Argao of Science, Baybado of IR attend Asia-Pacific Interfaith Youth Camp in Cambodia

Mr. Renz Christian Argao and Assoc. Prof. Pablito Baybado, Jr. attended the 2015 Asia-Pacific Interfaith Youth Network (APIYN) Youth Camp in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from December 7-10, 2015. The camp bore the theme “Multi-Religious Youth Action to Overcome Violent Religious Extremism.” The APIYN is a network of multi-religious youth from 15 countries across the region with the mission of multi-religious cooperation for peace.

Argao, a faculty of the Department of Psychology and Supervising Psychologist of the Graduate School Psychotrauma Clinic, represents the Philippines to the APIYN. He was selected as the Philippine Delegate in recognition of his valuable contribution in the activities on psychosocial support services for the youth, women, and soldiers in Mindanao and the victims of Typhoons Sendong and Yolanda. In his report-presentation, Argao highlighted the work of Religions for Peace Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas for the youth affected by the armed conflicts in Central Mindanao and the various programs and actions to empower the youth towards peace.

Baybado, a Faculty member from the Institute of Religion, joins the youth camp as a member of the leadership of Religions for Peace Asia, currently serving as its Associate Secretary General.

Ortiz of UnionBank becomes 77th honoris causa recipient

Justo A. Ortiz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UnionBank, became the 77th recipient of an honoris causa degree from the University of Santo Tomas, following the solemn investiture for the conferment of the degree Doctor of Humanities. The ceremony was held last December 11, 2015 (Friday), at the Medicine Auditorium, with UST and UnionBank officials attending.

 

Blending tradition and modernity

Prof. Marilu R. Madrunio, PhD, Dean of the Graduate School, petitioned the Rector of the University to grant the honorary degree upon Ortiz, emphasizing the former’s ability to blend tradition and modernity, as demonstrated by his ability to introduce technological innovations in the banking industry while remaining true to the time-tested practices.

 

The Rector, the Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., conceded to the petition and hailed Ortiz for not forgetting to balance competence with compassion and commitment, underscoring that Ortiz’s life and career have been highlighted by words and deeds that embody the Thomasian core values.

 

The Conferment

Following the Rector’s address of concession, Ortiz was robed in the doctoral hood and presented with the ring and diploma.

 

Humanity in capitalism

In his acceptance speech, Ortiz emphasized that humanity—our concern for the common good—must be returned to capitalism, which has led to inequality in many countries, citing data that in richer countries, inequality is greater.

 

Man for Others

Ortiz’s life and career have been characterized both by excellence and benevolence. It was through Ortiz and UnionBank’s corporate social responsibility director Mrs. Goolsby that the partnership with UST’s Miguel de Benavides Library came to fruition, leading to the Lumina Pandit project. So far, the project has published two volumes, mounted exhibitions, and has continued digitizing and uploading the University’s rich cultural heritage kept safe in the library.

UST bids farewell to Dr. Hornedo, Fr. Traqueña

The University of Santo Tomas mourns the passing of two respected icons in the University: esteemed educator Dr. Florentino Hornedo and the indefatigable chaplain of the UST Hospital, Fr. Pedro Traqueña, O.P. Both men rejoined the Creator yesterday, December 9, 2015.

Dr. Hornedo is revered in cultural, academic, and literary circles, as an astute professor and truly a man of letters. A native of Batanes, he championed, among others, the growth of Ivatan culture and its intellectualization. He is well-loved and is a recognized authority in his field, both inside UST and outside of it.

Fr. Traqueña was the oldest living Dominican of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Dominican Province of the Philippines, having lived for 96 years. His age, however, did not stop him from exercising his ministry. Until the last few months of his life, he can be seen ministering to the sick and hearing confession.

The Thomasian family condoles with the bereaved and pays tribute to these two well-loved Thomasian icons. May they rest in peace.

UST joins Top 200 universities in QS employability ranking

The University of Santo Tomas received a score of 34.4 and was included in the 151-200 rank of the pilot QS Graduate Employability Rankings – Year 2016. UST is #1 in the Philippines, followed by Ateneo de Manila University, which scored 32.3.

The rankings measured, among other indicators, Graduate Employment, for which UST ranked 22 out of 45, with a score of 91.8, second to Ateneo de Manila University’s 92.7.

UST likewise scored 90.3, rank 17 out of 48, for the indicator Employers’ Presence on Campus.

The full results may be viewed via: http://www.iu.qs.com/qs-graduate-employability-rankings-year-2016-pilot/#tab-id-1

Biochem students, faculty win 2nd place in PSBMB poster contest

Eryka Marie P. Pangan, Ria Carl F. Alpay, BS Biochemistry seniors of the UST Faculty of Pharmacy, together with Mr. Mark Kevin P. Devanadera, graduate student from UST Graduate School and supervised by their research adviser, Ms. Myla R. Santiago from the UST Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy won 2nd place in the Scientific Poster Competition, Health category, during the 42nd Annual Convention of Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB). The convention was held from December 3-4, 2015, at the Centro Escolar University, and bore the theme” Omics: Applications in Biomedical, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.” The paper was entitled “Screening of bile-salt hydrolase-active lactic acid bacteria from Philippine cocowater kefir as potential cholesterol lowering probiotic.”

The research work was started by BS Biochemistry 2013 with Asst. Prof. Valerio de Grano, from the UST Department of Biochemistry and Prof. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio, Ph.D from the University of the Philippines Manila as their thesis advisers and has been continued continued since then. The team bested the other graduate researches from other colleges and universities all over the Philippines.

Sociology senior wins Best Research Paper in Higher Education Conference

Christian Joshua D. Lomahan, an AB Sociology senior, was awarded the Nemesio E. Prudente Excellence in Research Awards – Best Research Paper (Arts, Humanities, and Philosophy), for his paper “A Sociological Analysis of ‘Trabaho’ (work/labor) in Selected Filipino Films,” besting 14 other finalists and 100 papers.

 

Lomahan, with his adviser Assoc. Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD, concurrent Director of the Research Center for Culture, Education, and Social Issues, presented his paper in the International Research Conference on Higher Education in Subic. The conference bore the theme “Social Capital and Innovation: Bridging the Knowledge Gap for International Competitiveness.”

Interior design juniors mount exhibit of paper Christmas decors

Junior BS Interior Design students from the College of Fine Arts and Design opened the exhibit entitled “Objects: Re-Imagined Christmas Accessories” last December 3, 2015 (Thursday), at the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences, Main Building.

 

The exhibit, which runs from December 3 to 18, 2015, features all sorts of Christmas decorations, from life-size Christmas trees, to a reindeer, and orbs, which are either made of paper of string.

Jose, Respicio, Manalo author chapters in book on Ilocos textiles

Four Thomasians contributed to chapters and a blurb in the book “Inabel: Philippine Textile from the Ilocos Region,” which will be launched tomorrow, December 2, 2015 (Wednesday), at the Ayala Museum, Makati Ave. cor. De la Rosa St., Makati City.

The faculty members and their respective works are as follows:
– Archivist Regalado T. Jose: Ilocos and Inabel
– Fine Arts professor Norma Respicio: Sturdy and Resplendent, Inabel: the Ilocano Textile Tradition” and “Design Techniques and Weaving Centers
– Architecture professor Michael F. Manalo: Architecture of the Loom
– Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics Director Eric B. Zerrudo: blurb on heritage and the Inabel

Textiles from Ilocos will likewise be exhibited from December 2, 2015 to January 8, 2016. The event was co-sponsored by Ayala Museum and the Design Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with Balay ni Atong and ArtPostAsia, Inc.

ABS-CBN, COMELEC launch mobile app in UST

Last December 1, 2015, the University of Santo Tomas hosted the launching of the ABS-CBN news on messaging applications and public chats, with the view of engaging the youth during the upcoming 2016 Elections. The launch was held at the Civil Law Auditorium of UST, which housed students from UST and other institutions.

In her keynote address, ABS-CBN Head of Integrated News Ging Reyes emphasized that the youth should not underestimate their power to influence the outcome of elections because the youth, aged 18-35, comprise around 35 percent of the electorate.

The rest of the day was filled with talks and presentations from personalities of ABS-CBN and messaging applications and public chat companies. Gretchen Ho, Bayan Patroller for #Halalan2016, gave a talk on “Using Social Media for Change.”

The event was likewise graced by the presence of the Chairman of the Commission on Elections, the Hon. Andres Bautista, who emphasized the COMELEC’s “ICE TEA” philosophy: inspire the COMELEC work force; consult and engage the stakeholders; in order to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the coming elections. He rallied the youth in becoming responsible agents of the change for the country. He likewise assured the electorate that the COMELEC is doing everything it can to make voting convenient, anchored on the belief that “if you make the voting experience easier, this will drive people to vote, and the more people to vote, the better it would be for our democracy.”

The COMELEC app is available on iOS and Android platforms for free.

Dean Marcelo of Engineering elected 1st VP of Phil. Association of Eng’g. Schools

Prof. Philipina A. Marcelo, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, was elected the First Vice-President of the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools during the association’s board meeting last November 27, 2015 (Friday), at the Central University of the Philippines.

PAES, formerly Philippine Association for Technological Education (PATE), Inc., serves to continuously improve the quality and global competitiveness of Engineering Education in the country.  It is now on its 60th year.  Having been tasked by CHED to train  officials of Engineering Schools across the country on the implementation of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE), it has been conducting seminars across the country on OBE implementation.  Now, in its thrust to, among many others, continuously elevate Philippine Engineering Education to satisfy, if not surpass, global standards, the Board members have been going around the country to conduct seminar on how to go through Philippine Technological Council (PTC) accreditation.  This is in order to have more Engineering Programs in the country to be accredited by PTC and their graduates to be recognized by Washington Accord signatory countries.  Recently, PAES held two-day International Conference on Engineering Education, which focused on Facilitating Teaching and Learning Innovation in Engineering Education.  It was hosted by the UST Faculty of Engineering at the Ballroom of the Buenaventura G. Paredes, O. P. Building.

PAES has more than 130 member schools, including the following Universities which are also represented in the Board of Directors: Adamson University, CPU, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Holy Angel University, Mapua Institute of Technology, National University, Saint Louis University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, University of Mindanao, University of San Carlos, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines-Los Baños, and Xavier University.  

UST dominates elementary and secondary teacher boards; Estaris ranks 3rd

Graduates of the University of Santo Tomas for both the Bachelor of Elementary Education and Secondary Education programs dominated the September 27, 2015 licensure exams, making UST the top performing school in both exams.

UST scored an impressive 96.21% (127 passers) in the elementary level, while UST scored 94.92% (168 passers) in the secondary level.

Marie Selene Dominique G. Estaris also ranked third in the elementary education exams, with a score of 86.20%

Austin of Starkey becomes 11th UST Golden Cross Awardee

Mr. William Franklin “Bill” Austin, founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation, received the UST Golden Cross Award, UST’s highest award for individuals who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity, last November 27, 2015 (Friday), in solemn ceremonies at the Blessed Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building.

 

A non-Thomasian who is every bit a Thomasian

Prof. Jesus V. Valencia, MD, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, recognized Austin as someone who exemplified the Thomasian values of competence, compassion, and commitment, as demonstrated to his life of entrepreneurial excellence and selfless service to the community.

 

Valencia, upon informing the community about the honoree’s noteworthy contributions, petitioned the Rector of the University to confer the award upon Austin.

 

Welcome to the Thomasian family

The Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., PhD, Rector of the University of Santo Tomas, conceded to the petition for the conferment of the Golden Cross Award and extended UST’s thanks and congratulations to Austin and the Starkey Hearing Foundation for all the work that they have done, providing hearing aids to close to 1.8 million people all over the world.

 

Austin was presented with the Golden Cross medallion and the certificate by the Fr. Rector, assisted by the Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, O.P., Vice-Chancellor of the University of Santo Tomas and Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines.

 

I am only a servant

In his address of acceptance, Austin began and ended by thanking the Starkey team and their partners. He underscored the importance of coming together to make a change in the world. He paid tribute to his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father, who were his models in serving the community.

 

Austin emphasized that his journey made a definitive turn when he embraced the call of the Lord Jesus to serve, and said that he is “only a servant” who wants to try and do good “to reflect His love.” He attributed to the Lord all the ideas that Starkey Hearing Foundation executed and asked everyone else to contribute goodness in his/her own way for the betterment of the world.

 

Starkey Hearing Foundation celebrates Thanksgiving at UST

Last November 26, 2015 (Thursday), the Starkey Hearing Foundation, led by William “Bill” F. Austin (founder) and his wife Tani, celebrated Thanksgiving at the University of Santo Tomas’ Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, in gratitude for the Golden Cross Award to be conferred upon William Austin on November 27, 2015.

In her welcome address, Tani Austin extended her and Starkey’s gratitude to UST, which has been its partner in giving free hearing aids to the needy in the Philippines since 2011. She likewise expressed her joy at having been able to pursue the advocacy with her husband and Starkey’s “Hearing Angels”–staff, volunteers, and collaborators. Dr. Norberto Martinez of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, adviser of Starkey Hearing Foundation in the Philippines, renewed the University’s commitment to the strong and lasting partnership with Starkey, which began during the University’s Quadricentennial Celebration in 2011.

The crowd was enthralled with performances from the world-renowned UST Singers, as well as renditions of traditional Filipino dances by the Salinggawi Dance Troupe, who also invited some audience members to try the Tinikling. Filipina pride and Starkey partner Jessica Sanchez also performed in the event, much to the delight of the crowd.

Everything counts
The founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation, William “Bill” F. Austin, spoke at length about the beginnings of his advocacy, including how his family background ingrained in him a genuine desire to help. He paid tribute to the Starkey Hearing Angels–which he now regards as the Dream Team–for their tireless efforts in giving help to the needy. He emphasized that despite the “clouds of darkness” that now engulf the world, people working together can help pierce it with the light of hope. Austin underscored that while science can help solve things, it can also cause havoc, depending on the people who utilize it. He then called for spiritual nourishment and genuine goodness, stating his belief that “Everyone is good. He just has to find the right path and the right leadership.”

The highest award
The University of Santo Tomas will confer upon William “Bill” F. Austin the Golden Cross Award, UST’s highest award, on November 27, 2015 (Friday), in solemn rites at the Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Ballroom. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

UST’s Food Technology program the first to be awarded Level IV status in the Philippines

The University of Santo Tomas’ BS Food Technology program, offered in the College of Education, became the first to be awarded Level IV accredited status by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA), which confirmed the distinction in a letter to the Rector, Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., last November 5, 2015.

Level IV accredited status, the highest granted by PACUCOA, makes UST’s food technology program the first to be recognized as such in the National Capital Region and the Philippines.

UST wins Bronze award for Best International Website Page in QS APPLE

The University of Santo Tomas bagged the Bronze award for Best International Website Page in the 11th Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) APPLE conference, held in Melbourne, Australia. The award was received by Assoc. Prof. Joehanna K. Ngo, PIE, ASEAN Engr., Director of the Quality Management Office; Engr. Nestor Ong, PIE, ASEAN Engr., Assistant Director of the Quality Management Office; and Assoc. Prof. Karen S. Santiago, PhD, Associate Director of the Office of International Relations and Programs.

Engr. Ong, Engr. Ngo, and Dr. Santiago after UST was received the Bronze Award for Best International Website Page by QS APPLE

The UST website (http://www.ust.edu.ph) contains news, events, and pertinent information about the University, including its programs, researches, achievements, community development activities, and internationalization efforts, among others.

UST to receive five awards from PACUCOA for accredited programs

The University of Santo Tomas will receive five awards from the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) on December 1, 2015 (Tuesday), in recognition of its continued excellence, as demonstrated by the accredited programs.

UST will receive the following awards:

1. First BS Food Technology program to be granted Level IV (the highest) status in NCR and the Philippines
2. Institution with the highest number of Level III re-accredited programs in the Philippines
3. Institution with the highest number of Level IV accredited programs in the Philippines
4. Institution with the highest number of accredited programs in the National Capital Region
5. Institution with the highest number of accredited programs in the Philippines

The awards were confirmed by PACUCOA in a November 5, 2015 letter to the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P.

Santiago, Vasquez, Devanadera visit Mahidol University

Ms. Myla Santiago, MSc (3rd from the left) of the UST Department of Biochemistry and curator of the Mammalian Tissue Culture Laboratory, UST Research Center for Natural and Applied  Sciences (UST RCNAS), was joined by Asst. Prof. Ross Vasquez, PhD (2nd to the left) from the Department of Pharmacy and faculty researcher of UST RCNAS and Mr. Mark Kevin Devanadera (leftmost), a graduate student of UST Graduate School, in visiting the Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University for an official visit last November 17, 2015. They were welcomed by Prof. Likasit Wongsorasak, PhD (4thfrom the left), head of the Department of Biochemistry; Assoc. Prof. Usa Chaikledkaew, PhD (fifth from the left); deputy Dean for International Relations; Prof. Jiraphun Jittikoon, PhD (6th from left), lecturer from the Department of Biochemistry;  Prof. Khanit Sa-ngiamsuntorn, PhD (7th from left), lecturer from the  Department of Biochemistry; Prof. Krisada Sakchaisri, Ph.D. (8thfrom left), lecturer from the Department of Pharmacology; Prof. Montri Yasawong, PhD (extreme right), lecturer of the Department of Biochemistry.

The visit was done to discuss the existing MOU between the two departments and to discuss future collaborations that will help promote the advancement of pharmacy and biochemistry education and research in Southeast Asian countries.

The University of Santo Tomas produced 162 new civil engineers, data from the Professional Regulation Commission showed last November 24, 2015 (Tuesday). The passers scored a 78.64% passing rate for UST. Furthermore, Jesse Harold P. Hilario ranked fourth, with a grade of 93.75%. UST’s passing rate was of 78.64% was significantly higher than the national passing rate of 41.50%.

The University of Santo Tomas produced 162 new civil engineers, data from the Professional Regulation Commission showed last November 24, 2015 (Tuesday). The passers scored a 78.64% passing rate for UST. Furthermore, Jesse Harold P. Hilario ranked fourth, with a grade of 93.75%.

UST’s passing rate was of 78.64% was significantly higher than the national passing rate of 41.50%.

Sevilla leads Thomasian researchers in Top 250 scientists in the Philippines

Professor Emeritus Fortunato B. Sevilla III, PhD led the roster of Thomasian researchers (all from the College of Science) who were included in the Top 250 scientists in the Philippines, ranked by Webometrics.info. The latest ranking was released during the third week of November 2015. The database is based on voluntary declaration by the researchers, and the project is funded by ACUMEN.

Sevilla ranked 40th, and was joined in the list by the following researchers:

- 070 – Alicia M. Aguinaldo, PhD
– 075 – John Donnie A. Ramos, PhD
– 089 – Bernhard Egwolf, PhD
– 139 – Alla Patrick Macabeo, Dr. rer. Nat.
– 182 – Grecebio Jonathan Alejandro, Dr. rer. Nat.
– 185 – Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz, Dr. rer. Nat.
– 201 – Mario A. Tan, PhD
– 205 – Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD
– 221 – Mary Beth B. Maningas, PhD
– 241 – Bernard John V. Tongol, PhD

The full list can be viewed via: http://www.webometrics.info/en/node/148

UST produces 41 new interior designers; Lago ranks 8th

The University of Santo Tomas – College of Fine Arts and Design produced 41 new interior designers, with graduate Karl Rivas Lago (84.3%) landing the 8th spot in the recently concluded Interior Design licensure exams. In all, UST posted a 69.49% passing rate, higher than the 60.71% national passing rate.

Lintao of English elected PH representative in worldwide organization promoting the use of plain language

Asst. Prof. Rachelle Ballesteros-Lintao, PhD, faculty member of the Department of English assigned at the College of Architecture, was appointed as the Country Representative for the Philippines by CLARITY, a worldwide organization of professionals who are promoting the use of plain language in the academe, business, law, and other fields of specialization.

Robeniol of Civil Law appointed Court of Appeals justice

Atty. Gabriel Robeniol, an alumnus and faculty member of the Faculty of Civil Law, has been appointed as one of the four new Court of Appeals justices by His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III. Robeniol, who teaches Alternative Dispute Resolution in Civil Law, took his oath of office before Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno last November 16, 2015 (Monday).

 

Robeniol joins Thomasians in public law practice, such as Supreme Court Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta, Sandiganbayan Justice Oscar Herrera, and Solicitor-General Florin Hilbay, among others.

 

First reported in: The Varsitarian (http://varsitarian.net/breaking_news/20151118/ust_law_prof_appointed_as_new_ca_justice)

Industrial design seniors, faculty participate in 2015 International Design Congress

BS Industrial Design seniors participated actively in the October 17-18, 2015 International Design Congress, held in Gwangju, South Korea. They were accompanied by faculty members Cece-Gigi Bitantes, Carolina Torres, and Guillerma Mendoza, who presented her paper in the said conference.