In a June 10, 2025 letter, the Rector, Very Rev. fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, called the new consoritum a “mechanism for collaborative planning, innovation alignment, resource sharing, and inclusive development in support of the AANR sectors.” The Rector described joining the AANR consortium to be of “strategic importance” and one that will strength “inter-institutional collaboration and [optimize] regional resources”.

As a founding member, UST will actively contribute to the achievement of the Consortium’s goals by sharing institutional expertise, research outputs, and capabilities. It will likewise help chart the new Consortium’s programs and activities aligned with DOST-PCAARRD and the Department’s strategic pillars.

The new Consortium is composed of UST, Adamson University, Colegio de Muntinlupa, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Quezon City University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, and the Technological University of the Philippines. Attending the signing ceremony was Assoc. Prof. Michael Jorge N. Peralta, MS, Executive Assistant for Intellectual Property and Research of the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation and Manager of the Innovation Technology Support Office.

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Accompanying the students is a delegation of academic staff from the WU School of Liberal Arts, led by Vice Dean Dr. Kamontip Klaibanmai. In addition to supporting the program, the visiting delegation are engaging with the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters to explore other potential academic collaborations and future joint initiatives between the two institutions. This latest collaboration is part of the University’s ongoing internationalization efforts, particularly on student mobility. The program is being rolled out by the University’s Language Center.

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UNDA Chancellor Christopher Ellison praised the UST Rector for his steadfast commitment to Catholic higher education, steering the University through the pandemic immediately after taking helm of UST on January 1, 2020 (first as Acting Rector), then on May 7, 2020, formally as Rector.

In a message to the UNDA graduating class, Fr. Ang extended the arm of friendship and collaboration, expressing optimism that the UNDA graduates will soon make changes in their own communities.

The pandemic shifted not just instructional delivery but also University operations to distance and eventually hybrid modality. The former was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education with the prestigious Gawad Edukampyon, which feted UST’s Excellence in Flexible and Responsive Management.

While steering the University through the pandemic, Fr. Ang continued UST’s leadership of the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities as Executive Secretary. 

Rising above the pandemic, Fr. Ang led the University in inaugurating the General Santos Campus on April 11, 2024 and in opening the UST Manila Annex in Santa Rosa, Laguna, first with the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center on April 28, 2023.

As he pushes through with his second term, the Rector leads a University that is globally recognized, with more and more programs deemed at par with international counterparts. Research and innovation as well as community service have likewise been intensified, with the aim of contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

A philosopher, Fr. Ang specializes in Chinese philosophy. He teaches courses at the Faculty of Philosophy, where he was Dean while concurrently serving as University Vice-Rector.

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Beginning with the crisis response

With the mobility restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services also had to shift modality. The paper “Community-based rehabilitation in the time of pandemic: Experiences of parents of children with disability” (co-authored by BS Occupational Therapy students Balangue, Chua, Ilagan, Juan, Labaco, and Noh, and academic staff Asst. Prof. Karen S. Sagun) conducted focus groups with parents whose children received CBR and found that they saw the potential of telecoaching to continue availing services, provided that the digital divide and initial doubt on technology can be overcome.

Building on the previous year’s focus groups, a second study was conducted a year later, focused this time on access of low-income households to community-based telerehabilitation. The paper “Exploring the accessibility of community-based telerehabilitation for children with disabilities from low-income households” was co-authored by BSOT students Ryanne Nicole H. Alava, Kristine Therese S. Cablay, Katelyn A. Dagdag, Francis Rowelle P. Lagman, Kvaern Edgar S. Nocos, Jamela Y. Quidilla, Nina Mari M. Tan, along with Sagun. It was recently published in the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (Volume 16, Issue 2).

The second study found the need to provide a comprehensive approach to helping low-income households overcome access issues. In particular, affordable technology, family support, and policy advocacy must be provided by a combination of stakeholders: healthcare professionals, policy makers, and family beneficiaries. If the needed support is provided, technological competency and service delivery flexibility as well as telerehabiltation sustainability may be attained.

Transitioning to the blended modality

It was not only classes that transitioned to the blended delivery, as CBR for indigent children with disabilities (CWD) also eventually adopted the blended mode. Dubbed Flexicoaching, the QC Kabahagi Center’s CBR program was tested for its effectiveness using a quasi-experimental research design that delved into retrospective records review. This the third study conducted by Thomasian researchers, this time by Sagun, along with students Balloon, Defiño, Guerrero, Managuelod, Oliva, and Riñoza in 2024. The paper, entitled “Examining the caregiver’s perception of occupational performance and satisfaction in community-based rehabilitation using blended online and onsite therapy,” found primary caregivers’ perceived occupation performance and CWDs’ satisfaction were positive in a blended modality. The program enhanced “social and educational participation, validating its potential as a sustainable service delivery model for children with disabilities in urban poor communities.”

Scaling the efforts

The fourth paper, entitled “Effectiveness of community-based flexicoaching from low socioeconomic background using goal attainment scaling, used pre-test and post-design for the quasi-experimental study alongside the Goal Attainment Scale to measure intervention success for CWDs. The Flexicoaching program was found potentially valuable not just for occupational therapists, but also for physical therapists, and speech therapists, after validating remarkable effectiveness among 88.67% of the participants, who were part of the 406 cases reviewed.

According to QC Kabahagi Center Director and Department of Occupational Therapy academic staff Asst. Prof. Karen S. Sagun, MSOT, MRS, “the partnership between UST and QC Government through the Kabahagi Center exemplifies how academe-government collaboration can advance multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health, education, and reducing inequalities.” The findings of the four studies provided informed evidence-based rehabilitation services that have been made accessible to urban poor communities and thus addressed social disparities.

Sagun added that while the collaboration began as a crisis response by BS Occupational Therapy students to see the effectiveness of Flexicoaching, the partnership has now shown “continuous development of community-tailored rehabilitation approaches.”

The GCARSIH award, which looked into Filipino-developed programs that targeted an identified priority health need of a community, fetes transformative partnerships that help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through integrated local governance, health innovation, and academic excellence. Among the selection criteria used were degree of innovativeness, significance, potential for further research and scale, inclusiveness, effectiveness, affordability, and participatory and co-owned nature.

Sagun acknowledged the invaluable support of Quezon City Mayor Hon. Ma. Josefina Belmonte, the QC Kabahagi center staff, UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Anne Marie C. Asron and Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Dean Ma. Lourdes D. Maglinao, along with the units’ officials, academic staff, researchers, and students. Sagun added: “This recognition honors the power of collective innovation in healthcare delivery. From dedicated frontline workers of the government to academic partners and the participatory leadership of the city, each stakeholder has contributed to building a sustainable model of inclusive, community-based rehabilitation services. The partnership has become a launchpad for healthcare innovations while nurturing generations of professionals deeply committed to serving vulnerable communities.”

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Most recently, Bishop-elect Timoner was diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Daet, where he also served in various capacities, such as Director of the Socio-Pastoral Action Center Foundation of Daet and parish priest of the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista.

The Diocese of Pagadian covers the City of Pagadian and twenty-one municipalities in the northern and eastern parts of Zamboanga del Sur. It was created on November 12, 1971 as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. Bishop-elect Timoner becomes the sixth bishop of Pagadian, succeeding Most Rev. Ronald Lunas, STL, DD, who passed away on January 2, 2024.

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In a letter dated March 28, 2025, CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III, DPA stated that the award “is a recognition of your institution’s consistent upholding of the highest standard in ensuring the quality of pre-service teacher education programs, following the CHED minimum standards, program accreditation, and excellent performance in the Board of Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers.”

The College of Education rolls out the following teacher education programs: Bachelor of Secondary Education (with majors in English, Filipino, Mathematics, Religious and Values Education, Science, and Social Studies); Bachelor of Early Childhood Education; Bachelor of Elementary Education; and Bachelor of Special Needs Education.��

Having implemented quality assurance measures for decades, the College’s teacher education programs now enjoy the nod of both international and local external agencies. ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance gave its stamp of approval to the BSEd and BEEd programs in 2017. It has since renewed the certifications. Meanwhile, CHED has recognized the programs as Center of Excellence since 2008, while the Professional Regulation Commission has repeatedly recognized UST for being one of the top performing schools in both secondary and elementary licensure exams. The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation likewise gave the coveted Level IV accreditation to BSEd and BEEd.

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On faith and working behind bars
In February 2017, barely a year in her term as a senator, De Lima was imprisoned after being slapped with drug-related charges.

She recalled her experience and the challenges she faced in her prison at Camp Crame, where she mentioned that faith was a piece that nourished her strength for almost seven years. “The nights were long, the silence unbearable. And yet, I held on. I clung to faith. I created routines to keep me busy to fight off depression,” she said.

Nonetheless, public service must go on. “I kept working sa pamamagitan ng papel at ballpen, ipinasa ko ang mga panukalang batas o mga amendments nito,” she said, underscoring that it was in that confinement where she passed the law institutionalizing for peace and also the Magna Carta for the Poor.

According to De Lima, women are no strangers to injustice. “Justice is about being seen, heard, and treated with dignity. As women, we are no strangers to injustice. We are told to keep quiet; we are expected to endure [yet we rise in the most painful circumstances].

She was later vindicated in 2023. After regaining her freedom, she headed to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan to fulfill her promise to Mary once she is released.

Breaking barriers
She lauded the increasing presence of women justices in courts: 56% in trial courts, 77% in Court of Tax Appeals, 45% in the Court of Appeals, and 35% in Sandiganbayan. She called it a sign of progress as women continue to push the boundaries of public service. “These women justices bring not just their legal expertise but their invaluable perspectives, empathy, and understanding,” De Lima said.

“They are shaping a justice system that is more compassionate, inclusive, and fair. They serve as proof that we are making progress not just in law but in breaking barriers across fields,” she said.

De Lima is a public servant, lawyer, professor, human rights activist, and politician. She took the helm of the Commission on Human Rights from 2008 to 2010, then appointed as the 56th Department of Justice secretary. She became a senator from 2016 to 2022.

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The distinguished guest of honor was the Hon. Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, accompanied by key officials from the DOT: USEc. Maria Rica C. Bueno, Undersecretary for Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development; ASec. Judilyn S. Quiachon, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Convergence; ASec. Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Digitalization and Resource Generation and the Regional Director of DOT National Capital Region; ASec. Ronald P. Conopio, Assistant Secretary for Protocol and Engagement; and Atty. Glenn Albert M. Ocampo, Director of the Office of Special Concerns.

The forum emphasized the critical role of women within the tourism sector, celebrating their contributions and achievements. Among the notable female speakers were Ms. Kach Medina Umandap, recognized as the first and youngest Filipina traveler to visit 195 United Nations countries with a Philippine passport; Ms. Kimberly Dionisio, First Officer for Airbus 320 at PAL Express; Ms. Mary Ann Ong, a consultant for Bridges Travel; and Ms. Anna Marie Almazan, Senior Sales Manager at The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Bohol.

Students and academic staff from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management attended this forum, gaining insights into career opportunities, challenges, and advancements pertaining to gender diversity in the tourism industry.

The participation and co-sponsorship of the University aligned with Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Descent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnership with the Goals).

Secretary Frasco and her team received a warm welcome from the University of Santo Tomas administrators and officials, including Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, Secretary-General of the Office of the Secretary-General; Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, MA, Director of the Office of Public Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, Dean of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management; Rev. Fr. Dr. Ferdinand L. Bautista, O.P., Regent; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, Assistant Dean; Asst. Prof. Maria Margarita P. Cruz-Ireneo, College Secretary; Asst. Prof. Christine Concepcion C. Fajardo, Chairperson of the Department of Tourism Management; and Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Chairperson of the Department of Hospitality Management.

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Caliwan delivered the lecture entitled The Teachers’ Roles in Addressing the Competency Gap Between the Classroom and the Workplace. He emphasized the vital roles of accounting teachers in preparing students for success in the workplace. He discussed that while the university prepares the individual for the initial professional development needed in the workplace, the workplace should further develop the individual through continuing professional development. He also shared some of the competency gaps identified by the industry partners and provided possible solutions to address them. In the end, Caliwan explained that the University and the workforce each play significant roles in individuals’ personal and professional development.

Meanwhile, Marasigan shared his expertise in Advanced Excel Techniques tailored for accounting teachers. He provided in-depth discussion on powerful tools and functions that enhance data analysis, automate calculations, and streamline grade computations—equipping educators with the skills to improve their teaching efficiency and elevate student learning. These Excel techniques are essential for modern accounting instruction, ensuring accuracy, productivity, and a deeper understanding of financial data.

The Western Visayas Regional Forum is the last leg of the provincial fora organized by NACPAE. In June 2025, NACPAE will close the current fiscal year with a national conference in Baguio City.

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The UST Graduate School of Law (GS Law) met with the officials of the Philippine Embassy in Thailand to forge collaborations on March 10, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The two groups plan to partner with Thailand’s academic institutions to stage webinars and conferences to examine and produce insights from tourism law.

The topic they will explore is aligned with their International Tourism Law course, currently offered in their DCL program, which focuses on the rudiments of laws and regulations in travel and tourism.

GS Law Dean Atty. Jacqueline O. Lopez-Kaw, DCL, Regent Rev. Fr. Dexter A. Austria, O.P., SThD, and Faculty Secretary Ms. Leidy May G. Alnajes, LPT, MA, met with the Third Secretary and Vice Consul Susan Phoebe R. Sabado and Commercial Counsellor Maria Emmanuelle S. Burgos.

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