Last May 19, 2017, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) in partnership with the Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC - College of Education (BAGCED) held its 2nd Service-Learning Forum at De La Salle University. This year’s topic and discussion centered on the research of Dr. Minie Rose C. Lapinid entitled “Assessing Current Service Learning (SL) Practices at De La Salle University (DLSU): Towards a Unified Model of Institutionalization." A total of 80 participants from different colleges, departments, community partners, students and Lasallian institutions gathered and actively participated in the said event. The participants were welcomed by Dr. Robert C. Roleda, Vice Chancellor for Academics while Br. Michael J. Broughton FSC, Vice President for Lasallian Mission, graced the event. During her presentation, Dr. Lapinid shared her team's assessment of current SL practice in DLSU, its unique characteristics and its alignment with Lasallian Framework and Values. Dr. Rito Barring and Dr. Fides Del Castillo, from the College and Liberal Arts (CLA) and Mr. Manuel Abinales from Buklod Tao, Inc. served as members of the panel of reactors. For more information on how you could implement service-learning in your course or school, you may contact us through the following: Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (NSTP and CE) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568
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DLSU Alternative Learning System (ALS) Batch 5 Learners recently toured the National Museum in Manila and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Women’s Center in Taguig last November 12 and 18 respectively. The said tours served as alternative activities to the learners’ regular classroom-based sessions and workshops. The National Museum Tour aimed at enriching their knowledge of Philippine History, Arts and Culture. The TESDA Tour on the other hand, provided them an opportunity to see future learning possibilities once they’ve passed DepEd’s ALS-Accreditation and Equivalency Test. The said educational tours could not have been possible if it were not for the meaningful engagement of two active student organizations of De La Salle University namely: Economics Organization (EconOrg) for the TESDA Tour and the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) for the National Museum Visit. The sponsorship of these two student organizations paved the way for enhanced learning experiences that will prepare learners for their ultimate challenge of hurdling the National Accreditation and Equivalency Test (AET) early next year. Passing this test will qualify them as Junior High Graduates in the K+12 Curriculum. The partnership and engagement of these student organizations are highly commendable. It paves the way for further sustainable and impactful projects with the learners in the future. This example of engagement is also an invitation to other student organizations, offices and like-minded individuals to help in COSCA’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Localization Project through one of its components, the Lasallian Accessible, Relevant and Alternative Learning (L-ARAL). For possible partnership and engagement in relation to L-ARAL component community engagement menu, please feel free to contact the University Community Engagement and Development (UCED) Program Manager and/or L-ARAL Development Specialist of COSCA. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417 & 147
More than a hundred students, faculty and staff members of De La Salle University expressed indignation over the Supreme Court's (SC) decision allowing the burial of the former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LMNB).
During the mass that preceded the indignation rally, Fr. Arockiam Singarayar, SVD started by acknowledging the mystery of God's ways in light of the SC Ruling. He reminded those present to stay holy as temples of God and pray for peace and truth amidst the recent issues besetting our country today.
After collectively praying for the nation, the congregation marched to the South Gate for the candle-lighting and noise barrage.
Lasallian Prayer for the Nation
During the program at South Gate, student-leaders took turns explaining that former Pres. Marcos does not deserve to be buried at the LNMB and be honored as 'Hero' or 'Bayani.'
They reminded the public of the numerous human rights violations during Martial Law and the billions of pesos in Marcos ill-gotten wealth. They urged those present to reject all efforts to rewrite our history, especially during the Marcos regime. They lit candles, sang "Bayan Ko" and shouted: #MarcosNotAHero!
"Is this the kind of man who deserves to be buried together with all those Filipino heroes who genuinely dedicated their lives in service and protection of our motherland?"
-Isaac Go, Majority Floor Leader Legislative Assembly, University Student Government's (USG)
"We are on the pursuit of what is just and we will not waver."
-Rafael Zaballero, Convenor COSCA-LOVE Volunteers
A day after the rally, Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC, President of De La Salle Philippines released a statement "urging all Lasallian teachers and partners to strengthen all educational and community engagement efforts and programs towards a deepening of our people's appreciation for democracy and human rights."
The indignation activities were organized by the University Student Government (USG) in partnership with the COSCA-LOVE Volunteers, Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, Formation and Empowerment (SLIFE), the Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO), Office of Student Affairs, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission.
The event was covered by The Lasallian, Ang Pahayagang Plaridel and the Archers Network. Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the individuals and organizations mentioned and may not necessarily reflect the views of De La Salle University.
Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417 & 147 Did you know that Esteros (waterways) in Metro Manila play a vital role both in society and in our environment? It served as trading and transport route during the Spanish Era. As a small ecosystem and contributory stream to larger water bodies, it filters pollutants, recycles potentially-harmful nutrients, absorbs excess water during heavy rains, and help recharge underground aquifers. Despite their historical and ecological significance, these waterways however remain neglected. There are approximately two hundred seventy (270) esteros in Metro Manila that are poor in state. They are extremely polluted, causes frequent flooding due to waste, holds large number of informal settlers, surrounded with huge establishments encroaching its perimeters and lack proper management. Our “own” Estero De Maytubig and Estero Fort San Antonio De Abad are no different. To respond to this situation, De La Salle University (DLSU) has decided to participate in the rehabilitation of its nearby Esteros. It is our priority contribution to risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures in our own community. The university through the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) became part of the Adopt-an-Estero Program in collaboration with Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the City Government of Manila in June 2016. The project aims to a) restore the ecological services of Estero De Maytubig and Estero Fort San Antonio De Abad; b) raise public awareness on its intrinsic values; c) collaborate with internal and external stakeholders; and d) sustain efforts through policy and regulation. Last October 1, COSCA mobilized various stakeholders for the first clean-up of the two esteros. With the theme “Bayan Ko, Linis Ko,” the clean-up was organized in support to the country’s National Clean-Up Day. A total of 147 people composed of 4 DLSU students, 3 ALS-DLSU students, 22 DLSU employees, 74 Barangay Partners (707, 714, 717, 718, 719, and 720), 5 EMB-DENR technical staff, 17 DPWH workers, 8 MMDA personnel, and 14 Manila LGU staff, participated in the event. The event was graced by DLSU Vice President for Lasallian Mission, Br. Michael J. Broughton FSC and COSCA Director, Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito. Through their combined efforts, fifty (50) sacks of wastes were collected. Future plans include partnership with the Gokongwei College of Engineering (GCOE) for research and technology development, consultation at the Barangay and City level for long-term interventions and linkage with business sectors surrounding the estero. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 Last September 27, 2016, De La Salle University hosted Luzon Lasalle Schools during the "One La Salle Reflection Session on Extra-Judicial Killings (EJK) and Human Rights (HR)" organized by the Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission (LJPC). The session started with an opening prayer lead by Mr. Peter Miles Sollesta and the singing of the National Anthem. Br. Michael J. Broughton FSC, DLSU's Vice President for Lasallian Mission welcomed participants from Luzon schools to the event. De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) President and Auxiliary Brother Visitor, Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC, then shared his appreciation and support for the community's efforts in raising awareness on EJK and HR. Read: Pastoral Letter Against the Culture of Death Related: University Student Government's Manifesto on the Marcos Burial Justice System is Key Atty. Jose Manuel "Chel" Diokno, Dean of DLSU's College of Law, then spoke next on the topic "Martial Law, Extra-Judicial Killings and Human Rights." During his presentation, Atty. Diokno drew many parallels between our current situation and the situation during the dark years of Marcos dictatorship where human rights were also wrongfully blamed for the ills of the country and where fear and violence were also used to enforce the law. He emphasized instead that it is the deplorable state of our justice system that is causing the proliferation of drug syndicates and corrupt politicians in our country. He decried that taking the law into one's hands, through extra-judicial killing, does not address the problem but only makes matters worse. "The key to stopping crime and corruption is to have a justice system that works the way it is is meant to work." Disconnect Between Faith and Action Like Atty. Diokno, Br. Michael Valenzuela FSC, Member of the Board of Trustees of De La Salle College of St. Benilde, also shared his personal account of the Martial Law Years. He then presented the seeming disconnect between people's faith and their responses to EJK. To address this, Br. Valenzuela shared how Catholic Social Teaching (CST) could provide Lasallians with a framework that could help bridge this gap. CST, he adds, is not only for the Catholic. The framing of the United Nations' Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), a secular document, was in fact highly influenced by it. Watch: Reflection Session on EJK and Martial Law (37:02) Read: The Universal Declaration on Human Rights "There is a disconnection between our faith The session ended with the closing message of DLSP Lasallian Mission Services (LMS) Director, Ms. Grace Lazo and a noise barrage held along Taft Avenue. (Click image and watch the video: "While we resonate with our government's desire to…") Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 Last September 17, 2016, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), Manila Bay S.U.N.S.E.T Partnership Program Inc. (MBSPPI), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Leveriza Partner Communities made and threw Effective Microorganism (EM) Mud Balls at the Estero Fort San Antonio de Abad and Estero De May Tubig to help improve water quality at the said waterways. The EM Mud Balls technology utilizes naturally occurring microorganisms which are able to purify and revive nature. It makes use of effective microorganism activated solution (EMAS) in enhancing and improving water quality thereby restoring aquatic habitats and ecosystems. The EM Mudball making workshop and dropping activity was conducted to create an awareness among community members of the EM technology as a step to help improve the water quality of the esteros. The said activity was participated by 18 DLSU-COSCA Alternative Learning System (ALS) students, three (3) representatives from Barangays 720, 718 and 717, five (5) service personnel from DLSU, 15 trainer-facilitators from Earth Ventures, Inc., 6 representatives from the LBP, and 6 COSCA personnel . MBSPPI and LBP supported the Effective Microorganisms (EM) Mudballs Technology workshop facilitated by Earth Venture, Inc. Prior to the mudball workshop, COSCA’s Ms. Terteen Omana, Development Specialist for SDG- L-ENVisage facilitated the orientation of barangay representatives on Climate Change, the EM Technology and the Estero Rehabilitation Initiative. DLSU formalized its partnership with MBSPPI last August 20, 2016. MBSPPI is a partnership of twenty-one (21) government and private institutions committed to protect and clean-up the coastal area of Manila Bay, including its tributaries. With DLSU, the following organizations were welcomed as new members in the Partnership: 1) the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-National Capital Region (NCR) Office, 2) Department of Public Works and Highways –NCR Office, 3) Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and 4) Villar Sipag at Tiyaga Foundation, Inc. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 More than a hundred people gathered at De La Salle University's Corazon Aquino Democratic Space today to commemorate the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines last September 23, 1972*. With candles, prayers and shouts of "Never Again!", Lasallians clad in black shirts gathered to express their commitment never to let this dark era ever happen again. Earlier during the day, members of political party, Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalyano (TAPAT), took turns holding photos of slain or missing activists in the 'silent memorial' they staged at the grounds. Sandy Palacios, holding a photo of slain Kalinga leader - Macli-ing Dulag - explained that the silent memorial explained that more than highlighting former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the stories of human rights victims deserve more attention. "This silent memorial is being held to humanize the people during Martial Law," she said. The formal program started with the singing of the National Anthem led by Justine Millete, President of TAPAT. During the prayer-service that followed, the Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO) and officers of the University Student Government (USG) led by Mr. Reigner Sanchez, Vice President - Externals focused on the theme of peace and non-violence as exemplified in the Life and Teachings of Christ and the Essential Writings of Gandhi. "Hindi po pinipitas na parang prutas ang kalayaan. Ipinaglaban po ito ng ating mga bayani. Bakit ngayon pa natin ito gustong isuko?" During the middle portion of the service, Prof. Xiao Chua of the History Department shared his impassioned plea for Lasallians to remember, value and fight for the freedom that our heroes so valiantly fought for. He scored people posting on Facebook that the martial law years were good and that they were willing to let go of some rights in favor of national discipline. "Hindi po pinipitas na parang prutas ang kalayaan. Ipinaglaban po ito ng ating mga bayani. Bakit ngayon pa natin ito gustong isuko?," he asked.
The Martial Law Commemoration was jointly organized by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), University Student Government, Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO), Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, Formation and Empowerment (SLIFE), and the Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalyano (TAPAT). It is part of De La Salle Philippines' month-long "Lasallians for Peace and Human Rights" activities. ------ *As explained by Prof. Chua, the actual declaration of Martial Law happened in September 23, 1972. What transpired in September 21, 1972 was Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino's pronouncement in UP Diliman that Martial Law is about to be declared due to lawless violence and the rising threat of communist insurgency in the country. Historians however believe that Martial Law was declared not to save the Republic but to ensure that Ferdinand Marcos Sr. would be able to stay in power, he adds. Disclaimer: The views and opinions stated in this article reflect the sentiments of individuals, offices and organizations represented during the Martial Law Commemoration. It does not represent the official position of the university or its leaders. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 De La Salle University's Community-Based Coastal Resource Management (CBCRM) Project in Lian, Batangas received a "Highly Commended" Distinction during the Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES) Green Gown Awards last September 14, 2016. With the support of the Campus Sustainability Office (CSO), the Office for Strategic Communications (STRATCOM), Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center (SHORE), the Lian Fisherfolk Organization and the Local Government of Lian Batangas, the entry entitled "Local Fishers protecting Nemo and Friends: an effort in Coastal Resource Management of Talim Bay" successfully highlighted the project's multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach in ensuring the integrity of Talim Bay's marine ecosystem. (See actual entry below.)
As recipient of the "Highly Commended" Distinction, the project's sustainability excellence and the lessons learned from it, will be shared to the tertiary education sector worldwide through the network's events, case studies and videos. The GUPES Green Gown Awards are the most prestigious recognition of environmental and sustainability best practice within the further and higher education sectors. The Awards provide the sector with benchmarks for excellence and are respected by Government, funding councils, senior management, academics and students. The GUPES Green Gown Awards are supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES). Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 De La Salle University through the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) partnered with the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University for the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Program (AYVP) 2016. AYVP is a youth community leadership program that mobilizes volunteers aged 18 to 30 from across the 10 ASEAN member states. AYVP works with communities to develop innovative solutions to the social, cultural, economic and environmental challenges of the region while forging a sense of ASEAN identity. With the theme, “The Development of ASEAN Youth DRR-Leaders through Volunteerism and Community Engagement,” 50 ASEAN volunteers or AYVP DRR-Leaders embarked on a 4 week knowledge-driven, volunteerism journey in Metro Manila from August 1 to 26, 2016.
The 1st week involved Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training aimed at preparing volunteers for their fieldwork. DLSU experts from various disciplines provided vital input on disaster risk reduction. Dr. Marlon Era from DLSU’s Behavioral Sciences Department provided an overview of the DRR situation in the Philippines. He also discussed salient points of Republic Act 10121 (RA 10121) or the Philippines’ Disaster Risk Reduction Management Law, together with several DRR best practices in the country. Mr. Carl Fernandez, COSCA Program Manager also facilitated a session on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support during disasters. He provided participants with examples of how to care for the socio-emotional needs of both survivors and care givers during disasters. Practical DRRM knowledge and skills were also provided by leading DLSU Civil Society Partners such as the Center for Disaster Preparedness and Buklod Tao Inc. (BT), a Peoples’ Organization based in San Mateo, Rizal. For the next two weeks, the DRR leaders were deployed in local communities implementing disaster risk reduction programs. Twenty-five (25) of these participants were assigned to Buklod Tao’s Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Project along the vulnerable areas of the Banaba River (tributary of the Marikina River) in the Municipality of San Mateo, Rizal. As volunteers of the organization, the DRR leaders participated in various activities including community hazard mapping, ASEAN Awareness Orientation, soil composting, paddle making, development and posting of emergency preparedness materials, among others. To know more about AYVP 2016, check out its webpage at http://www.ayvpukm.com.my/. For more information on COSCA's programs for the environment, you may contact Ms. Terteen Gail Omana at the: Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 carl fernandez“I want to come back and volunteer with my friends. I will recommend this program to my friends”, said Sohui Kim from South Korea. As part of her school's four-week field training and internship program, Kim - a Police Administration major from Sun Moon University in Asan-si, ChungNam, recently served as intern for the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) from June 30 to July 27, 2016. Her exposure started with an intensive orientation and “meet and greet” activity together with selected partner organizations. Subsequently, she immersed in various partner communities of COSCA starting with the Parent Support of God’s Grace Child Development Center Inc. (PSGGCDCI) in Payatas, Quezon City, followed by the Concerned Parents for Community Development Inc. (CPCD) in Tondo, Manila. She also spent time serving *Kababayan Samahan ng Bagong Barrio, Caloocan Inc. (KSBB), **Kababaihang Yumayabong, tungo sa Kagalingan (KAYUMANGGI) in Apolonio Samson, Quezon City, ***Samahan Kababaihan ng San Roque Navotas (SAMAKASANA), and the Leveriza barangays in the vicinity of De La Salle University. She participated in different organizational activities, kids' tutorials, interaction with local leaders and host families, site tour and Korean food preparation, among others. The program ended with an evaluation meeting and culminating activity with Kim and the participating organizations. At the closure of the internship, Ms. Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito (COSCA Director) emphasized the important role of the participating organizations in molding not only Lasallian students but visiting foreign faculty and students as well. Given the university’s thrust on internationalization and the mandate of the ASEAN integration, it is expected that higher education institutions must become strong partners in addressing social problems and issues globally and locally. Kim's internship is part of the Collaborative Opportunities and Network-building towards Volunteerism, Engagement, Research and Glocal Education (CONVERGE) program developed by COSCA in 2015. CONVERGE intends to enhance global linkages and promotes global civic engagement and solidarity building among universities and colleges through the international exchange of students and faculty. The offering is open to all visiting foreign students, faculty members, school practitioners, and school administrators from various higher education institutions and schools worldwide. It provides a cross-cultural opportunity for participants to have a meaningful learning experience in a developing country such as the Philippines. Center for Social Concern and Action 2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 *Countrymen Organization in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan Inc.
**Women Flourishing towards Wellness ***Women's Organization of San Roque, Navotas City |