SDG Localization Project Launch
De La Salle University through the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) formally launched its SDG Localization Project last August 19, 2016 at the Multipurpose Hall of the Henry Sy Sr. Building, Manila Campus. With a hundred and forty-one (141) VIPs and guests in attendance, various stakeholders from the government, academe, community leaders and development agencies celebrated the birth of the first-ever University-Community Engagement Initiative that is anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs.
The program was opened by Atty. Justin Sucgang, College of Law faculty member and the master of ceremonies for the night. He gamely welcomed and acknowledged national government agencies, VIPs and organizations present during the launch. After briefly explaining the objectives of the gathering, the group was led in prayer through the song, "One La Salle Prayer" which implores the aid of the Almighty in enabling Lasallians to initiate meaningful change in our world.
The program was opened by Atty. Justin Sucgang, College of Law faculty member and the master of ceremonies for the night. He gamely welcomed and acknowledged national government agencies, VIPs and organizations present during the launch. After briefly explaining the objectives of the gathering, the group was led in prayer through the song, "One La Salle Prayer" which implores the aid of the Almighty in enabling Lasallians to initiate meaningful change in our world.
The prayer was immediately followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by Raven Leonardo of Innersoul, the premiere pop vocal group of the university. The opening remarks and introduction of the keynote speaker was then delivered by Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC, PhD, president of the university.
In his speech, Br. Ray noted that the project is very much a continuation of St. La Salle's desire to "teach minds, touch hearts and transform lives." He was elated to to see that the initiative is not solely implemented by the university alone, but that it is done in partnership with all the organizations and communities present during the event. He further emphasized that sustainable development is seriously being pursued not just by COSCA but by the entire university. He cited the inclusion of the phrase "attuned to a sustainable earth" in the university's vision-mission as a clear commitment to ensure a sustainable environment for generations to come.
In his speech, Br. Ray noted that the project is very much a continuation of St. La Salle's desire to "teach minds, touch hearts and transform lives." He was elated to to see that the initiative is not solely implemented by the university alone, but that it is done in partnership with all the organizations and communities present during the event. He further emphasized that sustainable development is seriously being pursued not just by COSCA but by the entire university. He cited the inclusion of the phrase "attuned to a sustainable earth" in the university's vision-mission as a clear commitment to ensure a sustainable environment for generations to come.
"A leading learner-centered and research University bridging faith and scholarship, attuned to a sustainable Earth, and in the service of Church and society, especially the poor and marginalized."
(De La Salle University's Revised Vision-Mission Statement)
As the SDG Localization Initiative is a rarity among schools today, Br. Ray hoped to encourage more Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to also follow suit. After a brief introduction, Br. Ray then invited Senator Hontiveros upfront for her keynote speech.
The senator said she was impressed that the groups involved were able to come up with such a significant project. She even jested that she hoped her alma mater, Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), DLSU's rival in sports, would also initiate a similar project soon.
Sen. Hontiveros further commended DLSU, particularly COSCA, for the strong collaboration it was able to pursue with the various partners of the project. "I commend your institution for maintaining your strong collaboration and shared commitment with your key partners and stakeholders while calibrating your community engagement to be more socially-relevant and impact-driven," she said. After her speech, representatives of government agencies and development partners took turns expressing their support to the project. Together with Br. Ray and Sen. Hontiveros, they vowed support by signing the manifesto of commitment to the SDGs. The program was closed by Ms. Ma. Lourdes Melegrito, COSCA Director who affirmed the center's desire to continue to "talk and walk with the poor and contribute to social change" in a manner that is consistent with the Lasallian Guiding Principles." During dinner, the group was entertained with traditional and contemporary dances performed by the La Salle Street Dance Company - Contemporary and the La Salle Street Dance Company - Folk. |
Transcript of Sen. Hontiveros' Keynote Speech
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Messages of Support
"Thank you. As NEDA representative, I show support to the project. As government resources are not always enough, allies in development work are very much needed. I hope proper documentation and evaluation is done. If proven effective, do it elsewhere as well. It's great to be back at DLSU! Congratulations!
Mr. Edgardo S. Aranjuez II
Chief Economic and Development Specialist, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) |
"Leave no one behind, this is the principle espoused in the Duterte Health Agenda. We must care for all life stages and address the triple burden of diseases. We must improve service delivery networks. We must provide universal health insurance. We cannot do it alone. Multisectoral action is needed. DLSU, use your influence to empower communities. Take leadership among universities to care for communities and help government attain the SDGs."
Ms. Frances Rose Elgo-Mamaril
Planning Division Chief Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau Department of Health (DOH) |
"Isang maka-kalikasang gabi. If Sec. Lopez were here, she would be in high spirits especially in the localization of the SDGs. This is very much in line with our desire for "likas-kayang" pag-unlad or sustainable development. Let's put an end to poverty and suffering. Look at the environmental programs we allowed. Communities are suffering. Locals don't have access to these programs. There should be balance between the three pillars: economic, social and environmental dimensions. Hope the DENR's role does not end here. We want to come back and offer our assistance. We offer lectures on segregation, climate change and the like. I will give Sec. Lopez feedback on your localization efforts."
Mr. Albert Magalang
Climate Change Division Chief Environmental Management Bureau Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) |
"Thank you. I commend DLSU for the effort. I hope with DLSU, we are in the right track. I hope for what is good. May you serve as multiplier of efforts for the poor. Let's emphasize human rights. Live Jesus in Our Hearts, Forever.
Ms. Mirali Mendoza Durr
Stakeholders Mgt. and Networking Specialist Department of Social Welfare and Dev't (DSWD) |
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Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, De La Salle University -Manila
2401 Taft Avenue, 0922 Manila, Philippines
Telefax: (632) 523-4143
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, De La Salle University -Manila
2401 Taft Avenue, 0922 Manila, Philippines
Telefax: (632) 523-4143