January 2022

UST Passing Rate: 80.37%

National Passing Rate: 49.90%

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The “Tayo ang MagKamanlalakbay: Action Research Part I” was recently held via Zoom and Facebook Livestream.
Event partners were the Faculty of Arts and Letters Department of Sociology, Samahang Kamanlalakbay (SK), and the UST Sociological Society (USTSS). The event was part of the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Faculty of Arts and Letters.

Faculty of Arts and Letters Dean Prof. Marilu R. Madrunio, Ph.D., in her opening remarks, highlighted that at this time of pandemic, the academic discourse is centered on action research, an instrumental research method that encouraged to view perspectives of different stakeholders on certain issues and to refine critical and progressive thinking.

Providing a historical glimpse of Kamanlalakbay, UST SIMBAHAYAN Director Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, shared that it was conceptualized in 2002 as the general assembly of the UST partner communities and institutions. From 2002 to 2005, selected and committed community and institution leaders participated in various capacity-building training. During Kamanlalakbay 3 in 2005, programs and projects were evaluated through a participatory approach.

Meanwhile, Kamanlalakbay 4 in 2006 paved the way for the establishment of Samahang Kamanlalakbay (SK) which continued in 2007, when the SK members elected their officers and organized sectoral and geographical clusters.

In 2008, the National Service Training Program (NSTP) specifically the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training Service (LTS) were brought under the management of the Office for Community Development (former name of UST SIMBAHAYAN). It opened the opportunity to bridge and interweave the NSTP (CWTS/LTS) to the community development and advocacy projects.
Apart from the Kamanlalakbay, a series of training were conducted to improve the skills of community and institution leaders. These include the training for Bamban Ayta Tribal Association (BATA), community health seminars, and basic ecclesial communities which was supplemented with regular community visits.
Due to the community engagement efforts, the SK was legally recognized on March 3, 2011, by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as an association in the Philippines. Alipao emphasized that the journey of Kamanlalakbay for almost two decades has shown the praxis of see-judge-act-reflect in solidarity with the synod of the Church, nation, and environment.

Presented to the participants were the scope and limitation as well as the research method delivered by UST SIMBAHAYAN Program Development Officer Ms. Veronica Michelle Moreno. This was followed by the sharing of Kamanlalakbay 18 Pagsubaybay at Pagtatasa 2019-2020 at 2020-2021 by Ms. Christine Ladera of the Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC) and BA Sociology students Ms. Micah Estrologo and Ms. Angel Aranton. Afterward, the Kamanlalakbay 18 Pagpaplano 2021-2022 was discussed by Sister Shirley Milla, RMI of the Holy Family Social and Education Center-RMI, and BA Sociology students Mr. Gabriel Naboa, Mr. Sealtiel Dequiña, and Ms. Theara Ablola.

Kamanlalakbay 18 Community Participation Matrix 2019-2021 was presented by Mrs. Vicenta Sochaco of Brgy. Sibulan, Nagcarlan. Laguna with Naboa, Dequiña, and Ablola. Lastly, Kamanlalakbay 18 Pagtatasa at Rekomendasyon was given by Estrologo, Aranton, and Ablola.

Based on the presentations, USTSS Treasurer Ms. Ioni Kho, SK President Ms. Merlita B. De Guzman, and College of Architecture Community Development Coordinator Asst. Prof. Antonino IV N. Tobias, shared their insights.

Department of Sociology Coordinator Prof. Clarence M. Batan, Ph.D., in his closing message, expressed that the composed discourse portrayed in the event is a genuine concept of citizenship and should be embodied as well in the government. A consultative discussion for community development with no personal agenda, but rather the intersection of self with the social phenomenon, should prevail.

UST SIMBAHAYAN Asst. Director Asst. Prof. Evalyn B. Abiog, Ph.D., in her closing remarks highlighted the significance of analysis and evaluation as the basis of planning, implementation, and monitoring of community development and advocacy projects. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the community engagements continue to thrive through open communication and strong partnership with different stakeholders, said Abiog.

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College of Commerce and Business Administration (CCBA) Dean Prof. Leonardo M. Canoy Jr., Ph.D., delivered the opening remarks. Mr. Jeremias Perez from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and Mr. Mark Lester Toribio of the UST AMV-College of Accountancy (AMV-COA) served as inspirational speakers for the first morning session. They both emphasized that there is hope amidst the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the afternoon session, the participants learned the basics of culinary entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Chef Vin Angelo Soriano from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management talked about starting a small restaurant, while a practitioner, Ms. Pepper Solis, shared insights on customer service.

Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Rosalina Erece of the AMV-COA tackled the sources of capital and managing the small funds of a business enterprise. The second day was devoted to a series of livelihood opportunities. The participants were shown tutorial videos. Faculty members from participating academic units College of Commerce and Business Administration (CCBA), College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM), and the Senior High School participated through their video presentations of possible business options. CCBA faculty member Assoc. Prof. Imelda Angeles, showed a video on vegetable and pickled fruit making. CFAD faculty members Mr. Hercules Adonis and Asst. Prof. Ana Rhea Adonis of CFAD shared a video on Do-It-Yourself (DIY) bamboo speakers. For her part, Chef Fhamela Sarmiento of CTHM shared tapa, tocino and longanisa-making for a tapsilogan business that participants can start in their communities.

Meanwhile, Ms. Christia Olimpia Lumpas, a senior high school teacher at Mandaluyong High School, taught urban gardening and how one can earn while enjoying the hobby. Selected participants from the various communities showed their own return demonstration video of what they learned in the sessions. Lynlyn Valdes from Sitio Bamban, Hermosa, Bataan demonstrated pickled vegetable-making and Bernido Daria from Sitio Malasa, Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac demonstrated the DIY bamboo speaker-making. Rosalina Flores and Jaydelyne Hipolito both showed what they learned in the urban gardening. Finally, the Ringor Family from the Ministry of Urban Poor, Diocese of Caloocan, and Alcaraz Family from Smokey Mountain, Camarin, Caloocan City presented their versions of tapa, tocino and longanisa-making. Students from the Conservatory of Music and the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, and members of the Mimosa Band, a local band from CCBA, made the event interesting with intermission performances.

The celebration concluded with the lecture on Non-Formal Savings and Loans Association by CCBA faculty member Asst. Prof. Franklin Prieto. The closing remarks were delivered by UST SIMBAHAYAN Director Asst. Prof. Froilan Alipao. The event was organized by the Pistang Tomas Cluster of the UST SIMBAHAYAN, headed by the CCBA, together with the CTHM, AMV-College of Accountancy, CFAD, COM, and IPEA. 

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According to the team this is a holistic approach to current cities and likewise calls upon the introduction of a new urbanity. The team, composed of Aramis Corullo, Gellaine Burgos, Althea Poblete, Angelo Landicho, and Paula Casia, took home Php 250,000, while the rest of the finalists were awarded Php 50,000 per team.

Re-Terra 2021 is a national design competition founded by Ar. Kathleen Encorporado in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the local government of Pasig City. One of its objectives is to work toward realizing the proposals of the young designers. Only four out of the 145 officially registered teams had the chance to defend their proposals in the live public event. The three other finalist teams included Nikko Arbillo, Kelvin Magno, Abram Lavares, Alyssa Tagala, and Erika Florendo also from the University of Santo Tomas; Jan Mark Vargas from Saint Louis University; and Ariel Padua from the University of Lasalette.

The teams presented their proposals to a diverse panel of judges that included Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Pratt University in New York City Professor Ar. Philippe Baumann, Ambassador for Food Security Mr. James Reid, Chairman of the PH Green Building Council Engr. Edward Sabidong, Architect and Urban Planner Jun Palafox; Head of the Council of Deans and Heads of Architecture Schools in the Philippines Ar. Chona Ponce, President of East West Seeds Philippines Mr. Hank Hermans, and Former Dean of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design Ar. Joey Yupangco. The video recording of the event is available for viewing on the Facebook page of RE-TERRA. ��

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The book was launched on December 14, 2021 via Zoom, and streamed live at the official UST and USTPH Facebook pages. The launch also introduced Manix Abrera’s graphic novel adaptation of Lee’s bestselling book Si Amapola, the first of a trilogy which they are publishing independently.

Lee and Abrera entertained questions from the audience during the online book launch, which was attended by writers, publishers, academics, celebrities, and students.

Hosted by Thomasian alumnus actor John Lapus, the launch presented several performance readings from renowned actors John Arcilla, Christian Bables, Joem Bascon, Ketchup Eusebio, Agot Isidro, Sandino Martin, and Alden Richards. Also included in the program was a reading from Berlinale award-winning director Lav Diaz, featuring clips from his forthcoming movie adaptation of the book’s title story, “Servando Magdamag” starring John Lloyd Cruz.

The book is an invaluable addition to both Lee’s fans and scholars studying his work, as it includes the author’s personal notes after each story, and a generous critical introduction by UP College of Mass Communication former Dean Rolando B. Tolentino, who also served as director of the UP Institute of Creative Writing.

This short story collection is the first of Lee’s books to be published by the UST Publishing House, Asia’s oldest existing university press. It will be followed next year by the first installment of his screenplays series, Brutal, Moral, Karnal, compiling in one volume three masterpieces helmed by the late film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

The book launch was directed by film and television director Mac Alejandre with Erickson Maddela of the UST Communications Bureau (USTCB) assisting as streaming director. The USTPH event was held in collaboration with the USTCB, the UST EdTech Center, and the UST Office of Public Affairs.

Along with their bestsellers and latest literary and scholarly titles, Servando Magdamag at Iba pang Maiikling Kuwento is available through the Lazada and Shopee stores of the USTPH.

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Leung elaborated on how multilingualism could influence the accessibility of legal orders to people with diverse linguistic backgrounds during the event titled “Choosing the Language(s) of the Law: A Global Analysis” held recently through Zoom.

In her discussion, Leung first explained the functions of law in instrumental and symbolic functions. While the former focuses on the enforcement of law, the latter was given more highlight as it focuses on the values inculcated in law.

“Symbolic law is not an exception, an irregularity, or a disease that needs to be cured. Symbolism is an important function of law-making and has a more systematic and persistent presence than usually acknowledged,” said Leung.

“Official multilingualism serves a wide range of political and economic functions, such as ensuring stability, establishing legitimacy, balancing rival powers, and harnessing trade opportunities,” she added as she proceeded with multilingualism in law.

The resource speaker concluded her talk by giving evidence of multilingualism playing a crucial role in the field of law.

The webinar was organized by the students of Prof. Marilu R. Madrunio, PhD., a respected Filipino expert in Forensic Linguistics and dean of the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters.

The students are under the English Language Studies Doctorate and Master’s Programs, namely: Krizza Mae Balisong, Nikko Domingo, Selenne Anne Leynes, Cherie Ann Luna, Leeroi Christian Rubio, Maria Mikaela Henson, Pauline Mae Lim, Cin Lawh Mang, Lizhamhel Mendoza, Sophia Anne Tabije, and Timothy James Tabigne.
More than 400 students, educators, and practitioners of language and law from different countries including Pakistan, Laos, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, South Korea, and the Philippines attended the virtual event.

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The virtual event aimed to explore international trends in environmental management focusing on innovative research and youth advocacies along with its applications to local policy and practice.
The webinar was conceptualized to have a deep understanding of the role of the youth in environmental management specifically on the interventions, initiatives and legislation that address climate change, pollution, and food security among many of the issues that plague the ecosystem.

The guest speakers were youth leaders Deign Soriano and Jude Cuntapay. Soriano is currently a graduate student specializing in Environmental Management at the University of Reading, U.K. He shared his experiences as a former faculty member at the University of the Philippines Baguio and as researcher on aquatic (freshwater) ecosystems management.

The second speaker, Cuntapay, is an environmental education specialist from the Non-Government Organization (NGO) Save Philippine Seas. He shared practical lessons on how to engage various stakeholders and educate communities.

During the open forum, both speakers highlighted the role of the youth in environmental advocacy. They also emphasized how the youth can positively impact policies and programs that protect, conserve and enrich the environment.

The project was organized by the Environmental Management by graduate students under Prof. Arlen A. Ancheta, Ph.D., which included Armie Corpuz, Christian Montilla, Daryl Mendoza, Ken Dizon, Philippe Fullido, Pope John Cruz, and Roderick Napulan.

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The first speaker, Mr. Rhowell Tiozon, is a postgraduate scholar at the University of Potsdam in Germany. His topic was “The Rice-ing colors: Unraveling the genetic diversity, nutritional components, and health benefits of colored rice.” The second speaker was UST Graduate School former faculty member Mr. Jan-Michael Cayme, and a Ph.D. student at the University of Tartu in Estonia. He discussed “Food residue analysis in cultural heritage materials.”

The second webinar featured speakers who worked on food sensor technology. Food sensors can aid in quality monitoring and contaminant detection in food management. The webinar featured DLSU Molecular Science Unit Laboratory faculty member Dr. Glenn G. Oyong, and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Senior Science Research Specialist Dr. Jasmine Angelie Albelda .

In the initial session, the focus was on Food Metabolomics. Metabolomics refers to the study of small molecules, commonly known as metabolites, as it acts within cells, biofluids, tissues or organisms. Its effects on the biological system are identified and quantified.

The speakers were De La Salle University Central Instrumentation Facility (Chromatography Laboratory) faculty member Dr. Anna Laserna, whose presentation was titled “Metabolomics in Food and Nutrition Research,“ and DLSU Chemistry professor Dr. Mariafe Navarro-Calingacion. She discussed “The Use of Metabolomics to better understand rice grain quality.”

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The certificate course was a 72-hour certificate program that was held on Fridays and Saturdays, conducted from November 5 to December 4, 2021. It provided continuing professional education to architects, contractors, renovators, and restoration workers and other professionals who want to enhance their skills in the art of preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of heritage buildings and sites.

The course, offered in the UST Cloud Campus in both synchronous and asynchronous modes, focused on the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to safely perform interventions or maintenance of these buildings and sites in a manner compatible with the standards and guidelines for the conservation of historic places in the Philippines and incorporate the principles and practices that encourage long-term conservation of our historic buildings and places.

Aside from the lecture discussions, there were on site fieldwork opportunities for the workshop component of the course. The participants were required to document, assess, analyze, and critique the built heritage property’s state of conservation, and determine the building design factors that contributed to the degree of damage of the heritage buildings.

The course curriculum was developed by the Course Lead Ar. Leah dela Rosa, who was also one of the resource speakers and facilitators. The other members were seasoned experts in the field of heritage building conservation, namely: Ar. John Joseph T. Fernandez, Ar. Norma I. Alarcon, Ar. Rino D. Fernandez, Ar. Lorelei DC. De Viana, Ar. Arnulfo F. Dado, Ar. Fatima R. Alonzo, and Engr. Armando L. Miranda. There were 22 course participants who are architects and social scientists who work in the field of heritage building conservation.

The program has been recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission Council for Architecture as an accredited continuing professional development activity with 36 CPD units.

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The speaker was Ateneo de Manila University Department of Educational Management and Leadership Chair Dr. Isabel Martin who emphasized the accomplishments of the implementation of MTB-MLE in the country. The virtual event titled “MTB-MLE in the Philippines: Softening Linguistic Boundaries for Inclusive Education” was held through Zoom.

“In MTB-MLE, students were found to be more motivated to participate in the classroom discussions for the obvious reason that they can understand the teacher who talks to them in a language they know. Because of this, it was observed that there was a decline in student absences and dropouts. For the teachers, they were found to be more at ease in the classroom, with smoother relationships with their students,” said Martin, who is also the ADMU Gokongwei Brothers School of Education Coordinator for Research.

Martin explained that MTB-MLE also led to higher participation of the community in activities such as curriculum design, preparation of instructional materials, and teacher training, and in making the students’ parents who are not proficient in the dominant languages more involved in the education of their children.

The speaker mentioned that MTB-MLE is still a work in progress, with the usual birth pains of any new national education policy and that its implementation continues to face challenges including teacher anxieties, resistance of parents and other stakeholders, and mismatch between the mother tongue (MT) selected by officials or the MT used in instructional materials and the MT used in the community.

“Although many have reported that they were already using the mother tongues before the policy was introduced, having MT as a subject was a different ballgame. Teachers were anxious about how prepared they were to teach MT both as a subject and as MOI,” said Martin.

“Parents and other stakeholders were also resistant to the new policy. Foremost was the concern about learning English. Among parents and employers, there was the question of employability. For them MTB-MLE would produce graduates who are not proficient in English, and therefore, of poor quality,” she added.

Martin ended her talk by highlighting the importance of softening linguistic boundaries rather than sharpening them and allowing languages to genuinely interact with each other in overcoming the challenges of implementing MTB-MLE in the country.

UST Faculty of Arts and Letters Dean Prof. Marilu R. Madrunio, Ph.D., said that the webinar organizers included students from the English Language Studies (ELS) Doctorate Program, namely: Krizza Mae Balisong, Joram Kim Corcuera, Nikko Domingo, Kreisler Fontamillas, Selenne Anne Leynes, Cherie Ann Luna, and Leeroi Christian Rubio.

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More than 500 students and educators from different countries including Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Australia, and the Philippines attended the event.

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