De La Salle Lipa
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

De La Salle Lipa Statement of Inclusion

De La Salle Lipa recognizes and respects individual differences by providing an inclusive learning and working environment. Within such a setting, the school continues its initiatives to promote safety, security, and equity among its stakeholders. Likewise, the school affirms its commitment to:

• Respect and honor the diversity and dignity of all individuals as guided by Catholic social teachings, notably the LAUDATO Si, an urgent call to tackle the current ecological crisis by making a paradigm shift that will allow all human beings to live sustainably in dignity;
  
• Offer a human and Christian education to all, regardless of social or economic class, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, background, or abilities;
• Build a society founded on equity and justice by treating everyone with respect;
• Embrace equal employment opportunities by providing Lasallian Partners (personnel) with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment;
• Place safety and security in high regard, these being emphasized as fundamental rights of every stakeholder in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;
• Ensure that students and employees have access to inclusive education by providing them learning programs and working spaces that cater to their diverse needs, always doing so in ways that are respectful, accepting, responsive, and supportive; and,
• Being attentive to a) allotting enough space for the differently-abled – ramps, stair chairs, Braille elevator signage, parking, and spacious access gates and handrails; b) giving parents and guardians access within the campus to assist their children whenever needed, and c) training the school’s security team to assist the differently-abled especially during disasters or calamities, and, prioritizing them in case of evacuation.

These and other considerations serve as important measures as the school continues to embrace a safe and inclusive environment for all personnel, students, and other stakeholders. The school shall continue to improve and provide not just the necessary facilities but also the appropriate learning and working environment that creates a truly inclusive culture. To fulfill these goals, the school looks towards forging more open communication channels to better understand everyone’s needs.

https://www.dlsl.edu.ph/page/about-dlsl/dlsl-statement-of-inclusion/ 

The institution has the College Campus Committee on Campus Sexuality to fulfil its mandate as a Christian institution, inculcating among its students the respect for the dignity of the human person through the realization of the value of one’s sexuality making them mature and responsible members of society. The committee addresses the growing concerns of college students regarding sexuality recommending policies and interventions to the concerned higher authorities. The committee also handles the student’s concern who belong to the LGBTQIA+. 

Specifically, the Committee on Campus Sexuality is created to a) Discuss issues concerning sexuality on campus; b) Formulate programs regarding these issues for curricular and co-curricular integration; c) Create proper interventions for the formation of sound conscience regarding sexuality within the college level; and d) Cooperate and coordinate with various offices and departments in program implementation.

In some instances the the students are caught violating school policies which pertain to sexuality the concerned students will be given a chance to explain 

De La Salle Lipa also established policies on different Sexuality Issues such as 

I. Homosexuality 

 Policies: Subscribing to the declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which says "Homosexual persons as human persons, have the right as all persons, including the right of not being treated in a manner which offends their personal dignity". The College Department therefore will observe the following: 

a. Homosexuals will be treated with respect and understanding 

b. Homosexuals will be given the same curricular and cocurricular opportunities accorded to heterosexuals Homosexuals will be allowed free but responsible expressions of their individuality provided that they observe the policies and norms of the school.

c. Homosexuals will be allowed free but responsible expressions of their individuality provided that they observe the policies and norms of the school. 

II. Gender Equality

Policy: Males and females will be given equal opportunities both in language and participation in all school activities. 

The Committee will respond to all complaints and will take appropriate action to prevent, correct, and discipline conduct that is in violation of its policies. The College Guidance and Counseling Center will facilitate the intervention. Specific details can be seen in the Student Handbook. 

For the employees, the school has no direct bias response team but has a multisectoral Grievance Committee, that tackles various offenses, including discrimination, if any. For the last three years, there were no discrimination-related grievances reported.

Inspired by the Lasallian Mission, the De La Salle Lipa Office established the Lasallian Assistance Management Program (LAMP) which is committed to serving young people, especially the poor underprivileged, by providing them access to a Lasallian education through various academic and non-academic scholarship programs. Moreover, professional scholarship programs are given to the academic and non-academic staff who want to pursue post-graduate degrees and related certifications.

For students, DLSL through the LAMP Office has a program called The “Mission IPossible 2: Bridging the Digital Divide among Indigenous Scholars in De La Salle Lipa”. It is a workshop designed to equip Indigenous students with the necessary digital skills to navigate and effectively use digital tools and resources available at DLSL. Through a series of workshops, Indigenous students will be taught how to utilize digital tools and platforms such as Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Mail, and Canvas, empowering them to overcome barriers related to the utilization of technology.

Generally, the program aims to bridge the digital divide among Indigenous scholars at De La Salle Lipa by enhancing their digital literacy, as well as fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment. Specifically, the program seeks to (1) conduct comprehensive digital literacy workshops tailored to the needs of Indigenous students; (2) provide support for IP scholars in utilizing digital tools and online platforms; and (3) To promote inclusivity through creating a safe and welcoming environment for IPs as they engage with technology.

The IS Guidance and Counseling Center recognizes the migration issues and concerns among children of OFWs. Anak ng Nangingibang Bansa Aruga at Kalinga (ANAK) Program is designed to positively and continuously enhance the character and behavior of the children of OFWs. It focuses on raising awareness, understanding, and providing support to the children of OFW through needs assessment, counseling, and talks/assemblies that promote their well-being.

Sample: ANAK Program SY 23-24

The College Guidance and Counseling Center (CGCC) is implementing specialized programs that can be accessed in both face-to-face and online set-up. Seminars are  facilitated for these programs and are also made available through the CGCC Canvas course, which includes recorded webinars, and psychoeducational modules to provide guidance.

The following lists the special programs offered by CGCC to support students from the underrepresented groups on campus:

Program for Children of OFW

This program aims to develop and strengthen family values, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility among children of OFW. It also promotes social consciousness, advocates civic concerns, and nurtures spiritual growth.

Program for Scholars

This program aims to assist scholars in better managing their academic tasks and office duties to achieve their full academic potential while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Program for College Athletes

This program offers college varsity athletes appropriate activities/seminars that are directed towards positive mental health practices, social interaction, character building, and life skills development that will help them as student-athletes.

Program for Student Parents

This program provides student parents with a support system in school that facilitates an environment of understanding and companionship. It also offers helpful parenting resources and explores measures to enhance the health and well-being of student parents.

Program for Foreign/International Students

This program aims to assist foreign/ international students to be well adjusted to the Philippine culture as well as to celebrate multi-cultural diversity. The educational materials, webinars, and group dynamic sessions are crafted to support the socio-cultural aspect, academic, and well-being of each student.

Mental Health Literacy Program (World Mental Health Day Celebration, Suicide Prevention Month Celebration, International Day of Happiness Celebration, Mental Health Articles in line with Mental Health Theme, Inspirational Messages in line with the Mental Health Theme)

This program aims to provide activities that advocate mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and promote practices that improve overall psychological well-being among students.

 We also provide the following services to them:

1. Counseling (face-to-face and virtual)

The core service of the College Guidance and Counseling Center. It aims to empower students to succeed by assisting them in their academic, career, and social/emotional development. Various counseling techniques and strategies are utilized to help students handle their concerns and guide them toward making sound life decisions. This service includes student needs assessment, case conceptualization, and counseling interventions.

 Counseling Intervention for students experiencing mental health concerns:

The Guidance Counselor determines the student’s presenting problems and conducts risk assessment through interviewing and by reviewing the detailed concerns that the student indicated on the Student Individual Inventory (SII). After providing guidance and counseling intervention, the Guidance Counselors formulate goals with the student. The counselors also schedule follow-up sessions as necessary. They also coordinate with the parent/guardian through continuous feedback and monitoring. The counselors also inform the teachers of the student’s concerns, given that the student and/or the parents/guardian give consent to disclose their mental health status. For students who are already consulting a specialist, the counselor communicates with the attending physician.

 2. Individual Inventory

It is a collection of student’s personal information and background as well as their concerns. The essential data is utilized in various guidance and counseling programs and services such as counseling, referrals, and follow-ups.

 3. Information

This service aims to provide students with the necessary information regarding academic, career, and social/emotional development which will help them understand themselves and the world around them.

 4. Referral

Guidance Counselors accommodate student referrals from Lasallians Partners, parents, and other students to assist them in matters concerning academic, career, and social/emotional aspects.

 Referral System Procedure

The guidance counselors are available to support students with academic, career, and social/emotional concerns. Referrals from Lasallians Partners, parents, and fellow students can be submitted through various channels, including the online referral form, Canvas inbox, DLSL email, or referral slip. The link to the Google Form and the referral slip are provided to the faculty members. All feedback is given as early as possible. Informed consent and confidentiality are observed.

 In cases that require specialized expertise, students may be directed to specialists and partner agencies for additional consultation and assessment. A list of specialists and/or agencies is provided to the parent and student as necessary.

 5. Follow-up (face-to-face and online)

This service ensures that identified and at-risk students are continuously monitored and appropriate and necessary interventions are provided. It facilitates and re-evaluates the students’ progress.

 6. Testing (face-to-face and online)

This service aims to assess the student’s learning styles, aptitude, personality, abilities, interests, and key strengths and vulnerabilities. This serves as a vital and useful tool in gathering data for student assessment, research, and in continuous development of the center’s programs and services.

 7. Consultation (face-to-face and online)

Through consultations, students, as well as parents, guardians, and Lasallian partners, can seek the expertise of Guidance Counselors. Counselors provide expert opinions on matters that involve students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development. Additionally, the office also consults and coordinates with partner agencies and organizations for assistance when necessary.

 8. Wellness

It aims to promote student awareness and advocacy in mental health and wellness. It focuses on encouraging students to maintain a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle to help them achieve their individual development, full potential, and overall success.

 The Learning Management System (Canvas) and various online learning and communication platforms are utilized, including Google Meet, Email, and social media, to effectively implement the center’s programs and services. All students are enrolled in the CGCC Canvas course, ensuring seamless access to the full range of programs and services. Furthermore, students have the autonomy to schedule counseling sessions through the CGCC Appointment Scheduler, easily accessible via the center’s Canvas Course.

Supporting Documents: LINK

Practicum/Internship Programs for Education Student Scholars

Both BS Elementary Education and BSE Secondary education students, of which 70% are scholars, had their Internship during the Second Semester of every academic year in the Integrated School of De La Salle Lipa. Also, students were given exposure both in public and private schools for their pre-service training. This was done to equip pre-service teachers with the needed rudiments on how to become professional teachers and their stepping guide to becoming a member of the faculty of the De La Salle Lipa.

Student Handbook