²έΑρΚΣΖ΅

SDG 1 - No Poverty

SDG 1 - No Poverty

Goal

End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Latest News and Events

Latest News and Events

University Commitment

University Commitment

University Commitment

SDG 1 – The Thomasian Commitment to Poverty Alleviation

Founded in 1611, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is deeply rooted in the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Dominican Order, both of which emphasize a profound commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable. This historical commitment to service manifests in the University’s Thomasian Graduate Attributes (ThoGAs) that serves as a key guiding principle woven into the learning outcomes of every course and program.

The university’s vibrant and holistic approach to education ensures that graduates are not only equipped to succeed in their chosen fields but are also prepared to be agents of positive change – championing the rights and dignity of the marginalized, upholding social justice, and contributing to the common good. The demonstration of such skills manifest to UST’s initiative that are designed not only to raise the quality of life of the underserved but to promote social transformation. Enumerated below are the projects, programs and activities aimed at addressing SDG 1 (No Poverty) for the academic year.

Scholarship Programs: Alleviating Financial Barriers to Education

²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ of Santo Tomas demonstrates a strong commitment to eradicating poverty through its robust scholarship and financial assistance programs. Through its strategic use of both university-funded and external scholarships, UST has helped students break free from the constraints of poverty, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in society and contribute to national development. These scholarships not only make education more accessible for students from low-income families but also empower them to pursue academic success and break the cycle of poverty.

1.1. Office for Student AffairsΜύ
1.2. Μύ
1.3. UST, SGVF ink scholarship MOA to commemorate Velayo’s 100 birth year
1.4. UST Student Handbook 2018
1.5. Scholarship Manual A.Y. 2020-2021

Community Engagement and Outreach

UST has a history of engaging with local communities through outreach programs that focus on providing educational resources and support to impoverished areas. These programs often include workshops, seminars, and direct assistance to improve participants’ socio-economic conditions.

2.1. Tulong Tomasino Relief Operations

2.1.1. Typhoon Kristine Response – SIMBAHAYAN mobilized relief efforts for over 300 families across Laguna, Manila, and Batangas, distributing food and hygiene essentials to those affected by Typhoon Kristine. Student organizations and alumni joined forces, showing a united front in supporting disaster-hit communities.
2.1.2. Typhoon Enteng Relief – In September 2024, the third wave of SIMBAHAYAN’s relief operation partnered with Colegio de San Juan de Letran. They distributed food, clothing, and hygiene kits to over 175 families in Antipolo, fostering solidarity and addressing immediate needs during the recovery period.

2.2.

Held on December 13, 2023, in partnership with the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples – CBCP, the event welcomed Indigenous Aeta, Mangyan, Dumagat, and Kalanguya groups to UST. The Office of the Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs and SIMBAHAYAN facilitated this cultural exchange, allowing Indigenous groups to share their knowledge, beliefs, and practices.

2.3. Noche Buena Package Distribution: Ningning 2023

2.3.1. Ministry of Urban Poor Support: Partnering with the Diocese of Caloocan, UST distributed 54 Noche Buena packages to families impacted by extrajudicialΜύkillings. During the annual Agape event, UST’s administrative offices and student organizations contributed to support vulnerable families within this community.
2.3.2. SantΓ­simo Rosario Parish Initiative: In collaboration with various UST units, SIMBAHAYAN extended holiday aid to 300 families identified by the UST SantΓ­simo Rosario Parish. As part of the Ningning 2023 program, this activity spread holiday cheer and supported basic needs within the Thomasian community.

Sustainable Livelihood Projects

3.1.

  • The Society of Thomasian Entrepreneurs designed this project to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and promote income generation within a partnered community. Community members learned to make and sell dim sum, increasing their financial independence and fostering resilience through skills development.

3.2.

  • This initiative trained community members in making DIY home products such as dishwashing liquid and fabric conditioner. The project supports economic stability and empowerment within the local economy through increased community ownership and participation.

3.3.

  • This workshop for the Ministry of the Urban Poor provided both economic opportunities and mental health benefits. By teaching candle-making skills, UST assists community members in developing a livelihood while also offering therapeutic benefits. This initiative aligns with SDG 1, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

3.4.

  • Through fundraising and pop-up stores, this initiative provides starting capital for partner communities to launch micro-businesses, supporting financial independence and economic growth.
Partnerships for Development

UST collaborates with various organizations and government agencies to enhance its outreach efforts and maximize the impact of its poverty alleviation initiatives. These partnerships are crucial in mobilizing the resources and expertise necessary for effective program implementation.

4.1.

4.1.1. Partner communities participated in Pistang Tomas, showcasing their products to the UST community. This event not only increased sales for community businesses but also facilitated knowledge-sharing around entrepreneurship, empowering students and community members with hands-on learning in business development.

4.2. Innovation for Sustainable Development Through Hack-a-Thom

In an effort to harness technology and innovation to address real-world issues, including those related to poverty, UST’s TOMASInno Center organized its first university-wide hackathon, β€œHack-a-Thom,” on November 24, 2023. The hackathon encouraged students to collaborate on projects aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on solutions that support health, environmental sustainability, and educational access. With the participation of 14 teams and over 80 students, the event emphasized cross-disciplinary teamwork and innovation.

4.2.1. Team T6’s “KKB” (Kumain Ka Na Ba?): This app addresses nutritional deficiencies among college students by helping users locate food shops based on their preferences. It also features AI-driven nutrient tracking and promotes a community focused on healthy eating habits.
4.2.2. Team Incinque’s “ABARKADA”: This interactive learning platform aims to provide inclusive education for children with hearing impairments, thus contributing to educational equity and opportunities for underprivileged youth.

4.3. The Guiuan Seastainability Program (GSP)

A collaboration between the UST Graduate School CCCPET and the Local Government of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, empowers coastal communities to improve their livelihoods through sustainable fisheries and tourism. Through the Dumyang Mapping Project, 75 local mappers, including fish catch enumerators and community stakeholders, are trained to conserve and utilize coastal resources effectively, fostering income diversification and resilience against economic vulnerabilities. By documenting coastal traditions, resources, and technologies, the initiative equips communities with tools to enhance productivity while preserving marine ecosystems, ensuring long-term economic opportunities that break the cycle of poverty.

Research Initiatives

The university conducts research that directly addresses poverty-related issues. This includes studies on social protection systems, economic empowerment programs, and policies aimed at reducing poverty among vulnerable populations.

5.1. Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development

UST’s Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSEd) and Sentro Turismo, the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM), have collaborated with the local government of Echague, Isabela, to craft a 10-year Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development Plan for Barangay San Miguel. The project officially turned over to the Echague Local Government on August 19, 2024, was initiated by the office of Hon. Faustino β€œInno” A. Dy V and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The plan focuses on enhancing community-based tourism in Barangay San Miguel, assessing tourism development potential to create employment opportunities and income-generating activities within the community.

Educational Programs

The university conducts research that directly addresses poverty-related issues. This includes studies on social protection systems, economic empowerment programs, and policies aimed at reducing poverty among vulnerable populations.

5.1. Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development

UST integrates discussions about poverty alleviation into its curriculum across various disciplines. By educating students about the complexities of poverty and encouraging them to develop solutions, the university aims to foster a new generation of socially responsible leaders.

University-Wide Programs/Initiatives

University-Wide Programs/Initiatives

University Scholarship Programs

²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ of Santo Tomas, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, continued providing scholarship grants and assistance to the different qualified students. ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ has four major scholarship programs:

  • Santo Tomas Academic Scholarship
  • Santo Domingo de Guzman Scholarship for the Gifted
  • San Lorenzo Ruiz Working Scholarship
  • San Martin de Porres Equity Scholarship

The latest policies regarding the University’s scholarships can be found HERE.Μύ

Community Development Projects

SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office

The UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office is the primary administrative unit tasked with implementing our community development and extension agenda. The office uses the Social Transformation Framework and enlivens the same through Social Transformation Strategies found in the TOMAS program:

  • T – Training and Education for Capacity-Building
  • O – Organizing for Empowerment
  • M – Management for Program Development
  • A – Advocacy, Research, and Documentation
  • S – Spirituality of Transformation

More details about the framework can be found HERE.

Institutional Projects for Startups

The DOST-TomasINNO Technology Business Incubator

Launched in November 2019, the DOST-TomasINNO Technology Business Incubator provides assistance to startups from the Thomasian community and beyond to bring their products and services to the market. Incubation workshops, access to University facilities, and other forms of support are provided to incubatees.

Get to more about the Center through:

Unit-Based Programs/Initiatives

Unit-Based Programs/Initiatives

Alumni Assistance to Students’ Studies

The Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc.

The is the foundation of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. Among other projects, it maintains the , which shoulders the fees of five new student scholars every academic year.

UST College of Education

The UST College of Education in 2021 launched the Isang Daan, Isang Daan Solidarity Project, which aims to raise funds to support the students of the Department of Elementary Education and the Department of Secondary Education.

UST College of Science

The UST College of Science maintains the Project Agham Scholarship Fund to support financially challenged students. Alumni from different programs donate to the said fund.

UST Education High School

The UST Education High School, in 2021, revived the EHS Solidarity Fund, which pools together donations from alumni and benefactors. These donations are disbursed to students to cover their matriculation expenses and are also used for school development projects.