We have taken a further step in a process that we started at the beginning of last year, which is the integration of offices of De La Salle Philippines and La Salle Provincialate. De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) services our educational institutions and all things related to academic services and programs including professional development, Lasallian formation, and improvements in the processes of administering and managing the schools. The Provincialate (PRV) services and handles concerns of the Lasallian Family in the Philippines (Brothers and Lasallian Partners). The Provincialate also helps out in the Pacific and Asia region whenever necessary. Together, the two offices cover the three areas of the Lasallian Family as expressed in our organizational structure namely, the Lasallian Partners, the Brothers and our Educational Institutions.

The integration is expected to streamline the organization, save on resources and do away with overlaps; with the end of providing better services, strengthening the linkages and cooperation among the schools. It is our objective that the integrated organization will be able to respond better and more efficiently to the needs of the Lasallian Family in the Philippines.

The DLSP-PRV integrated organization may eventually be called De La Salle Philippines when the new District commences in May 2011.

The integrated organization now has five units: 1) FINANCIAL SERVICES, headed by Mr. Ferdinand T. Fernandez (no relation) as its new Director; 2) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, headed by Ms. Aimee Patiño; 3) LASALLIAN EDUCATIONAL MISSION, headed by Br. Ricky Laguda FSC; 4) LASALLIAN FORMATION SERVICES (lasallian partners’ office) headed by Ms. Eden Battad; and, 5) COMMUNICATION INFORMATION SERVICES, headed by Ms. Grace Lazo.

Ms. Lovelle Gonzales will serve as DLSP EXECUTIVE SECRETARY. She will coordinate all concerns for the Presidents’ Circle and the 17 Lasallian institutions, and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the current DLSP offices at Brother Andrew Hall. Dr. Lita Quebengco AFSC and Dr. Mike Rapatan will continue to help DLSP as Consultants for the Lasallian Educational Mission, and Mr. Vic Gamo, as Consultant for Finance.

For the current school year 2010-2011, we will continue to operate from two locations. It is our objective that by school year 2011-2012, all the offices of DLSP-PRV will be located at the Central House of the De La Salle Brothers inside La Salle Green Hills.

I hope and pray that with these changes, we will be able to provide better services and encourage the growth of the Lasallian Mission in the country.