Strengthening its global Lasallian connections, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL), through its External Linkages and International Relations Office (ELIRO), warmly welcomed a delegation from La Salle Chanthaburi Mandapitak School in Thailand for a Cultural and Academic Student Exchange Program from March 30 to April 1, 2025.
The Thai delegation, led by Br. Chaiwat Phanomworachai FSC, included ten high school students and two teachers. Their visit was officially marked by a welcoming ceremony on March 31 at the Diokno Boardroom, where they were received by the DLSL community, including Chancellor Dr. Teodosia Merlin Suarez and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovations Br. Manuel Pajarillo FSC.
Br. Manuel “Mawel” Pajarillo FSC, in his welcome message, described the visit as a historic moment for international Lasallian collaboration. “You are not just students—you are ambassadors of your country, representing Thailand and the rest of the Lasallian family. This experience allows you to build meaningful connections and gain a broader perspective of the world. We are eager to share with you what we have and equally excited to learn from your presence.”
The welcoming ceremony introduced DLSL’s rich history, culture, and academic programs to Thai visitors. In turn, they shared insights into their own school, La Salle Chanthaburi Mandapitak. DLSL high school students, assigned as their buddies, guided them through a day filled with classroom immersions, cultural presentations, and a campus tour—offering them a firsthand experience of DLSL’s dynamic learning environment.
Exploring Lipa’s Heritage
On their final day, April 1, 2025, the Thai delegation embarked on a heritage tour of Lipa City, immersing themselves in the city’s rich history and traditions. A highlight of their experience was their first-ever jeepney ride, where they interacted with locals and practiced basic Filipino phrases when paying their fare.
Their itinerary included visits to Casa de Segunda Katigbak, the ancestral home of Doña Segunda Solís Katigbak, known as José Rizal’s first love; San Sebastian Cathedral, one of Lipa’s most iconic religious landmarks; and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, a site of deep spiritual and historical significance. These visits allowed them to gain a deeper appreciation of the Philippines’ cultural and historical landscape.
A Celebration of Cultural Identity
The program culminated in a cultural presentation, where both DLSL students and their Thai counterparts showcased traditional folk dances, highlighting the vibrancy of their respective heritages. These performances not only entertained but also symbolized the shared Lasallian values of unity and mutual respect.
Br. Chaiwat Phanomworachai FSC expressed his heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing how this exchange program created meaningful opportunities for students to immerse themselves in new cultures. “This is an unforgettable experience for the students, and I am committed to ensuring that this program thrives because learning should extend beyond the classroom.”
Strengthening Global Lasallian Connections
The three-day exchange program was more than just an academic and cultural visit—it was an affirmation of the enduring Lasallian spirit that transcends borders. The friendships forged, the knowledge exchanged, and the experiences shared deepened both institutions’ commitment to global engagement, cross-cultural learning, and Lasallian solidarity.
This partnership has already taken root, with La Salle Chanthaburi currently hosting five teacher-interns from De La Salle Lipa. With even greater opportunities for collaboration on the horizon, both institutions look forward to nurturing this growing alliance.
De La Salle Lipa and La Salle Chanthaburi Mandapitak School remain committed to fostering meaningful collaborations that enhance student learning experiences. Hence, through initiatives like this, DLSL reaffirms its openness to partnerships that provide mutually beneficial opportunities—equipping students with global competencies while nurturing their development as ambassadors of faith, service, and community.
Written by Cristina Alfarita Larombi
Source: DLSL