The University of St. La Salle (USLS) officially launched its first campus in Panay Island, in partnership with Property Company of Friends Inc. (Profriends), during an event held at the Gateway Hotel in Iloilo Oct. 7.
The launch of the USLS-Iloilo campus marked a new chapter in the University’s over 70-year history, with its new mission of extending quality Lasallian education across the region.
University president, Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez, expressed optimism during the event, calling the venture a “great milestone” that will bring transformative education to the people of Pavia and the rest of the Iloilo province.
Martinez emphasized that the establishment of USLS-Iloilo is a significant step toward fulfilling the University’s commitment, and expressed his gratitude to the dedicated Lasallian partners from USLS Bacolod.
Meanwhile, the ceremonial turnover of the P160 million donation from Profriends highlighted the unveiling ceremony. This is the second tranche of their support for the construction of the academic building at the new USLS-Iloilo campus.
“Beyond the economics of investments, at the end of the day, we now look at the opportunities to transform communities,” Profriends chairman Guillermo Choa said.
The significant contribution is also aimed at providing state-of-the-art facilities for students and creating an environment conducive to academic excellence, the USLS said in a statement Oct. 9.
“This new facility will stand, not just as a building, but as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our students, echoing the values that define our Lasallian mission,” USLS Chancellor Minnie Chua said during the event.
The new campus in Pavia will offer programs designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of students in the region, with business programs as key offerings.
During the event, USLS also unveiled a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming campus, designed by The Sage Group, led by architect Duke Sage.
Also present were the De La Salle Brothers, key external stakeholders, including representatives from local government units of Pavia, Santa Barbara, and Iloilo City, as well as representatives from the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education. ||
