LEAD Story 311

Acceptance to the Postulancy, Profession of First Vows, Silver and Golden Jubilee Celebrations

On 17 August 2019 at the St. Benilde Gym in La Salle Green Hills, the Lasallian community witnessed God’s love and generosity with gift of vocations through four events: the Acceptance to the Postulancy of 10 Postulants from the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) and 3 from the District of Vietnam, the Profession of First Vows of Br. Carlo Rementilla FSC and Br. Raphael Miguel Crisostomo FSC, the Silver Jubilee of Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC, and the Golden Jubilee of Br. Narciso Erguiza, Jr. FSC.

In his shared reflection, Br. Armin Luistro FSC, Visitor of East Asia, reminded us that there is but one true Archer that not only asks us to follow in His footsteps, but, most importantly, calls us unto Himself. Br. Armin invited Br. Carlo, Br. Miggy, and the 13 Postulants to surrender themselves to the Divine Archer, whereas Br. JJ was asked to “take a break” after thriving afire without being consumed. Meanwhile, Br. Armin recalled the flourishing moments of Br. Jun in the most challenging environments, especially when he would erect school buildings and facilities, and open seven programs at the same time, to name a few.

These men have witnessed, first-hand, the Divine Archer’s Love in their daily lives. Now, as they continue their journey in seeking the Divine Archer, we pray for our Brothers and our Postulants that they may remain to be authentic and genuine witnesses of the Divine Archer’s Love to the people they will be encountering.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, D.D., together with three priest-concelebrants. The altar servers were the Aspirants from the Dasmariñas Community. (Text: Br. Miggy Crisostomo FSC; Photos: Mr. Marc Gepaya)

The De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines had its Annual Corporation Meeting at Horacio Cebrero Hall, Central House, La Salle Green Hills last 17 August 2019.

The meeting started with the presentation of the amended articles of incorporation and by-laws, which were approved and seconded by the Brothers. It was then followed by the reports on the Philippine sector presented by Br. Armin Luistro FSC, Visitor of East Asia. He presented the Filipino Brothers’ Statistics (i.e. number of Brothers in the Philippines, status of FSC in studies, health of Brothers, vocations, and age group statistics). The new Age Group Moderators were also announced; Br. Mark Salvan FSC, Br. Kenneth Martinez FSC and Br. Vic Franco FSC for the Young Brothers, Middle Age Brothers, and Senior Brothers respectively.

Furthermore, included on the report were the affiliation of Dr. Romeo Ariniego FSC, the Legacy building of Sr. Corazon Manalo DC, AFSC and Br. Benildo Feliciano FSC, the Tercentenary Celebration updates, the reconstruction of St. La Salle Kalinga Chapel, the ZEP Program, Paghilom, and the Lasallian Mission Services (LMS) Programs (i.e. Youth, Lasallian Education Commission, Indigenous Peoples Education Initiatives, Lasallian Animation and Formation, Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission, Education in Emergencies, Lasallian Volunteer Program, and La Salle Botanical Garden).

Br. Alex Diaz FSC, DLSP Chief Operating Officer and DLSBI Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, presented the Balance Sheet of DLSBI Finances and updates on the different funds that are lodged with DLSBI (i.e. Patrimony, Mission Capital Development, and DLSBI Employee Retirement). The current status of the Pooling Fund was also shown. (Text: Br. Carlo Rementilla FSC; Photo: Mr. Marc Gepaya)

Excerpt from the Article:

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia (16 August 2019) - The students of St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia (SJIIM) have secured outstanding scores in the recent Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. Overall, the results recorded were excellent and bested even the impressive inaugural set of IGCSE results it achieved in 2018.

37% of the grades achieved were graded at A* while 69% were graded at A*- A which is an outstanding achievement. Meanwhile, 88% of the grades achieved were graded A*- B and an unbelievable 97% were graded at A* - C. This achievement is also very impressive given that it is significantly higher than the world IGCSE examinations result average in 2018. There was further cause to celebrate when it was revealed that 96% of the students who sat for the IGCSE examinations achieved a minimum 5A* - C grade for all their subject papers which assures them of their further education pathways.

The top scorers for SJIIM were Emily Ng Siew Zhang and Joey Chee who both scored an amazing 10A* respectively. They were ecstatic and credited their success to the learning experience in SJIIM. Emily Ng, who will also be continuing her studies in SJIIM under the IBDP said, “My 3 years in SJIIM as a founding student has been a really great experience as I learnt so much academically and more importantly, developed and grew as a person, along with my classmates. The IGCSE was truly a rewarding experience for me.”

Joey Chee, who will be furthering her studies in the UK, also echoed Emily’s sentiment, “My time in SJIIM has been a wonderful experience with supportive teachers and a very strong sense of community. I am extremely grateful to have gone through my IGCSE in the conducive environment that SJIIM creates for its students.”

Emily Ng Siew Zhang Top Scorer with 10A	Joey Chee Top Scorer with 10A

The Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16-year-olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide and is an international passport to progression and success. Developed over 30 years ago, it is tried, tested and trusted by schools worldwide and is used as the high school academic assessment by top international schools around the world including SJIIM. (Text & Photos: Mr. Neoh Soon Ken)