SPREADING IDEAS
spreading kindness
What does it mean to be an innovator and leader of change?
Choose To Be...
Kind, Understanding, and Loving
In a world that often chases success without purpose and innovation without heart. Choose the path where kindness, empathy, and purpose define true greatness.
Reflection Corner
Culturally Sensitive Critical and Creative Thinkers
Senator Risa Hontiveros stands as an icon for being the voice of the oppressed. Her advocacies go beyond one cause, spanning from healthcare to social welfare and to environmental sustainability. Among the many laws she has championed, the Philippine Mental Health Law (RA 11036), Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act (RA 11166), and Safe Space Act (RA 11313) are just some that protect the rights, well-being, and safety of Filipinos.
Similarly, Efren Peñaflorida took action on a situation often overlooked and underestimated by society. He saw the marginalized youth from a different perspective and ensured that he would take action against them. With this came his advocacy—Kariton Klasroom. Despite having no physical classroom, his Kariton Klasrum guided the youth to a brighter future, giving them hope and a stronger sense of direction in life. As Lasallians, we should follow their lead and not view the world through black-and-white lenses. We must maximize the opportunities provided by the school to hone our skills and continue to build an environment that is inclusive and accommodating for everyone. Let us use our voices to empower the marginalized, shed light on national issues, and be the beacons of a brighter future.
Effective Communicator
Effective communicators are experts in shaping perspectives, sharing information, and engaging with people. They are competent leaders, able to compellingly convey knowledge and ideas. These individuals do not only speak through words but also genuine action and commitment.
Leni Robredo is a prime example of an effective communicator, shown by her dedication to serving the Filipino people regardless of political challenges. Through her Angat Buhay initiative, Leni has aided countless Filipinos in need since 2016. Leni is a cornerstone of excellent Filipino leadership and communication, serving as a role model and inspiration for the Filipino community. The sincerity of her words, made true and strengthened by her actions, exemplifies her as an effective communicator, empowering the people and instilling goodness within the country.
Risa Hontiveros is another effective communicator who urged youths to self-advocate for reforms and policy changes against injustice and inequality. She supports psychological and physical wellness through policies, helping to reinforce the healthcare system that increases nationwide accessibility. Risa is constantly connected with the Filipino people, addressing social issues and launching effective strategies that collectively deepen her qualities as an effective communicator. All in all, we should strive to become effective communicators like Leni Robredo and Risa Hontiveros to provide a sustainable future for everyone.
Reflective Lifelong Learner and Competent Self-Nurturer
Dr. Lourdes Cruz of the University of the Philippines exemplifies the values of a Reflective Lifelong Learner and a Competent Self-Nurturer. As a Reflective Lifelong Learner, she seeks opportunities to grow, adapting her teaching and research practices to stay current and relevant in her field. This commitment to ongoing learning inspires both students and peers to continue evolving intellectually. At the same time, as a Competent Self-Nurturer, Dr. Lourdes understands the importance of maintaining balance in a demanding academic environment. She prioritizes her mental, emotional, and physical well-being, setting an example for others on how to manage stress.
In one of her interviews, Dr. Lourdes shared one of her favorite quotes: “I did not let this stop me from pursuing the field. I have never regretted my decision.” This quote reflects her resilience and determination in overcoming challenges to achieve success, showing that success in academia is not just about accomplishments but also about perseverance and personal fulfillment.
Reflecting on these values, I realize how crucial it is to balance intellectual growth with self-care in my own life. As students, we often focus solely on academic success, neglecting our well-being. Dr. Lourdes’s example reminds me that taking care of myself is essential for long-term success, and both personal growth and academic achievement can go hand in hand.
Engaged and Service-Driven Citizen
Deeply embedded in the sphere of experience and actively involved in the development of social progress is an engaged and service-driven citizen. This attribute develops genuine compassion, cultivating a way of being with others and nourishing relationships with God and the marginalized. One man incorporates this attribute, and his name is Efren Penaflorida.
From his deeds, it is apparent that he is no stranger in serving as a mentor to many of the street kids. As a victim of this harsh reality, he recognizes that using his skill can reshape the lives of many similar to his. His work, Kariton Klasrum, has proven to be substantial and built for those who were denied opportunities. Peñaflorida is not the only one with this attribute but also the Philippine Red Cross.
As an organization, they provide various health services to those unfortunate. In times of crisis, they are the light for many people, countering hunger, poverty, and the lack of clean water. In addition, they are undertaking community-based resilience training programs for residents, ensuring their preparedness in case of hazardous phenomena.
Evaluating and analyzing these deeds have showcased the significance of doing such actions. As citizens, we have a role that must be fulfilled, not for ourselves but for everyone, allowing all to achieve a common goal.
Virtue-Guided Decision Maker
To be a virtue-guided decision-maker is to act when it is easier to turn away. It is to make the difficult choice—the inconvenient, uncomfortable, necessary one—even when fear and exhaustion threaten to quiet our conscience.
We live in contradictions. It is easy to nod along to conversations about climate change while sipping coffee from a disposable cup. To acknowledge that the world is dying while scrolling through updates about wildfires on a smartphone made of unsustainably mined metals. It is easy to intellectualize responsibility and believe that awareness alone is enough. But awareness without action is just another form of apathy.
Professor Promentilla does not have the luxury of detachment. Every day, his work asks him: What will you do about it? And every day, he answers—not with words, but with action. His choices reshape waste, redefine sustainability, and challenge the inertia of inaction.
The same question lingers for us. When faced with the weight of responsibility, will we look away? Or will we choose, however imperfectly, to act?
Technically Proficient Professional
From the chambers of the Senate to the classrooms of De La Salle University, Senator Risa Hontiveros and Dr. Promentilla’s legacies stood out to me as a STEM student who aspires to create change in society’s ever-evolving complexities. Though in different fields, they consistently drive change with an impact not only in the present but also in the future. Hontiveros commits to empowering human rights, equality, and public health, while Promentilla actively contributes to innovative research and sustainable engineering practices. Their dedication to addressing societal challenges gives me a brighter perspective on the future.
This commitment reflects the Expected Lasallian Graduate Attributes (ELGA), particularly as Technically Proficient Professionals dedicated to using specialized knowledge and collaboration across other fields to solve problems with lasting impact. As Hontiveros balances policymaking and advocacy in legislation and Promentilla bridges science with sustainability, they embody the Lasallian Reflection Framework, merging expertise and empathy to thoughtfully construct solutions for real-world challenges.
As Lasallians, we must follow in their footsteps, committing to our craft and driving meaningful development. Their work proves that not all heroes wear capes—some stand behind a lectern, while others inspire from a classroom.
Signed,
STEM 11K
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