PNoy lauds DLSU's role in nation building

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday underscored the relevant role of education as a foundation in nation-building as he congratulated the students, faculty, alumni and officials of De La Salle University (DLSU) on its 100th founding anniversary. In his speech during DLSU’s Centennial Celebration, the President cited the school’s commitment in providing quality education that serves as an important tool in producing the builders and providers of a brighter future. “Sa loob ng sandaang taon, nagsilbing lunsaran ng husay at talino ang De La Salle University… patuloy ninyong hinuhubog ang maraming Pilipino upang magtagumpay hindi lamang sa kanilang piniling propesyon at ibat-ibang larangan, kundi maging sa anumang hamon na maaari nilang makaharap sa buhay," he said. “Ang mahabang tradisyon ng mataas na kaledad ng edukasyon mula sa DLSU ay nagbubukal sa inyong hangarin na paglingkuran ang kapwa at mag-ambag para sa kapakanan ng bansa…" he added. As proof, Aquino mentioned the names of members of his cabinet who are DLSU alumni, all of whom he considers his allies in ensuring the delivery of services to the Filipino people. “Kaya naman ngayon, marami sa ating kabalikat sa pagtitimon ng bayan ay produkto ng La Salle," the President said.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Among the incumbent Cabinet officials produced by DLSU are Education Secretary Armin Luistro — who was the former president of the university — Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil Delos Reyes, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and National Economic Development Authority Director General Cayetano Paderanga Jr. “Patunay lamang ang mahabang hanay ng inyong magigiting na alumni sa hindi matatawarang dedikasyon na ibinubuhos ng De La Salle University para gabayan ang mga La Sallista tungo sa mas maunlad at kapaki-pakinabang na kinabukasan," the President said. DLSU was also a significant part of the country’s historical events, specifically in safeguarding the truth behind the “Hello Garci" scandal and the NBN-ZTE deal. President Aquino expressed “sincere gratitude" to the DLSU for serving as shelter to the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) since 1984. DLSU also provided the St. Benilde gymnasium as venue for the necrological services for the incumbent President’s mother, the late President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino in 2009. “Maraming salamat sa inyong dasal at pakikiramay nang nagluluksa ang aming pamilya kasama na ang buong bansa dahil sa paglisan ng aming pinakamamahal na ina… dinamayan ninyo ang isang bansang nangulila at muling pinatuloy ang taumbayan sa St. Benilde gym upang sa huling pagkakataon ay masilayan ang Ina ng Demokrasya," the President said. Also in attendance at the St. La Salle Hall on Thursday were Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares, Luistro, Lacierda, presidential deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., and the President’s sister, Ballsy Aquino-Cruz. — MRT, GMA News