership, service, and faith.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Villarreal Lacson was conferred the Signum Lasallianum Award while benefactor and philanthropist Sonia Marañon Sarrosa was the recipient of the Fides Award.
The Signum Lasallianum Award, the University’s highest recognition for public leadership and service aligned with the mission and values of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. The award recognized Lacson’s contributions to education, youth, sports development, skills training, good governance, and community development in Negros Occidental.
In his acceptance message, Lacson described the recognition as a humbling and heartening experience, noting that being honored by the Lasallian community carried deep personal significance. As an alumnus of USLS, he shared that his Lasallian education remains one of the strongest foundations of his life, having instilled in him discipline, integrity, and a lasting disposition for service.
He emphasized that the Lasallian mission of faith, service, and communion continues to guide his work in public office, reminding him that public service is not merely a responsibility but a calling rooted in fairness, accountability, and integrity. He further emphasized that the award was a shared recognition.
“This award is not mine alone; it belongs to the many people who have walked with me on this journey—my family, my colleagues in government, and the people of Negros Occidental who continue to believe and place their trust in honest and compassionate leadership,” he said.
Lacson added that he received the award not as a culmination of his work, but as a continuing challenge to do more and to do better in serving the community. Expressing gratitude to his Alma Mater, he called on his fellow Lasallians to continue walking together in faith and service, striving to be instruments of hope in the lives of the people around us.
Meanwhile, The Fides Award was conferred upon Mrs. Sarrosa in recognition of her enduring witness of faith expressed through humble service and communion in mission. The University cited her long-standing support for churches and social ministries, advocacy for the care of creation, efforts to strengthen family life, and commitment to providing scholarship assistance to students in need. Her partnership with the De La Salle Brothers and involvement in various Lasallian initiatives reflected a life lived in quiet service and fidelity to Gospel values.
In her response, Sarrosa reflected on the meaning of the recognition, sharing that the award served as a reminder of the call to live a life of generosity and faith.
“We are blessed to be a blessing, and we are gifted to be a gift,” she said. “This recognition reminds us that when we give ourselves with faith, humility, and love, the Lord multiplies our efforts in ways we cannot imagine.”
The awarding rites were attended by members of the Board of Trustees, University administrators, De La Salle Brothers, invited guests, and members of the Lasallian community. The ceremony emphasized the University’s enduring commitment to honoring individuals whose leadership, service, and faith contribute meaningfully to the realization of its educational mission and social responsibility.
Through the conferment of the Signum Lasallianum and Fides Awards, USLS reaffirmed the values of faith, leadership, and service that define the Lasallian tradition whilst recognizing the exemplary individuals whose lives and work continue to inspire others.