De La Salle University–Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), through the School of Governance, Public Service, and Corporate Leadership (SGPSCL), recently launched the La Salle Barangay Leadership and Governance Academy (LS BALANGAY), a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots leadership and promoting sustainable community development.
Carrying the theme “Paglalakbay Tungo sa Pinalakas na Barangay,” the program seeks to equip local government leaders with essential knowledge and skills for effective and responsive governance. The initiative reflects the University’s commitment to bridging academic expertise with the realities of public service at the community level.
In his message, University President Br. Iñigo Riola FSC emphasized the transformative role of the program in empowering communities through education and leadership formation. “As we formally launch this initiative today, may LS BALANGAY continue to strengthen the mission of DLSU-D as a university that not only educates minds, but also transforms lives and communities,” he shared.
The event gathered key partners and government officials, including Atty. Maria Liavel C. Badillo-Crisostomo, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), who served as keynote speaker. Messages of support were also delivered by University Provost Dr. Christian George Francisco, DILG IV-A Regional Director Engr. Ariel O. Iglesia, Local Government Academy Executive Director Thelma T. Vecina, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Barzaga, and General Trias Mayor Luis A. Ferrer IV.
The program launch was led by SGPSCL Director Dr. Rommel Mazo and project proponent Latrell Andre C. Manguera, while Dasmariñas City Vice Mayor Elpidio A. Barzaga III facilitated the participants’ pledge of commitment. Through LS BALANGAY, DLSU-D continues to advance its mission of forming servant leaders dedicated to nation-building and transformative governance.
