Education is not rare: PSOD and DLS-CSB together in mission to promote inclusive education

The Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD) and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their partnership for two programs aimed at promoting inclusive education last March 28, 2019 at Club Filipino Greenhills, San Juan City. 

Mr. Neil Parinas, VIce President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, Mr. Terence Tiu, Dean and School Director of School for Professional and Continuing Education, Mr. Juan Benedicto Magdaraog, Patient Advocate of Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Bro. Dennis Magbanua FSC, President of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, Ms. Cynthia Magdaraog, President of Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Dr. Carmencita Padilla, Founder and Chairman of Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Mr. Robin Serrano, Vice President for Advancement  of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.

With the theme “Together in Mission,” the first MoU signing formalized the partnership of the two institutions in undertaking program initiatives to promote PSOD’s mission in upholding the primary concerns and welfare of Filipino individuals with rare disease under the auspices of PSOD. 

Ms. Cynthia Magdaraog, President of Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Bro. Dennis Magbanua FSC, President of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde,Dr. Carmencita Padilla, Founder and Chairman of Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Mr. Robin Serrano, Vice President for Advancement  of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde

Bro. Dennis Magbanua FSC, President of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde

True to its mission of promoting the Benildean education that is unique in the spirit of inclusion and innovation, the DLS-CSB serves as the central network for the advocacy and effective coordination of all efforts to sustain a quality life for individuals with orphan disorders. 

Mr. Juan Benedicto Magdaraog, Patient Advocate of Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders

The event also marked the launch of “I am Rare Scholarship Fund” initiated by benefactor DLS- CSB alumnus Juan Dickoy Magdaraog who has a rare disease called Pompe. The “I am Rare Scholarship Fund,” which will be lodged to PSOD, endeavors to equip patients for future opportunities to improve their quality of life. PSOD will assess qualified scholars to be sent to college through the School for Professional and Continuing Education (SPaCE) that offers art diploma programs in Basic and Advanced Painting and Multimedia Arts like Digital Photography, Web Design and Video Editing among others. The Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) on the other hand will assist the PSOD scholars on social coaching to help students to easily adapt to  Benildean education and environment. 

Dr. Carmencita Padilla, Founder and Chairman of Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders

Ms. Cynthia Magdaraog, President of Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders

Gracing the ceremonial signing were officials, partners and advocates of both institutions including orphan disorder patients and their parents, members of Benildean Parents in Action and the media. The PSOD and DLS-CSB Partnership MoU was signed by PSOD Founder Dr. Carmencita David-Padilla, PSOD President Cynthia Magdaraog, DLS-CSB President Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC, and DLS-CSB Vice President for Advancement Robin Serrano. Meanwhile, the “I am Rare Scholarship Fund” MoU was signed by benefactor and DLS-CSB alumnus Juan Magdaraog, PSOD Founder Dr. Carmencita David-Padilla, PSOD President Cynthia Magdaraog, DLS-CSB President Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC, DLS-CSB Vice President for Advancement Robin Serrano, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life Neil Parinas, and Dean and School Director of SPaCE Terence Tiu.