The student group, together with CTHM academic staff Mr. Wyett White T. Lee and Ms. Katherine Camille Nagal, together with the Hospitality Management Department Chairperson, Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento and CTHM Dean, Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, arrived in Hong Kong with their first stop at the Philippine Consulate where they met with Consul General Atty. Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan, a Thomasian alumna, as well as two other CTHM graduates currently employed at the consulate.

As part of the students’ internship experience, they were introduced to Ritz-Carlton’s renowned service culture having the chance to work in different departments and experience management styles from diverse supervisors and managers.

As the biggest delegation of interns leaving the University for international internship since the pandemic, the partnership between CTHM and The Ritz-Carlton is a promising endeavor for future Thomasian Tourism and Hospitality Professionals.

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Bennett delivered a lecture entitled “Oomycetes in Philippine freshwater ecosystems”, highlighting current research developments in taxonomy and potential utilization of oomycetes (aquatic fungi) for aquaculture as natural food source due to its potential for mass propagation and fatty acid content. Meanwhile, Papa updated the audience on “Methane Dynamics and Limnological Monitoring in Tropical East Asia: The Case of Lake Yambo”, which emphasized on the importance of routine limnological monitoring for water quality and methane concentrations in tropical lakes such as Lake Yambo as these are closely linked to eutrophication, especially in tropical lake ecosystems, especially those heavily utilized for aquaculture.

Papa and Bennett joined speakers from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Turkiye, and Vietnam in giving lectures on the ecology and life history of economically important aquatic organisms, aquaculture, and fisheries, including topics on conservation, management, climate change adaptation and sustainability.

Chonnam National University holds the distinction of having the first and oldest fisheries and marine educational institution in South Korea and is known for receiving the most research funding among Korean universities.

Its College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences maintains two research vessels, including the 96.45m ship Sae Dong Baek which was launched in 2019. Symposium speakers were given the opportunity to visit and inspect the research facilities of their two research vessels, which routinely conducts research cruises around the Korean peninsula.  A best research poster competition was also held during the symposium where graduate students and researchers of Chonnam National University showcased their latest research findings.

The event was organized by the CNU College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in cooperation with the Korea Fishery Resource Management Research Institute and the Institute of Fishing Village and Aquaculture.

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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.

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With the theme “Harnessing synergy towards sustainability”, the forum included an overview of historical milestones of UST’s Energy Management System (EnMS), a discussion of the guideline format of the working manual and tools, and a presentation of ongoing and new initiatives for saving energy within the campus including POWERWISE (person-oriented energy savings campaign) and Luntiang Tomasino.

Engr. Oliver Gagarin, author of the UST Sustainable Energy Management Systems Manual, introduced GRT-76, which refers to “Go! Renewable Time” and the solar power harvest from 7 AM to 6 PM on selected building rooftops via the installation of solar panels.

As of 2024, solar panel installation has begun on top of the Albertus Magnus building, with the Fathers’ Residence compound, the UST Hospital Pope John Paul II Building, and the St. Raymund de Peñafort Building to follow next year. Steady work is planned for an eventual in-campus, independent, and renewable power supply through GRT-76.

Engr. Gagarin shared that “small appliances” drew the highest load consumption. He also cautioned against the “phantom load” or any electronics that remain plugged into the university power supply that still uses electricity or “standby power” even when turned off.

This year, the USTH Clinical Division, the Main Building, and the Benavides Building had the most energy savings among the 27 EACs, while the USTH St. John Paul II Building, the Quadricentennial Pavilion, and the Frassati Building consumed the most power. The unprecedented recent heat index was also a contributing cause to the power consumption of the structures.

Assistant to the Rector for Information and Communications Technology Asst. Prof. Jerralyn Padua discussed how to help each energy accounting center (EAC) identify saving and conservation measures through the working manual and tools, namely, the operational guide, process map, work instruction, log sheet, and calculation sheet.

She also presented ongoing plans for an Energy Online Dashboard that can predict and visualize energy consumption among the 27 EACs, which is planned to be incorporated into the official portal dashboard.

This University initiative aligns with SDG 7 which calls for affordable and clean energy. The programs and activities discussed in the Energy Forum underscores the University’s goal to achieve energy efficiency (SDG 7.3) among all energy accounting centers.

In attendance were academic and administrative officials, academic staff, and support staff. The opening remarks were delivered by USTH Director for Administration Prof. Analin E. Porto, DEM, while UST Office for Grants, Endowments and Partnerships in Higher Education Director Rev. Fr. Maximo Gatela, O.P. gave the closing remarks.

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Four community sessions were held in four different sites: Catbalogan, Calbayog, Hinabangan, and Gandara. Selected faculty members from IR facilitated the group discussions. Also part of the team in charge of module development are IR Assistant Director Assoc. Prof. Allan A. Basas, S.Th.D. and Mr. Ivan Efreaim A. Gozum.  Joining them are Prof. Eric Zerrudo, Ph.D., and Ms. Beverly Bautista of CCCPET. Among those who participated in the sessions include representatives from the youth, national agencies, educators, entrepreneurs, interreligious representatives, security forces, professionals, farmers, and fisherfolks.

The One Values Project is a pioneering endeavor focused on the values formation of young people in Samar. It is guided by the seven commitments of the Global Compact on Education, a framework championed by Pope Francis, and follows the innovative matrix of Dominican-Thomistic Education by Design, a signature pedagogy of IR. The project’s ultimate goal is to develop a series of research-based, highly interactive values formation modules that will have a profound impact on the youth of Samar province.

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The award seeks to honor two stalwarts who have contributed significantly to developing the country’s intellectual property system. Usec. Gepty was recognized for his invaluable contribution during his stint as the Deputy Director General and Officer-in-charge of IPOPHL. During his term, the GS Law faculty member reinforced and developed the said government unit’s advocacy, policy-making functions, international relations, and programs.

The theme of the event was “IP and the SDGS: Building our common future with innovation and creativity” and caps the National IP Month.

IPOPHL is the government agency mandated to administer and implement State policies on intellectual property.

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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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This inaugural hackathon brought together 14 teams composed of 83 students from various disciplines. Transcending the boundaries of traditional academic silos, it encouraged students to collaborate, innovate, and create solutions to real-world problems.

TOMASInno Center made the event inclusive and appealing to students with varied interests and skills by conducting bootcamps where professional practitioners coming from the field of engineering, business, programming, and other related trades and professions gave lecture sessions.

Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of Climate Change Commission, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje delivered a keynote message, addressing key issues and emphasizing the importance of innovation. He highlighted the challenges ranged from developing innovative solutions to societal problems to creating new technologies that could disrupt existing industries.

During the competition, the teams presented their innovations on their chosen SDG focus with a 5-minute pitch.

In first place was Team INNOvision with their project “AERLYTE”. The project aims to solve rising problems among geriatrics like health risks, reduced mobility, social isolation, and lack of motivation for exercise. This will be addressed through technology, specifically, a revolutionary exergaming app that seamlessly blends entertainment and health that enables a personalized and immersive fitness experience, fostering a new era of active aging for a healthier and happier senior community. Members include Julianne Kyle D. Abello, FJ Rio Rey Bantugan, Karl Dominic F. Placido, and Ydel Dominique C. Villariba.

In second place was Team Thoma5eekers with their project “Charging Point”, which aims to solve the problems brought by car-centricity by creating bike-friendly campuses and allowing the community to contribute in generating renewable energy. Mikayla Vera G. Cabildo, Kyle Christian Joshua M. Elgarico, Ronrico Miguel M. Kho, Niña Darlene S. Sebastian, and Russell L. Serranillo are the team members.
In third place is Team “MATCHA” with “Project Gesto”, an app made for everyone who desires to communicate and learn using sign language. Aside from its purpose to communicate, this will also help people who are willing to learn Braille and Sign Language. The team includes Abby Joyce E. Borromeo, Johann Louise V. Castillo, Alyssa Cherrylyn S. Guinto, and Lance Raphael H. Perez.
Team Synapse’s “Sewalert” was recognized as the top environment-related pitch for tackling the causes of flooding by leveraging their innovative flood sensor technology and helping to alert the appropriate authorities. Team members are Marc Angelo S. Ching, Miguel Felipe E. Lugay, Kercwin Paul F. Ocampo, Carl Diego L. Sadie, and Colleen Fritzi Santiago.
Team T6’s project “KKB”, which stands for “kumain ka na ba?” aims to solve lack of nutrition, foster healthy eating habits, and embracing connectivity among college students through an app with interconnected features of assisting users in locating food shops according to their preferences and constraints, providing easy nutrient-tracking through AI photography, and promoting a social community that reminds each other to eat rightfully and healthily. It was recognized as the top health-related pitch.
The top education-related entry was Team Incinque’s ABARKADA, which aims to provide inclusive, accessible, and quality education for all through an interactive learning platform integrated with innovative and inclusive features for children with limited hearing capacities, such as AI Learning assistant and Digital Classrooms.
Winning teams were awarded with cash prizes, medals, and tokens for the overall effectiveness of their interdisciplinary teamwork. Serving as the competition’s panelists were the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Head Dr. Kenneth Paul S. Ong, Cerebro CEO/Founder Justine Itugot, Accenture Managing Director Mr. Nepthalie Cruz, UST Hospital Medical Director Dr. Charito P. Malong-Consolacion, UST Alumni Association Inc. President Atty. Dwight Ramos, and UST EdTech Director Asst. Prof. Anna Cherylle M. Ramos.
This event was generously supported by its major sponsors, Accenture and Climate Change Commission, and minor sponsors, Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc, Unify Platform AG, and Thomasian Employees’ Credit Cooperative.

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Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Aleth Therese L. Dacanay, PhD, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery academic researcher Maria Minerva P. Calimag, MD, PhD, and alumni Antonio Leachon, MD, Alfredo So, and Vicente U. Briones met with lawmakers to share their position on the bill filed by Rep. Ferjenel G. Biron.

In an interview with the Communications Bureau, Dean Dacanay mentioned that the group agreed to the bill, provided that provisions will be included for the protection of consumers against scrupulous e-prescriptions. Thus, safeguards on signatures, surrender of used prescriptions, and partial filling should be in place. Furthermore, the bill should clearly define legitimate online pharmacies given the proliferation of online sellers. Finally, the group advocated for an education campaign should the bill be approved.

Dacanay represented the Philippine Pharmacists Association, while Calimag spoke for the Philippine Medical Association. So is currently the President of the Consumer Healthcare Industry Association of the Philippines, while Briones heads the Drugstores Association of the Philippines. Leachon attended as a private individual in the hearing.

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Guinto, a Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences student of the Graduate School, studied the freshwater calanoid copepod which was named an invasive species. Genomic DNA were extracted to represent seven populations in Luzon. The noted population increase is attributed to “the suspected initial introduction via ornamental aquarium fish trade practices in 1905 and then a population range expansion through a single or multiple introduction event towards other nearby inland waters through accidental movement of A. dorsalis individuals via human-mediated activities, particularly aquaculture, which have persisted since 1972.”

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