06/03/2026
March 6 is the birthday of Bro. Felix Masson, FSC, one of the founders of La Salle Bacolod.
The history of Catholic education in the Philippines is often told through the lens of grand institutional milestones, yet its true foundation lies in the quiet, tireless devotion of individuals like Brother Felix Masson, FSC. As one of the pioneering De La Salle Brothers who established what is now University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City, Masson’s life is a testament to the "Faith and Zeal" that characterizes the Lasallian mission.
To understand Brother Felix is to understand the post-war landscape of Negros Occidental—a region defined by its vast sugar plantations, deep-seated socio-economic disparities, and a growing hunger for modern, values-based education.
*Early Life and the Call to Mission*
Born in an era where the Lasallian Brothers were expanding their reach across the globe, Felix Masson’s journey began far from the tropical humidity of the Visayas. Like many of his contemporaries, his formation was rooted in the rigorous spiritual and pedagogical traditions established by St. John Baptist de La Salle in 17th-century France.
By the mid-20th century, the District of the Philippines was in a state of rebirth. Following the tragic loss of many Brothers during the Japanese occupation—most notably the massacre at De La Salle College on Taft Avenue in 1945—the Institute was determined to not only rebuild but to expand. Brother Felix was part of that courageous "second wave" of missionaries who saw the Philippines not just as a recovery project, but as a fertile ground for the Lasallian charism.
*The Foundation of La Salle Bacolod (1952)*
In the early 1950s, the political and civic leaders of Negros Occidental, led by prominent families and Bishop Manuel Yap, petitioned the Brothers to establish a school in Bacolod. They sought an institution that could provide the sons of the province with a top-tier education without requiring them to move to Manila.
Brother Felix Masson was among the small, hand-picked group of Brothers—including Brother Hyacinth Gabriel Connon and Brother Denis of Mary—tasked with turning this vision into reality. When they arrived in 1952, the "campus" was little more than a muddy plot of land and a dream.
The early years were defined by "frontier" conditions. Brother Felix and his companions had to navigate the local culture, the intricacies of the sugar industry’s influence, and the sheer physical labor of setting up a school from scratch. Under his guidance and that of the founding team, La Salle College-Bacolod opened its doors in July 1952 to 225 male students.
*The Pedagogical Architect*
While some Brothers were known for their administration and others for their public presence, Brother Felix Masson was often revered for his pastoral approach to education. He embodied the Lasallian principle of "touching hearts."
Looking back at his tenure, several key contributions stand out:
Academic Rigor with Soul: Masson was instrumental in ensuring that the curriculum was not merely a carbon copy of Western models. He helped adapt the Lasallian method to the Negrense context, emphasizing science and commerce—fields vital to the local economy—while maintaining a heavy emphasis on religious instruction and ethics.
The "Brother" to the Students: In the 1950s and 60s, the role of a Brother was all-encompassing. He was a teacher, a coach, a counselor, and a spiritual father. Brother Felix was known for his accessibility. He walked the corridors, knew the names of his students, and understood the pressures of the young men who would one day inherit the leadership of the island.
Community Integration: He recognized that for the school to survive, it had to be a part of Bacolod, not an island within it. He fostered relationships with local educators and families, cementing the school’s reputation as the premier educational hub in Western Visayas.
*Witness to Change: The 1970s and 80s*
The middle years of Brother Felix’s service coincided with some of the most turbulent times in Philippine history. The decline of the sugar industry and the onset of Martial Law created a climate of immense social unrest in Negros.
During this period, the Lasallian mission shifted. It was no longer just about educating the elite; it was about social justice. Brother Felix stayed the course as the institution transitioned. He witnessed the school becoming co-educational in 1966 and eventually achieving university status. Through every transition, his presence provided a sense of continuity—a living link to the founding spirit of 1952.
*Legacy and the "Masson Spirit"*
Brother Felix Masson did not just build a school; he helped cultivate a culture. In Bacolod, "La Salle" is more than an institution; it is an identity. This identity is characterized by a specific brand of excellence tempered by a commitment to the poor—a balance that Masson personally championed.
His later years were spent in the quiet service that defines the elder Brothers. He became a figure of wisdom for younger Filipino Brothers, passing on the oral history of the mission's beginnings. He saw the school grow from a few wooden buildings into a sprawling university that serves thousands of students across various socio-economic backgrounds.
"To be a Lasallian is to be a person of faith, a person of service, and a person of community." — A sentiment often reflected in the life of Bro. Felix.
-with La Salle Bacolod AlumniRelations
