The team also rediscovered the tarantula species Orphnaecus pellitus, first discovered and described by French naturalist Eugène Simon in 1892. This tarantula species, known to be troglobitic (or an animal that lives entirely in the dark parts of caves), was rediscovered in the Culapnitan Caves, part of the Libmanan Caves Natural Park in Camarines Sur, Bicol.

The rediscovery showed adaptations in the tarantula species, namely, reduced eye size, attenuated limbs, shortened tactile setae, and diminishing pigmentation. According to the study, “tolerance to hypoxia and heightened sensitivity to ground movements are the other subterranean adaptations observed.” The researchers provide evidence that “O. pellitus is a true troglobitic tarantula reported worldwide and currently the only one known from Asia.

The rediscovery was published in the article in he journal Subterranean Biology, Volume 52. The team of researchers included Darrell C. Acuña, Lorenz Rheum P. Ragasa, Prof. Myla R. Santiago-Bautista, PhD, and Asst. Prof. Leonardo A. Gueverra, MSc of the Faculty of Pharmacy’s Department of Biochemistry. They are also researchers from the Graduate School. Santiago-Bautista and Guevarra are likewise affiliated with the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences.

The post Thomasian researchers discover two new tarantula species, rediscover 1800s species in Libmanan Caves Natural Park appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

In a June 10, 2025 letter, the Rector, Very Rev. fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, called the new consoritum a “mechanism for collaborative planning, innovation alignment, resource sharing, and inclusive development in support of the AANR sectors.” The Rector described joining the AANR consortium to be of “strategic importance” and one that will strength “inter-institutional collaboration and [optimize] regional resources”.

As a founding member, UST will actively contribute to the achievement of the Consortium’s goals by sharing institutional expertise, research outputs, and capabilities. It will likewise help chart the new Consortium’s programs and activities aligned with DOST-PCAARRD and the Department’s strategic pillars.

The new Consortium is composed of UST, Adamson University, Colegio de Muntinlupa, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Quezon City University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, and the Technological University of the Philippines. Attending the signing ceremony was Assoc. Prof. Michael Jorge N. Peralta, MS, Executive Assistant for Intellectual Property and Research of the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation and Manager of the Innovation Technology Support Office.

The post UST becomes founding member of NCR consortium of DOST’s agri, aquatic, natural resources research council appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

The new study, entitled “Conservation of Sustainable Ecotourism on the Island of Siquijor through Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods, Training and Development,” was published in The International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social, and Cultural Context. The participants, who were inhabitants of the island, favored sustainable ecotourism but expressed the need for intensive capacity-building in both interpersonal and computer skills. In terms of actual livelihood activities, the participants identified housekeeping, healing massage training, and tour guiding/tour car driving as immediate areas of concern. To help manage the desired influx of tourists, the residents likewise expressed the need for basic first aid training.

Santos is the incumbent Chair of the Department of Economics of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, while Ancheta teaches at the Graduate School. Meanwhile, the Garcias are academic researchers of the Department of Biological Sciences of the College of Science.

The post Thomasian sustainability researchers propose sustainable ecotourism roadmap for Siquijor Island appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

The paper “Shifts in the feeding ecology of the endemic and Endangered Sardinella tawilis in Lake Taal, Philippines” showed that the tawilis, which have been found to feed on zooplanktons,preferred “cyclopoid copepods and [showed a] noticeable increased preference for Moina micrura, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, and Bosmina fatalis.” This showed a shift from its earlier preference for calanoids. The findings were elicited from an application of stable isotope analysis and gut content analysis.

The new study was published on June 5, 2025 in Endangered Species Research, Volume 57, and was authored by a team of scientists from UST, De La Salle University, University of Rizal System, and the Department of Science and Technology. The authors are: Dale Anthony L. To (UST, DLSU), Asst. Prof. Elfritzson M. Peralta, MSc (UST), Justine R. De Leon (UST), Alexis E. Belen (UST), Lloyd Matthew L. Pineda (UST), Inst. Walled T. Ali (UST), Miguel Angelo F. Dollete (UST), Inst. Ray Allan N. Zafra (UST), Norman Mendoza (DOST), Prof. Richard Thomas B. Pavia, PhD (UST), Assoc. Prof. Dino T. Tordesillas, PhD (UST), Jonathan Carlo A. Briones (UST, URS), and College of Science Dean Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD.

The post New study uncovers tawilis feeding ecology affected by Taal Volcano eruptions appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

In the June 2, 2025 joint memorandum signed by Department of Education Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan and Assistant Secretary Malcolm S. Garma, UST was included in the list pilot schools, both public and private, this School Year 2025-2026. In an interview with the Communications Bureau, Senior High School Principal Mary Erika N. Bolaños, PhD, expressed delight at UST’s inclusion in the list because “being a pilot school means DepEd sees the kind of work and commitment we put into education. Being part of this pioneering initiative allows us to contribute meaningfully to national educational reforms while ensuring our students continue to receive a future-ready, values-based education.”

Bolaños further added that UST’s “long-standing tradition of academic excellence, coupled with our strong sense of community and collaboration, places us in a unique position to provide grounded, data-informed feedback to DepEd.” She highlighted the interdisciplinary learning and close collaboration with the tertiary programs and industry partners as potential sources of experience-based data that DepEd may find useful in the eventual national rollout. Being UST’s largest academic unit with over 5,000 students, UST was classified as a “very large school,” a perfect venue to test the viability of the new curriculum in such setting.

UST, which has implemented six tracks/strands, including the innovative Health-Allied Strand, is now joining the country in the transition to a more streamlined implementation of the curriculum. The Principal allayed concerns on the loss of tracks and strands and the specialized training each brings: “The integrity of our strands and tracks will be preserved. [Instead of strands] we are offering pathways to their chosen career or tertiary program, providing electives that are helpful for them. Our programs, namely Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Music, Arts, and Design; Business and Entrepreneurship; Sports and Life Skills; Health Allied and Wellness; and Humanities and Social Sciences, are still there, strengthening the vertical articulation of our SHS programs with the University’s tertiary offerings.”

In an interview with the Communications Bureau, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH stated that “the UST SHS program has always been structured as a pre-baccalaureate program. Since its inception and implementation in the University, our SHS strands have been aligned with our baccalaureate degree programs, allowing us to take advantage of our comprehensive degree offerings as a higher education institution to prepare students for their future careers, beginning with their basic education. We are fortunate for the opportunity to conduct inter-level collaborative planning sessions, particularly between baccalaureate and graduate programs, to identify gaps and overlaps in the various curricula and effectively plan curricular modifications to ensure attainment of expected learning outcomes and competencies. We have been doing these collaborative planning sessions since the COVID-19 pandemic, even when we were still operating online, and these allowed us to anticipate concerns much earlier and implement measures to address them sooner.”

Despite the reduction in subjects to be taught, VRAA Peralta added that “UST is committed to contextualizing the SSHS curriculum to our institutional approach and available resources, including implementing retooling programs for academic staff to ensure that they will be able to continue teaching in the SSHS curriculum.” The SHS Principal stated: “We are committed to a just and compassionate transition. We are engaging in a comprehensive capacity-building program to upskill and retool our faculty to respond to the curricular shifts.”

On June 11, 2025, the Senior High School rolled out its first retooling session, with more capacity-building sessions expected in the coming month.

Photo Credits: UST Senior High School Professional Development Committee

The post UST begins transition to Strengthened Senior High School curriculum as pilot school for coming year appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

Redoña was an invited speaker at the “Dialogic Human Dignity: Legal and Religious Perspectives” international conference in Kyoto, Japan, on June 7-8, 2025. This event was co-organized by Doshisha University’s Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of the Monotheistic Religions (CISMOR) and Brigham Young University’s The International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS).

This sponsored conference gathered scholars and professors from diverse legal and religious backgrounds to foster a dialogue on human dignity across different times and cultures. The program included sessions with multiple speakers, plenary discussions, and a special panel of religious leaders from Islam, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Catholic Church, which discussed human dignity from their respective traditions. The unique format allowed for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of human dignity.

The Conference hoped to pursue collaborations among the delegates in order push forward the work of promoting religious freedom and human dignity.

The post Legality, religiosity come into dialogue in IR professor’s lecture in Kyoto appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

Using the mixed methods tool “Remittance Investment Climate Analysis in Rural Hometowns,” the researchers found that across the six municipalities, there was no common trend “among municipalities that combining a sound investment climate, an ample number of financial institutions, high levels of residents’ financial literacy, and an active program for migrants and their families all ensure remittances-induced hometown investing.” The researchers called for instituting investment climate reforms to help ensure that remittances will fuel local development.

The , published in the Asian and Pacific Migration Journal in 2024, was recognized in the 2025 National Academy of Science and Technology awards with the Outstanding Scientific Paper Award.

The post Do remittances translate to investment in one’s hometown? Award-winning paper uncovers inconsistent pattern among rural areas appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

Consul General Senen Mangalile, in his opening remarks, emphasized the historic nature of the event: “This fair is a first-of-its-kind initiative at the Consulate, and we are proud to host it in partnership with PIDCI. It is an opportunity to reconnect with our roots and expand access to Philippine higher education.”

As one of the invited universities, UST’s presence underscored its unwavering commitment to academic diplomacy, cultural engagement, and the formation of globally competent students rooted in Catholic tradition. Leading UST’s presenters were the Father Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD; Prof. Philipina A. Marcelo, PhD, Assistant to the Rector for UST Max (Sta. Rosa), and Assoc. Prof. Jacqueline L. Kaw, DCL, Dean of the Graduate School of Law. Their presentations and interactions captured the essence of UST’s academic excellence, global reach, and distinctive Thomasian identity.

Completing the UST delegation were Prof. Marciana Agnes G. Ponsaran, PhD, Executive Secretary of the Office of the Rector; Dr. Sheryl M. Dionisio, UST Health Service Director; Asst. Prof. Nestor R. Ong, Deputy Director of the Office of QS/THE Rankings; Mr. Levine Andro H. Lao, Director of the Office for Grants, Endowments, and Partnerships in Higher Education, and Mr. Cristian Naval, Stakeholders Engagement Head of the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc.

During the university fair’s academic forum on May 31, the Thomasian leaders highlighted the institution’s unparalleled heritage. Founded in 1611, UST is the oldest existing university in Asia and home to over 42,000 students from across the globe. The Father Rector and his team shared how UST has evolved into a dynamic institution recognized globally and locally. It has consistently ranked as one of the world’s best universities by Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE). It is likewise named as a Center of Excellence by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education in multiple fields, including medicine, pharmacy, teacher education, engineering, and philosophy.

The presentation showcased UST’s affordability and accessibility, noting that tuition costs at UST are a fraction of those in the United States, about $2,000 to $3,000 per semester, while still offering state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, and a vibrant, inclusive campus life. UST’s location in the heart of Manila, a city brimming with history, culture, and warmth, was highlighted as a prime advantage for international students.

In his presentation, Father Ang described UST’s approach to holistic education, having an environment that nurtures not only the intellect but also the spirit. “As a Catholic university founded by the Dominican Order, we nurture minds and hearts, rooted in faith, guided by reason, and called to serve,” he said.

UST’s global connections and over 250 international partnerships were also emphasized, offering students opportunities for exchange, research, and cultural immersion worldwide. As Consul General Mangalile noted in his address, Philippine universities have long shaped generations of leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and faith workers who contribute to global society. The Philippine University Fair stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, forging new ties across oceans and generations.

The post UST among top PHL universities showcased in New York’s first Philippine University Fair appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

The first conference was the Karol Wojtyła Congress held on May 19 at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków, Poland. Scholars from around the globe convened to examine the philosophical and theological legacy of Pope Saint John Paul II, whose thought remains vital for contemporary personalism and Catholic anthropology. In the said conference, Aguas delivered a keynote address titled The Perfection of Power and Integration of the Person: St. Thomas Aquinas and Karol Wojtyła on Virtue, offering a synthesis of Thomistic metaphysics and Wojtyłan ethics. He argued for a view of virtue rooted not in coercion or convention but in rational and spiritual freedom. Ringor followed with Divinus in Caro: Karol Wojtyła’s Ontological Personalism In-Between Theomorphism and Technomorphism where he critiqued the twin extremes of deifying or dehumanizing the human person and proposed Wojtyła’s incarnational vision as a compelling alternative grounded in freedom, responsibility, and participation in truth.

Afterwards, they attended the 11th Religion, Knowledge, and Society Conference held in “Ovidius” University of Constanța, Romania with the theme Global Tendencies, Local Realities: Redefining Peace in a Multipolar World. In this event brought together international experts to explore new frameworks for understanding peace amid global unrest, Aguas presented his plenary lecture titled Global Solidarity: A Key Component in Attaining World Peace, proposing solidarity as both a spiritual calling and ethical imperative. He emphasized that authentic peace requires shared responsibility for upholding human dignity. In another plenary lecture, Whose God is in the City? Political Ontology, Religious Plurality, and the Indispensable Desire for Peace, Ringor explored the metaphysical and theological underpinnings of urban life. Drawing from classical and Christian political thought, he argued that peace depends on restoring a transcendent orientation within civic life.

The final leg of their academic sojourn brought Aguas and Ringor to Suceava, Romania, for the 11th Religion, Knowledge, and Society Seminar, Vatra Dornei from May 25 to 28. Centered on Pathways Towards Reconciliation: Philosophical and Theological Approaches, the seminar explored healing from historical and contemporary wounds. In this seminar, Aguas tackled the topic Reconciliation Through Dialogue: The Philippine Experience, drawing on interreligious dialogue efforts in the Philippines to demonstrate how openness and shared moral foundations foster peace while Ringor discussed the Thomistic-Augustinian account of reconciliation through divine mercy in his talk titled“Remember Me When You Come Into Your Kingdom”: Suffering, Repentance, and Mercy.

Aguas is a Full Professor of the Department of Philosophy and teaches at the Graduate School and the Faculty of Philosophy, while Ringor is the Academic Collaborations Officer of the Ecclesiastical Faculties of Theology, Philosophy, and Canon Law.

The post John Paul II, world peace in time of religious plurality become subjects of UST philosophers’ presentations in Europe appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

UNDA Chancellor Christopher Ellison praised the UST Rector for his steadfast commitment to Catholic higher education, steering the University through the pandemic immediately after taking helm of UST on January 1, 2020 (first as Acting Rector), then on May 7, 2020, formally as Rector.

In a message to the UNDA graduating class, Fr. Ang extended the arm of friendship and collaboration, expressing optimism that the UNDA graduates will soon make changes in their own communities.

The pandemic shifted not just instructional delivery but also University operations to distance and eventually hybrid modality. The former was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education with the prestigious Gawad Edukampyon, which feted UST’s Excellence in Flexible and Responsive Management.

While steering the University through the pandemic, Fr. Ang continued UST’s leadership of the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities as Executive Secretary. 

Rising above the pandemic, Fr. Ang led the University in inaugurating the General Santos Campus on April 11, 2024 and in opening the UST Manila Annex in Santa Rosa, Laguna, first with the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center on April 28, 2023.

As he pushes through with his second term, the Rector leads a University that is globally recognized, with more and more programs deemed at par with international counterparts. Research and innovation as well as community service have likewise been intensified, with the aim of contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

A philosopher, Fr. Ang specializes in Chinese philosophy. He teaches courses at the Faculty of Philosophy, where he was Dean while concurrently serving as University Vice-Rector.

The post Rector receives honorary Doctor of Letters from University of Notre Dame Australia appeared first on ľĹÉ«.