M Lhuillier Botanical Garden, settled in the heart of De La Salle University, has officially opened its doors. This remarkable addition to the university campus aims to create a green sanctuary where students, faculty, and visitors can connect with nature, find solace, and celebrate the beauty of life while promoting environmental awareness. The M Lhuillier Botanical Garden is a tribute from Michael L. Lhuillier to the Alma Mater of his beloved father, Michel J. Lhuillier.
Michel J. Lhuillier, affectionately known as “Señorito,” a distinguished alumnus of De La Salle College High School, class of 1959, and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, class of 1964, has been a visionary leader in sustainability and a passionate advocate for the preservation of flora and fauna. Under his leadership as Chairman of the Board, the M Lhuillier Group has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to economic growth and sustainable practices, exemplified by the establishment of the Cebu Safari in 2018.
At the heart of this initiative is a unique collaboration that has brought a touch of Cebu to the bustling streets of Manila. A truckload of plants were driven from Michel J. Lhuillier’s backyard in Cebu to the Taft Ave campus of De La Salle University. These plants, carefully selected from Lhuillier’s personal collection, were used to beautify and enrich the Botanical Garden.
Amidst the bustling campus of DLSU, the M Lhuillier Botanical Garden will be a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. The garden boasts a diverse collection of flora, with many of the plants carefully cultivated from Cebu Safari, the premier zoological and botanical garden in the Philippines.
Visitors will admire vibrant blooms and lush foliage native to the region. Meticulously curated open space gardens showcase the indigenous flora. A serene pond provides a peaceful oasis.
Beyond its natural wonders, the M Lhuillier Botanical Garden features several noteworthy attractions that add to its charm. The Amphitheater, with its graceful design and natural backdrop, will serve as a venue for various events, performances, and gatherings. The Marian Quadrangle, centered around a blessed virgin statue reminiscent of Gallant designs, features calm Corinthian columns evoking classic beauty. Additionally, the Brothers’ Memorial Garden will honor the heritage and contributions of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, a testament to the university’s rich history and values. The Brothers’ Memorial Garden now blended seamlessly into the landscape with varied foliage heights and textures. Red anthuriums and mayana throughout were selected by Señorito Michel to represent his family brand and Cebu Safari, where distinctive African talisay flanks the entrance.
Stone elements like the imposing Araal Stone used in Safari and fine marble chips on walkways were chosen to connect La Salle’s heritage naturally with the surroundings. Sustainable methods like sturdy drought-resistant plants needing little upkeep alongside natural deterrents help maintain this sanctuary with minimal impact. Overall, through its soothing water features, varied flora and thoughtful symbolic details, the garden aims to instill feelings of tranquility, cultural appreciation and environmental stewardship in all who experience its beauty.
The establishment of the M Lhuillier Botanical Garden also highlights the visionary leadership of De La Salle University’s esteemed individuals, who have been instrumental in transforming this ambitious project into reality. Special recognition goes to Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, president of DLSU; Dr. Robert C. Roleda, Provost; Mr. Ramon G. Trajano, senior vice president (2022-2023); Ms. Kai Shan L. Fernandez, vice president for Administration; and Mr. Edwin Theodoro C. Reyes, executive director for Advancement & Alumni Relations. Their unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit have breathed life into the M Lhuillier Botanical Garden, creating a timeless oasis that promises to inspire and captivate visitors for generations to come.
More than just a beautifully landscaped space, the M Lhuillier Botanical Garden embodies our shared responsibility to protect and celebrate the natural world. It serves as a sanctuary where dreams take root, inspiration flourishes, and the beauty of nature invites us to reflect on the profound connections we share with our environment. Here, amidst the vibrant flora, visitors can find solace and rejuvenation, reminding us of the significance of nurturing our planet for future generations.