UST Academia - June 2025 by USTAcademia

REV. FR. LOUIE R. CORONEL O.P., E.H.L

EDITOR IN CHIEF

MS. MICHAELLA O. LAGNITON, M.A. EDITOR

MS. KATHERINE PATRICE B. SIBUG, M.Eng.

ASSOC. PROF. EMMANUEL M. BATULAN, Ph.D.

MR. PHILIPPE JOSE S. HERNANDEZ, M.Eng. ASSOCIATE EDITORS

MS. CHRISTIE ELISE C. CRUZ

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

MS. MONICA LOUISE G. NACIONALES

JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

MR. KENNETT ROGER T. GARCIA

MR. JONATHAN T. GAMALINDA, LPT, MACHS LAYOUT ARTISTS

DMD PHOTOGRAPHY

MR. KENNETT ROGER T. GARCIA

HANS LAWRENCE MALGAPU PHOTOGRAPHERS

About the Cover

Featured on the cover is the statue of the lady with a globe at the heart of the Fountain

of Wisdom—a symbol of the University’s mission to guide its students towards the path of wisdom. Each encounter on campus is an opportunity to learn, both within one’s field and beyond. This issue features some research endeavors by academic staff and students—pursuing truth, guided by reason and illumined by faith.

from alumnus Paul Quiambao

COORDINATOR CORRESPONDENTS

Accountancy

Mr. Fermin Antonio D. Yabut, Ph.D.

Admissions Office

Mr. Daryl Bryan D. Arceta Alumni Relations

Ms. Danielle Joyce E. Factora Architecture

Ar. Jose Marie Tan

UST intensifies sustainability journey through Energy Forum Series

C. Mina discusses how to manage scope 2 emissions,

The University of Santo Tomas held the latest session of its Energy Forum Series on June 19, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Miguel de Benavides Library.

With the theme “Gaining Collective Efforts to Enhance Energy Savings Towards a Sustainable Environment,” the forum highlighted its ongoing efforts for biodiesel usage, reduced power consumption, and UST’s intensified sustainability journey within campus.

The first talk was delivered by Mr. Mickey Mendoza, a food business owner and former Thomasian graduate student who discussed the sourcing of waste cooking oil (WCO) for biodiesel production. UST has numerous restaurants and food concessionaires within its 21.5-hectare campus that can be mobilized to contribute to this sustainability effort. Mr. Mendoza emphasized that WCO can be repurposed into soap, emergency lamps, ant poison, dust suppressors, and biofuels. He recommended that the University incentivize the proper waste disposal and/or collection processes to reduce waste and blockages, as well as streamline production of biofuels.

The second talk was given by ClixLogic CEO Engr. Charlie Fernando, PECE. With over 45 years of experience in IT and Electronics and Communications. he shared results of the Energy SāvAire Trial at the UST Hospital, where the 18

units of these air-conditioning energysaving devices led to a 37 percent reduction in the energy bill within just one month. The proof of concept trial run was monitored on the 6th floor of the St. Pope John Paul II Building of the UST Hospital.

The third discussion was led by Ms. Juanita Subaldo, Assistant Chair for Physical Facilities Committee of the UST Miguel de Benavides Library. She shared best practices for energy management as seen in the day-to-day operations of the six-storey Central Library building that serves over 44 thousand students of the Manila campus.

Ms. Subaldo reported that the Library has consistently achieved more than 20% energy savings over the past three years. Within its service hours, 195 air-conditioning units and almost 400 computer units are utilized, in addition to the energy consumed by the electronic gadgets of library users. To mitigate this, the MdB Library shifted from fluorescent to LED lights to reduce energy consumption and minimize generated heat, which also lessens the heat load of the airconditioning units. They are also gradually transitioning to motion-activated LEDs in the lesser-used areas of the library.

The fourth discussion was led by the ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (RES) Vice President for Commercial Operations and Head of Account Management Engr. Sheila C. Mina, with the topic “Unlocking

Mr. Mendoza receives his certificate from the Prefect of Libraries Fr. Angel Aparicio, OP

Renewable Energy: Diverse Paths to Greening Your Power.”

Engr. Mina, who has over 2 decades of service in the power industry, shared that as of 2024, only 22.2% of gross electricity generation in the Philippines came from renewables. ACEN RES contributes to renewable energy sources through energy from their solar farms in Laguna, Zambales, and other locations.

Renewable energy not only lowers electricity costs, but also has zero carbon emissions and is a locally available source. “Greening your energy” helps institutions manage Scope 2 emissions, or those that come from consumption of purchased energy.

Wrapping up the series of talks, Engr. Oliver Gagarin, author of the UST Sustainable Energy Management Systems Manual also made mention that part of UST’s sustainability journey is running on 100% renewable energy for its España campus, which aligns with the University’s efforts toward SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

The Energy Forum was attended by administrators, including Facilities Management Director Rev. Fr. Dexter A. Austria, O.P., SThD, Prefect of Libraries Rev. Fr. Angel A. Aparicio, O.P., College of Tourism and Hospitality Management Assistant Dean Dr. Evangeline Timbang, academic staff, support staff, and students.

ACEN RES Vice President for Commercial Operations and Head of Account Management Engr. Sheila

or carbon emissions that come from consuming energy

Caritas Philippines announces Ben&Ben as new Alay Kapwa ambassadors at UST

During the Jubilee of Hope, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) partnered with Caritas Philippines’ Alay Kapwa (AK) in celebrating its 50th anniversary milestone.

The Alay Kapwa campaign has been serving as a beacon of hope for generations of Filipinos as it supports programs on poverty reduction, disaster response, and social development.

Most Rev. Jose Colin Bagaforo, Bishop of Kidapawan, Caritas Philippines President, and Thomasian

UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., E.H.L. (center) accepts a plaque on behalf of the University for being an Alay Kapwa Partner. With him are (from left:) UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office Director Asst. Prof. Froilan Alipao, Executive Assistant of the Office of the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Senior Teacher Frederick F. Prevosa, Santísimo Rosario Parish Priest Fr. Glen Mar Gamboa, O.P., Most Rev. Jose Colin Bagaforo, Caritas Philippines Executive Director Fr. Tito Caluag, and UST Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella

alumnus, announced folk-pop band Ben&Ben as the new Alay Kapwa ambassadors on June 4, 2025, as the lead vocalists Miguel and Paolo Benjamin Guico performed their new song “Sa Kapwa Ko Ay Alay” at the lobby of the Bl. Buenaventura García Paredes, O.P. Building.

The musicians also shared their long history with the AK program and their commitment to promoting the mission of serving the poor and marginalized in a press conference alongside Bishop Bagaforo, Fr. Tito Caluag, and UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, OP, EHL.

The new song will be featured in the “AK @ 50 Benefit Concert,” on July 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Ben&Ben and other prominent Filipino artists will celebrate five decades of Alay Kapwa in this benefit concert set to bolster the Church’s community-based initiatives.

Most Rev. Jose Colin Bagaforo, Miguel and Paolo Benjamin Guico, Fr. Tito Caluag, and Fr. Louie R. Coronel, OP, EHL during the press conference

Miguel and Paolo Benjamin Guico, vocalists and acoustic guitarists for indie folk-pop band Ben&Ben, perform “Sa Kapwa Ko Ay Alay” live, with their other hit songs

UST and UST Angelicum College launch IMC campaign for Antipolo tourism

The University of Santo Tomas (UST), through the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) and UST Angelicum College established a dynamic academic partnership to develop an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) campaign for the City of Antipolo, themed, “Antipolo Awaits: Giving a New Perspective on the City’s Tourism Landscape.” This collaborative project brought together fourth-year Tourism Management students from CTHM and AB Communications students from UST Angelicum College, who combined their expertise to create comprehensive marketing strategies to revitalize Antipolo’s tourism appeal. The campaign was presented on April 30, 2025, at UST Angelicum College with the participation of senior high school students and the City Tourism Officer, and was further enriched by a professional talk on public relations in tourism by Mr. Banjo Assidao, MMC.

To formalize this initiative, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by key persons underscoring their commitment to collaborative and experiential learning. This partnership serves as a model for integrating academic theory with realworld application, providing students with valuable industry exposure while supporting the tourism development goals of Antipolo City.

UST CHRMS and Soonchunhyang University in talks for partnership on AI and VR in Pediatric Rehabilitation

The University of Santo Tomas (UST), through the Center for Health Research and Movement Science (CHRMS) and the Department of Occupational Therapy of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS), welcomed Dr. Yunyoung Nam, PhD, Professor and Department Head of Computer Science and Engineering and Director of the Emotional and Intelligence Child Care System Convergence Research Center at Soonchunhyang University (SCHU), Republic of Korea, on June 26, 2025, to initiate a strategic international research partnership.

The visit marks the beginning of a joint research collaboration between UST and SCHU, aimed at developing AI-powered and VR-based technologies for pediatric rehabilitation in the Philippines. The joint effort seeks to address critical challenges in early childhood care in the Philippines, including limited access to culturally adapted screening tools, a shortage of trained professionals, and stigma related to developmental disabilities.

During the visit, Dr. Nam met with key CHRMS and CRS research team members led by Asst. Prof. Nikka Karla R.

Santos, OTD, along with Prof. Ivan Neil B. Gomez, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Kathlene Anne V. Hernandez, MHPEd, and Assoc. Prof. Kim Gerald G. Medallon, Ph.D. Also present to facilitate the meeting was Assoc. Prof. Anne Marie C. Aseron, MSPT, Dean of CRS. As part of the itinerary, the delegation toured the College of Information and Computing Sciences engineering laboratories, meeting with project collaborators, Assoc. Prof. Edison Roxas, Ph.D., ECE and Inst. Glenn Virrey, MSc, ECE. Their expertise in AI, data processing, and systems engineering will support the development of machine learning models for the research project.

UST and SCHU aim to establish a formal agreement that includes provisions for expansion through joint research projects, faculty and scholar exchanges, and collaborative academic publications. This emerging partnership reflects UST’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, international collaboration, and the advancement of inclusive, technology-driven healthcare solutions in the Philippines.

UST Angelicum College Director for Financial Affairs Rev. Fr. Mhandy S. Malijan, O.P. (left) and UST CTHM Regent Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Bautista, O.P., Ph.D. (right) exchanging memoranda

Members of CHRMS with Dr. Nam (third from left)

FIBA Women’s Asia Cup displayed at Arch of the Centuries

The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Trophy Tour made a stop at the University of Santo Tomas on June 18, 2025 for the Philippine leg of the trophy tour in anticipation of the Women’s Asia Cup from July 13 to 20 in Shenzhen, China. The UST Women’s Basketball Team, led by Coach Haydee Ong, together with some members of the Women’s Basketball National Team, Gilas Pilipinas Women, posed alongside the trophy, including Thomasian alumna and Tigress Kent Pastrana. The FIBA Asia Head of Communications Mr. Mageshwaran Saba, accompanied by officials from Samahang Basketbol ng

led by Atty. Erika

were welcomed by the UST Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton and Assistant Director Ms. Katherine Patrice Sibug.

The trophy tour is part of FIBA’s campaign to promote the Women’s Asia Cup. Iconic landmarks in different campuses became memorable backdrops for this coveted trophy. UST, a historical campus, welcomed the arrival of the trophy where it was displayed in front of the Arch of the Centuries, a National Cultural Treasure.

The UST Women’s Basketball Team, including Gilas player and Tigress Kent Pastrana (in white), led by Coach Haydee Ong (second row, third from left)

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officials led by Executive Director Atty. Erika Dy (sixth from left), FIBA Asia Head of Communications Mr. Mageshwaran Saba (eighth from left), and the UST Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton, Assistant Director Ms. Katherine Patrice Sibug, and Office Assistant Ms. Shenine Pascual with the SBP Team

UST Growling Tigresses Coach Haydee Ong and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Atty. Erika Dy

UST Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton welcomes FIBA Asia Head of Communications Mr. Mageshwaran Saba

Pilipinas (SBP)

Dy,

UST-CTHM excels at 70th Young Hoteliers’ Exposition 2025

The College of Tourism and Hospitality Management proudly celebrates the exceptional performance of its students at the 70th Young Hoteliers’ Exposition (YHE) in partnership with the 19th Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) at the World Trade Center held in Pasay City from June 11 to 15, 2025. It served as the Philippines’ premier food and beverage industry gathering, featuring dynamic competitions alongside live cooking demonstrations, product launches, and industry forums.

Under the theme, “YHE Festival of Flavors: Whispers from the Earth,” the event showcased the talents, creativity, and professionalism of the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

coached by Chef Gay Labay and Chef Everest De Leon). In addition, AJ Ivan Casilao and Mikaella Valle, coached by Chef Kathlyn Tisha Ortaliz, won 1st runner-up for the Guiltless Temptation Challenge.

For the hospitality cluster, Dominique Pineda, coached by CTHM academic staff members Ms. Mary Angel D. Elacion and Mr. Ramil Quiñonez, emerged as champion in the Creative Cocktail contest. For the Tablescapes Table Setting Competition, Neil Ocampo, Christian Cenit, and Aien Soleil Limon won 2nd runner-up with the coaching assistance of Mr. Robin Meneses and Mr. Karl Baroro.

For the tourism cluster, Ms. Jenrose Camorongan, with the assistance of Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion Ang and Asst. Prof. Jame Monren Mercado, won 2nd runner-up in the Food Tour Guiding contest. For the Customer Relations competition, Jenzel Singian, coached by Mr. John Jerick Santos and Ms. Maye Araneta Gutierrez, also won 2nd runner-up.

These accomplishments during the 70th Young Hoteliers’ Exposition demonstrate UST-CTHM’s continued commitment to developing world-class tourism and hospitality professionals, highlighting our students’ and mentors’ dedication to academic excellence and professional growth while embodying the Thomasian ideals of competence, commitment, and compassion,

CTHM was recognized for several competition categories. For the culinary cluster, they were declared champions for the Great Hawker Challenge (student contestants Wendell Benedict Simon Atienza, Raymart Grant Bravo, and Phoenix Emmanuel Ygat coached by Chef Ramona Olga D. Ko) and Cake Decorating Challenge (student contestants Hanna Pillarina and Vida Umali Ms. Pineda mixing her

winning creative cocktail

UST CTHM students and their mentors at the YHE Festival of Flavors

Atienza (third from left), Bravo (fourth from left), and Ygat (fifth from left) receiving their award

UST researchers monitor feeding patterns of endangered S. tawilis

Ateam of researchers from the University of Santo Tomas College of Science provided valuable insights into the feeding ecology of Sardinella tawilis, an endemic and endangered species in Lake Taal. The study, which is the latest update on the species’ feeding patterns, tackles the potential ecological shifts that could affect its population following the recent eruption of Taal Volcano in January 2020, which occurred after a 43-year dormancy.

Sardinella tawilis, the World’s only known freshwater Sardinella species, faces increasing threats from both natural events and human activities. The volcanic eruption, along with ongoing anthropogenic pressures, has raised concerns about the survival of this unique species. In response, the research team conducted an in-depth analysis of the species’ feeding behavior by evaluating its trophic position within the lake’s pelagic food web and comparing the results from two distinct collection periods: before and after the eruption.

Researchers include College of Science Dean Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D., along with academic staff members Asst. Prof. Elfritzson Peralta, Prof. Richard Thomas Pavia Jr. Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Dino Tordesillas. Joining the team are students from the College of Science and the Graduate School Dale Anthony Lo, Justine de Leon, Alexis Belen, Lloyd Matthew Pineda, Walled Ali, Miguel Antonio Dollete, Ray Allen Zafra, and Jonathan Carlo Briones. They also collaborated with Norman Mendoza from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

The study, titled “Shifts in the feeding ecology of the endemic and Endangered Sardinella tawilis in Lake Taal, Philippines” and published in the journal Endangered Species Research, employed a combination of stable isotope analysis (SIA) and gut content

analysis (GCA) to investigate shifts in the species’ prey preferences and diet composition. According to the findings, S. tawilis primarily feeds on zooplankton, demonstrating a size-selective, zooplanktivorous feeding behavior. Copepods and cladocerans were found to be the dominant prey in the fish’s diet. Notably, the analysis revealed a shift in the species’ feeding preferences. Over time, the most preferred prey species transitioned from calanoids to cyclopoid copepods. In particular, Moina micrura, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, and Bosmina fatalis showed increased dominance in the fish’s diet during the post-eruption period.

Despite these changes in feeding habits, the researchers found no significant differences in the fish’s morphometry (body size and shape) or gonadal maturity between the pre- and posteruption periods. This suggests that, while the eruption may have influenced the species’ prey preferences, it may not have caused immediate physiological impacts on the fish’s overall growth or reproductive capacity.

The study’s findings are crucial in informing conservation efforts and management strategies aimed at protecting S. tawilis. By offering a clearer understanding of the species’ dietary habits, the research can help policymakers develop more effective, ecosystem-based conservation approaches that support the recovery of this endangered species.

This study, which provides a comprehensive update on the feeding ecology of S. tawilis over a span of 15 years, demonstrates the utility of combining stable isotope analysis and gut content analysis to explore trophic interactions in aquatic ecosystems. Closely aligned with SDG 14: Life Below Water, the research also highlights the ongoing need for close monitoring of Lake Taal’s ecosystem to better safeguard its vulnerable species.

UST IR advances global conversations on ecology, technology, ethics, and faith

Academic staff from the University of Santo Tomas Institute of Religion (IR) have recently contributed to a diverse set of international scholarly discourses, showcasing the Institute’s expanding role in exploring how faith intersects with contemporary global challenges. From ecological theology and digital mourning to AI ethics and the pursuit of truth in a post-truth society, IR academic staff continue to position UST as a significant voice in interdisciplinary research worldwide.

Reimagining Ecology Through Faith and Fantasy

Asst. Prof. Joseph Renus F. Galang, Ph.D., published a study in the Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture that draws a deep ecological resonance between J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’.

His paper, “Hobbits, Ents, and Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’: Environmental Echoes and Religious Resonances from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings,” argues that Tolkien’s mythical world is far more than literary escapism. Galang shows that the moral imagination embedded in Middle-earth mirrors the ecological spirituality of the 2015 papal encyclical.

By reading Tolkien alongside Laudato Si’, Galang proposes a rich pedagogical lens for educators and theologians who wish to deepen students’ engagement with ethical and spiritual dimensions of environmental stewardship.

Digital Mourning in a Changing Religious Landscape

Another timely contribution comes from Asst. Prof. LeoMartin Angelo R. Ocampo, M.A., whose article, “Digitalizing Grief: A Filipino Catholic Perspective,” was published in Pastoral Psychology, an international journal on theology and mental health.

The study examines how Filipino Catholics increasingly participate in wakes, funerals, and memorial rites through livestreams, online prayer rooms, and virtual liturgical spaces— particularly when physical presence is not possible.

Ocampo argues that digital mourning does not dilute Catholic tradition. Instead, it enriches communal prayer, strengthens spiritual solidarity, and expands access to pastoral accompaniment. However, he also emphasizes the pastoral responsibility to ensure inclusivity, especially in communities with limited internet access, and calls for coordinated efforts among clergy, lay ministers, and educators to craft thoughtful, theologically grounded digital practices.

IR Faculty Engage in Global Discourses on Personhood and AI

IR faculty members Asst. Prof. John Paul T. Balanquit, M.A., and Mr. Hansson G. Labisig, M.A., represented the Philippines at the 2025 Civitas Dei Summer Fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Held at the Catholic University of America, the weeklong program gathered scholars from law, genetics, education, philosophy, theology, and related fields to reflect on “The Future of Personhood and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.”

Participants attended lectures by prominent thinkers such as Prof. Jordan Wales, Ph.D., Rev. Fr. James Brent, O.P., and Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., covering topics like Thomistic anthropology, predictive AI and manipulation, and the possibility (or impossibility) of machine personhood. The discussions highlighted urgent ethical concerns surrounding AI bias, technological control, and the preservation of human freedom and relationships.

AI, Inequity, and the Call for Ethical Healthcare

Ethical discussions on AI continued globally with the participation of Mr. Ivan Efraeim A. Gozum, M.A., at the international congress “The Jesuit University in the 21st Century: A Project of Hope for the World,” held at Universidad Loyola in Seville, Spain.

Gozum, with co-author Ms. Chastene Christopher D. Flake, presented “Integrating Catholic Social Teaching with AI Ethics to Address Inequity in AI Healthcare,” a study responding to the growing concern that AI, while promising significant medical breakthroughs, may worsen healthcare inequalities.

UST IR TO PAGE 11

Fr. delos Reyes presents paper at Las Casas Conference in Spain

Fr. Felix F. delos Reyes, O.P. of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Center for Thomistic Studies (CTS), participated in the Fifth International Conference on Bartolomé de las Casas in Seville, Spain on June 17 to 21, 2025. The conference was held at the Facultad de Teología San Isidoro de Sevilla and was organized by the Societas Lascasiana, which aimed to bring together scholars around the theme “From the Indies to Seville: Las Casas and the Renovation of Humanism.” Seville was chosen as it was both the birthplace of Las Casas and a major departure point for Catholic missionaries bound for the New World.

Delos Reyes presented the paper, “The Influence of Bartolomé de las Casas in the 17th Century Philippines,” analyzing how Las Casas’ teachings shaped the early Church in the Philippines. Focusing on the Dominican bishops Domingo de Salazar and Miguel de Benavides, he showed how both adhered to the Thomistic doctrine that rational creatures inherently possess dignity and moral worth. He contended that their commitment to justice and human rights demonstrates that Las Casas’s ideas extended beyond the Atlantic, reaching the shores of the Pacific and shaping the moral landscape of early Spanish governance in the Philippines.

Grounded in the principles of human dignity, the common good, and the preferential option for the poor, the paper urges that AI-driven healthcare systems be designed with inclusivity at their core. The authors call on policymakers, institutions, and healthcare providers to ensure that innovation benefits the underserved and does not further widen existing gaps in access and quality of care.

Bioethics and the Pursuit of Truth at the Paris Global Humanities Conference

Gozum, along with Ms. Patricia Joy V. Mobilla, further showcased IR’s academic

presence at the 4th Paris Conference on Arts and Humanities held at Sorbonne Université.

Gozum presented “Addressing End-of-Life Issues in Filipino Families: A Bioethical Analysis of Cultural and Religious Factors,” which advocates for a contextualized bioethical approach that respects Filipino cultural narratives while upholding principles of dignity, informed consent, and compassionate palliative care.

Mobilla, meanwhile, tackled the escalating challenge of misinformation in her paper, “Education for Truth and Tradition: Rethinking the Post-Truth Age through Alasdair MacIntyre’s Educated Public.”

Rooted in MacIntyre’s call for an “educated public,” her work underscores the need to form citizens who possess not only factual knowledge but also the virtues of truthfulness, rational inquiry, and communal moral reasoning—an urgent challenge in the Philippine media and socio-political context.

Fr. delos Reyes (fourth from left) with fellow participants

Lim and Pagalilauan of Modern Languages shed light on language learning at int’l conferences

Two distinguished academic staff from the Faculty of Arts and Letters Department of Modern Languages recently presented their research papers at international conferences held from June 26 to 28, 2025.

Department of Modern Languages Chair Asst. Prof. Royce Randall G. Lim presented his research at the International Conference on Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Development (ICRISD 2025), organized by the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao. His paper, “Does Intrinsic Motivation Predict Students’ Vocabulary Proficiency in English?” earned third place in the Professional category under Education, Learning, and Pedagogy, shedding light on the impact of motivation on language learning outcomes.

Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Abigail T. Pagalilauan participated in the VIII Congreso Internacional de Español in Salamanca, Spain. Her presentation, “Mejorando la comunicación a través de la tecnología: formación en lengua española para asistentes virtuales filipinos,” (Improving Communication Through Technology: Spanish language training for Filipino virtual assistants) introduced a specialized Spanish training module for Filipino virtual assistants, aiming to equip them with both language and professional skills in response to the growing demand for multilingual talent in global remote work.

These achievements underscore the department’s commitment to innovation and global collaboration in language education.

Lim presenting his research paper

Pagalilauan during her presentation

CCWLS, LUDES engage in holistic learning in seminar-workshop

The University of Santo Tomas Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS), in collaboration with the Lucena Diocesan Catholic Schools Association (LUDES), conducted a two-day seminarworkshop at Casa del Niño Jesus de Lucban, Inc., St. Louis Bishop Parish Hall, in Lucban, Quezon from June 18 to 19, 2025

Delving into the themes of creativity, leadership, and Catholic education, the seminar explored timely and relevant topics such as literary writing, values integration, mental health awareness, grants and endowments generation, and community development. The seminarworkshop aims to provide participants with an opportunity to listen to discussions that contribute to a holistic Catholic education system.

The seminar-workshop featured a roster of Thomasian speakers that included writers from CCWLS. Professor Emerita Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Ph.D., CCWLS Director gave a talk on the topic “Introduction to UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies” while CCWLS CoDirector Prof. Augusto Antonio A. Aguila, Ph.D., gave the audience a glimpse into creative writing with his talk on “Fiction Writing for Beginners”. CCWLS Resident Fellows Prof. Chuckberry J. Pascual, Ph.D., and Mr. Mark Anthony Angeles, M.A., gave talks on “Pano Ba Sumulat

ng Kuwento,” and “Introduction to Non-Fiction Writing,” respectively. UST College of Science Department of Psychology ‘s Assoc. Prof. Angelie D. Bautista, Ph.D., R.G.C., dealt with topics on mental health with her talk “Approaches to Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention and Intervention in Schools”. UST Office for Grants, Endowments, and Partnerships in Higher Education Director Mr. Levine Andro H. Lao, Ph.D., spoke about grants generation in his talk titled “Relevant Approaches in Grants and Endowments Generation” while UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office Director

Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, M.C.D., gave a talk on community development with his presentation on “Current Approaches to Community Development”. Rounding up the roster of speakers is UST College of Education Department of Secondary Education Chair

Asst. Prof. John Christian C. Valeroso, Ph.D., with his talk “Pamumuno nang may Pakikipagkapwa bilang Esensyal na Salik na Pagtuturo sa High School.”

The event, organized by CCWLS with the guidance of Prof. Joselito D. Delos Reyes, Chair of the Department of Creative Writing, was attended by over 100 teacher participants from 11 member parochial schools of LUDES, including the Diocese of Lucena clergy members led by Bishop Mel Rey Mingoa Uy.

Group photo of speakers and organizers of the seminar (Asst. Prof. John Christian C. Valeroso, PhD – 3rd from left, bottom row; Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, MCD – 5th from left, bottom row; Mr. Levine Andro H. Lao, PhD – leftmost; upper row; Prof. Joselito D. delos Reyes, PhD – 2nd from right; upper row)

Baybado presents paper in Indonesian conference on synodality

University of Santo Tomas (UST) Graduate School (GS) Theology Program Lead, UST Center for Theology, Religious Studies and Ethics researcher, and UST Institute of Religion academic staff Prof. Pablito Baybado, Jr., Ph.D., presented a paper at the International Conference on Interreligious Dialogue in Southeast Asian Region: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities organized by the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) at the King Abdullah Center for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue in Depok, Indonesia on June 17 to 18, 2025.

Titled, “Synodality as an approach towards a peaceful and inclusive societies in Southeast Asia,” the paper presented the issues and challenges of the majority-minority relations of Muslim-Christian dialogue in Southeast Asia in the context of political volatility, ethnic and religious identities, and culture. Using synodality as a framework of interreligious dialogue, he contends that the overcoming of the majority-minority relation is a collaborative work between and among religious institutions, civil society and the state. Synodality, which is a call for journeying together, necessitates the cooperation of all parties in upholding human dignity, respect for religious freedom, and attaining social cohesion. This is the urgent responsibility of interreligious dialogue partners: to enlarge the space of the Southeast Asian tent, because peace in the region is a shared responsibility for all parties.

The Conference seeks to delve into the achievements, challenges and opportunities of interreligious dialogue (IRD) in the context of the Southeast Asian countries, narrating experiences in doing IRD and analyzing challenges and prospects for IRD in the region. It seeks to explore how policy level practices and state’s support to local level IRD initiatives for flourishing ethnicity, and religious and cultural harmony.

Baybado is also a Fellow of the Center of Muslim Politics and World Society Studies (COMPOSE) of the UIII.

Prof. Baybado during his research presentation

Prof. Baybado (fifth from left) engaging in the panel discussion

UST AMV-COA officials and academic staff

engage stakeholders at the National Accounting Teachers’ Conference

University of Santo Tomas (UST) Alfredo M. Velayo - College of Accountancy (AMV-COA) Dean Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, Ph.D., and College Secretary Asst. Prof. Fermin Antonio D. Yabut, Ph.D. delivered lectures during the 32nd Accounting Teachers’ Conference (ATC), held at the Newtown Plaza Hotel in Baguio City, from June 19 to 21, 2025.

On June 19, 2025, Dean Empleo led the discussion titled, “From Classrooms to Boardrooms: Charting a Sustainable Path for Accounting Education.” During the discussion, she highlighted the role of accounting education in equipping accounting students with the necessary decisionmaking skills, which is especially important as they transition into board-level functions. Dean Empleo also emphasized the need for ethics and lifelong learning as accountants exercise corporate governance functions.

On June 20, 2025, Yabut delivered the lecture titled, “Learning and Teaching Sustainability.” He emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability in the

personal, functional, and systemic dimensions of both individual accountants and organizations. Yabut showcased the newly-offered sustainability reporting elective course in the UST AMV-COA, highlighting the benefit of developing and reinforcing both the personal sustainability mindset and the functional sustainability reporting competencies of accounting students.

For the last day of the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dennis C. Ligan, Ph.D., academic staff from the UST AMVCOA, presented a research paper titled, “The Impact of Familiarity with Sustainable and Responsible Investment Funds Guidelines of Investment Companies in Metro Manila.” Ligan discussed how the perceived challenges in implementing the sustainability guidelines moderate the relationship between the respondents’ familiarity with the actual application of the investment guidelines. Ligan conducted such research alongside BS Accountancy students Ms. Althessa Justine Aragon, Ms. Eunice Joy Buenaventura, Mr. Vincent John Cuvinar, Mr. Matthew

Wilmore Payawal, Ms. Diane Nicole Siñel, and Ms. Gillian Nicole Viado. Held annually, the ATC gathers Certified Public Accountants in the Academe across the country. Organized by the National Association of Certified Public Accountants in Education (NACPAE), the ATC’s theme this year was Charting a Sustainable Path for Accounting Education: Competence, Skills, and Values in Action.

UST AMV-COA Dean Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, Ph.D. (third from left)

Asst. Prof. Fermin Antonio D. Yabut, Ph.D., during his lecture

Assoc. Prof. Dennis C. Ligan, Ph.D. (third from left) joined by delegates from the NACPAE

Minister for Advanced Education for Nova Scotia Honourable Brendan Maguire

The Minister for Advanced Education for Nova Scotia, the Honourable Brendan Maguire (third from left), led a delegation of Canadian education officials in a visit and meeting at the UST Office of International Relations and Programs on June 10, 2025. Hon. Maguire was accompanied by Deputy Minister Ms. Tracey Barbrick (fourth from left), Assistant Vice President for Global Relations of Dalhousie University Dr. Balakrishnan Prithiviraj (second from left), and Trade Commissioner Ms. Aline St-Laurent-Guérin (fifth from left) from the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines to discuss potential partnerships with the UST College of Nursing. The delegation was welcomed by the Office of Public Affairs Director, Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, MA.

Dominican Leadership and Management Program

Rev. Fr. Georges Alahou, O.P. (second from left), Regent of Studies of the Dominican Province of St. Augustine in West Africa and Rev. Fr. Brice Kézié Bini, O.P. (third from left), Rector of the Saint Dominic University of West Africa (USDAO), visited the University of Santo Tomas on June 21, 2025. They were welcomed by the Office for Planning and Quality Management Executive Assistant Assoc. Prof. Fylene U. Gardiner (leftmost), UST Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton (fourth from left), and Assistant Director Ms. Katherine Patrice Sibug (rightmost),

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University Director of Public History Dr. Laura Arata (fourth from left), with delegates from OSU and the US Embassy, visited the University of Santo Tomas on June 26, 2025 to learn more about the Santo Tomas Internment Camp. They were welcomed by the Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton (ninth from left), and met with the History Department Chair Dr. Archie Resos (third from left) and the UST Museum’s Collection Management and Documentation Assistant Ms. Maita Oebanda

Licensure Examination for Architects

June 2025

https://www.ust.edu.ph/