The ľĹÉ« (UST), through its Department of History and its partners from the Philippine Veterans’ Affairs Office and the U.S. Embassy, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Santo Tomas Internment Camp (STIC) at the UST Plaza Mayor last February 6, 2025. The event was live streamed on the official

With the theme, “Liberation’s Legacy: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future,” the event gathered students and university officials to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of internees in the STIC in 1945.

A 21-gun salute and wreath-laying ceremony was held at the beginning of the event, led by UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, US Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency MaryKay L. Carlson, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair and former UST Archivist Prof. Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Philippine Veterans’ Affairs Office Administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, American Battle Monuments Commission Director Vicente Lim IV, Philippine Veterans Bank First Vice President Miguel Angelo Villa-Real, and Manila’s Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts Director Charlie Duñgo.

In her speech, Ambassador Carlson urged the people to “never forget the suffering endured and the courage demonstrated by the internees.” In light of this, she raised the story of the late Elizabeth Vaughn who had kept diary entries during her internment, with such becoming the window of the world into the enduring hope and camaraderie of those in the STIC. Ambassador Carlson added that the liberation was “not just the end of a chapter, but also… the beginning of a new one,… the early moments of an ironclad alliance between the United States and the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, Jose brought to attention the bravery of the late Capt. Manuel Colayco who guided the Liberation Forces into the STIC which led to its eventual freedom 80 years ago. In remembrance of their courage, Capt. Colayco’s descendants, present during the event, were acknowledged in his honor. In a similar manner, Mapagu addressed the bravery of the late Lt. Diosdado Guytingco who guided the forces alongside Capt. Colayco on that day.

Furthermore, Jose and Mapagu advocated for the continuous preservation of the country’s history, with the former mentioning the marks of history such as the bullet holes of the doors leading to the rector’s hall as well as the shrapnel marks at the back of the main building, visible from the quadricentennial square, as important reminders of the past.

After the series of speeches, a mass was held in honor of St. Paul Miki and the souls of the internees and guerillas in the STIC, with UST Faculty of Arts and Letters Regent Rev. Fr. George Phe Mang, O.P., and Fr. Coronel as the celebrants.

Before the formal event, UST Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton welcomed and accompanied Ambassador Carlson to the University Main Building, where Fr. Coronel expressed his gratitude to the university partners for their presence in the commemorative event.

The remembrance of the STIC liberation is vital, in Fr. Coronel’s words, in “ensuring that the sacrifices of those who lived and died here are never forgotten.”

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The Office of UST in Santa Rosa City (USTaR) under the Office of the Rector commenced talks to explore opportunities for collaboration and sharing of best practices with the Collegio de San Juan de Letran in the City of Calamba (Letran Calamba) on February 21, 2025 at the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center (UST-TTCIC). The UStaR officials led by Prof. Philipina A. Marcelo, Ph.D., hosted the Letran Calamba Administrators led by Rector and President Rev. Fr. Napoleon M. Encarnacion, O.P., and the Vice President for Academics and Research Dr. Floricon V. Encabo.
The gathering was meant to explore and create opportunities with expected outcomes that can be mutually beneficial to the two Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). In addition, meaningful pathways were highlighted to distinguish features of Dominican education in the Province of Laguna and in the CALABARZON region.
During the dialogue, the UST-Letran Calamba group identified areas that can be readily pursued. Some of these are current research projects of common interest related to food security and sustainable development as well as similar community development activities that can be linked together for greater impact in the Province of Laguna. Many of these priority projects and activities are aligned with Pope Francis’ Laudato Sí. As Catholic HEIs, both UST and Letran Calamba integrate the operationalization of the said encyclical in their academic programs, research projects, community development activities, and their overall operation. Along this line, one of the long-term goals is to cultivate the culture of collaboration between the two HEIs, share state-of-the-art research facilities, and match faculty strengths to pursue interdisciplinary research works with lasting impact in the region and in the country.
Among the attendees from Letran Calamba were Dr. Ma. Xenia Z. Bitera, Senior Director of the Research Department; Dr. Carmel N. Hemedez, Dean of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management; Dr. Richard John Brian D.L. Manzano, Dean of the School of Education, Arts, and Sciences; Dr. Julieta N. Madjus, Dean of the School of Business, Management, and Accounting; Ms. Janice A. Ilao, Assistant Director for the External Relations Department of the Linkages and Alumni Office; and Engr. Christopher V. Gonzales, Program Chair of Computer Engineering at the School of Engineering and Architecture.
Wrapping up the dialogue between the two institutions, the UStaR officials gave the Letran Calamba officials a tour of the UST-TTCIC where Prof. Marcelo, Dr. Prado and the Project Management Assistant, Engr. Shikara Poblete-Jose, M.Sc., described the general plans for each area and the opportunities for joint pursuits between the different Academic Units and Research Groups from the two HEIs. They described the flow of research-innovation-entrepreneurship activities between UST-WiTBIRIn and UST-TTCIC.

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Organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), the annual Travel Tour Expo is an event which features a wide range of exhibitors, including airlines, hotels, resorts, and travel agencies, all offering exclusive deals and packages to attendees. This event is essential in revitalizing the travel sector by encouraging consumer engagement, promoting emerging travel trends, and supporting tourism recovery, particularly following global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Furthermore, the expo provides valuable networking opportunities for stakeholders, enabling collaboration on innovative initiatives to enhance the country’s tourism landscape.

With its extensive reach and diverse range of exhibitors, the PTAA Travel Tour Expo remains a key driver in making travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos while contributing to the nation’s overall economic growth.

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A group of Thomasians led by the Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Isaias Tiongco, O.P. JCD, Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, joined the celebration of Manila Bulletin’s 125th Anniversary on February 10, 2025. The same event also honored the Newsmakers of the Year, which included a Thomasian in its roster, the renowned interventional radiologist Dr. Victor Erwin Jocson. Manila Bulletin has long been a partner for multiple events in UST, such as the recent Sustainability Focus Session on Power and Real Estate last October 2024.

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Performers included DJ David Jr., a pioneer in the Taiwanese electronic music scene who blends traditional melodies with modern electronic elements; Aboriginal singer and Golden Melody winner Sangpuy Katatepan Mavaliyw, the “King of Hakka” icon Ayugo Huang, rising star “New Voice of Taiwan” Saioai Xie, The Hu Music, and Grammy award-winning The Chairman Band. 

In turn, for the part of UST, the two-time Luciano Pavarotti Choir of the World trophy winners and Gintong Parangal recipients the ľĹÉ« Singers, and the UAAP Season 86 street dance champions UST PRIME had special performances. 

The event was hosted by the 2019 Miss Taiwan International and YouTube personality Joyce Chiu

The Representative of the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in the Philippines Ambassador Wallace M.G. Chow, in his welcome message, commended the ”celebration of cultural connections”, which went beyond just musical performances.

The UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL., shared that this event partnership “showcased the strength of people-to-people connections and the opportunities that arise when we unite to foster friendship and goodwill.”

Distinguished guests among the over 600 audience members included Mr. Wilson Tecson of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, OCAC council members Huang Ya-Hui, Jaime Tan, and Chiang Fu-Long, along with TECO Deputy Representative Dustin T. S. Yang, TECO Minister Michael Lee, Director Eric Chuang of TECO Cultural Center, and Deputy Director Benjamin Chung-Wei Liang of the Cultural Center of TECO. 

This cultural showcase was also attended by Thomasian students from the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters – Asian Studies program.

Aside from the Philippines, the month-long tour included multiple stops in 15 cities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam and ended on March 12, 2025.

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Their present research examines the evolving relationship between Catholic higher education and online learning in view of the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring both the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the context of Catholic higher education institutions (HEIs). It highlights AI’s fast-evolving role in Catholic universities, comparing global perspectives, particularly UNESCO’s guidelines, with official Catholic Church teachings. Identifying points of convergence and divergence, the research underlines areas where the official Catholic stance on the use of educational technology aligns or disagrees with current global trends, offering insights for educators, church leaders, and policymakers.

Among its findings, the study highlights the Church’s emphasis on direct interpersonal encounter, hence its reservation and apprehension about “distance learning.” At the same time, the article argues that “online learning can promote interpersonal relationships, and virtual networks can be a place of human connection,” as Pope Francis himself acknowledges. 

As learning institutions worldwide grapple with AI-driven changes, the paper calls for responsible AI integration, while ensuring that human interaction and the Church’s educational mission remain central to learning, helping Catholic HEIs align technological progress with their identity and mission.

Ocampo is a research associate at the Center for Theology, Religious Studies and Ethics and one of the pioneering instructors in UST’s Mastertrack Specialist Certificate Program on AI Learning and Development where he gives lectures and facilitates workshops on the ethical and responsible integration of AI. Meanwhile, Gozum has published articles on the ethical use of AI, particularly in the healthcare context.

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As the oldest Catholic university in Asia, UST has long championed the study of Thomism, underscoring its significance in theology, philosophy, ethics, and education. The third installment of the Aquinas Conference is a testament to this mission, offering a platform to explore the relevance of Aquinas’ teachings in addressing contemporary societal issues. In his opening remarks, Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Rector of UST, highlighted the University’s dedication to fostering critical thinking and dialogue through Thomistic principles. Fr. Felix delos Reyes, Jr., O.P., Coordinator of the Center for Thomistic Studies, likewise emphasized the importance of engaging with Aquinas’ works as we navigate present-day moral and intellectual challenges.
The conference featured three plenary lectures by distinguished scholars: Fr. John William Emery, O.P. (Pontifical University of St. Thomas, Italy) explored the topic “Saint Thomas Aquinas on God’s Presence in the Universe, in Humans, and in Christ”; Fr. Adrian Adiredjo, O.P. (Universitas Katolik Darma Cendika, Indonesia) delivered insights on “Aquinas on Prophecy: Integrating Faith and Reason”; while Rev. Fr. Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco, O.P. (UST, Philippines) presented a thought-provoking discussion on “The Evolutionary Origin of Sapiens as a Natural Kind.”
Aquinas Conference III also provided a multidisciplinary approach to Thomistic studies through parallel panel discussions covering philosophy, technology, political praxis, education, and religious studies. Among the various themes discussed were “Aquinas and the Digital Age,” where scholars examined topics such as AI ethics, online liturgy, and spiritual apathy in the modern world; “Christian Philosophy and Political Praxis,” addressing contemporary socio-political challenges through Thomistic thought; “UST in the History of Thomism,” which shed light on the contributions of Thomasian scholars to global Thomism; and “Thomas Aquinas on Religious Education and Catechesis,” exploring the relevance of Aquinas’ teachings in modern religious instruction.
A timely reflection on faith, reason, and society. The conference underscored Aquinas’ enduring legacy to humanity in shaping ethical frameworks, education, and societal values. As UST continues to promote Thomistic studies, the Aquinas Conference will remain a cornerstone event, bridging medieval wisdom with contemporary discourse, as it promises to continue even beyond the Jubilee celebrations which end in 2025. Closing the event, Prof. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, Ph.D., Dean of the UST Graduate School, expressed gratitude to all participants and reiterated UST’s commitment to furthering the legacy of St. Thomas Aquinas, fostering a deeper appreciation of Aquinas’ thought in today’s ever-changing world.

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Participants also explored strategies and means of decolonizing teacher education that are responsive to the diverse cultural, historical, and social contexts in Asia.

Pre-conference workshops were held onsite, with Mr. Shane Alexander Laong’s “Decolonizing Educational Technology,” and Dr. Katrina Ninfa Topacio’s “Unobtrusive Research,” and online, with Dr. Setiono Sugiharto’s “Decolonizing Higher Education: A Perspective from the Epistemologies of the South.” Laong is Team Leader for ICT-based Educational Training of the (UST) Educational Technology Center, while Topacio is the Assistant Director of UST Research Center for Social Sciences and Education. Sugiharto is a Professor at the Atma Jaya Catholic University Indonesia (Atma Jaya).

Delivering her Welcome Remarks, College of Education Dean Assoc. Prof. Pilar Romero, LPT, Ph.D., expressed that the PSALM Conference is “a testament to the University’s commitment to continuous improvement within the field of education.” Meanwhile, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Rev. Fr. Jannel Abogado, O.P., DThPatSc, stated that the conference serves as an avenue to rekindle dedication and hope of young people, especially those who are aspiring to become teachers.

In her keynote speech, National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) President Dr. Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo underscored that what counts as powerful knowledge in the curriculum is how we relate what we do as teachers with our way of life.

The first day of the conference consisted of three plenary lectures, with the first being “Postcolonial Education and National Identity: Implications to Teacher Education” by University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education Assistant Dean of Research Dr. Liz Jackson. Jackson’s lecture was followed by “Mediating Forces to Teacher Curriculum Contextualization” by University of the Philippines College of Music Secretary and Associate Professor Dr. Jocelyn Timbol-Guadalupe.

Lastly, Dr. Chuckie Calzado of Philippine Science High School Main Campus delivered his lecture titled, “Critical Pedagogy in Action: Empowering Students and Teachers.” Calsado explained that decolonization is a violent process and that critical pedagogy can be used as a tool for liberation.

Opening the second day was Dr. Bill Atweh’s plenary lecture, “Decolonization of Education through/of Research.” Atweh, a retired faculty member of Curtin University of Technology Australia and International Education Consultant of OneWorldRipples, explained that action research is a reflective and reflexive tool, when used properly.

After the lecture, Dean Romero, College of Education Secretary Asst. Prof. Alvin Ringgo C. Reyes, M.A., and College of Education Assistant Dean Asst. Prof. Louie B. Dasas, LPT, Ph.D., joined Atweh in the opening of poster exhibits by student researchers from around the country.

Parallel paper presentations were then conducted by academics and students from universities in Metro Manila and other provinces, including Leyte Normal University, Angeles University Foundation, Baras High School of Tarlac, University of Rizal System, Notre Dame of Marbel University, Bulacan State University, Cavite State University, City College of Tagaytay, and Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology.

Online breakout sessions were held after the presentations, led by members of the Faculty of Education and Languages of Atma Jaya. Shortly after the sessions, a special online lecture, “Teachers’ Attempts to Optimize Engagement on Digital Learning Platforms through Assemblages of Alignment and Materiality,” was conducted by Dr. Kasih Elisabet Roostini, M.Hum, a Professor of Atma Jaya.

University of Leeds, United Kingdom School of Education Impact Lead and M.A. Education Programme Lead Dr. Syafiq Mat Noor and University of the Philippines Diliman College of Education Philosophy and Values Education Program Head Dr. Maricris Acido-Muega concluded the conference with their plenary lectures titled, “Decolonizing Climate Change Curriculum through Traditional Ecological Knowledge,” and, “Decolonizing Educational Policies: A Critical Analysis and a Call to Action,” respectively.

Mat Noor expounded on participatory curriculum development as an emancipatory practice, while Acido-Muega pointed out that curriculum is a powerful tool to colonize and decolonize.

In his synthesis, Dasas revealed that the 6th PSALM Conference will be held in 2027 instead of its yearly conduct as it paves the way for the preparations of PSALM’s first peer reviewed journal.

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The topic of the lecture was the Philippine experience with One Town, One Product (OTOP). It was part of the discussion of the course Thai Wisdom and Creative Economy, which advocated promoting and improving local goods and services. The course is one of the major subjects in the history curriculum in SWU.
In his lecture, de Viana discussed the origins of OTOP, including similar programs in Japan, Vietnam, and other countries. The Philippine OTOP was envisioned as a stimulus program to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises in producing goods and services unique to their locality, aligning with the sustainable goal to develop local economic growth. He discussed the program’s success and the challenges and obstacles it faces.
Before conducting the lecture, de Viana visited the SWU Library, where he donated two copies of his latest book, “Andres Bonifacio and the Revolution,” which was published by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in December 2024.

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