The AGROTIS Navigation System, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), can operate autonomously through GPS-guided navigation or be manually controlled via radio frequency. Developed in collaboration with the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the International Rice Research Institute, it is equipped with a robust safety system and offers versatile solutions for various tractor types. The technology is incubated at the UST TOMASInno Center, the University’s Technology-based Business Incubator (TBI) and aims to directly benefit local farmers by enhancing rice field land preparation.

During an interview held at the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center in UST’s research complex in Santa Rosa City, Bautista discussed the inspiration behind AGROTIS and its positive impact on farming operations. The Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) tested the system, which demonstrated significant improvements, reducing the field capacity of hand tractors from 31.25 hours per hectare to 20 hours per hectare, and increasing field efficiency from 60% to 80%. Additionally, a customer validation survey showed a 90% acceptability rate among local farmers.

Game-changing innovations like the AGROTIS Navigation System are among the thrusts of the recently opened UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center— to develop technologies that address local challenges and enhance the nation’s technological landscape, ultimately bringing significant benefits to the Filipino people.

The post Agricultural tractor automation through GPS developed by Engineering researchers, alumni appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The award is given to the top 5% of the academy partners based on community engagement, student reach and growth, and instructor training.

Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Armando V. Barretto, MBA, PECE of the Department of Electronics Engineering and Asst. Prof. Maricel A. Balais, DT of the Department of Information Technology were also recognized for their 15 years of instructor service at Cisco Networking Company.

The post UST is named Cisco Networking Academy Premier+ Partner 2024 appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

After registering 2,995 indexed entries last week, UST tallied on October 19, 2023 3,003 journal articles, book chapters, books, conference papers, and other research materials.

The eight most recent co-authored works, covering journal articles and conference papers, came from the following:

·       Ross Vasquez of the Faculty of Pharmacy (Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy);

·       Carlo Gabriel Casipit of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (IJC Heart and Vasculature);

·       Jojo Blanza of the Faculty of Engineering (International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering);

·       Frederick Masangkay of the Faculty of Pharmacy (three journals articles in Scientific Reports);

·       Marc Eric Reyes of the College of Science (BMC Psychology); and

·       Jame Monren Mercado and advisee students from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (Journal of Ethnic Foods).

Citing Scopus’ labels for disciplines and research themes, UST’s ten leading research themes in terms of total indexed works are Medicine (1,284); the Social Sciences (473); the Agricultural and Biological Sciences (432); Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (367); Environmental Sciences (260); Engineering (233); Computer Science (209); Arts and Humanities (180); Immunology and Microbiology (147); and Neuroscience (139).

UST finally got ranked in TIMES Higher Education’s World University Rankings (particularly the 2024 edition) after meeting the minimum requirement for Scopus-indexed materials in the last five years: 150 per year and at least 1,000 in the last five years. The 2024 World University Rankings covered the years 2018 to 2022.

The post UST’s Scopus entries breach 3,000 mark appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

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. “������Ƶ 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 ������Ƶ 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.

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

The post UST confers honorary degree upon Wilcon Builders Foundation, Inc. founder appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

A testament of synergy between the two dynamic institutions, the newly signed ADI Professorial Chair Award Donation, totaling to one million pesos over the course of five years, will further empower the Faculty of Engineering to undertake projects that will boost excellence in the field of research, as well as to pave way for professorial chair lectures that will distinguish a faculty member’s academic excellence and recognize his/her service to the University.

On behalf of the University, Vice-Rector for Finance and Faculty of Engineering Regent Rev. fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, Jr., O.P., SThD and Office of Grants, Endowments, and Partnerships in Higher Education (OGEP) Director Rev. fr. Maximo P. Gatela, O.P., PhL led the MoA signing alongside the ADI’s representatives, Mr. Miles Ramirez, Country Manager, and Ms. Cindy Cabezas, Human Resource Director.

The formalization of ties was witnessed by Faculty of Engineering Dean Prof. Angelo R. Dela Cruz, PhD; Assistant Dean Asst. Prof. Cristina Tiangco, PhD; Faculty Secretary Asst. Prof. Ma. Luisa T. Asilo; Department of Electronics Engineering Chair Asst. Prof. Edison A. Roxas; Industry Government Academe and Alumni Relations Program Representative Engr. Maria Sharlene L. Insigne; Physics Laboratory Supervisor Engr. Gabriel Rodnei M. Geslani; OGEP Executive Assistant Mr. Levine Andro H. Lao, PhL-MA; and Networking and Liaison Officer of UST Research and Endowments Foundation, Inc. (REFI) Mr. Christian L. Naval.

ADI has established a longstanding partnership with the University, with the Department of Electronics Engineering being a beneficiary of the support. The said institution also provided high-performance computational devices, staged training to students and immersion to faculty members, as well as granted MS-ECE scholarships.

The post Engineering receives ADI professorial chair award donation to boost its projects appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Medicine, biology as top programs in terms of research publications and outputs

Research productivity especially in the fields of Medicine and Biology was recognized by EduRank 2023 for being the highest among the specializations offered by UST. At 586 publications and 15,545 citations, Medicine-related studies ranked highest, followed by BIology, the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Psychology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Business, Botany, and Ecology, among others.

100 notable alumni including national heroes and leaders

EduRank also included in its list 100 notable alumni, headlined by National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, and past Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Sr., Jose P. Laurel, and Diosdado Macapagal. The roster also included business tycoon and philantrophist Tony Tan Caktiong, DBA (hons) (Chairman Emeritus and Founder of Jollbee Foods Corporation), the late Metrobank Founder George S.K. Ty, PhD (hons)., the late SGV Co. co-founder washington SyCip (Accounting), as well as National Artists Francisco Sionil Jose (Literature), Bienvenido Lumbera (Literature), Cirilo Bautista (Literature), and Francisco Mañosa (Architecture).

Sports stalwarts like Ernest John Obiena (Electronics Engineering student), Alyssa Valdez (Junior High School), Dylan Ababou, and Jervy Cruz also made the list, along with filmmakers Brillante Mendoza and Ronnie del Carmen. The list included prominent Filipinos dating all the way back to the 19th century who have made a name for themselves in various fields of endeavor.

EduRank, according to its website and ranking method, uses a database of 44,909,300 scientific publications and 1,237,541,960 citations across 246 research topics. Research performance accounts for 45 percent, while non-academic performance accounts for 45 percent. Alumni score comprises the remaining ten percent.

For more information:  

The post UST ranks 4th in the Philippines, 781st in Asia in EduRank 2023 appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The afternoon meeting held in Roque Ruaño started off with the introduction of the different international engagements of the Faculty of Engineering followed by a presentation from the Civil Engineering Department about their student-centered activities spanning research, community-development activities, and international activities.

The discussion ensued with an exchange of insights, interests, and opportunities between the guests and representatives from the different departments of the Faculty of Engineering.

In attendance were Engr. Ma. Francesca de Guzman from the Mechanical Engineering Department, Engr. Rocel Pioquinto-Surla, Civil Engineering Laboratory Supervisor, Engr. Josyl Mariela Reyes, Electronics Engineering Laboratory Supervisor, Dr. Yoshiki Kurata, Industrial Engineering Laboratory Supervisor, and Engr. Siegfred Prado of the Electronics Engineering Department and Executive Assistant of the Assistant to the Rector for UST Santa Rosa.

The visit of Mr. Baro to the University preludes the 2022 European Higher Education Fair on November 18 and 19, 2022 in Manila. The brief event was made possible through the coordination of the Office of Public Affairs.”

The post Eng’g explores opportunities with University of Padua through PH-Italy Association for academic engagements appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Chemical Engineering

Department of Electrical Engineering

Department of Industrial Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

The post Jobs@UST: Faculty of Engineering Faculty Members appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

In the recently concluded , administered by the Professional Regulation Commission, the University produced 57 newly licensed Electronics Engineers.

Meanwhile, the University is named 2nd top performing school in the Electronics Technician (ECT) licensure examination after posting a 92.94% rating, producing 79 Thomasian Electronics Technicians.

Three alumni from the BS-Electronics Engineering program made it to the topnotchers list. Mr. Jude Nico Dela Cruz Zabala claimed the top spot for his personal rating of 90%, followed by Mr. Jon Carlitos Hipolito Liwag who landed in the second place with his 88% rating, and Mr. Juan Carlo Ramos Latonio secured the third rank after garnering an 87% rating.��

The post Eng’g produces 57 new Electronics Engineers appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

��

The award is conferred upon students who win in national or international competitions, demonstrating the commitment to pursue Thomasian excellence. “[The Pope John Paul II award] means a lot to me and I have been looking at it, it is beautiful. I never really thought that UST would recognize me and the things I have done. I have always been a part of the University even if I was away,” Obiena said.

In his message, Vice-Rector the Rev. fr. Isaias D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD lauded Obiena’s medal rush, as well as his “self-discipline, confidence, determination, and rigorous training that are bearing much fruit”.

Moreover, while reminding the world-class athlete to prioritize his well-being above everything else, the Vice-Rector gave his blessings to Obiena in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. “It is the hope not only of your fellow Thomasians but, more so, to our Filipino countrymen that you come back home victorious and make us all prouder not only as a Thomasian Olympian but more prestigiously, a Thomasian Olympic Champion,” fr. Tiongco said.

Obiena, whose rise to international prominence is due to consecutive victories in various competitions, recently bagged the gold medal for soaring past 5.91 meters in the Brussels Diamond League, held in Belgium on September 2, 2022.

The renowned athlete has so far brought home 17 medals–12 of which were gold– in 2022.

He also represented the country in the Summer Olympics 2020 held in Tokyo. Obiena also snagged a bronze in the�� World Athletics Championships, making him the sole Filipino to have snagged an award in the feat.

Photos by Hans Lawrence V. Malgapu

The post EJ Obiena returns home appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.