The Balay Kalinungan Negros Foundation Inc. will turn over the management and operation of Balay Kalinungan to the University of St. La Salle tomorrow, China Gallaga of the USLS’ Center for Institutional Development said yesterday.

Through the years, Balay Kalinungan or House of Peace, has grown into a complex that the foundation deemed it necessary to turn over its management and operation to the university, Gallaga said.

The turnover ceremony  is an acknowledgement of the graciousness and generosity of the foundation to the university, she said.

To efficiently manage Balay Kalinungan’s operation, the university has hired professionals and students enrolled in the Hotel Management department are helping them out, Gallaga said.

Built in 1991,  the facility serves as a spiritual formation center for the University’s students, faculty, staff and members of the extended Lasallian family and also as venue for various local, national and international events.

With its air-conditioned conference halls, dormitories, bedrooms, chapels, prayer rooms and prayer garden, Balay Kalinungan is ideal for institutional or group events, conferences and conventions, retreats, recollections, reunions, weddings and birthday celebrations, Gallaga said.

With the lack of a convention center in the city that can accommodate a large crowd of participants, Balay Kalinungan can now be offered as an alternative.

Santuario De La Salle, which is part of the Complex, has a grand hall that can seat 800 people and three function halls with a capacity of 200 persons each.

Maison Parmenie, meanwhile, is a private unit with six twin-sharing air-conditioned bedrooms with private toilets and showers, an air-conditioned living and dining room and kitchenette while the Hermitage has two studio-type units with living/dining room, private restroom and kitchenette for persons or couples seeking solitude and personal reflection.

Although part of the university campus, Gallaga said guests booked in the complex do not have to pass through the main gates of USLS and will instead use Gates 6 and 7.

With the operation and management of Balay Kalinungan turned over to USLS, Gallaga said the university is transforming itself into more than just an educational institution, opening its gates to the public for stronger social relations.*NAB

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