Br. Armin Luistro FSC has just been appointed as president of De La Salle Philippines DLSP), a network of 16 Lasallian educational institutions in the Philippines. The schools include universities, colleges and independent high schools all over the country. It includes institutions that have among the most expensive tuition, fees; and other institutions that charge nominal fees because they are primarily for the poor.
Among its universities are De La Salle University with campuses along Taft Avenue, Manila and Canlubang Laguna; De La Salle-Araneta University; De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Cavite; De La Salle University-Lipa; University of St. La Salle-Bacolod City; and La Salle University- Ozamiz.
Its colleges include De La Salle-College of St. Benilde; La Salle College-Antipolo; Andres Soriano Memorial College-Toledo, Cebu; and, De La Salle John Bosco College-Bislig City. Its independent high schools include premiere institutions La Salle-Greenhills, La Salle-Zobel located in Ayala Alabang; and La Salle Academy-Iligan. Its mission of educating the poor led to opening schools with nominal fees: St. Joseph-La Salle in Bacolod City and Jaime Hilario School-La Salle in Bagac Bataan. There are also other independent DLSP managed schools.
In 2010, Br. Armin Luistro FSC was then president of De La Salle University. He was asked by the incoming President Noynoy Aquino to become the Secretary of the Department of Education. Before accepting, he went through a six-week agonizing ordeal which he called “a real discernment exercise.” Against the advice of most people he consulted, he accepted saying that after “...ranting about what was wrong with the system and the education sector, and I am offered to fix what I thought was wrong and declined, I don’t think I’d be able to face myself in the mirror.”
At that time, the Philippine public school system faced severe shortages in the five learning inputs: classrooms, teachers, school seats, learning materials, water and sanitation facilities. But the greatest challenge to making the education sector world class was that the Philippines was only one of three countries left in the world who still maintained a ten-year basic education program. All the other countries, including poorer and less developed countries, had at least a 12 years basic education program.
The K-12 Program, which added two years to the basic education program, is now being implemented. Most people have forgotten the tremendous controversy this engendered; and, the political will and courage that was needed to carry out this innovation. Among his many legacies, this K-12 Program will be, I believe, the greatest contribution that Br. Luistro FSC will leave to future generations of Filipinos.
After stepping down as DepEd Secretary last year, Br. Armin Luistro FSC took another major task by accepting to be president of the Philippine Business for Social Progress ( PBSP), the largest corporate led social development foundation in the Philippines committed to poverty reduction and corporate social responsibility. Its membership includes more than 260 large, medium scale and small businesses.
Br. Luistro FSC grew up in Lipa City, Batangas and spent his early years in DLSU-Lipa. He then studied in De La Salle University where he finished his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Letters; Master of Arts in Religious Education; and a doctorate degree in educational management. One interesting highlight about his education is that in 1981 he entered into a program in Ateneo de Manila University and was awarded a Certificate in Formation Institute for Religious Educators in 1985.
When I first wrote about Br. Armin Luistro FSC in 2013, I called him the” Man with a Mission”. He has now accepted another mission as head of one of the largest and most influential educational system in the country. I sincerely believe that this is an excellent choice especially during these challenging times in our country.
Books About De La Salle University
For those who might be interested in reading more about DLSU and its history, here are some books I would recommend.
100: The Future Begins Here, published by DLSU, 2013, edited by Jose Dalisay, Jr. written by Isagani Cruz, Elfren S. Cruz, Leandro Sta. Romana Cruz, Renato de Castro, Alvin Culaba, Jose Dalisay Jr., Joaquin Henson, Charlson Ong, Carla Pacis, Augusto Villalon.
This is a 315 page coffee table book which was published as part of the celebration for the 100th Anniversary of La Salle in the Philippines. It is a historical narrative of the school told through fantastic photographs and a thematic approach which features the different strengths that have made the University what it is today: “... through the story of the Christian Brothers who have selflessly given of themselves in the name of education; through the short biographical clips of some of the school’s most illustrious alumni in business, public service, the arts and culture, science and technology, environmental protection and other fields; and through a distinct look that seamlessly marries the past to the present to the future.”
There are two books written by nationally known Lasallian authors. The first is De La Salle University: The Early Years by Cirilo Bautista. This covers the period from 1911, the year La Salle was founded in the Philippines, to the period right before the Second World War. The second book is From the Blood of Martyrs: 25 Years of the Rebuilding and Development of De La Salle College by Marjorie Evasco. This covers the period from 1946 to 1971.
Creative Writing Classes for Kids & Teens
Young Writers’ Hangout for Kids & Teens on July 22, August 5 and August 19 (1:30-3pm/independent sessions). All sessions are at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street. For registration and fee details text 0917-6240196 or email writethingsph@gmail.com.
Email: elfrencruz@gmail.com