There is an ongoing transportation strike. While we are celebrating, there are thousands of laborers outside fighting for their jobs and rights. I saw stories about how the current plan of action of the government toward the jeepney phaseout would affect individuals and families. Nakakalungkot. Nakakadurog ng puso.
In our Lasallian Formation and Action Framework, we are called to act. Commitment-Action (Taya-Kilos). But before that, it highlights the importance of See-Experience (Masid-Danas) and Analysis-Reflection (Suri-Nilay). Being a Lasallian leader teaches us to be compassionate—to see things beyond our comfort zone and to reflect and empathize with our community.
I hope that situations like this inspire us. We are the future leaders of our country. Relating to the Lasallian Formation and Action Framework, I would like to share a phrase that struck me from New Amsterdam—a series about a doctor with cancer who always puts his patients before himself. It is “How can I help? Burden me.” As we continue to find our mission in life and serve the community in the university and even outside as we graduate, I hope we carry this question with us, “How can I help?”
And I hope that as we ask this question, we also think of our Lasallian prayer as a support to our service. I will continue o my God to do all my actions for the love of you. Ipagpapatuloy ko, o Diyos, ang lahat ng aking gawain upang ikaw ay lalong pakaibigin. All actions, whether big or small, can change someone’s life and inspire them to help and empower someone else’s. All actions, whether big or small, are a testament to God’s love for us. God has been good in helping us face our challenges, and our mission is to pass this love unto others.
I want to thank the student leaders I have worked with under the USG, Office of the Vice President for Internal Affairs, Arts College Government, and FAST2019 for showing me love and inspiring me to pass the service and love around. To the Office of Student Affairs, SLIFE, and DLSU offices I have served with, including the Office of the Provost, University Registrar, Career and Counseling Services, ITS, SDFO, and others, thank you for being my mentors.
To my parents, thank you for showing me unconditional love that fueled my heart for service.
I offer this award to God to honor Your name and pass Your unconditional love around.
Maraming salamat muli sa lahat. At wag nating kakalimutan na puso lagi ang puhunan pag dating sa serbisyo. Think about what breaks your heart, then do something about it. Not alone, but always with others. Soli deo Gloria. Animo La Salle!
The author is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Economic Studies graduate from De La Salle University. She was the Francisco V. Ortigas, Jr. Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader awardee during the Gawad Lasalyano Awards 2022. This column was her speech during the awarding ceremonies on March 8, 2022. She can be reached at britney_paderes@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.