Aiming to create a positive atmosphere in social media amidst the challenging times, the Happinews Project featured four speakers from different fields who shared dynamic ideas with their audience. The participants were comprised of students from the College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Actress Bela Padilla shared her insights on publishing motivating and inspiring content for her social media followers in her talk titled “Posting Happy,” while Clinical Psychologist Prof. Marc Eric Reyes, PhD of the UST and shared “The Power of Positive” on the transformational capabilities of positivity. ABS-CBN Integrated Creative Communication Management Head Mr. Roberto Labayen also engaged participants by talking on how media consumers seek out positivity in “Positive Sells.” SEED Philippines Director Mr. Mark Lawrence Cruz inspired the students with an inspirational talk on building happiness being more meaningful than just sharing happiness.

Through this campaign on positivity, the project, which goes on a tour of universities, intends to raise awareness on the importance of positive news dissemination, and inspire students to be agents of change to abolish fake news circulation.

In addition to the talks, UST students were treated to on-ground games, booths, and activities at the lobby of the UST Benavides Building.

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PCCI Institute of Photography Faculty Member Mr. Ibarra Deri and Manila Bulletin Senior Photojournalist Mr. Mark Balmores shared their insights with 50 participants from the UST support staff and University
event partner DMD Photography. The topics discussed were “Understanding
exposure modes and visual elements in composition” and “Photojournalism.” Mr. Deri and Mr. Balmores conducted a workshop where the participants were able to apply the lessons, followed by a
presentation and critiquing session. The photos of Ms. Claris Suarez, Mr. Noel Antonio, Mr. Jun Cayabyab, Ms. Karen Estoya, and Ms. Hiedi Manahan were recognized as the Top 5.

Initially launched in Baler as an advocacy workshop of the Office of Public
Affairs in May 2014, with another planned program in Vigan, this is the advocacy project’s third year.

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Prior to her appointment in the PICPA Foundation, she chaired the PICPA Special Committee on Accountancy Research for the Fiscal Year 2017-2018.
Dean Empleo is an assessor of the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance Group and CHED Regional Quality Assessment Team for Business and Accountancy.

In a related development, UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy College

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UST sent 14 pre-service teachers to five universities identified by
SEAMEO for a month-long practicum within the period of August 1 to September 10, 2018. In return, UST received ten students from five universities in Thailand and Indonesia for a practicum period
within August 9 to September 5, 2018.

The SEA Teacher Project aims to impart knowledge and skills in teaching
junior high school students. It also exposed them to other teacher-related tasks that are deemed essential in their role as educators. It provides the participants opportunities to further hone their ability to speak English and gain a broader regional and world view.

The SEA Teacher participants underwent three phases of training with at least 20 hourso f assistantship and actual teaching. In the first phase, the SEA-teacher participants observed classes and were required to write down their observations and reflections. In the second phase, they assisted the cooperating teacher in the preparation and implementation of learning
plans and instructional materials. In the third phase, they conducted actual (independent) teaching. The culminating activity was a grand teaching demonstration where the SEA-teacher participants demonstrated their skills in classroom management, content delivery and pedagogy.

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The rites were held at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the UST Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P., Building. Recognized during the ceremonies were the following: Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, Ph.D., from the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy; Prof. Clarence M. Batan, Ph.D., Prof. Paolo A. Bolaños, Ph.D., Prof. Franz Giuseppe Cortez, Ph.D., Prof. Felicidad G. Pereña, Ed.D., and Prof. Camilla J. Vizconde, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Arts and Letters; Prof. Roberto D. Ampil, Ph.D., from the College of Education; Prof. Lola Domnina B. Pestaño, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Melinda M. Atienza, M.D., Prof. Flerida
G. Hernandez, M.D., and Prof. Elizabeth Angelica L. Roasa, M.D., from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; Prof. Susan N. Maravilla, DNM from the College of Nursing; Prof. Librado A. Santiago, Ph.D., and Prof. Ross D. Vasquez, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Pharmacy; Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta,
DrPH, from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences; Prof. Joan Christi T. Bagaipo, Ph.D., from the Institute of Religion; Prof. Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, Dr. rer. nat., Prof.

Mary Beth B. Maningas, Ph.D., Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D., Prof. Marc Eric S. Reyes, Ph.D., Prof. Karen S. Santiago, Ph.D., Prof. Mario A. Tan, Ph.D., Prof. Bernard John V. Tongol, Ph.D., and Prof. Marie Antoinette S. Vargas, Ph.D., from the College of Science.

The medal signifies that a faculty member has achieved the highest rank
within the academic system of the University. There are four ranks, with
five levels each, with the highest being Professor Five.

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Meeting the Rector were Manilyn Gantangan (Grade 10 – 18 y/o), Catheron Dalon (Grade 10 – 15 y/o), Raquel Mandacan (Grade 10 – 16 y/o), Rev. Fr. Oliver Castor, CSsR (St. Clement’s Mission Seminary, representing the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines); Ms. Geming Alonzo (Executive Director / Teacher – Center for Lumad Advocacy Networking and Services); and Rius Valle (Mindanao Spokesperson of the Save Our Schools Network).

Another chance for “pakikipag-kapwa”
The weeklong activity has so far seen enrichment sessions provided by different academic units. Students and faculty members likewise go on their own to the Central Seminary Gymnasium to mingle with the Lumad, who take the chance to share their story.

In relation to this, Fr. Rector encouraged the Lumad to “continue sharing the narrative. Here in Manila, we do not necessarily get to hear or read about it so much unless you really research about it. So it is a learning experience for us to know what is really happening.”

The vital role of education
During the courtesy call, education came out as a crucial long-term solution to the crisis faced by the Lumad, who, as an indigenous tribe, are exposed to threats to their ancestral lands by from external forces.

Director said that “with education and the knowledge of the law and their rights, the Lumad can better protect their heritage and their rights.”

Due to the crisis, educational delivery was severely affected, following the destruction of several schools for the Lumad. As a result, some of the Lumad youth have been brought to evacuation areas in different parts of the country, where they can continue receiving education despite being itinerant. The current Bakwit School initiative is a way for the children to continue learning despite moving from one location to another.

UST’s support
According to Fr. Dagohoy, he acceded to the request of the Save Our Schools Network to accommodate the Lumad in 2017 and again this year, “first and foremost for us [Thomasians] to develop that sense of shared humanity. “Ang pakikipag-kapwa (shared humanity) naman hindi mo mararamdaman kung hindi mo nahaharap at nakikita ‘yung sitwasyon. Kumbaga eh, pipilitin mong pumasok sa sitwasyon ng tao. In English, we say emphatizing, but in Tagalog, pakikipag-kapwa has a deeper meaning. Kasi kapag nakipag-kapwa ka, ang kasunod nun ay pag-kilos.”

Fr. Dagohoy believes that with the positive response of students and faculty members, with an estimated 500 Thomasian volunteers expressing support for the Lumad beyond their weeklong stay in UST, and the more-than-1000 visitors who have so far flocked to the Central Seminary Gymnasium, the sense of shared humanity is being seen.

“Beyond political [issues], we are here to respond as an educational institution. Our capacity to influence may be limited, but not in terms of helping the minds of these young Lumad. Freeing their minds from ignorance is our mission,” Fr. Dagohoy stressed. “Maraming paraan ng pagtulong at pakikipag-isa. Kailangan lang talaga nating marinig ang kwento ng mga taong ito, to listen to their struggles, and in our own capacity, we can sufficiently address their concerns. So nakikita ko, education will be our response.”

Following the messages of thanks from the Lumad youth, Fr. Dagohoy renewed the University’s commitment to help the Lumad. “Makaka-asa naman kayo sa bukas na pintuan ng Unibersidad. Sana’y ‘wag kayong pang-hinaan ng loob. Mahirap talaga ang kalagayan ninyo. Magandang nakita ng aming mga mag-aaral ang lawak at lalim ng inyong hinaharap na pagsubok upang mamulat sila sa suliranin ng kapwa nila bata, and I think it’s a very important lesson on the part of our students. Sana mabuksan pa ang kanilang isip sa pagtulong at pag-suporta, and the University will always be willing to support your cause for education.”

A school for the Lumads in Zamboanga del Sur
������Ƶ of Santo Tomas, through the National Service Training Program, recently donated a school for the Lumad in Zamboanga del Sur. The school now caters to 52 students, helping restore the access to education that was affected because of the crisis.

As highlighted during the courtesy call, the partnership between UST and the Zamboanga del Sur counterparts helped bring legitimacy to the cause and the project. “When they see the name of an educational institution that’s established, there is a certain sense of legitimacy to the project. Alam nilang honest-to-goodness na trabaho ito para sa mga beneficiaries,” Fr. Dagohoy said.

Looking forward
On the sidelines of the courtesy call, Fr. Dagohoy said that with UST’s soon-to-open General Santos campus, there is a great possibility for the Thomasian family to ensure the sustainability of assistance provided to the indigenous peoples. Citing the ordination / mandate given by the Dominican Province of the Philippines to the University, Fr. Dagohoy said that “the General Santos Campus will house projects and centers that will address the issues in Mindanao.”

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The other speakers were Dr. Rodney Benedito Ferrao of the College of William & Mary, the second oldest institution of higher learning in the United States after Harvard University who talked about contemporary “Techniques and Trends in Creative Non-Fiction;” Dr. Erlinda Kintanar Alburo, former director of the Cebuano Studies Center of the University of San Carlos who discussed issues in “Contemporary Sebuano Poetry;” and Dr. Isidoro Cruz, the dean of the Graduate School of the University
of San Agustin who discussed “Reading Children’s Literature in
21st Century.”

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The conference theme was “Social Justice, Diversity and Development” with paper presenters from the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia.
Since the three faculty members handle professional courses in Asian Studies and Political Science, attending the conference sessions was part of their continuing development program. Baron handles ASEAN, Denila handles International Relations, and Castillo teaches migration.

Sociology, History mentors at int’l confab on PH, Asian Studies

In a related development, three faculty members from the Faculty of Arts and Letters, , of the , and Asst. Prof. Analiza Yanga, both of the , presented their papers at the Second International Conference on Philippine and Asian Studies at the Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte.

Alipao, who is also the Assistant Director of the UST SIMBAHAYAN Office for Community Development, read his paper titled “Edukasyon at Pagpapaunlad: Karanasan sa/ng UST sa Dayalogo ng Wika, Paglilingkod at Pagpapaunlad ng Pamayanan, Mula 2002 hanggang 2018.” The paper, which was under the cluster on Sociology of Education, talked about his experience as a community organizer and how the University of Santo Tomas was able to extend its hand towards the people in need, not just by means of dole-out but through educating them on how to be self-sufficient and self-reliant.

He also discussed the role of students in helping the University extend its services to its partner community.

Turingan, who is also the Assistant Registrar of the University, read her paper titled “Historiography Contained in the Historical Paintings of Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco.” She discussed the important historiographies Hegelian, PostColonial and Orientalism that are manifested in the historical work of the great National Artist for Painting. Framed in the Hermeneutics of Friedrich Schleiermacher, Turingan illustrated how Botong was able to provide his interpretation of what is written in history with precision and accuracy.

She presented 15 paintings of Botong which she divided into three main
categories, namely: Religious-Historical, Cultural-Historical and Political-Historical.

Meanwhile, Yanga, who served as moderator in one of the parallel
sessions, delivered a paper about the families of drug addicts in Healing
Path Rehabilitation Center in Quezon City, Manila.

The other faculty members from Arts and Letters who also
attended the conference were Prof. Felicidad-Galang Pereña, Ph.D.,
Assoc. Prof. Luz Urquiola, Ph.D., Prof. Robert Ampil, Ph.D., and Asst.
Prof. Mae Sevilla.

The conference was sponsored by De La Salle University College
of Liberal Arts and DLSU University Research Coordinating Office in
coordination with Visayas State University, Baybay Campus in Leyte.

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The two-day activities involved a career orientation, discussion of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15, curriculum review (with emphasis on crafting program intended learning outcomes, course descriptions, and course contents); and updates from the Board of Accountancy.

The development program activities are offshoots of the Memorandum of Agreement signed last April 26, 2018 between UST and Aklan Catholic College. The agreement stipulates that UST will help in teaching and learning activities, faculty development, and curriculum evaluation.

Alday and Caliwan are the new Assistant Dean and College Secretary of the UST Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy, respectively.

#ThomasiansGivingBack #ThomasianPartners

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