UST Academia - January 2024

Academic Programs Quality Assurance Office Director Asst. Prof. Marife Narcida (seventh from left) and UST officials and awardees with PACUCOA Chairman Dr. Conrado Inigo (eighth from left) and PACUCOA commissioners [Photo courtesy of the official UST Facebook page]

PACUCOA once again hails UST as having the most accredited programs in PH

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he Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) recognized the University of Santo Tomas for having the most accredited programs in the National Capital Region and the country. UST brought home eight prizes at the awarding ceremony, which was held on December 1 during its 50th anniversary celebration and 34th General Assembly at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City.

UST has the highest number of accredited programs at Level IV, the highest possible rating given to programs “with prestige and authority comparable to similar programs in excellent foreign universities,” according to the PACUCOA website. Each Level IV program is granted full autonomy for the duration of its accredited status.

BS Medical Technology, BS Accountancy, BS Nutrition and Dietetics, and BS Architecture were also recognized

for producing topnotchers in the recent Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licensure examinations.

The community outreach/extension program of the College of Science, titled “CHEERS to Laudato si’: Care for our common home through environmental expedition integrating the role of servicelearning”, obtained Second Prize.

Respected academic individuals from the University were also recognized during the gathering, including †Dean Emeritus Carmen Kanapi, Ph.D., who received a posthumous Award for Service.

Faculty of Pharmacy officials Prof. Aleth Therese L. Dacanay, Ph.D., Prof. Frieda Z. Hapan, Ph.D., and Prof. Edilberto P. Manahan, Ph.D., and Graduate School academic staff Prof. Belen L. Tangco, Ph.D., OP, were given service awards, while Prof. Lucila O. Bance, Ph.D., was named Outstanding Accreditor.

INSIDE: Bioethics expert Dr. Angeles Tan Alora is conferred Professorial Chair in Medicine

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UST’s SDG-inspired hackathon promotes healthy living, renewable energy, alternative communication

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College of Education hosts last batch of SEA Teacher Project

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Local health communication best practices highlighted in UST Media Leadership Lecture Series

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University Visitors

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News DOST confers first-ever Career Scientist V on Santos of GS

Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos (rightmost) with (from left:) newly conferred Scientist I Dr. Ulysses Montojo, Scientist I Dr. Minerva Fatimae Ventolero, NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian Garcia, and Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Administration Atty. Jane C. Bacayo. [Photo courtesy of NFDRI website]

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r. Mudjekeewis Dalisay Santos from the UST Graduate School was named the Philippines’ first Career Scientist to have been conferred the title Scientist V under the Scientific Career System. The conferment and oath-taking were held on December 11, 2023, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Manila.

Santos was recognized for his exceptional contributions to fisheries science and governance in the country.

His work involves genetics, resource assessment and policy studies to support fisheries management and aquaculture for food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation in the country.

“Doc Mudjie”, as he is often called, established the NFRDI-Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory, the country’s leading genetics lab for fisheries and pioneered the Fisheries Vulnerability Assessment Tool (FishVool), a standard protocol for assessing vulnerabilities of

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fisheries communities and commodities to climate change.

Aside from being Scientist V at the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), Santos is an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines, and an academic staff at the Graduate School of the University of Santo Tomas.

Santos has authored and coauthored over 100 scientific articles, book chapters and books. He led the revival and transformation of The Philippine Journal of Fisheries (TPJF) into a worldclass Scopus indexed Journal and is currently its Editor-in-Chief. He also serves as a Section Editor of the Philippine Agricultural Scientist and an Editor of Fisheries Science, the official journal of the Japan Society for Fisheries Science.

He is a recipient of numerous awards including the Award of Excellence in Socio-Economic Applications of DNA Barcoding by the International

Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada and the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan award given by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the President of the Philippines.

In recognition of his significant contribution to the advancement of fisheries science and management in the country, a species of fish was named after him in 2015 (Chelidoperca santosi), by two of the world’s leading fish taxonomists in the world, Dr. Jeffrey Williams and Dr. Kent Carpenter. In the same year, an islet in Zamboanga City was named in his honor, “Mudjie Wise Key Islet,” by the people of Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City. Later, he was officially recognized by the City of Zamboanga, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and by the Sardine Industry as one of the prime movers of the closed fishing season in the Peninsula that not only benefits the City but the entire country. As such, he is sometimes called “Mr. Fisheries Research” or the “Fisherfolk’s Scientist.”

• January 1-31, 2024

News

Bioethics expert Dr. Angeles Tan Alora is conferred Professorial Chair in Medicine

Dr. Angeles Tan Alora delivers the lecture.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof.

Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, the honoree Dr. Angeles Tan Alora, and the UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D.

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rof. Angeles Tan Alora, M.D., a former Dean and alumna of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS), was conferred the Doña Victoria Ty Tan Professorial Chair in a solemn investiture held at the Dr. George SK Ty Hall of the Bl. Buenaventura García Paredes, O.P. Building on November 14, 2023. The professorial chair is named after Doña Victoria Ty Tan, mother of Dr. George S.K. Ty, who founded Metrobank.

UST FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes D. Maglinao said that the conferment of the Professorial Chair to a foremost bioethics and infectious disease specialist like Dr. Tan Alora “honors excellence in the field of medical education, celebrates the profound impact of knowledge and

January 1-31, 2024 •

mentorship, and explores the insights gained from navigating ethical challenges in these unprecedented times.”

The Dean added, “May this occasion inspire continued dedication and provide lessons to shape a more ethical and resilient future.”

Metrobank Foundation Executive Vice President Mr. Philip Francisco Dy congratulated Dr. Tan Alora on the conferment of the Professorial Chair, which “supports UST in its endeavor to develop programs in medical education and contributes to the global competitiveness of our country’s medical practitioners.”

In her lecture “Enhancing Ethical Behavior: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic”, Dr. Tan Alora shared insights

and observations from the ongoing pandemic experience, that she hoped would help healthcare professionals to take actions that lead to “ethical comfort in doing as much good as one can, and achieve what Pope Francis tells us: ‘Be joyful, help without hesitation, and persevere’--to become better persons.”

“There is much beyond our control, and yet much more remains within our control,” emphasized Dr. Tan Alora, who warned listeners that “COVID-19 is here to stay. More will suffer from the disease and its long-term complications. Local spikes and further waves are inevitable.”

Currently beyond control is the knowledge surrounding the disease COVID-19 and the virus that causes it, SARS CoV-2. The said knowledge is incomplete, since it is a “novel illness that continuously evolves daily. There is new information about variants, transmissions, preventive measures, complications, treatments, vaccines, and immunity.

We have no truly accurate measure to determine ‘good care’.”

She also remarked on the world’s shift toward internet-based communication and education, particularly the “ubiquitous social media landscape which blurred the distinction between truth and fiction, creating an infodemic of endless opinions, rampant misinformation and PROFESSORIAL CHAIR TO PAGE 4

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News

PROFESSORIAL CHAIR FROM PAGE 3

UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes D. Maglinao, Metrobank Foundation Executive Vice President Mr. Philip Francisco Dy, Prof. Angeles Tan Alora, M.D., and the UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D. disinformation” and the urgency of the pandemic, which “catapulted preprint servers and predatory journals without peer review that lead to a reproducibility crisis.”

The nature and circumstances of healthcare during the onset of the pandemic was also beyond control, such as the vital necessity of strict infection control measures that, at the same time, “threatened personalized, dignified, and humane care.” These include distancing restrictions that prohibit family members to visit or assist patients, leading to those in the ICU dying alone. Due to the scarcity of resources at the time, both human and material, “decisions on how to meet an individual’s need gave way to decisions on how to maximize public care.”

Another challenge was the unprepared public health system stemming from the lack of clear sciencebased directives and policies during the crisis A lesson to be learned among

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these trials, Dr. Tan Alora emphasized, is “Do not give up. Rather, accept with confidence that God’s hand is upon us as we do our part. And what is our part?

To focus on what we can control: to be trustworthy, to do the right thing for the right reason, to act virtuously, humbly, compassionately, and courageously,” An ethical person must summon the courage to do the ordinary tasks in extraordinary manners despite adversity and unpleasant consequences, to act and live with authenticity, integrity, and transparency, to be willing to do what is right above what is convenient, to do even small things with great love, implored Dr. Tan Alora, who added that “the greater danger is not that our dreams are too lofty that we fail to reach them, but that they are too small and we do. We need to dream high and strive to realize that we are meant for more.”

As society begins to emerge from the pandemic, change is inevitable.

People must not go “back to normal” but rather collectively build a “new normal

that is better than the one before, with an enhanced ethical behaviour.”

Dr. Tan Alora taught at the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery for 44 years and served as the head of the Department of Medical Education.

Aside from her affiliation with the University of Santo Tomas, she is also a fellow of the Philippine College of Physicians and the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, the latter of which she served as the first woman president.

She also taught at UP Manila and became the Director of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions for 5 years.

Dr. Tan Alora is the third recipient of the Doña Victoria Ty Tan Professorial Chair, which started in 2019. She joins the ranks of Dr. Sandra Navarra and Dr. Fidela Moreno. Upon conferment to 10 medical educators and researchers, UST and the Metrobank Foundation will publish a book containing the collated lectures/research works.

• January 1-31, 2024

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Responsible use of AI tools explored in educational context at UST digital expo

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Dr. Ace Lagman delivers his plenary lecture

o facilitate the exchange of ideas and the learning of best practices while inspiring stakeholders with the latest technological advancements in teaching and learning driven by artificial intelligence, the University of Santo Tomas recently held “TigerTECH Digital Expo: Exploring the Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence.”

The expo began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 5 and ended on December 7, 2023, at the Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati Building.

Administrators, academic staff, and students delved into the latest advancements in AI tools through academic discussions and booth interactions from various educational technology and tool suppliers and contacts.

“The University’s subscription to tools with AI features presents an opportunity for harnessing its potential to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, automate various tasks, personalize the learning experience, and offer immediate feedback, thereby contributing to an improved teaching and learning environment,” according to the event rationale.

Aside from the booths, capacityexpanding plenary talks on the Power Skills Framework for Analytics and AI from FEU Institute of Technology Senior Director Dr. Ace Lagman, and the future of e-learning in the age of AI from De La Salle University Academic Support for Instructional Services and Technology (ASIST) Director Asst. Prof. Michael Manguerra provided

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insights into the transformative potential of technology in education.

Learning sessions on Grammarly, Zoom AI companion, Canvas’s AI-powered features, Microsoft 365 Education, TurnItIn feedback studio, Adobe Firefly and Adobe Express, Google Bard, Anthology Milestones, and the artificially intelligent learning and assessment system ALEKS were also held for interested academic staff, appointees, and students.

The digital expo was organized by the Office of Information and Communications Technology, the Educational Technology Center, and the Purchasing Office.

(From left:) EdTech Assistant Director Asst. Prof. April Joy Gascon, Director Asst. Prof.

Anna Cherylle Ramos, Assistant Director of the Purchasing Office Mr. Caesar Anthony E. Yoma, and Executive Assistant of the Assistant to the Rector for Information and Communications Technology Assoc.

Prof. Noel Estrella, Ph.D.

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News

Dones of CRS wins DOST-PCHRD 2023 Best Mentor Award

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Prof. Dones

rof. Valentin C. Dones III, Ph.D., currently serving as the Research Supervisor at the Center for Health Research and Movement Science and as an academic staff in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, has been honored as the NCR Cluster Winner of the 2023 Best Mentor in Health Research Award in the Junior/Early Career Researchers Category.

This prestigious biennial award acknowledges mentors who have significantly contributed to the development of researchers in the health sector, thereby advancing the goals of the Philippine National Health Research System and the National Unified Health Research Agenda.

Dones is recognized not only for his competence and dedication as an educator but also for his prolific contributions to research, as evidenced by his numerous publications and research engagements.

His commitment to training both students and junior academic staff is pivotal in enhancing research quality and promoting evidence-based practice within the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Renowned for his ability to inspire and motivate, Dones excels in instilling core values such as honesty, discipline, and commitment, while challenging and supporting his mentees to foster innovative thinking and research excellence.

His expertise in research methodology, statistics, writing, and the use of various research tools has been invaluable to the academic community. The award ceremony, set to take place during the 42nd DOST-PCHRD Anniversary Celebration in March 2024, will include Dones among the regional winners competing for national recognition.

Accountancy academic staff appointed to TWG on CPA exam enhancement project

Dean Empleo (eighth from left) and Asst. Prof. Caliwan (twentieth from left) with fellow PRBOA appointees

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everal academic staff of the USTAlfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy were appointed as members to the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy’s (PRBOA) Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Certified Public Accountants Licensure Examination (CPALE) Enhancement Project.

AMV COA Dean Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, Ph.D. was appointed as Chair of the TWG on Business Environment and Concepts, while Assistant Dean Francisco M. Caliwan, Jr. and Assoc. Prof.

Antonio J. Dayag, Ph.D. were appointed as members of the TWG on Financial Accounting and Reporting. Moreover, Asst.

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Prof. Enrico D. Tabag and Atty. Tristan L. Lopez were appointed as members of TWG on Tax Compliance and Planning, while Mr. Francisco H. Villamin, Jr. DBA was appointed as member for Auditing and Attestation. The appointed members took their oath last December 18, 2023 at the PRC Office, Philippine International Convention Center.

The technical working group is tasked to revise the syllabi and table of specifications of the Philippine CPALE and align it with the examination given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Currently, the AICPA examination consists of two

modules—core and discipline. The core module contains three compulsory parts (courses), namely: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG). The discipline module contains three optional parts (courses), namely: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC) and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). Students will choose one of the options. To complete the CPA Exam, a student will do 3 Core Courses and 1 Discipline Course.

The AICPA-based examination is set to be given starting the October 2028 CPALE.

• January 1-31, 2024

News

CTHM emerges as travel vlog champion during Y4TH int’l conference 2023

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The winning UST team

THM won the Travel Vlog Competition (TVC) during the Youth for Tourism and Hospitality (Y4TH) International Conference 2023, with the theme, Futureproofing the Industry through Green Tourism, on November 11, 2023 at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) Film Institute. The event was organized by the UPD Asian Institute of Tourism Association of Alumni (AITAA). The event aims to equip students with knowledge and skills relevant to the industry today and in the future.

Selected Junior and Senior BS Tourism Management students namely, Fiona Charlize S. Nazar, Maria Carren M. Santos, Solomon M. Santiago, and Anton Ivan B. Victorino formed the group Travelkadas that produced the winning vlog. The vlog showcased Muntinlupa City and featured select prominent attractions around the city. The vlog also highlighted inclusive and sustainable destinations focusing on health and wellness, accessible tourism, and recreational tourism. It also underscored

the city’s best practices about its efforts on green investment.

Significant partner institutions assisted the team, namely, the City Government of Muntinlupa – Museo ng Muntinlupa, Filinvest City and Festival Mall Management, and the Bureau of Corrections. Academic staff members Ms. Lizette V. Villaflor, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, and Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado served as the mentors of the team.

Aside from the TVC, CTHM also joined other categories during the event such as Tourism Start-up, Destination Marketing Plan, and Travel Brochure-making competitions.

The preparation and monitoring of the competition delegates from the College was spearheaded by Ms. Catherine C. Mondejar, the Tourism Management Competition point person.

The winning vlog can be accessed through this link: https://fb.watch/ oiwMBgkJa3/.

UST Alumni Relations holds onsite Appreciation Day for industry partners, benefactors, organizations

OAR Director Asst. Prof. Medina during the welcome remarks.

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he UST Office of Alumni Relations celebrated thriving collaborations with its partner organizations, companies, and benefactors on December 1, 2023 at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the Bl. Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building (Thomasian Alumni Center).

The Appreciation Day is a gathering to

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thank and acknowledge the university’s supporters who have helped the office in their projects in forging ties and cultivating relationships with the alumni community.

During his welcome remarks, OAR Director Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina, MACHS reported the growing number of partners throughout the years.

In the first-ever OAR Appreciation event in 2018, there were 24 industry partners and benefactors recognized in the event. This

year, OAR was able to connect and further strengthen relationships with 77 partners composed of 6 UST department units, 67 private companies, 2 organizations, and 2 individual benefactors.

These partners offer various perks and privileges that come with the Thomasian Alumni Card that can be availed by Thomasian alumni across the country.

Alumni card partners such as Astoria Hotels, Cabean Cafe, George Optical, Highlands Coffee, Holiday Inn Express Manila, Hotel San Marco, Le Soleil De Boracay, Luxent Hotel, Makati Medical Care Access Araneta City, Movenpick Boracay, APPRECIATION DAY TO PAGE 9

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UST alumni-led architectural firms recognized at World Architecture Festival 2023

Pangasinan Barangay Centers Ar. Jason Buensalido (on podium) during his presentation

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wo architectural firms led by UST Alumni won at the World Architecture Festival 2023 held in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on November 29 to December 1, 2023.

Buensalido + Architects, a firm owned

by Architecture alumni Ar. Jason Buensalido and Ar. Nikki Boncan - Buensalido, was declared winner under the Ethics and Value Category (WAFX) for their project Pangasinan Barangay Centers. The same project was also recognized as Highly Commended under the Future Projects-Civic Category.

The firm envisioned the project to be inspired by, designed by, and crafted by the local community, which hopefully creates a high sense of care and ownership towards the barangay centers; it is envisioned to be applied to all 140 barangays in the province, or even to over 42,000 barangays in the country.

Buensalido + Architects was established in 2006 with the commitment to introduce fresh, bold, and innovative concepts to the Philippine design setting.

Also recognized in the festival as Highly Commended was WTA Architecture & Design Studio’s Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Stadium Project located in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Under

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FEM Stadium

the Completed Building-Sport Category, the FEM Stadium is a 12,000 seater open stadium built as public social space for the people of Ilocos Norte.

WTA Architecture & Design Studio is owned by Ar. William Ti, Jr., an alumnus from batch 2002. In 2020 and 2021, the firm was recognized as one of the Top 10 Architecture Firms by BCI Asia. Currently, his firm is ranked 96th in Building Design World Architecture 100 (WA100) 2023.

Ar. William Ti, Jr. (center)

• January 1-31, 2024

Research UST’s SDG-inspired hackathon promotes healthy living, renewable energy, alternative communication

Executive Director of Climate Change Commission Sec. Robert E.A. Borje delivers the keynote address.

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o foster interdisciplinary collaboration among students, the University of Santo Tomas TOMASInno Center, UST’s official technology business incubator, hosted the first University-wide hackathon with the theme “Hack-a-Thom: The UST Hackathon on Sustainable Development Goals—Health, Environment, and Education” on November 24, 2023 at the Benavides Auditorium.

This inaugural hackathon brought together 14 teams composed of 83 students from various disciplines. Transcending the boundaries of traditional academic silos, it encouraged students to collaborate, innovate, and create solutions to real-world problems.

TOMASInno Center made the event inclusive and appealing to students with varied interests and skills by conducting bootcamps where professional practitioners coming from the field of engineering, business, programming, and other related trades and professions gave lecture sessions.

Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of Climate Change Commission, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje delivered a keynote message, addressing key issues and emphasizing the importance of innovation. He highlighted that the challenges ranged from developing innovative solutions to societal problems to creating new technologies that could disrupt existing industries.

During the competition, the teams presented their innovations on their chosen SDG focus with a 5-minute pitch.

In first place was Team INNOvision with their project “AERLYTE”. The project aims to solve rising problems among geriatrics like health risks, reduced mobility, social isolation, and lack of motivation for exercise. This will be addressed through technology, specifically, a revolutionary exergaming app that seamlessly blends entertainment and health that enables a personalized and immersive fitness experience, fostering a new era of active aging for a healthier and happier senior community. Members include Julianne Kyle D. Abello, FJ Rio Rey Bantugan, Karl Dominic F. Placido, and Ydel Dominique C. Villariba.

In second place was Team Thoma5eekers with their project “Charging Point”, which aims to solve the problems brought by car-centricity by creating bike-friendly campuses and allowing the community to contribute in generating renewable energy. Mikayla Vera G. Cabildo, Kyle Christian Joshua M. Elgarico, Ronrico Miguel M. Kho, Niña Darlene S. Sebastian, and Russell L. Serranillo are the team members.

In third place is Team “MATCHA” with “Project Gesto”, an app made for everyone who desires to communicate and learn using sign language. Aside from its purpose to communicate, this will also help people who are willing to learn Braille and Sign Language. The team includes Abby Joyce E. Borromeo, Johann Louise V. Castillo, Alyssa Cherrylyn S. Guinto, and Lance Raphael H. Perez.

UST’S SDG-INSPIRED HACKATON TO PAGE 10

APPRECIATION DAY FROM PAGE 7

Reddoorz Philippines, Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care, Tinapayan Festival Bakeshoppe, and Winford Hotel & Casino were recognized during the event.

Also recognized were the partner organizations of OAR that included UST Alumni Association, Inc. for alumni events and Prosple for career development programs of the alumni community. Generous benefactors Drs. Jose & Stella Evangelista and Dr. Anselmo Unite were also honored during the event.

Asst. Prof. Medina gave his heartfelt thanks to everyone who has given their trust and confidence to OAR in continuing its purpose to serve the alumni community. He assured the partners of the improvements and innovations OAR is working on to make the collaboration and partnership more sustainable and engaging for the years to come.

Asst. Prof. Medina with the representatives from Le Soleil Boracay, Winford Hotel & Casino, and Holiday Inn Express Manila.

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Research

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Regino of CRS presents research on interprofessional education in Qatar

sst. Prof. Jocel M. Regino, MSPT, PPTRP, from the Department of Physical Therapy, presented her research on Interprofessional Education at the All Together Better Health Conference, 11th International Conference on Interprofessional Practice and Education held at the Qatar University, Doha Qatar on November 6-9, 2023.

Her study, titled “Interprofessional Education: A Scientometric Analysis”, was nominated for the Scott Reeves Research Award by Care in Partnership with the Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education (CAIPE) and Journal of Interprofessional Care (JIC).

This paper delves into scientometric analysis, exploring the current landscape of Interprofessional Education (IPE) research and its implications for advancing healthcare practices. Her study provides an overview of IPE publications’ scientific

output, trends, and research topics worldwide. The analysis revealed the increasing interest in interprofessional education worldwide through publications and citation indicators. This study will serve as a valuable guide for researchers, practitioners, educators, and policymakers to bridge existing knowledge structures and current trends Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice champions and various health care and social care professionals globally attended the conference. The conference concluded with the Winterthur-Doha Declaration on Interprofessional Education and Practice

by Interprofessional Global being handed over to Dr. Jim Campbell, Director of Health Workforce of the World Health Organization.

Asst. Prof. Regino

UST’S SDG-INSPIRED HACKATON FROM PAGE 9

Team Synapse’s “Sewalert” was recognized as the top environment-related pitch for tackling the causes of flooding by leveraging their innovative flood sensor technology and helping to alert the appropriate authorities. Team members are Marc Angelo S. Ching, Miguel Felipe E. Lugay, Kercwin Paul F. Ocampo, Carl Diego L. Sadie, and Colleen Fritzi Santiago.

Team T6’s project “KKB”, which stands for “kumain ka na ba?” aims to solve lack of nutrition, foster healthy eating habits, and embracing connectivity among college students through an app with interconnected features of assisting users in locating food shops according to their preferences and constraints, providing easy nutrient-tracking through AI photography, and promoting a social community that reminds each other to eat rightfully and healthily. It was recognized as the top health-related pitch.

The top education-related entry was Team Incinque’s ABARKADA, which aims to provide inclusive, accessible, and quality education for all through an interactive learning platform integrated with innovative and inclusive features for children with limited hearing capacities, such as AI Learning assistant and Digital Classrooms.

Winning teams were awarded with cash prizes, medals, and tokens for the overall effectiveness of their interdisciplinary 10

Team InnoVision wins first place. teamwork. Serving as the competition’s panelists were the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Head Dr. Kenneth Paul S. Ong, Cerebro CEO/Founder Justine Itugot, Accenture Managing Director Mr. Nepthalie Cruz, UST Hospital Medical Director Dr. Charito P. Malong-Consolacion, UST Alumni Association Inc. President Atty.

Dwight Ramos, and UST EdTech Director Asst. Prof. Anna Cherylle M. Ramos.

This event was generously supported by its major sponsors, Accenture and Climate Change Commission, and minor sponsors, Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc, Unify Platform AG, and Thomasian Employees’ Credit Cooperative.

• January 1-31, 2024

Research

Patungan of Science wins best presenter for paper on machine learning in math education

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Asst. Prof. Patungan (center) receives his certificate.

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sst. Prof. Arturo J. Patungan Jr., an academic staff in the Mathematics and Physics Department of the College of Science, was recognized at the “9th National Research Conference in Science and Mathematics Education” held from November 16 to 17, 2023 in Cagayan De Oro. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), the conference gathered academic professionals and DOST-SEI scholars to exchange insights and present research.

During the said event, Patungan secured the top spot as the best oral presenter in the “Teaching Capacity and Development” category. His presentation titled “Determinants of Mathematics Teacher Candidates’ Success in the Licensure Examination for Teachers Using Machine Learning” offered a deep dive into the factors influencing mathematics teacher candidates’ performance in the licensure exam, employing innovative machine learning techniques. His research highlighted his efforts in advancing pedagogical methodologies within mathematics education.

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education at the University of the Philippines - Diliman, Patungan has played a pivotal role in the creation of the BS Data Science and Analytics program in the University of Santo Tomas and is currently involved in several projects at the University that involve the use of data analytics in decision-making.

Occupational Therapy academic staff present research at the Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation

he College of Rehabilitation SciencesOccupational Therapy academic staff members presented their research at the 13th Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation held last November 23-24 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Assoc. Prof. Ivan Neil Gomez, Ph.D. shared his research study titled, “Occupational Balance among Undergraduate OT Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown” in the Traditional Oral Presentation category. He also participated in the poster presentation sessions with the following studies: Factors Associated with the Quality of Life of Families of Children with Disability, Developing a Filipino-Based Therapy Card Deck for Home and Community Skills, and Effectiveness of a Research Project Placement Program for Final Year Undergraduate OT Students on their Evidence-Based Practice Competency and Attitudes.

Asst. Prof. Kim Gerald Medallon, Ph.D. joined the Pitching Oral Presentation category with his study titled, “Life Satisfaction and Self-Efficacy of OT Students in a University in Metro Manila: A Cross-Sectional Study” where he received the Best Oral Presentation Award.

Asst. Prof. Kathlene Anne Hernandez,

January 1-31, 2024 •

(From left:) Asst.

Prof. Nikka Karla Santos, Asst. Prof.

Allan James Tan, Asst. Prof. Kim Gerald Medallon, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof.

Ivan Neil Gomez, Ph.D., and Asst.

Prof. Kathlene Anne Hernandez

MHPEd participated in the poster presentation sessions with two of her studies: Perception of the Educational Environment among OT Students in UST: A Study Based on the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure and The Perspectives of Filipino Rehabilitation Students on Interprofessional Education Course.

Asst. Prof. Allan James Tan, MSOT joined the poster presentation sessions

with his study titled, “Sleep Quality among Undergraduate OT Students in UST during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study”.

Asst. Prof. Nikka Karla Santos, OTD shared her study titled, “A Retrospective Study on the Online Self-Regulated Learning Skills of OT Students Enrolled in a Full Online Curriculum in UST amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic” in the poster presentation sessions.

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Research

Thomasian environmental science studies presented at ACES 2023

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n a gathering of the country’s top environmental scientists, Thomasian representatives from the College of Science, the Graduate School, and the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences actively participated during the 11th Annual International Conference on Environmental Science (ACES) held from November 8 to 10, 2023 at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City. With the theme “Environmental Justice and Peace: Environmental Science as a Catalyst for Change and Innovations”, the conference exchanged ideas and shared research, highlighting the pivotal role of the environmental sciences to foster environmental justice and peacebuilding.

From innovative solutions to bold discoveries in the realm of conservation and sustainability, these researchers discussed ways to address pressing issues with regard to the environment. The UST researchers showcased their findings on different environmental science subfields through 8 oral and 7 poster presentations.

At the end of the event, the study titled “First records of protosteloid amoebae in the Philippines: Hidden treasures of the coastal ecosystem of San Fernando City, La Union” by Christian Elmarc Ocenar-Bautista, Ramon

Thomasian Representatives at ACES Carlo Balaoro-Bautista, Celine Yssabelle Claudio-Paragas, Don Enrico Buebos-Esteve, and Asst. Prof. Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac, Dr. rer. nat. was hailed as the Best Poster Presentation.

ACES is an annual event organized by the Philippine Environmental Science Association. This year’s conference was co-organized by the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Internationalization College of Education hosts last batch of SEA Teacher Project

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he UST College of Education hosted the last batch of the participants for the Pre-Service Student Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA Teacher) Project from Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University (VRU) in Thailand. The month-long teaching internship, held from November 6 to 26, 2023 allowed the participants to conduct classroom observations, teaching assistantships, and demonstration teaching at the UST Education High School, the laboratory school of the College.

The participants also attended special classes in Filipino language and culture for a deeper sense of appreciation of the identity of their host country.

Before VRU, the College also hosted student teachers from Mulawarman University, University of Bengkulu, and Universitas Sebales Maret in Indonesia; Lampang Rajahbat University in Thailand; and Dong Thap University in Vietnam for the 9th Batch of the SEA Teacher Project that commenced in August 2023.

Student teachers from UST were also hosted by the said partner institutions.

In its 9th year, SEA Teacher Project is organized by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat, a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1965 among governments of Southeast Asian countries to promote regional cooperation in education, science, and culture.

College of Education Dean Assoc. Prof. Pilar I. Romero, Ph.D. (seated, fourth from left) with academic staff and the participating pre-service teachers.

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• January 1-31, 2024

Internationalization

Delos Reyes of GS serves as guest lecturer in Germany

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rier University of Applied Sciences Department of Computer Science and Therapy Science hosted Mr. Rod Charlie Delos Reyes, an academic staff at the UST Graduate School, as a Guest Lecturer and Guest Researcher in Trier, Germany in November 2023.

The Germanic Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Hochschule Trier International: Global Innovation for Sustainable Futures project, through the assistance of Prof. Dr. Jens Schneider and approved by Prof. Dr. Heinz Schmitz, the department’s dean, were instrumental to this endeavor.

With over eight years of experience in clinical practice, academia, community development, and leadership, Delos Reyes has made notable contributions to local and international peerreviewed journals with over 15 published articles. His expertise in gender, diversity, and a global perspective on occupational therapy practice were showcased during his month-long tenure. He conducted workshops for occupational therapy students, covering topics like cultural sensitivity training, international occupational therapy practice, and integrating gender perspectives into clinical work.

Moreover, Delos Reyes is collaborating on designing an innovative occupational science module for the 2024 summer semester of Trier University of Applied Sciences. Post his tenure, he aims to nurture collaborations between Trier University and the

Mr. Delos Reyes provides a workshop on how to facilitate culturally sensitive assessment procedures in OT practice.

University of Santo Tomas. Future collaborations between the universities would focus on internationalization efforts, support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and facilitating faculty and student exchange programs to advance global academic and social initiatives.

Dones of CHRMS meets with research directors, officials of JBI in Australia

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rof. Valentin C. Dones III, Ph.D., Research Director of the Center for Health Research and Movement Science (CHRMS) at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), participated in the JBI Ignite symposium, a significant event focusing on the future of methodology in evidence-based healthcare (EBHC).

Held from November 13 to 17, 2023, at the National Wine Center in Adelaide, Australia, this symposium, hosted by JBI, brought together experts from various fields to discuss innovative approaches and solutions in the EBHC methodology.

This gathering provided a platform for networking and collaboration, enhancing the role in evidence-based practice.

Additionally, Dones represented CHRMS in the Asia Pacific Region’s Research Directors meeting, contributing to the center’s achievements and aiming for a pivotal role in the regional representation of evidence-based practice.

CHRMS and JBI Adelaide officials and staff including (front row, from left:) Dr. Bronwyn Overall, Dr. Amy Finlay, Dr. Lucylynn Lizarondo, Dr. Maria Cristina Z. San Jose, (back row, from left:) Dr. Valentin C. Dones III, Dr. Craig Lockwood, Dr. Kylie Porritt

January 1-31, 2024 •

After the symposium, during his Visiting Fellowship from November 18 to December 4, 2023, Dones engaged in strategic dialogues with key figures in JBI, including Director Kylie Porritt of Transfer Science, Director Craig Lockwood of Implementation Science, Director Bianca Pilla of Global Relations, and Dr. Lucylynn Lizarondo of Implementation Science.

These discussions focused on potential collaborations in the realms of evidence transfer and implementation, aligned with the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. This framework is a core component of the Evidence-based Healthcare JBI Model, which emphasizes the integration of research evidence in informed decision-making and the enhancement of healthcare quality.

In collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Maria Cristina Z. San Jose of St. Luke’s Medical Center, Dones formulated a blueprint for evidence transfer and implementation based on the JBI methodology. This blueprint, designed to bridge the gap between summarized evidence and practical application, is set to be tested in a major Philippine hospital in Metro Manila.

This initiative positions UST’s CHRMS as a key player in evidence transfer and implementation within the Philippines.

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Lecture and Conferences

Dr. Winston Creones “Dr. Kilimanguru” Tiwaquen, MedTalk HealthTalk producer Ms. Kristine Bernadette Sasi, UST Research Center for the Health Sciences supervisor Prof. Consuelo G. Suarez, MD, PhD, FPARM, Unilab, Inc. External Affairs and Social Partnerships Assistant Vice President Claire de Leon-Papa, journalist Ms. Jing Castañeda, Operations Director of Mount Grace Network of Hospitals Mr. Ruben Basa, and UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P.

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he Office of Public Affairs (OPA), in partnership with Unilab, held the 6th installment of the Media Leadership Lecture Series on November 28, 2023, at the Dr. Robert Sy Grand Ballroom, Bl. Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building. With the theme “Advancing Community Wellness through a Multidisciplinary Approach to Health Communication: A Philippine Perspective”, this lecture series gathered experts, practitioners, media personalities, and advocates to weave and to share their insights on wellness and communication through a multi-sectoral approach.

Mr. Ruben Basa, Operations Director of Mount Grace Network of Hospitals and General Manager of Fe del Mundo Medical Center (FDMMC) served as the keynote lecturer on “The Practice of Health Communication in the Philippines”.

A key challenge in health communication, shared Mr. Basa, was improving health literacy or the ability to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information in the aspects of health care, disease prevention, and health promotion. An effective

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Ms. Jing Castañeda (leftmost) moderates the discussion among (from left:) Ms. Sasi, Dr. Kilimanguru, Prof. Suarez, and Mr. Basa communication campaign through mass media, such as the Oplan Alis Disease, improved vaccination coverage in urban areas during the early 90s until 2012, when vaccine rates declined in the next four years. In the absence of consistent health communication campaigns, vaccine hesitancy rose until 2022, where Basa lamented that the Philippines became one of the countries with the highest number of “zero-dose children” or children with no vaccine doses at all.

Basa also stressed the importance of being ready to communicate change transparently to avoid building distrust.

Science evolves, evidence changes, and health communicators must adapt as needed, particularly while dealing with an ongoing pandemic like COVID-19, which still has new strains spreading throughout communities. He added that maintaining public trust and having reliable messengers are vital.

A panel discussion moderated by veteran journalist Ms. Jing Castañeda followed the lecture, with insights gathered from Mr. Basa; Prof. Consuelo G. Suarez, MD, PhD, FPARM, Supervisor of Research Center for the Health Sciences; Ms. Kristine Bernadette Sasi, Executive Producer of MedTalk HealthTalk – CNN Philippines; Mr. Winston Creones “Dr. Kilimanguru” MEDIA LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES TO PAGE 15

• January 1-31, 2024

Lectures and Conferences

MEDIA LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES FROM PAGE 14

encouraged the audience to initiate projects that are creative, laymanized, and multisectoral in approach for the application and appreciation of the members of the Thomasian Community and general public.

Originally launched in 2017, the keynote speakers in the previous six installments of the UST-MLLS included Philippine Institute for Development Studies Research Information Department Director Dr. Sheila Siar, Philippine Communication Society Director/PRO and UST Journalism Program Coordinator Mr. Felipe Salvosa II, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila Office of Communications Director Fr. Roy Bellen, multidisciplinary journalist and documentarist Mr. Atom Araullo, Limitless Lab Chief Executive Officer Ms. Joie Cruz, and Break the Fake Movement Founder Mr. Gabriel Billones, Jr., Catholic Media Network President Fr. Francis Lucas, Lahi Philippines President Jing Magsaysay, former ABSCBN Digital News Media Head Ms. Karen Puno-Igaya, and GMA documentary hosts Mr. Cesar Apolinario and Mr. Jay Taruc.

Mr. Ruben Basa during his keynote speech.

Tiwaquen, Medical Doctor and Educational Content Creator; and Ms. Jing Castaneda, Journalist, Columnist, and Health Advocate. Their discussion focused on “Advancing Community Wellness through a Multidisciplinary Approach to Health Promotion”.

Prof. Suarez highlighted the need to stay updated on the latest research publications on medical theory and practices to be sure that what health care practitioners responsibly communicate to their patients and the public is still up to the experts’ standards. She also suggested that social media could be used to promote new, lifesaving techniques and technologies.

Ms. Sasi pointed out that, aside from a lack of understanding of some important health concepts, some topics also bear heavy stigma, like depression and other mental health related topics.

Repeated awareness and communication attempts on wide-spread platforms, such as MedTalk HealthTalk, with trusted experts who can reliably communicate on the said topics, are the key to slowly changing preconceived notions of the public. Aside from long-form content like full episodes, which are all available online, they also have short-form content that are one or two minutes long to focus on specific topics.

Dr. Tiwaquen, meanwhile, stressed the need to retain one’s ethical values as a doctor, particularly since his wide online reach as an educational content creator on social media leads to some advertising offers on unproven supplements and skin treatments.

He said the rare times he accepts advertising deals, he ensures that it aligns with his values to keep his credibility, which is of prime importance as a communicator.

Another topic discussed was the lack of localization and translation of medical terms and instructions, which healthcare practitioners usually communicate in English or Tagalog. More effort should be put into using local terms that the public would most understand, particularly those in far-flung barrios.

This installment of the UST Media Leadership Lecture Series enhanced the understanding of the audience on the holistic concept of health communication and its value and relevance in the Philippine setting, increased the awareness of the participants on the various approaches and practices used by individuals and organizations to effectively implement different types of wellness programs in their respective communities through various media platforms, and

January 1-31, 2024 •

Participating students and academic staff receive vitamins from Unilab

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Lectures and Conferences

UST GS discusses AI for improved healthcare efficiency in online webinar

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he webinar titled “Artificial Intelligence – as a means to improve efficiency in healthcare” was held on November 22, 2023 via Zoom.

This webinar featured Ms. Muna Fayiz Jaber, an expert on the intricacies of the rapidly growing diagnostics technology in Doha, along with Sir Mark Tacadena, who was a representative of the AFP Cyber Group, which specializes in the promotion of cybersecurity in the Philippines.

Ms. Jaber in her discussion focused on the intricacies of diagnostics and how Artificial Intelligence had the potential to improve not only triaging in the Philippines, but also the AIpowered analysis of medical data, which would significantly enhance the detection and diagnosis of various diseases.

Another significant part of her discussion was how AI should mostly be focused on detecting the underlying pathology and selecting the most suitable medical interventions based on the patient’s condition, which leads to advancements in the development of personalized medicine.

The next speaker, Mr. Mark Tacadena, an expert in cybercrime, focused on the details of technological security and how each person can protect themselves from various cybercrime modalities. His talk also focused on how cybersecurity is closely tied to national security. Cyber threats can be used to compromise critical infrastructure, disrupt government operations, and even pose risks to public safety. He emphasized how a robust cybersecurity framework is vital to protect our national interests.

The speakers engaged in an open forum with the participants and were awarded certificates, followed by the closing remarks provided by Prof. Teresita Irigo-Barcelo, Ph.D.

De Los Reyes of AB, RCCAH discusses social critique in new media era at int’l conference in Indonesia

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ssoc. Prof. Joselito D. De Los Reyes, Ph.D., BA Creative Writing program coordinator and research associate at UST Research Center for Culture, Arts and Humanities, served as a speaker at the Second International Conference on Culture and Performing Arts (ICCPA) held from November 10 to 12, 2023, hosted by Universitas Padjadjaran in Bandung, Indonesia.

In his plenary session talk titled “MEME-JUSTICE: Meme and Satire as Counter-Narratives”, De Los Reyes explored the potential of new media platforms, particularly that of viral memes, as tools for social critique.

He delved into the rhetorical and political factors of popular and organic memes in the Philippines, analyzing their political and cultural implications for local meme personalities and Filipino netizens.

Technological advancements and prolonged internet and social media consumption characterize the Philippines’ media landscape. Despite being the world’s top social media consumer, the country also faces challenges with the weaponization of social media, mainly through click farms, fake news, and troll armies. De Los Reyes’ presentation shed light on the complex dynamics of new media in the Philippines, highlighting its potential for creative expression and social criticism.

The ICCPA provides a platform for scholars and artists worldwide to share their research and creative work on the intersections of culture, performing arts, and media.

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Dr. De Los Reyes (left) accepts the certificate.

• January 1-31, 2024

Lectures and Conferences

UNITAS, SIR conduct joint seminar workshop on ethical literary criticism

(From left:) Prof. Vincenz Serrano, Ph.D., Prof. Gexin Yang, Ph.D., Prof. Biwu Shang, Ph.D., Prof.

Maria Luisa Reyes, Ph.D., GS Dean Prof. Michael Anthony Vasco, Ph.D., Prof. Joyce Arriola, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Ma. Eloisa S. Perez

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he Ethical Literary and Cultural Criticism Seminar-Workshop, spearheaded by the Office of the Scholar-in-Residence (SIR) and UNITAS Journal with Prof. Maria Luisa Reyes, Ph.D. as the Scholar-in-Residence and the editor-in-chief was conducted on November 23 and 24, 2023. The event was done in cooperation with the International Association of Ethical Literary Criticism (IAELC) and in partnership with the UST Graduate School.

This seminar-workshop is a leadup activity to the establishment of Ethical, Literary, and Cultural Criticism Association of the Philippines (ELCCAP) to be launched in April 2024. It is in the spirit of promoting international academic exchange and encouraging scholarly collaboration in the field of literary and cultural criticism that SIR and UNITAS organized this event.

The said seminar-workshop had for its keynote speakers scholars from

January 1-31, 2024 •

China’s Ivy League Universities called “C9”, Prof. Biwu Shang from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Prof. Gexin Yang from Zhejiang University.

Workshop-lectures were given in the afternoon followed by an open forum moderated by Asst. Professor Ma. Eloisa D. Sevilla-Perez, the assistant editor of UNITAS. The workshop speakers were Prof. Joyce L. Arriola, Ph.D. of University of Santo Tomas, who delivered the lecture “Ethical Dimension of Historiographic Metafiction,” Assoc. Prof. Vincenz Serrano, Ph.D. of Ateneo de Manila University with his lecture, “‘People, Pieces, a Piece of Day, a Foreign Word’: Estrangement and Ethics in Raymond de Borja’s Image-Text Poetry,” Asst.

Prof. Kathrine Ojano, Ph.D. of De La Salle University, who discussed “Of Maids and Tyrants, Or the Ethical (Im) Possibility of Martial Law Narrative in the Age of Post-Truth,” and Asst. Prof.

Mikhail Mongaya, Ph.D. of University

of the Philippines-Diliman with the topic, “Roger Felix Salditos’ Ang Hiwalaybay Ko: The Cultural Politics of Literary Practice in Emancipatory Struggles”.

The UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. delivered the Welcome Remarks on the first day of the seminarworkshop while Rev. Fr. Jannel N. Abogado, O.P., the UST Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, delivered the Opening Remarks on the second day.

Prof. Maria Luisa Reyes, Ph.D. gave the introduction and background of the event. The UST Graduate School Dean Prof. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, Ph.D., delivered the Closing Remarks on the first day while Asst. Prof. Allen Dave B. Arboleda, Ed.D. graced the Closing Ceremonies in the afternoon of the second day.

The participants were faculty and students from UST, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and University of Eastern Philippines.

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Lectures and Conferences

UST delegates (from left:) Dr. Dino T. Tordesillas, Dr. Rey Donne S. Papa, Mr. Elfritzson M. Peralta, Ms. Justine De Leon and Ms. Kristine Sandoval

Thomasian limnologists present papers during International Tropical Limnology conference in Indonesia; Peralta wins Best Presenter

Mr. Peralta (third from left) receiving his award from conference chair Dr. Luki Subehi of the Indonesian Limnology Society

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ive Thomasian limnologists presented research papers during the recently concluded joint 2nd International Conference and Scientific Meeting of the Indonesian Limnology Society and 4th International Conference on Tropical Limnology, which was held from December 6 to 7, 2023, at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Bogor, Indonesia.

The two-day hybrid conference, which was attended by participants from

Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, China, and Japan was organized by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and supported by the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), National University of Laos (NuoL), South East Asia Limnological Network (SEALNet), Research Centre for Limnology and Water Resources, United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the International Society of Limnology.

The UST delegation included Science Dean Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D., Senior Teacher Dino T. Tordesillas, Ph.D. of the UST Senior High School, Biology instructor Ms. Justine R. De Leon, M.Sc., Organismic and Environmental Biology Cluster Coordinator Mr. Elfritzson M. Peralta, M.Sc., and M.Sc. student Ms. Kristine Sandoval (who represented National University – Laguna). All five Thomasians presented papers during the parallel sessions of the conference.

Peralta was awarded “Best Presenter (Student)” during the closing ceremonies of the two-day event. His paper, titled “Watershed Ecology: Assessment of Valuable Ecosystems in Freshwater Protected Areas (WEAVE FPAs) of the Philippines” discussed the importance of Freshwater Protected Areas for effective conservation and management of inland aquatic ecosystems. Peralta is currently enrolled under the Ph.D. Biology program of the UST Graduate School.

• January 1-31, 2024

Lectures and Conferences

GS Education Cluster webinar examines AI integration in teaching

The first speaker Rev. Fr. Jesús Miranda, Jr., O.P., Ph.D., during his talk

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he UST Graduate School Education Cluster held a webinar titled “Pedagogical Approaches: A Look into Demystifying Teaching with Artificial Intelligence (AI)” on November 30, 2023 via Zoom. This event brought together esteemed speakers, Professor Piet Kommers, a Professor of UNESCO Learning Technologies and the University of Twente in the Netherlands, and the Prior of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas Rev. Fr. Jesús M. Miranda, Jr, O.P., Ph.D. Attended by over 100 participants spanning various sectors internationally, the webinar delved into AI through classroom methodologies and researchbased strategies while examining potential challenges and ethical considerations related to AI in education.

Assoc. Prof. Rodrigo Litao, Ph.D. delivered the opening remarks highlighting how the advent of AI has raised questions about the authenticity of students’ work.

Yet, he emphasized that AI is an integral part of our reality, urging us to embrace its potential to enhance students’ learning experiences without compromising their development of essential 21st-century skills.

It was soon followed by the discussion of Fr. Miranda, who focused on the profound impact of AI on education and the necessary adjustments to harness its potential. He emphasized that AI is a supportive tool, not a replacement for humans, advocating for a shift from Artificial Intelligence to Intelligence Augmentation.

January 1-31, 2024 •

He stressed the imperative need to reframe our teaching methods, moving away from just finding the answers instead of focusing on asking the right questions. He also underscored the evolving role of educators, from being “the “sage on the stage” to being “the guides on the sides.” Furthermore, Fr. Miranda urged educators to have a more proactive approach in making technology a valuable tool for teaching and learning, and reconsidering how education utilizes and adapts technology and aim to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

The second talk, delivered by Prof.

Piet Kommers, discussed the development of AI and its profound impact on education.

He traced AI’s birth in the 1960s to its current dominance in Machine Learning and deep learning applications, particularly in healthcare and education. Professor Kommers highlighted AI’s transformative role in reshaping educational structures, including curricula, assessments, and teaching methodologies.

Despite AI’s influence on education, Prof. Kommers urged educators to effectively integrate technology into the classroom, emphasizing that technology should only serve as a window to the world in which the teachers’ responsibility is to open and close it.

He also discussed AI’s role in grading and emphasized the need to secure and protect student data. He expressed the dreams of AI in education, which hopes for personalized and effective learning. Some of the fears about AI are potential creativity

loss and deepening of social divides.

Identifying AI as a transformative force, Prof. Kommers urged the need for a strategic analysis of its integration into learning methodologies. He quoted Kenneth Dunn, underscoring teaching the students the way they learn.

It was also mentioned that while AI systems have advanced in various aspects, they still lack the capacity for subjective experiences, consciousness, and personal values. AI systems are programmed based on algorithms and trained on data, and they primarily provide objective analyses and responses based on patterns and rules. He stressed that AI cannot fully replicate the human-to-human interactions that facilitate deeper a deeper kind of engagement and understanding since it may struggle to understand context, emotions, and deeply personal aspects of life.

Lastly, he emphasized three crucial elements for effective learning: understanding the learners’ culture and nature, recognizing technology’s impact on them, and advocating for a balanced approach between play and work. He highlighted the importance of playfulness in fostering creativity and future-proofing learning methods, cautioning against burnout caused by excessive focus on deadlines and hard work without room for creativity.

AI INTEGRATION IN TEACHING TO PAGE 21

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Lectures and Conferences

CCCPET participates in UNESCO conventions conference, fieldwork in Vietnam, South Korea

Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo, PhD, Director of UST GS CCCPET (seated 4th from right) during the International Academic Symposium for the Listing of Religious Heritage and Korean Catholic Heritage

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nternational organizations and national governments have convened various capacity building initiatives to implement the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 2003 Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention. As the leading heritage conservation academic institution in the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) through the Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and the Environment in the Tropics (GSCCCPET), participated in the conferences and fieldwork to strengthen the nominations from various Asian countries.

Recognizing the significance of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), the UNESCO ICHCAP Korea and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam convened the 2023 Southeast Asia Sub-Regional Meeting for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Da Nang Vietnam from November 15 to 17, 2023. The opening ceremony was led by Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien, DirectorGeneral, Department of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and Mr. Kim Ji Sung, DirectorGeneral of ICHCAP Korea. The objective of the meeting was to propose multinational collaborations on shared ICH for possible nomination to the ICH Convention’s Representative List.

The world experts on ICH presented their studies for possible multinational nominations. The select experts who shared their findings were Dr. Alexandra Denes of Chiang Mai UniversityThailand on the Feasibility Study on the Shared Culture of Rice; Dr. Ritu Sethi of Craft Revival Trust-India on Traditional Craftsmanship in Southeast Asia; Prof. Tim Winter of National University of Singapore on Maritime Intangible Heritage; Dr. Phong Lan of Vietnam University of Fine Arts on Traditional Lacquer Crafts; and Dr. Eric Babar Zerrudo of the University of Santo Tomas GS CCCPET on the Significance of Sticky Rice.

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Focal persons elaborated on the status of Asian shared heritage in the latest ICH Representative List. Shared heritages were the Pantum of Indonesia and Malaysia, Tugging Rituals and Games of Cambodia, Philippines, Korea and Vietnam, and Ong Wangkang of Malaysia and China. Through country reports, representatives delivered their objectives and updates on the status of the ICH in terms of policies and programs. Case studies presented were from Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Zerrudo served as a moderator and summarized the final discussion where they arrived at a plan of action for future initiatives. The meeting closed with a field trip to Ancient Hoi An, the World Heritage City of Vietnam.

Complementary to the ICH Convention, the World Heritage Convention remains to be every national government’s aspiration in heritage conservation and promotion. The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, ICOMOS Korea, and the Diocese of Daejon organized the International Academic Symposium for the Listing of Religious Heritage and Korean Catholic Heritage. The conference venue and investigations were held in Seoul, Jeollabuk and Chungcheongnam from November 26 to 30, 2023.

The fieldwork investigation covered the historic sites of martyrdom by 103 Korean martyrs during the 18th – 19th centuries.

Thus, the activity intended to assess the strength of the various sites to legibly express a compelling narrative worthy of World Heritage nomination. Other than the winter climate, the grueling activity was challenged by language interpretation, distance/accessibility and material/architectural authenticity.

After the fieldwork, the conference convened World Heritage experts on catholic heritage sites and Catholic stakeholders from various Korean dioceses. Dr. Henrik Lindblad (Lund Government on Cultural Heritage-Sweden) delivered the Keynote Lecture on Definition and Nomination Trends for World Heritage of Religious Sites. This was followed and substantiated by Prof. Guo Zhan (Chinese expert and former ICOMOS International Vice President) on Dialogue between National Sentiment and World History- The Road to the World Heritage Nomination of the Historic Centre of Macao, Dr. Eric Babar Zerrudo (UST GS-CCCPET and World Heritage Evaluator-the Philippines) on Earthquake Baroque Churches of the Philippines-Revisiting the World Heritage Serial Site Inscription with Fr. Jonas Aspe Awayan MACHS (Chair of Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro- Church Heritage Office) on The Jasaan Journey, Dr. Ayako Fukushima (Kyushu University-Japan) on Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.

The international session was followed by research presentations from Korea. The presenters were Fr. Hangeon Jo on Origin and Development of the Korean Catholic Church, Prof Eulsik Shin on Characteristics of Korean Catholicism shown through Cross Cultural Comparison of the Acceptance of Catholicism and Fr. Kim Sung Tae on World Heritage Value of Korean Catholic Community Sites.

Prof. Hae Un Rii of ICOMOS PRERICO Scientific Committee and Co-Chair of the Korean Church Heritage Nomination Committee facilitated the panel discussion. Various resolutions were forwarded such as the formation of the Association of Religious Church Heritage (ARCH) study group, chaired by UST GS CCCPET, to assist in the systematic development of the Korean Church Heritage nomination dossier. For 2024, the ARCH meeting will be hosted by the Philippines through the collaboration of University of Santo Tomas and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

• January 1-31, 2024

Lectures and Conferences

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Protacio, Cua of CRS bag Silver Award in Technology Category of eLFA 2023

ollege of Rehabilitation Sciences academic staff members participated in the recently concluded eLearning Forum Asia 2023 with the conference theme “Digital Futures of Work and Learning: Forging the Way Ahead” held at the Singapore University of Social Sciences last November 30 to December 1, 2023.

Ms. Carol Mae Protacio and Ms. Justine Anne Cua from the Department of Occupational Therapy and eLearning specialists of CRS bagged the Silver Award in the Technology Category in the said forum.

Protacio and Cua showcased the innovative digital operations of the Aruga UST-OT Clinic, the service and training arm of the Department of Occupational Therapy. During the pandemic, operations of the clinic were rendered via a fully virtual environment maximizing TigerTech tools. The clinic used Zoom as the main avenue for the delivery of care, enabling academic staff and students to translate face-to-face therapy sessions into virtual sessions for its clients. The clinic also utilized Google Workspace applications, allowing the clinic to have a systemized approach for documentation of services and digital inventory of its resources. These simple technological solutions paved the way for the continuous provision of quality OT services during the height of the pandemic and even beyond.

In the same forum, Asst. Prof. Christian Rey Rimando presented the “Magkaugnay Project” of the Department of Physical Therapy. It is in collaboration with the Pediatric Rehabilitation, Community Based Rehabilitation, and Health Promotion & Wellness courses. It was one of the nominees Ms. Cua and Ms. Protacio present the “Aruga” UST-OT clinic under the Community Outreach category.

AI INTEGRATION IN TEACHING FROM PAGE 19

Following the lecture, the virtual floor welcomed questions from the participants which were openly answered by Prof.

Kommers. Soon after, Assoc. Prof. Lilian De Jesus delivered the closing remarks. The webinar was organized by by students from the Teaching Models and Methodologies class under the supervision of Assoc. Prof.

Lilian de Jesus.

The second speaker Prof. Piet Kommers (right) engages with the attendees during the Question and Answer part of the UST GS webinar, moderated by the event host, Ms. Neena Libramonte (left).

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Lectures and Conferences

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UST GS business cluster discusses global trends, strategies in webinar series

he University of Santo Tomas Graduate School’s Business Cluster Symposium Series recently hosted a virtual academic talk on “International Business and Global Strategy: Trends, Developments, and Challenges” on November 18, 2023. The event, conducted via Zoom and streamed live on the UST GS Business Cluster Symposium Series Facebook Page, featured two distinguished speakers and drew a diverse audience of 500 students, academic staff, and professionals.

Mr. Lubin De Vera, Jr., Chief of the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI) of the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), highlighted the Philippines’ priority investments in renewable energy, IT-BPM, and agriculture, making it a global leader in these sectors. He also noted the creation of 19 investment promotion agencies to promote the Philippines as an investment destination. The speaker shared key reforms, such as lowering the capital requirement for investors in the retail sector and allowing 100% foreign ownership of public services through the Public Service Act (RA No. 11659). He emphasized the government’s game-changing laws, such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, and its efforts to attract foreign investments.

Mr. Ven Christian Guce, Senior VP of

Mr. Lubin de Vera, Jr. Filinvest Development Corp., discussed portfolio management, international corporate finance, and evaluating the market and competitive environment. Mr. Guce’s insights covered crucial factors in decisionmaking, including the Threat of New Entrants, Substitute Products, the Bargaining Power of Suppliers, and the Bargaining Power of Buyers.

In a separate occasion, students under the Master of Business Administration organized another webinar that highlighted the success stories of industry leaders in management in a virtual event titled “Successful Managers: On Becoming a Profound Leader” which was held on November 11, 2023.

Speakers during the event were Mr. Arthur L. Panganiban and Ms. Kris Mary Joy

Mr. Ven Christian Guce Angulo. Panganiban, CEO of Gotuaco, Del Rosario Insurance Brokers, Inc., who has over three decades of experience in nonlife insurance and risk engineering, provided practical solutions to managers’ everyday challenges. Angulo, National Key Manager of Beiersdorf Philippines emphasized the importance of mentors in professional growth.

Both managers stressed the significance of teamwork and communication to reach the organization’s goal, and emphasized the importance of learning for professional growth.

The event was attended by UST GS students from different programs and MBA students from Wesleyan University Philippines. Also present during the event is the Business Cluster Head Dr. Elizabeth O. Recio.

Architecture Dean Ventura, alumnus join int’l forum ST College of Architecture Dean Ar. Rodolfo P. for Architecture Thesis Design Ventura and Architecture alumnus Benjamin Santiago

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participated in this year’s International Forum for Architecture Thesis Design in Taiwan & Southeast Asia.

Since 2019, the international forum has been engaging architecture graduates and professionals in a lively discourse of compelling concepts. Held from November 25 to December 3, 2024, over 20 universities across Southeast Asia and Taiwan were invited to examine and connect with this year’s theme: New Interpretive Grounds.

Santiago was selected to join the Design Review—a component of the event where a few delegates were chosen then paired to present their thesis projects in detail.

A panel of educators highlighted the similarities between their works. The final day of the event saw the presentation of Dean Ventura’s talk titled “Reflections on Milestones and Traditions: Reimagining UST College of Architecture Towards the Future” joining him were six other guest speakers.

The forum was delivered in mixed modality where the first few days of discussions were held online while the last three days were onsite for the presentations of the graduates and commentaries by distinguished design professionals. The onsite sessions were held at the Ming Chuan University Taoyuan Campus for the forum.

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UST College of Architecture alumnus Benjamin Santiago (right) with his adviser Ar. Charisse Ong

Dean Ventura delivers his talk

• January 1-31, 2024

Lectures and Conferences

History department presents papers at 10th ICONSEA Conference

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The UST delegation at the conference venue.

our academic staff members from the UST History Department attended the 10th International Conference on Southeast Asia (ICONSEA) held at the University of Malaya, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 7 to 8, 2023.

Attending the conference was the delegation from UST namely Assoc. Prof. Archie B. Resos, Ph.D. , Department Chair of the History Department, Assoc. Prof. Augusto V. de Viana, Ph.D., and Instructors Mr. Richard Gabris and Mr. Jerome Jaime.

During the conference, Resos discussed the developments that led to the People Power II Revolution in his paper titled “Political Anatomy of People Power II Revolution in the Philippines: The Rise and Fall of Joseph Ejercito Estrada (19982001).” De Viana, for his part, discussed a controversial topic on how the Philippine government responded to the COVID pandemic in his paper titled “The Pharmally Scandal: How the Philippine Government Response to the COVID-19 Scandal Turned to an Opportunity to Commit Large-Scale Corruption.”

Gabris discussed the crises in post-war Philippines in his paper “Philippine Postwar Crisis: Echoes of Unfulfilled Independence” while Jaime discussed the various pandemics from the American period to the present which affected the Philippines in his paper titled “Against an Invisible Enemy: A Historical Assessment of the Pandemic Management of the Philippines (1918-2022).”

It was the first in-person conference of ICONSEA since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic in 2020. It was attended by more than 250 delegates from Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States and it had 63 speakers.

Social media influencer marketing, new marketing trends highlighted in GS symposium

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he UST Graduate School, through its Marketing Management class, under the supervision of Prof. Eduardo G. Ong, JD, PhD, DPA, DBA, hosted a marketing symposium on November 25, 2023, at the Benavides Cancer Institute (BCI) Auditorium, UST Hospital. The event was graced by marketing professionals, thought leaders, and over 200 onsite participants and broadcast live through Zoom and Facebook from various academic institutions and organizations.

The symposium proved to be a dynamic platform for unlocking the latest trends and strategies surrounding social media influence and the future of marketing.

With the theme: “TikTALK: The Talk That Matters! Cracking the Code of Social Media Influence,” this term’s symposium delved into the world of influencer marketing. Topics such as the strategies, influencer success stories, and the latest trends surrounding influence as the currency of the digital age of marketing were discussed.

First to take the stage were top influencers who shared their success stories in the world of social media January 1-31, 2024 •

marketing. Lyqa Maravilla, an educational content creator with over eight million subscribers and 200 million views across her social media platforms, presented her use of social media influence for her advocacy to democratize access to education in the Philippines. Rem “Kuya Dev” Lampa shifted from engineering to tech and is currently using his platform to help students get the best starts in their careers. Joining the first group of guests is Julia Pineda who has worked with well-known beauty brands such as Maybelline, Creamsilk, Ever Bilena, and Belo. To complete the line-up of influencers for the first panel, the DINK (Double Income No Kids) Couple, Dan & Danica Flaminiano, graced the stage with their experiences in using social media platforms to share relatable content on their daily lives, home improvement projects, and other life hacks to their 43K followers.

In the second panel, marketing experts Jim Kenneth Lazam and Pamela Sulit took the stage and gave the business leadership perspective on the effects and returns of social media influence for

(From left:) Ms. Lyqa Maravilla, Mr. Rem “Kuya Dev” Lampa, Mr. Dan & Mrs. Danica Flaminiano, and Ms. Julia Pineda grace the stage for the Influencers Panel.

NEW MARKETING TRENDS TO PAGE 24

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Arts and Culture CCCPET, NCCA-PCEP, Palawan LGU collaborate on bio-cultural governance training

Dr. Zerrudo [Photo courtesy of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park & World Heritage Site Facebook page]

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he University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGSCCCPET), in collaboration with National Commission for Culture and the Arts – Philippine Cultural Education Program (NCCA-PCEP) and the City Government of Puerto Princesa, held the National Training for Local Government Units on Bio-Cultural Governance: Strategy, Responsibility and Sustainability at Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel from November 13 to 14, 2023.

The national training delved into the conservation management of natural

NEW MARKETING TRENDS FROM PAGE 23

businesses. Jim Kenneth Lazam is currently the Managing Director of Lazam Digital. This company collaborated with an array of notable clients such as Samsung, Landmark, Vision Express, Secosana, and The Udenna Group. Meanwhile, Pamela Sulit is a marketing strategist and brand builder from Wipro-Splash Corporation with over 15 years of marketing experience. She was instrumental in catapulting brands from San Miguel, Globe Telecom,

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parks, particularly those in consideration for the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. It documented the bio-cultural programs and projects of LGUs with UNESCO sites under the World Heritage, Man and Biosphere, and Geoparks programs, to build awareness and enhance appreciation of nature-culture linkage towards development strategy, to introduce bio-cultural governance as the basis for responsible tourism, cultural education, cultural industries, and environment activism. Bio-cultural governance is an iteration of culturebased governance training.

Sen. Loren Legarda began the day with a video message where she discussed the concept of biocultural governance and its significance.

Plenary speaker, Dr. Alvin C. Diesmos, Director of Biodiversity Knowledge Management and Department (ASEAN Center for Biodiversity), focused on the state of conservation in the Asia Pacific Region, providing valuable insights.

Joining him were UST Graduate School academic staff that shared key-takeaways with regards to biodiversity, research, and science.

Atty. Nicolas Pichay, the Director for Legislative Library Services at the Philippine Senate, discussed Nature and Culture Linkage: Laws and Jurisprudence.

He explained the concepts of natural and cultural heritage and cases related to heritage sites.

Ms. Zorina Arellano, the Puerto Princesa City ENRO Senior Environmental Management Specialist presented

and Wipro-Splash into strong leadership positions.

Proceeds from the symposium and its generous partners and sponsors will be extended to World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization devoted to improving the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

Also present in the event is the GS Program Lead for Marketing Communication, Prof. Joyce L. Arriola, Ph.D. Ms. Charmaine Sales, the chairperson, led the closing of the event.

the city’s environmental problems, its resolutions, and different programs.

Park Superintendent Angelique Songco of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park discussed the park’s protective measures and management, while Geologist Karl Michael Din, the head of the Geoconservation Committee in the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark, explained the concept of geopark and its goal.

The second day of the conference presented two case studies from Samar and Palawan. Ms. Maria Victoria Punay, a Lecturer of UST Graduate School Cultural Heritage Program and Associate Researcher of CCCPET, presented the Governance: Aspirations and Struggles for World Heritage Nomination of Samar Island Natural Park, while Brooke’s Point Vice Mayor Atty. Mary Jane Feliciano shared insights into the Conservation Management Plan, Issues, and Context of Mount Mantalingahan Natural Park— another site with UNESCO World Heritage aspirations.

The national training is attended by local government workers, newly elected barangay officials from Palawan, Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE), Katala Foundation, Zoological Society of London, Center for Sustainability, DepEd, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, LGU of El Nido, environmental science students from Palawan State University and more. This is an adjunct activity of the Subaraw Biodiversity Festival of Puerto Princesa City supported by the USAID-SIBOL Project and RTI International.

(From left:) Mr. Jim Kenneth Lazam and Ms. Pamela Sulit grace the stage for the Marketing Experts Panel.

• January 1-31, 2024

University Visitors

Prof. Peter de Mey Prof. Peter de Mey (center) of KU Leuven, Belgium, accompanied by Dr. Maricel Ibita (third from left), with (from left:) UST Office of Public Affairs Acting Director Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, CTRSE Director Prof. Joel Sagut, Ph.D., IR Director Rev. Fr. Ermito G. de Sagon, O.P., IR Assistant Director Assoc. Prof. Allan A. Basas, SThD, and Academic Collaborations Officer Dr. Blaise Ringor on January 18, 2024.

Asia-Pacific Dominican Formators’ Course Participants of the Asia-Pacific Dominican Formators’ Course, with the Socius for Fraternal Life and Formation Rev. Fr. Juan Manuel Hernández (second row, fourth from left), OPA Acting Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton (front row, leftmost) Assistant to the Director for Publication Ms. Katherine Patrice Sibug (second row, leftmost) and Writer Ms. Christie Elise Cruz (front row, rightmost) on January 13, 2024.

January 1-31, 2024 •

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University Visitors

Climate Change Commission (From left:) Office of Public Affairs Director Asst. Prof. Joreen Rocamora, Ph.D., Assistant to the Rector for Sta. Rosa Prof. Philipina Marcelo, Ph.D., the UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., Deputy Executive Director from the Chief Strategic Partnership Division of the Climate Change Commission Mr. Alexis Lapiz, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Rev. Fr. Jannel Abogado, O.P., DThPatSc, and the College of Science Dean Prof.

Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D.

(From left:) Office of Public Affairs Director Asst. Prof. Joreen Rocamora, Ph.D., Dr. Blaise Ringor, Prof. Stephan Van Erp, OP, Ph.D. from KU Leuven, Belgium, Fr. Darren Diaz, O.P. and Prof. Michael Attridge, OP, Ph.D. from the University of St. Michael’s College, Canada, Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Rev. Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P., IR Assistant Director Assoc. Prof. Allan A. Basas, STh, and CTRSE Director Prof. Joel Sagut, Ph.D. on November 14, 2023

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• January 1-31, 2024

COORDINATOR CORRESPONDENTS

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. MR. EMMANUEL M. BATULAN, Ph.D. MR. PHILIPPE JOSÉ S. HERNANDEZ, M.Eng. ASSOCIATE EDITORS MS. CHRISTIE ELISE C. CRUZ STAFF WRITER MR. KENNETT ROGER T. GARCIA LAYOUT ARTIST DMD PHOTOGRAPHY MR. KENNETT ROGER T. GARCIA PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mr. Fermin Antonio D.R. Yabut Accountancy Mr. Daryl Bryan D. Arceta Admissions Office Ms. Danielle Joyce E. Factora Alumni Relations Ar. Jose Marie Tan Architecture Ms. Elsie Musni Archives Asst. Prof. John Manuel Kliatchko, Ph.D. Arts and Letters Ms. Maria Lourdes L. Santiago-Antonio Center for Campus Ministry Prof. Augusto Antonio A. Aguila, Ph.D. Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies Atty. Lorenzo Luigi Gayya, JD Civil Law Assoc. Prof. Marie Antoinette L. Rosete, Ph.D. Commerce and Business Administration Ms. Veronica Moreno Community Development Ms. Via Katrina G. Portera Counseling and Career Center Prof. Augusto Antonio A. Aguila, Ph.D. Creative Writing and Literary Studies Mr. Blaise D. Ringor, Ph.D. Ecclesiastical Faculties Mr. Mark Anthony S. Angeles Education Ms. Stella Mariz Indiongco De-Ornellas Education High School Engr. Ma. Madecheen S. Pangaliman Engineering Asst. Prof. Adrienne A. Zacarias Fine Arts and Design Assoc. Prof. Elizabeth H. Arenas, Ph.D. Graduate School Mr. Levine Andro H. Lao Grants, Endowments, and Partnerships in Higher Education Assoc. Prof. Noel Estrella, DIT Information and Communications Technology Ms. Lariza Mae Villarante Innovation Center Mr. Steve Michael M. Moore, Jr. Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Mr. Anthony G. Roman, Mr. Sir-Lien Hugh T. Tadeo Institute of Religion Prof. Karen S. Santiago, Ph.D. International Relations and Programs Mr. Philippe Ellison T. Catindig Junior High School Ar. John Carlo L. Sayco Museum Asst. Prof. Peter John Marie L. Porticos, Ph.D. Music Asst. Prof. Ritzmond F. Loa, Ph.D. Nursing Ms. Bianca San Jose Publishing House Engr. Nestor R. Ong QS/THE Ranking Ms. Mary Ann Gisselle O. Esguerra Rehabilitation Sciences Ms. Kariza Nario Research Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities Mr. Lyle Patrick D. Tangcuangco Research Center for Health Research and Movement Science Prof. Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, Dr. rer. Nat. Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences Asst. Prof. Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo Research Center for Theology, Religious Studies, and Ethics Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D. Science Mr. Christopher Paulo Manlapaz Senior High School Mr. Jame Monren Mercado Tourism and Hospitality Management