Help the Marawi victims

The headlines on the Marawi crisis have been dominated by the debate on martial law. This is a valid issue; but, again we all seem to forget that the most immediate concern is the welfare of the innocent victims who are rendered destitute and even homeless whenever there is conflict. 

The headlines on the Marawi crisis have been dominated by the debate on martial law. This is a valid issue; but, again we all seem to forget that the most immediate concern is the welfare of the innocent victims who are rendered destitute and even homeless whenever there is conflict. 

Donor fatigue may be creeping into the hearts of even the most generous people. But once more there is a need to extend a helping hand to those who know nothing about geopolitics and power struggles; but, who are again the most vulnerable pawns. The La Salle Brothers are at the front line in this conflict because they have a school – La Salle Academy – in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte which has become one of the principal areas of refuge for those fleeing from the conflict in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur. Here is the letter of appeal from the head of the La Salle Community in the Philippines.

Call for donation 

As a result of the conflict between the Maute group and the Philippine military in Marawi City that started last 23 May 2017, a number of our countrymen have experienced displacement and disruption in the normal flow of life. Many have fled to nearby and safer areas like Iligan City to find shelter among relatives or in government evacuation centers.

In response to this situation and in order to provide immediate relief to our displaced countrymen, your De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) network is calling on all Lasallian communities to support the relief operations that will be spearheaded by La Salle Academy (LSA) in Iligan. The LSA community is working closely with the local church and the local government to address the needs of our displaced brothers and sisters from Marawi.

For ease of delivery of relief goods, we are encouraging cash donations to be made to the following account:

Account Name: La Salle Academy Inc 
 Account Number: BPI-Iligan 009353-0377-62

For proper acknowledgement, please send a scanned copy of your deposit slip to [email protected] and [email protected] or fax a copy of the deposit slip to 063 2213203 local 49.

For donations in kind, the following are the designated drop-off points:

For Luzon
De La Salle Univeristy – Manila: Mr. Leo Tadena
De La Salle College of St. Benilde: Ms. Catherine B. Panganiban
De La Salle Zobel: Ms. Evangeline de Peralata/Mr. Jayjay Jacinto

For Visayas
University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City: Br. Antolin Alcudia III FSC / Ms. Minmin Ponteras

For Mindanao
La Salle Academy, Iligan City: Mr. Jay Velez

May this demonstration of our unity be a source of strength and encouragement for those who live now without peace or security.

Fraternally, Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC. president, De La Salle Philippines

I am sure the La Salle Brothers would welcome any donation from any person or organization even if they are not an official member of the Lasallian Community. This is one time when charity should not be limited to any one specific group or school or faith.  

Commencement address on books and purpose

This is the graduation season and the time for commencement speeches. This is supposed to be an opportunity for the guest speaker to share values, experience and advice. But most of the time graduates and their families are just hoping the speech would  end so that the celebration can start.  But there are some addresses that are truly memorable. This year, I have read two of them – one by columnist Peggy Noonan at the Catholic University and the other by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard university. Noonan had a very eloquent appeal on the critical need to continue reading books. Here is an excerpt from her speech:

“Today [graduation day] is for celebration but starting tomorrow I humbly urge you to embark on a lifelong relationship with a faithful companion who will always help you and sometimes delight you – who will never desert you, who will make you smarter, and wiser, who will always be by your side and enlighten you all the days of your life. I am talking about books. 

You must not stop reading books. That’s all. If you seek a happy and interesting life, one of depth, meaning and accomplishment, you must read books. 

Reading books forces you to imagine, question, ponder, reflect, connect one historical moment with another. Reading books provides a deeper understanding of political figures and events of the world – of life itself... tomorrow put down the smart phone, put aside the internet of things, find the real and actual THING of things. Read and be taken away in a way that enriches, that strengthens, that makes you smarter, more serious, more worthy. Keep it up. Pass it on. If your generation doesn’t, it will disappear. Civilization depends on it.”

Mark Zuckerberg is probably one person who is responsible for the decline in book reading. But he had an appealing message on the meaning of purpose. He said:

“Purpose is the sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.., that we have something better ahead to work for. Purpose is what creates true happiness...technology and automation are eliminating many jobs. Many people feel disconnected and depressed and are trying to fill a void...to keep our society moving forward, we have a generational challenge – to not only create new jobs, but create a renewed sense of purpose.”

Here is my hope -  that the 2017  graduates will find their sense of purpose by continuing to read books for the rest of their lives. 

Creative writing classes for kids/teens & adults

Young Writers’ Hangout for Kids & Teens on June 3 (1:30-3pm).  Creative Writing Workshop for Adults with award winning fictionist Susan Lara will be on June 17 (1:30-4:30 pm).  All sessions are at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street.  For registration and fee details text 0917-6240196 or email [email protected].

Email: [email protected]