Feature: A ‘Giant Among Educators’, Dies at 68, BRO. ROLANDO R. DIZON, FSC
Bro. Rolando Dizon y RAMOS, FSC, founding President of the University of St. La Salle (USLS), died last Wednesday April 25 after more 50 years service to the
La Sallian Ministry. He was 68 having been nborn in Bacolod City on October 31, 1944, to Raymundo L. Dizon, Sr. (deceased) and Hermelinda V. Ramos-Dizon (Deceased).His biodata clearly shows the extent of his educated training which has fully equipped him with skills that made him an out-and-out success, not only in the field of education but also in developmental endeavors.
When Bro. Rolly, as he is fondly called, was installed as President of the University of St. La Salle, he dreamed of making La Salle-Bacolod the "University of the Future." His dream began to make headway with the linkages that had earlier been started by former President Victor Franco.
He zealously expanded and developed relationships with schools in Japan, Korea, Europe, Thailand, Taiwan and several other Asian countries.
His Kabisig undertakings and Lasaltech are still vibrant and progressive today which clearly attest to propagate his ideas and principles on total human development. Many often remarked that Bro. Roly had set up edifices and projects with human minds. He strongly adhered against the idea of indulging in negativism and always looked towards the future in a positive mode. He died to himself everytime he immersed in varied undertakings - as he was tenacious on all his endeavors to make everything possible towards the realization of his dreams.
His linkages with many towns and cities in the province of Negros Occidental led to the realization of cooperatives and associations which helped uplift the quality of life of the underprivileged of the beneficiaries. This is evidenced by the projects for fisherfolks and farmers in Southern Negros Occidental.
Bro. Rolly was very sports-minded and strived to inculcate into the school’s athletics discipline, camaraderie and to always focus themselves on their respective skills. He caused the construction of the Athlete’s Quarters with comfortable quarters and served nutritious meals.
He was also very keen on developing the dramatic and singing skills of talented students. This led to construction also of a mini-theatre.
His efforts and encouragement of the USLS Chorale finally bore fruit during the term of USLS President Bro. Gus Boquer, FSC, as the group was adjudged the National Champion of the NAMCYA. They performed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and bested all finalists like the Philippine Women’s University, the University of the Philippines and several other schools from Metro Manila and Mindanao.
The NAMCYA is a competition of all choral groups in the country. The eliminations are held in every region with the regional champions moving on to the CCP for the finals. This was the first time that a regional champion from a province had been adjudged as the champion.
As a reward for the honors that the Chorale had achieved for the university, Bro. Rolly arranged an Asian Tour for them where they performed in Taipei, Taiwan, Hongkong and in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chorale also performed in Cebu, Ilocos Provinces and in several towns and cities in the province of Negros Occidental.
His concern for the faculty and employees of the installation led to the construction of Villa Ramos Subdivision while continuing the development of Lasalleville which was started by Bro. Rafael Donato, FSC, former President of La Salle College.
He also encouraged the faculty and all senior employees of USLS to broaden their minds and horizons. In this aspect, he organized a Marian Tour to Europe for the faculty and staff of La Salle-Bacolod and De La Salle-Manila. The group toured the Holy Land, Spain, France and Italy.
I call him a "Giant Among Educators" as he has never been remiss in his duties and responsibilities as an educator and a citizen of this country.*
