DLSU gears up for golden jubilee

THE De La Salle University (DLSU) has begun the celebration of the golden jubilee of the granting of its University Charter and commemorating what the institution has achieved over the last 50 years.

The DLSU, established in 1911 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, received its University Charter on Feb. 19, 1975, launching its journey to becoming a leading higher education institution in the region.

Its golden jubilee will mark five decades of transformative impact and signify a renewed commitment to shaping the future of the Philippines.

Oldest DLSP constituent

DLSU was established by the Christian Brothers in 1911 as De La Salle College in Nozaleda Street, Paco, Manila. It embraced co-education in 1973, and two years later, it received its University Charter, officially becoming De La Salle University. DLSU is the oldest constituent of De La Salle Philippines (DLSP), a network of 16 educational institutions, established in 2006, replacing the De La Salle University System.

"Our University Charter has granted us the autonomy to tailor programs, enabling us to promptly address industry demands. Today, we consistently draw in professionals and researchers eager to advance while making meaningful contributions to their disciplines and communities," DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca, FSC, said.

Since then, DLSU's impact has transcended academia, contributing to the country's advancement. It has become a significant resource for national development, renowned for its academic excellence, relevant research and community service.

Shaping leaders, changemakers of tomorrow

At the core of DLSU's journey lies the enduring values of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers. His legacy, rooted in faith, compassion, service and community, continues to guide DLSU in its mission to shape future leaders and achievers.

"Our alumni are a testament to our reputation as a catalyst for change and a leading resource. Through their substantial contributions, they actively participate in nation-building and the creation of sustainable solutions for social transformation," Br. Oca said.

DLSU alumni excel across various fields, from CEOs and entrepreneurs to policymakers, artists and academicians. Many are actively involved in NGOs and cause-oriented groups, contributing significantly to the betterment of society.

Their support for their alma mater is evident through scholarships, research grants, and initiatives in sports and physical development.

In the past two months, the university has welcomed new partnerships with some of its most illustrious alumni. These partnerships have enabled DLSU to establish new programs, support the continuing development of its faculty and provide scholarships to many.

Pioneering excellence in research and education

Over nearly five decades, DLSU has led the way in pioneering educational paradigms and research initiatives in the Philippines geared toward uplifting communities, key industries and the nation.

In 1975, alongside receiving its University Charter, DLSU established the country's first university computer center, laying the groundwork for its evolution into a research powerhouse in the 1980s, marked by forging partnerships with global entities like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) University Network, where it is a founding member.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, DLSU achieved several noteworthy firsts. It was the first Philippine university to attain the highest accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Paascu), and it appointed its first woman and lay president.

Its students and faculty also created Sinag, the first Philippine solar car. The university also made history as the first private Philippine institution ranked in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) and the first HEI to undergo Asean University Network-Quality Assurance assessment at the institutional level.

These milestones have contributed to both national advancement and global challenges.

Projects like the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) have influenced national policymaking, while environmental sustainability initiatives, including coral reef and coffee research, have tackled critical issues on both local and global scales.

Moreover, it recently became the first university in the country to institutionalize the localization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Building upon a legacy of transformative impact

With its pioneering Lasallian spirit, the university continues to lead the nation in innovation and sustainability through new programs in artificial intelligence, data science and logistics, alongside new research and learning facilities.

DLSU has consistently expanded its presence in strategic areas by developing its Laguna campus as a regional center for science and technology research and setting up a laboratory for the country's Coffee Science program.

"We receive invaluable support from governmental bodies like the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), as well as international foundations and research centers. Their backing has enabled us to expand our research and development endeavors, ensuring their national impact," the DLSU president said.

DLSU harnesses partnerships with local and global industry leaders and government bodies. Guided by a five-year strategic plan, the university is actively working to unlock the full potential of its faculty and staff, transform the Philippine knowledge ecosystem through a network of companies and institutions, as well as position DLSU as an internationally influential research university.

"As we mark our 50th anniversary as a university, we turn firmly outward, recognizing that Filipino talent has much to offer the world, as well as that problems and solutions are shared across borders," Br. Oca said.