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.
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.