UST-WiTBIRIn will provide research work stations and collaboration spaces for researchers in six interdisciplinary research areas, namely, (1) food security and safety, (2) health and wellbeing, (3) clean energy, (4) environmental sustainability, (5) information, communications, and emerging intelligent systems and technologies, and (6) advanced materials, engineering design, and product innovation.

Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas graced the blessing rites and groundbreaking ceremony, which included the burying of a time capsule containing a rosary, a Dominican Cross, that day’s newspapers, and the WiTBIRIn blueprint.

UST Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Rev. Fr. Jannel Abogado, O.P., DTPS, thanked Dr. William Belo for the donation that made establishing the WiTBIRIn possible, saying that “The knowledge pursuit motivated by charity contributes to the conservation of the world and the growth of the people in the community. This has been the motivation that governs the conduct of research in our University. [UST WiTBIRIn] will aid us in implementing our thrust to impact the lives of people more efficiently through our research and innovation goals.”

UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., expects the rising WiTBIRIn “to be a beacon of change and development for the Calabarzon region. It is our way and manner of nurturing intellectual curiosity and fostering practical innovations. This will be a legacy that will transcend our generation because research outputs in this institute will create a ripple effect that will be felt for generations to come in the continuing evolution of science, technology, and other fields.”

“The trajectory of research is geared towards sustainability, accessibility, inclusion, and equitability. Together let us look forward to the future of boundless discoveries and collaborations to address local, regional, and global challenges, with the goal of uplifting the quality of human life,” said Fr. Ang.

Ar. Ana Mangalino-Ling, FUAP, co-founder of JSLA Architects who designed the WiTBIRIn, gave a description of the soon-to-rise structure. With a floor area of 8,311 square meters, the WiTBIRIn will have four floors containing 25 laboratories. Ar. Mangalino-Ling also shared a video presentation of the 3D renderings. Monolith Construction and Development Corporation will serve as the contractor.

Class of 1973 alumnus Dr. William Belo said he looks forward to returning soon to join UST in the inauguration of the interdisciplinary research institute, which he envisions “to provide a setting for professors and students to work in synergy together.”

Dr. Belo shared that he expects the WiTBIRIn to be a venue where “great minds and eager learners can get together to advance knowledge for dissemination and application, to contribute in the upliftment of life.”

UST Sta. Rosa is currently in the first phase of development, which is building the UST-Sta. Rosa Research Complex (UStaRRCo), intended to accommodate more faculty and student researchers as well as visiting scientists and research collaborators. The USTaRRCo will have three Research Institutes based on the current and developing research strengths of the University. The UST-William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute will be the first to rise, and soon to follow will be the Research Institute for Health and Biomedical Sciences, and the Research Institute for Data Science and Cybersystems, thus comprising the “UStaRRCo Trinity”.

The UST WiTBIRIn follows the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center, which was inaugurated in April 2023.

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The Future is in Santa Rosa
UST Rector Rev. fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD said that this important edifice symbolizes the continued fulfillment of UST’s hope and dreams in Santa Rosa, Laguna as it complements two of UST’s goals: enrichment of research ecosystem and synergy among disciplines. “Interdisciplinary approach is valuable since it takes into account diverse perspectives to solve complex problems. No one discipline has the monopoly of all solutions and answers. We will have to all work together,” fr. Ang said.

Slated to become a hub that sharpens creativity and enhance the skillsets of Thomasian researchers, while fostering a more efficient utilization of resources, UST-WitBIRIn will be a niche of harmonious collaborations and breakthroughs that will shape the society through its six interdisciplinary areas, namely:

1) Food, Security, and Safety

2) Health and Well-being

3) Energy

4) Environmental Sustainability

5) Information and Communications

6) Materials and Product Innovation

Named after the Wilcon Depot Founder who generously donated for the construction of the edifice, UST-WitBIRIn is the first of the three important institutes that will comprise the UST Sta. Rosa Research Complex (UST StaRRCo). In his message, fr. Ang pledged to the Sta. Rosa, Laguna local government officials, namely, Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Vice-Mayor Arnold Arcillas, that this edifice stands as a beacon of change that is envisioned to make Sta. Rosa as the “Smartest City” in Luzon.

Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Rev. fr. Jannel N. Abogado, O.P., DThPatSc also highlighted that UST-WitBIRIn will aid the University in its mission to make an impact to people’s lives and society more efficiently through its research and innovation goals.

In his message, Dr. William T. Belo, a class 1973 alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering, expressed his gratitude to the Thomasian Community that enabled the construction of a research institute where great minds and learners can all get togethe for the love of advancing knowledge and uplifting people and society’s lives.

“UST has been consistent in determining and fulfilling her mission to generate advanced knowledge to form competent, compassionate graduates. This interdisciplinary institute is envisioned to provide a setting for the professors and students to work in synergy together,” Belo said.

On September 28, 2023, the University of Santo Tomas conferred the Doctor of Commerce degree, honoris causa, upon Faculty of Engineering alumnus to Bello.

Architecture
JSLA Architects co-founder and partner Ana Mangalino-Ling shared that the edifice will house 25 laboratories. The said edifice stands as a testament to the fusion of classical inspiration with a modern interpretation, boasting a design that embodies key concepts of symmetry, balance, and proportion.

“The design speaks of the enduring knowledge remaining infinite, and through across different perspectives, time, places, fields, and professions.” Mangalino-Ling said.

UST-WitBIRIn spans 8,311 square meters and stands at 23.20 meters.

The JSLA Architects and the Monolith Construction and Development Corporation will spearhead the construction of UST Sta. Rosa – WitBIRIn.

The time capsule containing news clippings, a rosary, a Dominican cross, and other mementos were buried in the site, in solemn ceremonies witnessed by university officials, researchers, and industry partners.

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Tribute to the homebuilding essentials provider

UST Rector fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD hailed Belo’s perseverance and resourcefulness, which stemmed from his family’s entrepreneurial upbringing. The Thomasian alumnus’ shrewdness led him to pioneering ventures and his innovative approaches paved way for thriving enterprises that opened doors to countless individuals. “He is a man of vision. His leadership in the corporate world has not only revolutionized industries, but also created opportunities for the economic growth of the Philippines,” fr. Ang said.

The Rector recalled that the recent lockdowns also prompted them to improve and to rehabilitate the Thomasian community’s home in preparation for the new work and study setup; he likewise expressed his gratitude to Belo for lending his hand. “������ý is a basic human need that provides comfort and safety. For this reason, the legacy of our honorary as the alchemist of home improvements will live on in our hearts and memories,” fr. Ang said.

Graduate School Dean Prof. Michael Antony C. Vasco, PhD, referencing economist Adam Smith, described Belo as a person who selflessly offered his ability to put himself in the position of impartial observer to form a sympathetic notion of the moral merits of the case, thus demonstrating the three Thomasian core values of competence, compassion, and commitment. “Mr. Belo’s belief of providing support to human development by sharing the fruits of his success to the greater number of people who are in need of such assistance, by making his business empire an instrument to provide access and opportunity to improve the lives of people and the environment, demonstrates his existential concern to his fellow men and penchant support for UST’s mission of serving the Church, the nation, and the global community,” Vasco said.

Credit to a well-rounded Thomasian formation

In his message of gratitude, Belo attributed his success to the Thomasian education he obtained and eventually imbued in running his enterprise–the largest and leading distributor of homebuilding essentials in the country. “With our University’s trust to develop competent, compassionate persons committed to serve the Church, the nation and the global community, I became a well-rounded individual well-equipped with technical know-how, social, and interpersonal skills, and most importantly, the moral fortitude to pursue my dreams not for myself alone but for God, [and for my] country as well,” Belo said. He then thanked his professors for molding him, as well as enabling him to translate his aspirations into reality.

Belo also shared the three entwining aspects he learned in his career: 1) The importance of value-driven vision and dreams, and what you want to become. 2) The value of hardwork in building meaningful relationships. 3) The sense of fulfilment in service in giving back.

The Faculty of Engineering and the UST Graduate School spearheaded the cause for Belo’s recognition, which received the stamps of approval of the Council of Regents, Academic Senate, and the University’s Board of Trustees.

The man behind Wilcon

With a degree of BS Electronics and Communications Engineering (BS-ECE) from the Faculty of Engineering, Belo started as a simple entrepreneur and owner of a 645-square-foot hardware store along Quezon Avenue in 1977.

Driven by his focus and desire to be of service to Filipino homebuilders, and with a strong belief that Filipinos should be given the best product choices for their homes, Belo founded the Wilcon Builders Depot, and Wilcon ������ý Essentials — Wilcon Corporation’s two-store format that covers a wide array of products, including local and international brands of tiles and flooring, plumbing and sanitary wares, electrical and lighting products, hardware and tools, furniture, furnishings and houseware, paints, appliances, and building materials, among others.

In 2022, he received The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Award. He was also named the “Man of the Year of the Asia Leaders” by the Manila Times.

Wilcon Builders Foundation, Inc. is a nonstock, non-profit, socio-civic organization, with philanthropic engagements such as providing educational assistance, extending a helping hand to the victims of calamities, and initiating efforts to save the environment.

The University of Santo Tomas confers honorary awards on noteworthy individuals, through the conferment of Honorary Academic Degrees and Honorary Professor ranks.

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Eleven awards for a new batch of prominent Thomasians were given. Having demonstrated the Thomasian brand of excellence within their respective fields, UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., said that “They are indeed living treasures of the University and living examples of what the University stands for: Veritas in Caritate.”

Among the TOTAL Awards 2022 awardees is the Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula for the category Service to the Church. Before his appointment, he has been known for his pastoral programs reaching out to communities and establishing mission stations and schools in far-flung areas in the country especially in the diocese of San Carlos and Capiz.

Winning the Outstanding Alumni for Service to Humanity was Mr. Jeffrey O. Tarayao. After previously being conferred as the Thomasian Young Achiever of TOTAL Awards 2008, Arts and Letters, he continues to excel in managing corporate social responsibility and corporate foundations. His role as the Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Office of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the President of One Meralco Foundation paved the way for the expansion of Meralco’s community electrification program that served thousands of low-income households and remote public schools across the country.

For Arts and Humanities, another TOTAL awardee is communications and journalism scholar Dr. Crispin Maslog for the category of Media and Entertainment. The Philosophy and Letters alumnus has authored 39 books and became the director of Silliman University’s School of Journalism and Communication. He served as a professor at UP Los Baños and produced generations of journalists throughout his teaching career.

Painter and sculptor Nemesio Miranda, Jr. was conferred the TOTAL Award for Music, Arts, Literature and Design. Known as the Father of Imaginative Figurism, the Fine Arts alumnus has been considered as an influential art leader in his hometown, Angono, Rizal. Recently, he was nominated for the National Artists Award administered by the National Commission for the Arts and Cultural Center of the Philippines.

In the category of Accounting, Business, and Management, two graduates stood out in their respective field of expertise among the nominees in this year’s TOTAL Awards. UST High School alumnus DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez is this year’s TOTAL Awardee for Management while Wilcon Depot founder and chairman emeritus Engr. William T. Belo is the TOTAL Awardee for Business.

Sec. Lopez’s solid professional economic, trade & industry development career focused on the development of MSME sector and advocated for the empowerment of the youth, of aspiring entrepreneurs, and underprivileged sectors. He has worked on major reforms for stronger investment inflows in the country such as the Ease of Doing Business, Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to name a few.

Wilcon Depot patriarch Engr. Belo has built a brand trusted by many industry professionals, home enthusiasts and homeowners nationwide. His socio-civic institution named Wilcon Foundation has provided education assistance to underprivileged children and aide to victims of calamities.

Another TOTAL Awardee is UST Faculty of Civil Law incumbent dean Atty. Nilo Divina for the category of Law and Justice. With decades of corporate and banking law experience, Atty. Divina continues to contribute to the legal community through publications of books on Commercial Law and articles for his column at the Daily Tribune. His firm, DivinaLaw, has become one of the country’s biggest law firms with a wide clientele base.

Three Thomasian doctors have also joined the list of this year’s TOTAL Awards.

Makati Medical Center Medical Director Dr. Saturnino Javier was awarded for the category of Health Allied. As an interventional cardiologist, he devoted his time to continuing medical education through lectures and conferences. His commitment made him an active participant in improving the status of medical practice and education in the country.

In the field of Science and Technology, nephrologist Dr. Edgar Lerma is the TOTAL Awardee for this category. The Chicago-based doctor is also a clinical professor at the University of Illinois. He has published 26 books and authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications about chronic kidney disease, hypertension, bone and mineral disorders.

The 2022 TOTAL Awardee for Medicine is Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag. The Thomasian doctor, who has been with UST from high school to medical school and later on, for her doctoral degree in Educational Management, is a practicing anesthesiologist, professor, and researcher. She held many positions in different medical groups, and travelled around the world to conduct research and present papers to fellow scholars and doctors. Recently, she was awarded as Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher in Higher Education.

The family of Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag is this year’s TOTAL Awardee for the Thomasian Family Award. The award is conferred upon a family whose members are all Alumni of the University of Santo Tomas and who exemplify the Thomasian core values in their respective fields of expertise.

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The University of Santo Tomas Office of Alumni Relations, in partnership with the UST Alumni Association, Inc., recognized its exemplary alumni with The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Awards. The ceremony was held on May 14, 2022, at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the UST Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building in its Manila campus.

Eleven awards for a new batch of prominent Thomasians were given. Having demonstrated the Thomasian brand of excellence within their respective fields, UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., said that “They are indeed living treasures of the University and living examples of what the University stands for: Veritas in Caritate.”

Among the TOTAL Awards 2022 awardees is the Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula for the category Service to the Church. Before his appointment, he has been known for his pastoral programs reaching out to communities and establishing mission stations and schools in far-flung areas in the country especially in the diocese of San Carlos and Capiz.

Winning the Outstanding Alumni for Service to Humanity was Mr. Jeffrey O. Tarayao. After previously being conferred as the Thomasian Young Achiever of TOTAL Awards 2008, Arts and Letters, he continues to excel in managing corporate social responsibility and corporate foundations. His role as the Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Office of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the President of One Meralco Foundation paved the way for the expansion of Meralco’s community electrification program that served thousands of low-income households and remote public schools across the country.

For Arts and Humanities, another TOTAL awardee is communications and journalism scholar Dr. Crispin Maslog for the category of Media and Entertainment. The Philosophy and Letters alumnus has authored 39 books and became the director of Silliman University’s School of Journalism and Communication. He served as a professor at UP Los Baños and produced generations of journalists throughout his teaching career.

Painter and sculptor Nemesio Miranda, Jr. was conferred the TOTAL Award for Music, Arts, Literature and Design. Known as the Father of Imaginative Figurism, the Fine Arts alumnus has been considered as an influential art leader in his hometown, Angono, Rizal. Recently, he was nominated for the National Artists Award administered by the National Commission for the Arts and Cultural Center of the Philippines.

In the category of Accounting, Business, and Management, two graduates stood out in their respective field of expertise among the nominees in this year’s TOTAL Awards. UST High School alumnus DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez is this year’s TOTAL Awardee for Management while Wilcon Depot founder and chairman emeritus Engr. William T. Belo is the TOTAL Awardee for Business.

Sec. Lopez’s solid professional economic, trade & industry development career focused on the development of MSME sector and advocated for the empowerment of the youth, of aspiring entrepreneurs, and underprivileged sectors. He has worked on major reforms for stronger investment inflows in the country such as the Ease of Doing Business, Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to name a few.

Wilcon Depot patriarch Engr. Belo has built a brand trusted by many industry professionals, home enthusiasts and homeowners nationwide. His socio-civic institution named Wilcon Foundation has provided education assistance to underprivileged children and aide to victims of calamities.

Another TOTAL Awardee is UST Faculty of Civil Law incumbent dean Atty. Nilo Divina for the category of Law and Justice. With decades of corporate and banking law experience, Atty. Divina continues to contribute to the legal community through publications of books on Commercial Law and articles for his column at the Daily Tribune. His firm, DivinaLaw, has become one of the country’s biggest law firms with a wide clientele base.

Three Thomasian doctors have also joined the list of this year’s TOTAL Awards.

Makati Medical Center Medical Director Dr. Saturnino Javier was awarded for the category of Health Allied. As an interventional cardiologist, he devoted his time to continuing medical education through lectures and conferences. His commitment made him an active participant in improving the status of medical practice and education in the country.

In the field of Science and Technology, nephrologist Dr. Edgar Lerma is the TOTAL Awardee for this category. The Chicago-based doctor is also a clinical professor at the University of Illinois. He has published 26 books and authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications about chronic kidney disease, hypertension, bone and mineral disorders.

The 2022 TOTAL Awardee for Medicine is Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag. The Thomasian doctor, who has been with UST from high school to medical school and later on, for her doctoral degree in Educational Management, is a practicing anesthesiologist, professor, and researcher. She held many positions in different medical groups, and travelled around the world to conduct research and present papers to fellow scholars and doctors. Recently, she was awarded as Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher in Higher Education.

The family of Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag is this year’s TOTAL Awardee for the Thomasian Family Award. The award is conferred upon a family whose members are all Alumni of the University of Santo Tomas and who exemplify the Thomasian core values in their respective fields of expertise.

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The awarding ceremonies were held on February 17, 2018 at the Paredes Building, UST. The award, handed by Dean Philipina A. Marcelo, Ph.D., and Engineering Regent Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, Jr., O.P., consisted of a plaque and a golden name plate with the awardee’s name and award inscribed on it.

The name plates are found in the Hall of Fame wall at the lobby of the Roque Ruaňo, O.P. building, formerly called engineering Building. Awarded for Entrepreneurship was William T. Belo, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Wilcon Depot, Inc. Belo, who graduated with a degree in Electronics Engineering (EIE) in 1973, started his own hardware store in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

From the small Wilcon store, he has since expanded its operations and eventually established a name trusted by industry professionals, home enthusiasts and home owners nationwide. Wilcon Depot now carries a wide variety of local and international products and services.

Aside from his business, Belo also put up Wilcon Foundation which provides educational assistance to under privileged children and individuals, and helps victims of calamities. The foundation also assists in
the global efforts at saving the environment.

In recognition of his achievements, Belo received the “Grand MVP Bossing Award”, and the prestigious “Presidents Outstanding Filipino Retailer” award given by the Philippine Retailers Association in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Pointwest Technologies, Corporation, Engr. Maria Cristina Galang Coronel, who graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1974, was recognized for Industry Leadership.

Pointwest Technologies is a leading 100% Filipino-owned IT/BPM services company. Its accounts and projects are in the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

Coronel is currently the president and a member of the board of trustees of
the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines, an industry association that aspires to make the Philippines the global leader in healthcare information management services. She aspires to put the Philippines in the global map as a top destination for IT/BPM and healthcare information management services.

The former dean of the Faculty of Engineering who started a number of ‘firsts’ in the Faculty, including being the first in the University to have its classrooms air-conditioned, Prof. Alberto A. Laurito, was recognized for his efforts under the category Engineering Education. Laurito who graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1973, served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from 1985 to 2000.

He also served as Assistant to the Rector for Planning and Development from 2001 to 2007 and director of the UST Education Technology Center from 2002 to 2007.

Laurito conceptualized and initiated the e-Learning Access Program (e-LeAP) in 2002 using the Blackboard Learning Management System leading to the development and deployment of University-wide course websites. He was also responsible for conceptualizing the Outcomes Based Education (OBE) Framework and the supporting Program Assessment and Evaluation System using the e-LeAP for the Faculty of Engineering.

It is in the area of Industry Leadership that Engr. Fortunato C. Leynes, a graduate of Electrical Engineering in 1979, was recognized. He was the first Thomasian who was named chair of the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Electrical Engineering, a position he served from 2009
to 2013. He was also the first Filipino Chief Executive of the largest of the 11 privatized distribution utilities in Nigeria, serving as managing director and Chief Executive Office of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. He also served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Clark Electric Distribution Corporation, a subsidiary of the Manila Electric Company.

Leynes is an APEC Engineer, an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers.

The first recipient of the Thomasian Engineer Hall of Fame award was Rev. Fr. Roque Ruaňo, O.P., for Engineering Design. The award was given posthumously in 1996 in recognition of his numerous works as Civil Engineer, the most famous of which is the UST Main Building, now a National Cultural Treasure. The Main Building is the first earthquake – resistant building in the Philippines in its modern-day history.

From 1996 to date, 25 alumni of the Faculty of Engineering have been inducted to the Hall of Fame, including Jollibee founder Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong, who received his award in 2000 for Entrepreneurship. Other recipients include Francisco Eizmendi former president of San Miguel Corporation who was awarded for Industry Leadership in 1997, and James Velasquez, former president and country manager of IBM Philippines and currently CEO of PT&T who was awarded for Global Corporate Management in 2017.

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