The pursuit of a college diploma often remains a distant dream for many financially challenged, working Filipinos. The reality of needing to work—often in physically demanding, low-paying jobs—while simultaneously managing the costs and schedule of university life creates an insurmountable barrier. However, at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), a decades-old program is actively tearing down that wall.
This is the story of the DLSU-D Night College, a unique scholarship program that offers a transformative, highly subsidized path to a tertiary education for Cavite's most determined working students. It’s more than just a schedule adjustment; it’s a living testament to the Lasallian mission of inclusive, quality education.
Education for All: An Idea Rooted in History
The DLSU-D Night College program’s foundation is built on the revolutionary spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Back in 17th-century France, St. La Salle challenged the educational norms of the elite by establishing schools that taught in the common vernacular, making learning accessible to the poor and working-class children who had been historically excluded.
This pioneering ethos—that quality education should be for everyone, regardless of financial or social standing—is the driving force behind the Night College.
Established in 1988, the program was originally known as the Free Evening Class Scholarship Program under the College of Business. It was an initial, agile response to the needs of the university's employees when the La Salle Brothers took over the then Emilio Aguinaldo College. Under the leadership of the late Br. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC, the program was born to assist employees who had not yet completed their college degrees. These employees worked during the day and attended their classes after hours to earn their diplomas. Eventually, it not only expanded its reach to indigent youth in nearby communities and partners but also broadened its academic offerings to include courses from other colleges, moving beyond its initial focus on just business programs.
Today, it operates under the Chief Lasallian Mission Office, with overall guidance and supervision provided by Mr. Jose Ritche C. Bongcaron. The day-to-day operations of this program are managed by Director Dr. Mara U. Salibay, who ensures the program remains true to its core purpose: providing free college education to working students in Cavite.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
For the current First Semester, SY 2025-2026, a total of 174 scholars are enrolled across eight diverse academic programs spanning six different colleges.
The programs currently offered by the Night College are tailored to meet modern industry demands, including:
| College | Program | Number of Students (on their first year) |
|---|---|---|
| CBAA | BON - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Human Resource 27 Development Management | 27 |
| MKN - BSBA major in Marketing Management with Specialization in Integrated Marketing Communications | 31 | |
| NYT - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Human Resource Development Management | 33 | |
| CEAT | MMN - Bachelor in Multi Media Arts | 12 |
| CTHM | HRN Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management | 33 |
| COS | APN – Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics | 2 |
| CSIT | NIT – Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | 2 |
| CLAC | PSN – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | 34 |
| Total | 174 | |
Student Services: (Documentation can be found in Youtube Channel )
The Night College is committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure students, who often balance work and family with their studies, have a successful and enriching academic journey. Our student services are designed to specifically address the unique needs of our evening student population.
1. Class Advisory Meetings (Curriculum, Concerns, and Dialogue)
Class Advisory Meetings serve as the primary forum for structured communication and academic advocacy between students and the Night College administration. These sessions are crucial for maintaining academic quality and addressing student-specific concerns promptly.
- Curriculum Updating: Meetings provide a platform to discuss and gather feedback on curriculum relevance and proposed academic changes. This ensures the course offerings remain current and aligned with industry standards and student goals.
- Addressing Class Concerns: Students are encouraged to raise concerns regarding various aspects of their academic experience, including:
- Professors: Feedback on teaching methodologies and classroom management.
- Assessments: Discussion about the fairness and relevance of grading criteria and examination procedures.
- Scheduling: Raising issues related to class conflicts, session timings, and academic calendars, particularly how they impact working students.
- Outcome: The primary goal is to foster a collaborative environment, ensuring student voices directly inform the decision-making processes related to their education.
2. General Assemblies are large-scale gatherings designed to unite the entire Night College community.
- Information Dissemination: These assemblies are used to relay critical University-wide announcements, policy changes, and important deadlines that are vital for students to know.
- Community Building: They provide an opportunity for students from different academic programs to network, share experiences, and receive motivational talks or special addresses from University leadership.
- Elections and Governance: Assemblies may also serve as a venue for student government elections or major voting initiatives, promoting active participation in college governance.
3. Recognizing the need for holistic development and stress relief, the Night College organizes dedicated sports and recreational activities.
- Work-Life Balance: These activities offer a necessary break from academic and professional pressures, promoting physical well-being and mental health.
- Community and Camaraderie: Sports events, such as inter-class tournaments or TAKSAY, are excellent tools for building camaraderie and school spirit among students who may not see each other outside of specific courses.
- Typical Activities: These may include basketball, volleyball, chess tournaments, or even fitness and wellness workshops scheduled at times convenient for evening attendees
By offering this range of academic, informational, and recreational activities, the Night College strives to create a supportive and engaging environment that is specially tailored to the needs of its working student population.
Contact us
- nightcollege@dlsud.edu.ph
- +63 (46) 481.1900 Local 3277
- Youtube Channel
- Latest photos from General Assembly


