Closing ranks

Despite the different views and opinions as to how this painful situation should have been handled, it is clear that our intentions and love for La Salle is the common and prevailing sentiment that we all share.

Though the airing of all differences was at times emotional and perhaps hurtful, I believe it was a necessary process for us to go through to be able to arrive at the stage we are now in.

And with how the recent developments have unfolded and the letter of Dra. Quebengco to the La Salle Community, I feel that we have now come to the point where it is time for all La Sallites to close ranks.

Opinions and views may still vary, but because of our shared sentiment and sincere intention for the truth to prevail, the road to unity — a value that sports has instilled in us — will be a much clearer path for all of us to follow.

Incidentally, it is my hope that if the La Salle officials wish to go through with the voluntary leave of absence from the UAAP, this will apply only for the basketball team. The other sports programs of the school should not be made to suffer the consequences intended for the basketball program. Perhaps an investigation of all programs should take place first to determine whether the same should be applied.

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Excerpts from a message from fellow Sports Hall of Fame awardee Bert Garcia:

"It is pleasing to note the more positive and incisive direction that La Salle officials are taking lately. This contributes and leads to a collective healing process. I also look forward to renewing bonds of friendship with fellow La Sallites, school friends, alumni, teachers, Brothers, and administration at the Ninoy Aquino.

…"No one has a copyright on loyalty to La Salle, my veins run green with as much intensity as the next, but I will most certainly take offense if my loyalty is questioned. My loyalty is not to an institution but to the values and principles that we collectively acquired during our La Sallian education. We cannot put a finger to it but it manifests itself as a comfort zone whenever we are introduced to a fellow La Sallite. We instinctively know that values are shared.

I am a Sports Hall of Fame Awardee, I worked long and hard to excel in football. I believe I did La Salle proud as a member of the Philippine Team and NCAA Juniors and Seniors. I will never do tarnish that and I will just as fiercely defend the honor bestowed on me. But being a Sports Hall of Fame Awardee, likewise has more responsibilities, as a role model for football, sports in general more importantly to have set a sporting excellence standard for La Salle that goes outside the football field."…

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Bert’s suggestions regarding the program for the Nov.12 gathering at 2 o’çlock pm at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium (near the football and track and field stadium) are listed below. These guidelines are going to be followed:

1. No one should say anything bad about the school officials or administration.

2. The aim is to rekindle the La Salle spirit and fuse back divisions which this event may have created among the alumni and students.

3. This can be done by a number of ways, - Start with a prayer, singing of the Alma Mater song, linking hands while doing so, wearing green and lighting candles.

4. The event should be as solemn as possible.

5. Speakers should be representative of each sector, alumni, students, school staff (i.e. the Pidjong of this world), teachers.

6. We should all collectively "own up" to what has happened and move on.

7. Let the La Salle "conscience" prevail regarding the matter of funding for the benefit of Gatchalian and Benitez

8. Use the event as a way of signing up more alumni into the Association.

9. Event should not last more than 1 hour unless moving spirits do not wish to disperse.

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I sincerely hope to see you all on the 12th. Whether you hold an alumni card or not, all are welcome.

For further inquiries regarding the event, please contact cell no. 09279993336 and email address: [email protected].