The Benildean community came together to commemorate the Lasallian Mission Week, exhibiting the Benildean identity in each of the activities centered around the theme “Living the Lasallian Mission: Faith in Action, Hope for All,” with programs held from Jan. 23 to Jan. 31.
Led by the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life (OVPLMSL), each of the events was featured across the multiple campuses promoting faith, wellbeing, community service, and Lasallian values.
The annual celebration kicked off with the Triduum Mass in Honor of Saint John the Baptist at the Chapel of Saint Benilde in the Atrium Campus and the Chapel of the Lasallian Martyrs in the Design and Arts Campus. Benildean students, faculty, and partners were encouraged to participate actively in the celebration of faith as well as engage in interactive, character-building activities throughout the week.
Here are some of the highlights of the Lasallian Mission Week 2025:
Embodying Saint La Salle’s Mission
With this year’s Lasallian Mission Week, a new event was introduced on Jan. 22 to bring Lasallian-Benildeans closer to the Patron Saint—the Footsteps of De La Salle exhibit.
The exhibit, located across four campuses, featured different aspects of Saint La Salle’s life: La Salle and His Vocation to Education at the Taft Campus, La Salle as a Teacher at the D+A Campus, La Salle and the Brother’s Vocation at the Atrium Campus, and La Salle as a Saint at the AKIC Campus.
Lasallian Talks were also held, featuring a series of events from seminars to workshops. Lasallian Talk on “Anxiety Hacks” was held on Jan. 24, followed by the Gestural Workshop, designed to foster individuality and solidarity among attendees.
Moreover, the Lasallian Talk for Meaningful Electoral Participation for Barangays on Jan. 25 and for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on Jan. 30 was held as a preparation for the upcoming midterm election, highlighting the importance of suitable candidates for the betterment of the country’s welfare, from the smallest unit.
Additionally, the Center for Faculty Advancement held a seminar, “Keeping the Faith: Upholding the Virtues of a Lasallian Educator” with its guest speaker, Br. Lemuel Asuncion FSC, where he talked about the virtues of Zeal and Piety, reinforcing the values that define a Lasallian Educator.
Doing ordinary things extraordinarily well
On Jan. 23, the Center for Student Life (CSL) hosted the 32nd Gawad Benildyano where Benildean excellence was recognized and rewarded. It is an annual event of the CSL to recognize and reward the ingenuity, efforts, and admirable achievements of the Benildean Community.
The LasallianCon Alleys and Bazaar were held on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, showcasing Benildeans' creativity with BenEx-inspired outfits and their talents as artists, makers, or entrepreneurs with a chance to win special prizes.
The Center for Social Action (CSA) also organized a Benildean Wellness Party on Jan. 23, where Benildeans were encouraged to enjoy a day of self-care with manicures, pedicures, massages, and haircuts from the Kapitbahayan Barangay Partners.
The on-the-spot essay writing contest was held on Jan. 25, aligning with the theme, “From Faith to Action: Writing the Lasallian Legacy.”
Additionally, a simultaneous gathering at Benilde’s campuses was held on Jan. 27 named ‘Sallobration,’ combining ‘Salo,’ which means banquet or eating together, and ‘Celebration.’ Lots of Filipino dishes such as puto, kakanin, and sorbetes were enjoyed by the Benildeans.
A heartwarming talk session, Breakfast with Bros, provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations over a delightful meal on Jan. 28 at Hotel Benilde, featuring inspiring stories, ideas, and a chance to connect with individuals over a delightful breakfast, strengthening the bonds that make the community special.
Furthermore, CSA organized the 3rd Saint Benilde Romançon Community Engagement Awards (SBRCEA) on Jan. 31, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Benildeans in community engagement, and appreciation for the community partners.
“May we carry forward the experiences and inspiration from this Lasallian Mission Week, bringing light and hope to one another,” the OVPLMSL expressed in their thanksgiving message sent through email.
The Lasallian Mission Week is annually celebrated by all Lasallian Schools to pay homage to the Patron Saint of Teachers Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the values he instilled within the foundations of Lasallian Education.
