Ancheta, a researcher and advocate of zero waste gave engaging lectures to Taiwanese students on solid waste management in the ASEAN context using Philippine cities which have been the loci of her research projects in partnership with environmental NGOs such as the Mother Earth Foundation and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).

This partnership is in line with the current standing Memorandum of Agreement of international academic partnership between UST and NCCU. 

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Themed “Cultivating Global Citizenship within the Framework of Caring for Creation,” the hybrid event heard speakers from the Dominican University Ibadan, Nigeria; University of Fribourg, Switzerland; and University of Santo Tomas, Manila.

Prof. Joel C. Sagut, Ph.D., the Director of UST’s Center for Theology, Religious Studies, and Ethics, delivered a talk that focused on the “unique place of the human person in God’s creation.” In his presentation, Sagut states that man’s God-given “position of authority, royal mission, and priesthood entails a heavy responsibility of serving and working for those entrusted to (his) care.”

Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D. dealt with the topic of integral ecology citing research findings from the UST College of Science where he serves as Dean. “Man was given the faculties to care for creation,” Papa said, “and those faculties need harnessing for communities to live the Church’s call for integral ecology,” he added.

Prof. Dr. Helmut Zander from the University of Fribourg underscores the realities in finding a solution to the problems surrounding our environment. He concludes that the most we can do is to increase our perception of the ecological crisis we are facing. Zander cited realizing ways globalization affects countries like Nigeria, Switzerland, and the Philippines with unique beliefs, traditions, and socio-cultural contexts. Reducing such complexities is a clear goal, but reducing complexities necessitates acknowledgment and acceptance, he concluded.

Speaking on “Ecological Challenges: Intersectionality of Plastics and Climate Change,” Prof. Arlen Ancheta, Ph.D. of the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters and the Research Center for Social Science and Education showed ways by which plastic has compromised the natural environment and human health. Ancheta urges creative, critical, and holistic thinking so that communities can identify opportunities and develop strategies to address the abusive use of plastic as well as the impacts of climate change. 

Dominican Friar Hans Ulrich Steymans from the University of Fribourg presented the writings of Catholic eco-theologians advocating care for creation, including Sean McDonagh, SCC, and Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF. Biblical studies on the environment were also cited like the works of Norman C. Habel and Niels Henrik Gregersen.

Dominican Friar Fr. Dokun Oyeshola from the University of Ibadan in his talk titled, “Effects of Corruption and Addressing Climate Change in Nigeria,” discussed the effects of corruption as it halts mitigation measures to address climate change. He also called upon the Church to work vigorously to impact on the morality of global politics. “The Church must work vigorously in upholding the planet’s heritage as a gift to all human beings,” he emphasized.

Prof. Ivo Wallimann-Heimer from the University of Fribourg finally discussed “Injustice in Renewable Energy Transmission” where he outlined the challenges posed by government-sponsored moves towards renewable energy generation and consumption. On community participation, the scholar favored substantial equality where individuals are given access to education, information, and a fair share of economic resources. On the decision-making end, however, Wallimann-Heimer suggested that all those affected by environmental risks must be involved in making meaningful decisions.

The Saliksikan and Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi, O.P. Lecture Series were jointly conceived as a platform for intellectual discussions on themes affecting the human person’s integral development.

This year’s event coincided with the “Symposium on Global Catholicism: Ecology and Climate Change” organized by CoMIF or the Collaboration of Manila, Ibadan, and Fribourg. 

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The event, which was held on the 13^th of December 2023, coincided with the Paskuhan Mass and Agape. IP representatives from Ayta (Zambales), Dumagat (Quezon), Kalanguya (Ifugao), and Mangyan (Mindoro) tribal communities shared their stories of struggles and triumphs and showcased their indigenous products at the UST Central Seminary Gymnasium. A poster exhibit was also prepared by Alyssa R. Contreras, Meryl Aila M. Ongsotto, Angela Marie G. Ubac, and Assoc. Prof. Mary Ann Venturina Bulanadi, Ph.D. of the College of Fine Arts and Design.

Most Rev. Valentin C. Dimoc, D.D., the Chair of CBCP-ECIP, highlighted in his opening remarks that “isang puso” means “walang iwanan para sa mga katutubo.” It is a strong call to humbly join in the preservation of human dignity, working collaboratively for the greater good of IPs, and conserving the environment through alternative means of sustainable development. As the IPs continue to safeguard their culture despite numerous plights they face, such as poverty, discrimination, lack of access to basic social needs, development aggression, and red-tagging, they need assertive assistance and protection of their communities and their rights. Furthermore, Rev. Fr. Earl Alan Cura, CICM, stated that it is essential for the younger generation to deepen their awareness and appreciation of who they are as it is rooted in the culture and identity of a person and member of society.

The event was capped off with a symbolic tribal dance to underscore solidarity. Lastly, Rev. Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, along with the officials of SIMBAHAYAN Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, MCD, , Asst. Prof. Christian Rey D. Rimando, MSPT (SIMBAHAYAN Assistant Director), and Junior Teacher Frederick F. Prevosa, MA (OVRRA Executive Assistant) distributed sixteen (16) Noche Buena packages to the IP groups present from the NINGNGING 2023, a UST Paskuhan gift-giving project.

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The project was geared towards the conceptualization of a 10-year Cultural Management and Development Plan for the City of Biñan in Laguna. Specifically, it analyzed the background of the study site based on geographic, historical, demographic, politico-administrative, and policy-based initiatives; evaluated the cultural heritage resources of the study site about resources, infrastructure, workforce, linkages, programs, and sustainability; assessed the issues, constraints, and opportunities of the study site based on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; and developed directional principle, programs, and projects for culture-based management and development of the study site.

The GS-CCCPET Director, Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo, Ph.D. and Project Coordinator Ms. Beverly M. Bautista headed the UST Project Team. The research team from the UST Sentro Turismo was led by Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado with team members Asst. Prof. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, Ms. Catherine C. Mondejar, Mr. Alec P. Bagcus, Ms. Andrea Nicole D. Hernandez, Ms. Jhoa Nna A. Quinsayas, and Mr. Sean Maynard M. Solis.

Representatives of the City Government were led by Hon. Atty. Walfredo “Arman” R. Dimaguila, Jr., together with the members of the Sanggunian Panglungsod and Dr. Bryan Jayson T. Borja, Department Head of the Biñan City Culture, History, Arts, and Tourism Office (BCHATO).

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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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Dezhou University

(From left:) UST Office of Public Affairs Acting Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton with academic staff from Dezhou University in China, including secretary Xu Wei, composer Xu Xueji, and vocal professor Wang Lou, accompanied by Ms. Lulu Moguel on January 18, 2024

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Universitat de Barcelona

(From left:) Prof. Regalado Trota José, Universitat de Barcelona art historian Sr. José Alonso Simón, UST Museum Director Rev. Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., anthropologist Sr. Alberto López Bargado, and UST Museum Assistant Director Ar. John Carlo Sayco on January 22, 2024.

Instituto Cervantes de Manila

Guests from Instituto Cervantes de Manila, including its director Javier Galván Guijo (second from left), cultural affairs coordinator José Fons Guardiola (fourth from left), and Ph.D. Architect Álvaro Leonardo Pérez (rightmost) of the University of Alcalá (UAH) in Spain with the College of Architecture Secretary Ar. Vinson Serrano (fifth from left) and Office of Public Affairs Acting Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton (third from left) the University of Santo Tomas on January 25, 2024.

Duke University School of Nursing

(From left:) Asst. Prof. Ritzmond Loa, Ph.D., administrators from Duke University School of Nursing, USA, Prof. Eleanor Stevenson Ph.D. and Asst. Prof. Emily Funk, Ph.D., and UST Office of Public Affairs Acting Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton on January 29, 2024

University of South Australia

Eight students from the University of South Australia, accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Matthew James Sykes, Ph.D. (front row, second from left), with UST Office of Public Affairs Assistant Ms. Shenine Pascual (front row, sixth from left) and two students from the UST  Faculty of Pharmacy on January 29, 2024

Embassy of Indonesia in Manila

Guests from the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila, including Minister for Information of the Social and Cultural Affairs section Ms. Avi Dewani Sari Harahap (fourth from left) and Ms. Chot Reyes (second from left), with UST Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Chair Ms. Regina Agustin (center), UST Office of Public Affairs Acting Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton (rightmost) and Assistant to the Director for Publication Ms. Katherine Patrice Sibug on February 1, 2024.

Architectural Association School of Architecture

Mr. Ricardo Carvalho de Ostos, Mr. Nicolas Zembashi, and 12 students from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London with College of Architecture Secretary Ar. Vinson Serrano (front row, fourth from left) and Office of Public Affairs Acting Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton (front row, rightmost) on February 3, 2024

Diocese of Alaminos

Guests from the Diocese of Alaminos, Pangasinan during their courtesy visit on the Bishop-Elect of Alaminos Most Rev. Napoleon B. Sipalay, Jr., O.P. (center), the Vice Rector of the UST Central Seminary, on February 5, 2024

Diocesan Seminary of the Heart of Jesus

Guests from the Diocesan Seminary of the Heart of Jesus in San Fernando, La Union, with their Thomasian Rector Rev. Fr. Kenneth Amate, and brothers from the UST Central Seminary led by Chancellor Br. John Sioson on February 6, 2024

Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso

UST Office of Public Affairs (OPA) Acting Director Ms. Michaella Lagniton, Foreign Affairs Adviser of the Department of Foreign Affairs Her Excellency Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Chair Ms. Regina Agustin, and OPA Asst. to the Director for Publication Ms. Katherine Patrice Sibug on February 15, 2024

University of Gyeongnam Geochang

(From left:) UST Graduate School Dean Prof. Michael Anthony Vasco, Ph.D., College of Education Dean Assoc. Prof. Pilar Romero, Ph.D., President of the University of Gyeongnam Geochang in South Korea Dr. Kim Jaegu, UST Office of International Relations and Programs Director Dean Emeritus Prof. Lilian J. Sison, Ph.D., and Associate Director Prof. Karen Santiago, Ph.D.

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January 2024

UST Passing Rate: 82.09%

National Passing Rate: 61.7%

Franchesca Tabobo Lopez

4th – 84.4%

Nicole Carl Erika Aunario

5th – 84.3%

Andrea Marie Mauhay Ugay

5th – 84.3%

Jene Miguel Carrillo Macam

6th – 84.2%

Angel Lyn Buensuceso Balastigue

7th – 83.6%

Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers – Elementary Level

September 2023

UST Passing Rate: 100%

National Passing Rate: 47.01%

Dulce Angeline Hernandez Arellano

1st – 94.4%

Chelsea Lipana Tiaga

1st – 94.4%

Monica Clarisse Esquires Acosta

8th – 93%

Rae Alexandra Tan Villena

8th – 93%

Joyce Ann Marie Feir Mangibin

10th – 92.6%

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The Office of Public Affairs team, led by Ms. Michaella Lagniton, welcomed the guests. Following Turingan’s lecture was a tour of the UST Museum and a discussion on internment camp life led by the Collection Management and Documentation Assistant Ms. Maita Oebanda.

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Centering synodality, a process of collaboration and understanding that means “journeying together as the People of God’, at the heart of the conference’s discussions, the keynote address was delivered by His Eminence Mario Cardinal Grech, the Secretary-General of the Synod of Bishops.

With the theme “Salya: Let us cross to the other side (Mk 4:35)”, PCNE X emphasizes the way synodality is evident in Filipino Catholic Traditions practiced today.

On the first Eucharistic Celebration of the conference, Thomasian alumnus and Manila Archbishop His Eminence Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula, D.D., O.P., in his homily, reflected on the concept of “Salya”, a devotional practice that means ‘pressing forth’, which is also a word traditionally cried out in rhythmic unison by the crowd during the Traslacion of the Nazareno.

“For devotees, salya refers to the act of periodically sprinting forth behind the carriage of the Nazareno, in order to ram their bodies against it.  From an outsider point-of-view, it may seem that they are only trying to push forward the andas.  But devotees say that salya is not only meant to drive the andas of the Senyor forward; it is also an act whereby they bring each other closer to the Senyor.  As they press forth towards the carriage of the Senyor, they press themselves more closely towards the Lord,” said Archbishop Advincula.

Most Rev. Advincula further shared, “Synodality expands our vision to make us look beyond personal interests, blood ties, locality, business gains, and political parties, towards recognizing the sacred presence of the Lord within ourselves, within each other.  Synodality is Jesus accompanying us in the path of personal, social, and ecclesial conversion. Pressing forth and crossing over, solidarity and conversion, salya at Traslacion.  These are the graces we seek as we celebrate PCNE X, and as we continue in our synodal journey as a local Church.”

In the keynote address, Cardinal Grech shared some key points from the general assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2023 and discussed relevant points from its .

Highlighting that the majority of the world’s youth population lives in Asia, he mentioned that the Catholic Church in Asia and the Philippines is well-placed “to provide leadership to the Universal Church in responding to what the First Session of the General Assembly referred to as ‘making [the Church] a preferential option for young people.’”

Further, the Cardinal urged that “None of our enthusiasm for evangelization of the youth, for seeking to actualize their unique contributions, for inviting them to share co-responsibility in the Church’s Mission, should blind us to the many social, cultural, and personal challenges that young people face today, which are well-documented in Christus Vivit. We need to learn from young people themselves how to respond to their needs, and so in a special way, we need to listen to them.”

Aside from the main plenary gatherings at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, the University also hosted concurrent workshops and discussions among the different sectors like the youth, the educators, the clergy, catechists, and different focuses such as digital and social media, interreligious and ecumenical dialogue, and the Filipino family, among others, in the different buildings within campus.

“We welcome with enthusiasm the return of PCNE to its original home, UST. Nothing will give the UST community a more profound sense of mission and identity than to be of service to the Church, nation, and global community. May the conference allow us to discern God’s message in the spirit of active listening and dialogue, and to have a meaningful encounter with the Lord as well as each other,” said UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D. in his welcome remarks.

“As educators, we do not forget that we are just instruments of God. We let go and let God and allow the Holy Spirit to come and lead us to a deeper life of prayer, communal discernment, collaborative service in the mission of evangelization,” shared Sr. Aileen Bonifacio, SPC during the concurrent workshop for educators.

For the concurrent workshop for digital and social media, Ms. Jane Patiño said that “By listening to different perspectives, ideas, and experiences, the Church can better understand the needs and concerns of the audience and tailor its digital evangelization efforts accordingly. To be effective in digital media evangelization, it is important for the Church to be bold, authentic and circular in each approach.”

Meanwhile, Ted Toledo and Sr. Genevieve Rubio, MCST, shared during the concurrent workshop for youth that “Leaders of the Church must step on the same ground as the young people, become more accepting and uplifting, impartial and encouraging. The Church needs to continue youth empowerment programs and proper spiritual accompaniment so that we could all be heard, listened to, and understood.”

PCNE Founder and current Pro-Prefect for the Section of Evangelization of Dicastery for Evangelization His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, also continued the “Heart to Heart” series in the tenth PCNE. He interacted with the Bishop of Kalookan Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio David, Archbishop of Manila Most Rev. Jose Advincula, CBCP Vice President and Bishop of Pasig Most Rev. Mylo Hubert Bergara, and Dr. Estella Padilla, where they discussed the transformative power of listening, characterized by humility and openness.

PCNE has been held at UST since its start in 2013––initiated by Cardinal Tagle, who was then the Archbishop of Manila––until PCNE VI in 2019. PCNE X is the first to be held in-person since the onset of the pandemic.

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The conference was organized by the Academy of Social and Media Culture (AKSiM) in Toruń, the Regional Center for International Debate in Toruń, the Department of Philosophy of Culture and Foundations of Rhetoric of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, and the “Memory and Identity” Institute – Saint John Paul II. It was held in the AKSiM auditorium at Droga Starotoruńska 3, 87-100 Toruń and  broadcast on TRWAM TV and Radio Maryja, Poland.

. Present during the session were His Eminence Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Prof. Fr. Marcin Kowalski, professor at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission; and Prof. Fr. Jarosław Merecki, SDS of the John Paul II Institute for the Sciences of Marriage and Family.

Aguas focused on Karol Wojtyła’s (later known as Saint Pope John Paul II) concept of the body, human corporeality, and sexuality. He stressed that the human body is the basis of biological, health, social, cultural, and religious issues. It can be both a blessing and a curse for a person. However, as Karol Wojtyła taught, regardless of the perspective adopted, the body is part of personal identity and has value and dignity.

According to Aguas, the human body is of particular interest to Karol Wojtyła, who considers the body to be part of the psychosomatic unity of the human person as the body manifests the somatic constitution of man and forms the basis of man’s affinity with nature. Even in his later writings as Pope John Paul II, he emphasizes that man must be understood as corporeal and that the basis of being male and female is a man’s corporeality. Aguas further shed light on the proper understanding of the human body and dispelled the notion that the body is a source of corruption and that it is just an object that can be used or manipulated for whatever purpose. He concluded that Wojtyla’s understanding of the dignity of the human body is anchored on Christian teachings and traditions and justifies the Catholic belief that, indeed, the body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit.”

Aguas’s travel is part of the Staff Mobility for Teaching Mobility Agreement under the Erasmus+ Program between the University of Santo Tomas and the University of Social and Media Culture in Toruń, Poland.

During his stay in Toruń, he also guested in the He also traveled to Lublin and visited the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL)  to explore a possible academic linkage between UST and KUL.

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