SU inaugurates new home of GSC
Silliman University (SU) formally inaugurated and blessed the new office of the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center (SU-Lao GSC) on March 22, 2025, in a ceremony held on the fifth floor of the Portal East.
The Center’s establishment traces back to 2022, when the SU Board of Trustees (BOT) directed the University Administration to create a center that would utilize virtual learning methods to offer short courses accessible to learners anywhere in the world.
In support of this vision, Dr. Mariano C. Lao, an Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee for Business Entrepreneurship in 2018, committed a generous donation of ₱20 million to help establish the Center.
Following its official approval by the BOT in 2023, the SU-Lao GSC initially operated out of the Dr. Mariano and Lina Lao Activity Hall in the Junior High School area before relocating to its permanent home on the fifth floor of Portal East.
Dr. Dave E. Marcial, SU-Lao GSC director, noted the significance of the occasion, saying that the event was more than an inauguration of the building; it was bringing a vision to life.
“This new home—the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center—stands as a symbol of hope, innovation, and inclusion. It reflects our shared commitment to making learning limitless, flexible, and transformative,” Marcial said.
Dr. Dave E. Marcial, director of the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center, presents the thrusts of the Center.
At the heart of the SU-Lao GSC are three key units, each with a distinct role in advancing the Center’s mission.
The Continuing Education and Professional Advancement Unit serves as the core of the GSC. It offers a wide range of flexible, accessible programs designed to promote lifelong learning. These include non-degree programs, on-demand and streaming video content, tutorial and assistance services, as well as institutional skills assessments.
The Silliman Online University Learning (SOUL) Unit extends Silliman University’s tradition of educational excellence to a global audience. It is committed to building a learner-centered online community grounded in quality, innovation, and inclusion. Its services include online distance education, technology-enhanced onsite learning, learning management system administration, upskilling and retooling programs, instructional innovation and support, Silliman Open Online Courses (SOOCs), and alumni professional engagement.
Dr. Mariano C. Lao receives a Plaque of Appreciation from Silliman University. With him in the photo (from left to right) are Dr. Dave E. Marcial, Mr. Ricardo A. Balbido, Mrs. Lina Lao, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, and Mrs. Grace A. Ty.
The third unit, Innovation, Creation, Invention, and Outreach, functions as a dynamic research and training hub focused on digital literacy and community outreach. Its offerings include a free computer education program, flexible and open laboratory access, technology research and capstone grants, assistance programs, as well as educational technology competitions, research initiatives, and extension activities.
Marcial said that although the offerings sound technical, their core is deeply human: “They speak of hope, access, and opportunity. They reflect our mission to create learning spaces where people are empowered to grow, contribute, and lead.”
On behalf of the University, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, thanked Dr. Lao and Mrs. Lina Lao for their donations that “allow the institution to pursue its teaching and learning goals.”
“The Center provides opportunities for students and lifelong learners to acquire skills and proficiencies through technology-oriented flexible learning modalities that sustain the university’s relevance in the workplace and the wider society,” McCann said.
Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, expresses gratitude to Dr. Mariano and Mrs. Lina Lao.
During the event, Mr. Ricardo A. Balbido, SU BOT chair, and McCann presented a plaque of appreciation to Lao in recognition of his invaluable support in establishing the University’s technological global studies and learning hub.
In his acceptance speech, Lao reaffirmed his commitment to the continued growth and success of the Center. He also voiced his deep concern for underprivileged students, emphasizing the importance of extending support to those in need.
Dr. Mariano C. Lao expresses gratitude to his alma mater and commits to support it.
“If there’s one project I am willing to support, it will be something for the underprivileged—people who need help,” Lao said. “I needed help some time ago and received it from people like Prof. Rabor and other teachers at the SU High School.”
The blessing of the new office was led by the Silliman University pastoral team, composed of Rev. Jonathan R. Pia, University pastor; Rev. Mark B. Augusto, associate minister for Students and Campus Chaplaincy; and Rev. Iris H. Tibus, associate minister for Christian Education and Nurture.
Dr. Mariano and Lina Lao pose with their Marco Polo Club friends.
Among those in attendance were Mrs. Grace A. Ty, Trustee-in-Residence; Dr. Margaret Helen U. Alvarez, interim vice president for Academic Affairs and Research, who delivered the welcome address; Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, interim assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and concurrent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II, interim executive director for Research, Publications, and Innovation; Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., Office of Media and Public Affairs chief; Dr. Edna T. Calingacion, dean of Students; along with other university administrators and student representatives.
Also present were close friends of Dr. and Mrs. Lao from the Marco Polo Club, including Mr. and Mrs. Leo and Lulli De Leon; Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Claire Tansoc; Mr. and Mrs. Naresh and Diana Mirani; Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Karen De Venecia; Mr. and Mrs. Arnold and Tillie McKenzie; and Mrs. Lynne Razon.
Mr. Mariano and Lina Lao pose with some members of the SU Administration.
