Bert Lozada Swim School (BLSS), the biggest swim school in the Philippines, celebrated 70 years of aquatic education and water safety advocacy with “Alon ng Pamana”, gathering instructors and staff from as far as Bacolod for an evening of heritage, gratitude and legacy held recently at La Castellana in Intramuros.
“Tonight, we give tribute to the people who made these 70 years possible—our brave founder, the steadfast teachers, coaches and staff who believed in every child and the families who trusted us with their most precious asset – their loved ones. Your passion, determination, and professionalism keep the flame alive, and ensure every student is safer and more confident in the water,” said Anthony Lozada, Chief Executive Officer of BLSS.
Founded in 1956 by Remberto “Tito Bert” Lozada at the YMCA of Manila, the startup began with a simple mission: help Filipinos overcome their fear of water and learn how to swim. Today, with the late founder’s family continuing his legacy, BLSS operates in more than 56 venues nationwide and has taught over a million students thus far. They have also produced seven Olympians, including Filipino swimmers Eric Buhain and Ryan Papa.
Along with the special awards given to select teachers, staff and mentors, a highlight of the evening was when BLSS co-founder, concert pianist and wife of the late Bert Lozada, Zenas Lozada, performed four special piano pieces.
With the entire school together in one room for the first time, BLSS’ plans for the next five years were also shared. These included digital enhancements, strengthened global partnerships and the expansion of BLSS’ drown free advocacy. Bert Lozada Foundation, established in honor of the legacy of its founder, has been transformed to become Drown Free Philippines Foundation, Inc. (DFPF), advocating for a nation-wide, multi-sectoral collaboration to expand access to swimming education, particularly in communities near bodies of water where water safety skills are critical.
“BLSS philosophy remains constant: swimming is not just a sport—it is a non-negotiable life skill,” says Angelo Lozada, COO of BLSS. “With Drown Free Philippines, we are widening the circle of our impact, working harder with like-minded people and organizations to save more lives, especially that of young children, from unnecessary drowning.”
For more information about BLSS, visit www.bertlozadaswimschool.com. To know more about Drown Free Philippines, go to www.drownfreephilippinesfoundation.org.
