The DWU Jubilee Foundation announces its formal launch on July 1, 2000 during a 9AM mass in the St. Therese Chapel at the Divine Word University campus, Tacloban. The Foundation is made up of DWU Alumni and friends who aim to effect the re-opening of DWU Tacloban.

The Divine Word University of Tacloban (DWU) was the biggest Catholic institution of higher learning in Leyte and Samar. It had PAASCU accreditation for its excellent delivery of service. The Divine Word community was composed of 14,000 students, a well-qualified faculty of about 400, and a well-trained non-academic staff. It offered courses in different fields up to the doctoral level. It had a College of Law as well as a College of Medicine. Its graduates, specifically in engineering, nursing and medical technology, placed high in board exams. The University enjoyed the continuous support of local and international agencies, specifically those from Germany and the United States. It was able to have the latest in laboratories and technology equipment as well as an updated library. DWU was a major player in the educational, social, spiritual, and economic picture of Region VIII.

It will be recalled that the University ceased operations in 1995 as a result of a Union- Management disagreement. This closure brought about severe dislocation in several areas: educational, social, spiritual, and economic. The youth now were forced to seek higher education in Cebu and Manila schools. This was a heavy burden to families in Region VIII since understandably the cost of education had become almost unaffordable. The education academic and non-academic force as well as collateral businesses also suffered dislocation. Tacloban and its neighboring areas felt the economic pinch since many of the city's business and service establishments depended upon the university community. The alumni now scattered and pursuing successful and useful careers all over the country and abroad were appalled and distressed by the situation.

Hence, the DWU Jubilee Foundation.

All alumni and friends of DWU Tacloban are cordially invited to the Foundation launch. It will be followed by a motorcade, a board meeting of the DWU Jubilee Foundation and 6 PM - homecoming dinner in Kanhuraw Convention Center. These events are being organized jointly by the DWU Jubilee Foundation and the DWU High School Batch 1975. Dinner tickets cost P250.00 per person.

All Alumni and friends of DWU Tacloban are also encouraged to join the Foundation. For further information, Natividad Noel-Alejo at telephone (02) 816-9612 (Manila), Wilfredo Garrido at telephone (02) 892-0896 (Manila), and Leo Rama at telephone (053) 323-3031 (Tacloban) may be contacted.

Speech Delivered by Atty. Buenaventura Go-Soco, DJFI Launching Day (7/1/2000)