As DLSU marks its golden jubilee as a university charter, DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca, along with other University officials, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological developments in Lasallian education during the annual University General Assembly (UGA) for AY 2025-2026 at the Most Sacred Sacrament Chapel last September 12.
Embracing technology
A recurring theme in this year’s UGA was utilizing technological advancements to further improve Lasallian education. Oca remarked that DLSU would lead the ethical application of generative AI, mentioning the University’s new Generative AI Policy that was enforced at the start of the academic year.
In his presentation, Oca shared an AI-generated video that was used to promote the assembly and made rounds around campus. The video humorously showed the DLSU president playing video games, painting, and even cheering for other universities to comment on the prevalence of AI-generated disinformation online. Oca then explained his term break was actually spent endlessly preparing for the coming academic year.
Meanwhile, Provost and Vice President for Academics Dr. Robert Roleda emphasized the importance of expanding the services of the University using technology to cater to more students.
For Roleda, while such advancements might challenge traditional models of education, they also present great opportunities. He referenced DLSU’s immense progress since the pandemic and how it introduced online learning as an alternative mode of instruction for continuing education amid various challenges that disrupt it.
New year, new facilities
Senior Vice President Kai Fernandez celebrated the various campus infrastructure projects in both campuses, such as the inauguration of the first phase of St. Mutien Marie Hall in the Manila Campus, which houses newly renovated classrooms, laboratories, and workspaces.
The Laguna Campus, in particular, saw numerous infrastructure projects in the previous academic year, seeing the rise of the Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall, University Hall, multiple research hubs, a semi-Olympic sized swimming pool, and a refurbished John Gokongwei Jr. Innovation Center, following the departure of Ubisoft Philippines.
Fernandez also lauded the switch to 100-percent renewable energy in “eligible” buildings in both campuses, which she described as DLSU’s vital contribution to reducing campus energy consumption and mitigating climate change.
She also discussed the launch of Archers Hub, the new admissions facility to modernize the University’s application process. Fernandez revealed that its second phase is already underway, now equipped with functionality for enrollment, online payment services, and graduation processes, among others.
Hurdles and promises
However, despite its many achievements from the previous year, DLSU still faces challenges at the present. Roleda highlighted that the University has already resolved the issue of campus capacity, a problem previously encountered while transitioning back from the pandemic. A major challenge it is now experiencing is the lack of available “good” teaching staff—especially as it hopes to expand Lasallian education globally.
Fernandez then shifted to DLSU’s workforce, which she says now requires more onsite and remote workers. She stated that the University had “limited means to simply keep on hiring [resource] staff” and stressed the need to improve the skills of its current staff to enhance student services.
Oca closed the assembly by reminiscing past years while also expressing how the new academic year signifies the beginning of a new journey for the University. He reiterated DLSU’s educational philosophy, pledging to recommit the University’s goals toward “teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives.”
According to the DLSU president, the priority of the University remains unchanged, and that is to deliver quality education. For Oca, Roleda, and the rest of the DLSU administration, this meant “honoring the challenges of this fast-changing world” by harnessing new technologies.
