Ateneo and La Salle have figured in numerous epic battles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines – specifically in basketball and women’s volleyball competitions. 
But with the country going up against the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), the Jesuits (Society of Jesus) and the De La Salle Brothers have joined forces to raise funds in a campaign called “Let’s Work Together To Fight, COVID-19!”
As of April 15, the noble project has raised P10,000,000, likely enough to feed almost 500 homeless individuals and 6,000 urban poor families.
Earlier, La Salle, together with Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center, opened the doors of the Razon Sports Complex and College of Saint Benilde’s covered courts to the homeless of Manila City, providing them shelter and food.
Ateneo likewise opened its dormitories to the medical frontliners.
“I appreciated the shelters, so the first thing that crossed my mind was to help,” Philippine Jesuit Provincial Fr. Jun Viray, SJ.
“The Ateneo alumni, those in business, said they’d like to help. I told them, ‘Let’s raise money together with our friends – which means also La Salle friends.'”
“A little conversation between myself and Father Jun created a spark that is more explosive than UAAP that allowed us to say, maybe this is the time to work together rather than compete,” added DLSU President Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC.
“And that’s the story of our love life with the Jesuits in the time of COVID-19.” (Kristel Satumbaga)
