Despite the ongoing pandemic, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) went online to celebrate the institution’s 58th Foundation Day with the theme ‘Great At 58: Empowered, Engaged, Enabled’, Feb. 24.
The whole day affair was allotted for Lasallian homegrown talents, various online booths and webinars featuring guest speakers and attended virtually by students, staff and alumni.
The event’s opening program had over seven thousand views as performances from the Salindayaw Dance Company, DLSL Musikalista, and Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) Psalms were livestreamed over Facebook and YouTube.
In her opening remarks, Dfezie Tipan, chief strategic services officer said that the day’s events are for the enjoyment and appreciation of the Lasallian presence in the community.
College students-led activities such as Youth’s E-Speak Up, Negosyong Lasalyano, Kwentong BH, In-Style-Gram, iMEDIA ARTindahan and Webinar for Athletes were among the other highlights.
Leaders talk on freedom of speech
Meanwhile, Kamalayang Lasalyano’s “The Voices of our Future” organized by DLSL Comelec had Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Sonny Angara, Congresswoman Sarah Elago, Attorney Domingo Cayosa, and social reformist, Teddy Casino as guest speakers who tackled the importance of freedom of speech in societal action.
Congresswoman Sarah Elago, in her speech, encouraged the youth of the Lasallian community to register for the upcoming elections.
“’Yung boses niyo, hindi lang ‘yan mapaparehistro sa inyong boto sa darating na eleksyon, kundi ang inyong boses ay pagpaparehistro ng ating posisyon, ng ating paninindigan para sa isyu na kinakaharap natin araw-araw,” said Elago.
Through a pre-recorded video, Vice President Leni Robredo joined the webinar by emphasizing the significance of collaboration and believing in the power of the people.
“Kabilang kayong mga kabataan sa inaasahang huhubog sa pinapangarap nating lipunang ito […] Always remember, you are never too young to make a difference […] Hindi kayo leaders in the making dahil ngayon pa lang, katuwang na namin kayo sa kolektibo nating paglalakbay” Robredo said.
Concluding the webinar was a video message from Senator Sonny Angara reiterating the value of freedom of speech in a democratic society.
“Hopefully this is something that we do not take for granted and in our laws, in our traditions, in our practices, we do as much as we can to respect it and value it,” said Angara.
Echoes goes online
Wrapping up the foundation day celebration was the highlights and crowd favorite, Echoes: Route 58.
Echoes, an annual fundraising concert spearheaded by the Council of Student Organizations (CSO) started way back in 2013, is an event featuring performances by various local musicians and artists.
This year’s concert was made free for all and funds were raised through paid shoutouts during the duration of the event.
Through YouTube live, the event was opened by homegrown Lasallian talents including Samantha Leviste and Ma. Angela Lacerna (both from the Integrated School), Joshua Barrion (BS Accounting Information System), Marielle Alcantara (integrated school alumnus), and Allan Henry Cadelina (DLSL faculty member).
‘Allison Shore’, a Lasallian alumnus, and Kiyo, the main performers for this year, serenaded the audience with their songs ‘Ikaw Lang’, ‘G’, ‘Hanggang sa Huli’, and the band version of their hit ‘Urong Sulong’.
According to Frances Culla, CSO chairperson, the funds gathered will be used for the CSO’s Community Involvement project in April and for the Student Coordinating Board’s (SCB) future activities.
Culla also mentioned the possibility of another virtual Echoes next year if the quarantine protocols have not been lifted by then.
“Echoes is celebrated annually naman. So I think it will still be possible na magawa ulit next year. Online [ulit] kung ‘di pa rin talaga possible ang face to face,” Culla said.
