De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) and the family of the late Cavite Governor Erineo ‘Ayong’ Maliksi signed two memorandums of agreement to establish a Professorial Chair and a Student Scholarship Endowment Fund to honor his life and legacy.
To be officially named the Erineo ‘Ayong’ Maliksi Professorial Chair in Political Science and History and the Erineo ‘Ayong’ Maliksi Student Scholarship Endowment Fund, the signing ceremony and the turn-over of the initial donation was held on March 25, 2022, at the courtyard of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management building. The event coincided with the 84th birthday of the late politician.
The late Erineo ‘Ayong’ Saquilayan Maliksi was an exemplary public servant who selflessly served Cavite and the country in various capacities in his very storied political career that spanned over forty years. He started his public service as a protegé of the late Cavite Governor Juanito Remulla, he was vice mayor of Imus, the capital of the province, from 1980 to 1986, then its mayor from 1988 to 1998. He was second district congressman from 1998 to 2001, and from 2010 to 2013, he served three full terms as Cavite governor from 2001 to 2010. His last post was as chair of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office from 2015 to 2016. He was married to Olivia Leonardo.
The two funds established are gifts from Governor Ayong’s surviving family members.
In her welcoming message, Vice President for Resource Generation Dr. Myrna F. Ramos shared her fond memories with the late Governor Maliksi and enumerated some of his advocacies and achievements namely, the recognition of Cavite as the “Historical Capital of the Philippines”. Maliksi was the architect of the Gawad Emilio Aguinaldo Award, and the author of the observance of Kalayaan Festival, an activity that calls for the unification among Caviteños and the observance of the Battle of Imus. He allocated funds for the construction of the Imus Museum and the rehabilitation of Tejeros Convention Hall. He also defended the Cavite position against Bataan’s claim that Corregidor should belong to Cavite. She also explained what a Professorial Chair and what a Scholarship Endowment Fund are.
In his response on behalf of the Maliksi family, City of Imus Mayor Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Maliksi recalled the humble beginnings of his father and how he placed a premium on education and how he rose to political fame and authority. He thanked DLSU-D for the opportunity to honor and remember his father and that he hopes that the next generation will emulate his father’s commitment to service and excellence.
On behalf of the DLSU-D students, University Student Government President Ms. Niña Ligan delivered a brief message of appreciation and thanked the Maliksi family for supporting the scholarship program of DLSU-D.
Finally in his message to those in attendance, DLSU-D Chief Administrative Officer Br. Francisco ‘Sockie’ de la Rosa VI, FSC expressed his appreciation to the Maliksi family for supporting DLSU-D in its mission of fostering research and education. “With this Professorial Chair and endowment fund, we are reliving the brand, the battle cry, that is Gov Ayong Maliksi. This donation will pave the way for many more revolutionary research and efforts towards the improvement of the province and the country’s politically grounded mindsets and noble ideals