Formal Turn-over of Ambassador Delia D. Albert Collection

On the 24th day of March 2015, a collection gathered for over four decades of exceptional international career diplomat post, was formally turned over. For over a year of planning and meetings, Ambassador Delia D. Albert firmly decided that the De La Salle University Libraries be the permanent home of her valuable collection.
Shortly, after the donor’s remarks, the signing of the deed of donation and ceremonial turnover followed. Present in the signing were De La Salle University’s OIC President and Chancellor, Br. Dennis M. Magbanua FSC; Associate Vice President for Information and Resource Management, Dr. Leonila C. Abella; the Donor, Her Excellency Ambassador Delia D. Albert and her sister, a former U.N Official, Mrs. Evelyn Domingo-Barker.
The program was graced by the premiere chorale group in the university, the DLSU Chorale, who sang a heartfelt invocation and a national anthem. Meanwhile, the University Curator, Ms. Rizalina D. Buncab welcomed the guests and opened the program. According to her, “[The] university is very fortunate with the collection. This collection will challenge, excite, and inspire the Lasallian Community, most of all, our students.” The said curator was very instrumental in helping the Libraries in putting up the room where the collection will be housed and the exhibit show. Her message was then followed by an introduction to the collections by the Special Collections Librarian, Ms. Donna Lyn G. Labangon. In providing a glimpse of the donated resources, hers is a collection that speaks well of a very fruitful journey of a steadfast diplomat who unreservedly served the country for four decades, 25 years of which she spent in Europe.
Guests were also treated to an opera like singing of a renowned soprano, Ms. Maria Rachelle R. Gerodias. An impression to the donor was delivered by SGV Group Founder, Mr. Washington SyCip, who proudly shared his prediction that Ambassador Delia will be the first lady Secretary of the Foreign Affairs. Her Excellency, Ambassador Delia D. Albert, then gave her message underscoring on why she chose De La Salle University. She noted that, “a greater good for a greater number convinced me to be here”. According to her, “it was sheer coincidence and perhaps luck that [she] was offered the space of the erstwhile European Documentation Centre which was a project of former De La Salle President Brother Andrew”. She also stated that being in the public service all throughout her professional life, she decided that she would want to share and motivate the people whose interests she has represented.
After the signing, His Excellency Mr. Guy Ledoux, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, delivered a brief message which was then followed by the remarks of DLSU’s President and Chancellor, Br. Dennis M. Magbanua FSC. He extends his sincerest thanks to the donor for choosing the De La Salle University as the safe keeping place to her valued collection.