The DLSU Rufino Campus is envisioned as a premier academic hub for young professionals.
Once, the narrow strip of land located at the University Parkway of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) was deemed “unbuildable.”
It was the last piece of institutional real estate in BGC that was up for lease.
Carlos S. Rufino, a trustee, recommended that De La Salle University join the bidding. Luckily the school won.
The DLSU Rufino Campus not only boasts of a prime location, a narrow piece of property along 38th Street, in the so-called institutional area of Bonifacio Global City. Today, the De La Salle University Rufino Campus, which is home to the university’s College of Law, stands on this “unbuildable” lot.
I bet the hasty ones who didn’t see the potential in this property are now regretting their decision! Aside from being located in one of the country’s most dynamic business centers, the campus is near other prestigious learning institutions as well as the future site of the Philippine Supreme Court.
This is very apt, as the DLSU Rufino Campus is positioned as a premier academic hub that brings Lasallian education closer to more professionals and future leaders in the legal profession.
Designed by Architect Anna Sy-Lawrence, the seven-storey campus houses classrooms, a moot court, an arbitration room, an auditorium, a library, and a prayer room.
The structure is elegant as its design is characterized by crisp, fine lines. It must also be noted that the DLSU Rufino Campus has been given a Special Commendation from the Urban Land Institute Philippines’ 1st Healthy Places Awards in June 2016. It is a green building and is likewise aiming for a three-star BERDE rating.
Lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno, dean of DLSU College of Law, said the new campus, which began operations in August last year, would be more conducive to learning because of its open and well-lit design.
Rufino Campus Inauguration
The De La Salle University added another proud moment to its long history when the DLSU Rufino Campus was inaugurated last February 18.
During the program, university officials led by DLSU President Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC recognized esteemed alumni and their families, as well as friends of the University for their shared commitment to support quality education in the country.
The reputation and influence of the Lasallian educational system continue to grow because of those who have been shaped by it, and by those who share our desire to “touch hearts, teach minds, and transform lives,” as the De La Salle Brothers put it.
Honored at the event were the family of Ernesto D. Rufino Sr., family of Vicente A. Rufino, family of Ester Rufino Galvez, family of Rafael R. Rufino Sr., Macario S. Rufino, Nestor V. Tan, Caroline L. Tanchay, Wellington Y. Tong, family of Ambrosio B. Padilla, Liberito V. Espiritu, Globe Telecoms, George T. Barcelon, Edward K. Lee, Atty. Florentino M. Herrera III, Jacques A. Dupasquier, Development Bank of the Philippines, Maria Natividad de Leon Rufino, Maria Victoria A. Rufino, the late Rafael A. Rufino Jr., and of course, Project Head Carlos S. Rufino.
At the inauguration, Marivic Rufino also presented her artwork “Serenity” divider as a donation to the DLSU-Rufino Campus and it is displayed beautifully at the lobby area. Also unveiled was the floor of Globe Telecom as its president, Ernest Cu is a Lasallian through and through.
Designed by Architect Anna Sy, the DLSU Rufino Campus is a true green building.
More than a building
With the completion of the Rufino Campus, De La Salle University sees the campus as a strategic site for innovation and collaborative efforts as well as a base for knowledge generation.
More importantly, the university has a longer, more ambitious vision for the campus. In it, the country’s future leaders, innovators, advocates, and scholars will be honed with, not just the skills they will need in their profession, but with Christian ideals and a grounding in the sanctity of human rights.
In its own way, the Rufino Campus is the university’s contribution towards nation building. Truly, Lasallian excellence will take root at the heart of the city and touch the hearts and mold the minds of a new generation of young professionals.