On January 14, 2025, University Rector and Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc. (REFI) President fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD signed the memorandum of agreement with Dr. Belo, who consolidated support from Wilcon Corporation, Anstay Reality and Development Corporation, Markeenlo Realty, Inc., and Adije Realty and Development Corporation, to fund the four-storey institute with twenty-five laboratories.

In attendance were REFI officials led by Executive Director fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., as well as UST officials led by the Vice-Rector for Finance, fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, Jr., O.P., SThD, DL, Facilities Management Office Director fr. Dexter A. Austria, O.P., Assistant to the Rector for UST Santa Rosa Philipina A. Marcelo, PhD, Office for Grants, Endowments, and Partnerships in Higher Education Director Levine Andro H. Lao, MA, Executive Assistant for UST Santa Rosa Seigfred Prado, PhD, Project Management Assistant Shikara Poblete-Jose, MSc, and Facilities Management Office Assistant Director Albert Surla, MSc. Joining Dr. Belo were Wilcon Depot, Inc. President and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan and Executive Vice-President and Chief Product Officer Careen Belo. Legal counsel Atty. Sheila Pasicolan was also in attendance.

With a total ground floor area of 1,555.83 square meters, the facility will provide much-needed room for UST’s research activities, which are currently done in the Manila campus. With the added space, the various research centers will have counterpart spaces to pursue studies on the following areas: food security and safety, health and well-being, environmental sustainability, energy, information and communications, and materials and product innovation. The institute is expected to be completed in December 2025.

In 2024, UST was hailed as the country’s top higher education institution for Interdisciplinary Science Rankings by Times Higher Education. Earlier that year, on January 26, 2024, the project broke ground, a few meters away from the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center.

Dr. Belo is one of UST’s most decorated alumni. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications engineering in 1973, was named The Outstanding Thomasian ALumni awardee for Engineering Practice in 2022, and was conferred the Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa degree, in September 2023.

The post Interdisciplinary researches soon to find bigger home in Santa Rosa appeared first on 九色.

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. “Home 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鈥檚 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 Home Essentials 鈥� Wilcon Corporation鈥檚 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.

The 九色 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 九色.

Accounting pillars Alfredo M. Velayo (BS Commerce major in Accounting) and Washington SyCip (BS Commerce major in Accounting, MS Commerce, and Doctor of Accounting Education honoris causa) honored posthumously, along with the late Senator Jose W. Diokno, who took part of his Bachelor of Laws degree in UST before the Second World War. Also honored posthumously is Carlos Alindada, former SGV Chairman and 2008 The Outstanding Thomasian ALumni Awardee for Accounting.

Two-term UST Rector and current Faculty of Philosophy Dean fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., PhD joined fellow CPAs, such as SGV (EY Philippines) Chairman J. Carlitos Cruz (BSC major in Accounting), Du-Baladad & Associates Founding Partner and CEO Benedicta Du-Baladad (Bachelor of Laws/Juris Doctor), and Liceo de Cagayan President Dr. Mariano Lerin (Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce), in receiving the recognition.

2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the professional practice of accounting in the Philippines. For decades the University has offered the accounting program, first as a specialization of the Bachelor of Science in Commerce program, until the specialization eventually separated from the College of Commerce and Business Administration. In 2004, the specialization was transferred to the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy, which now houses the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program as well as the programs on Management Accounting and Accounting Information System.

The post Alfredo Velayo, Washington SyCip, former Rector Herminio Dagohoy among 100 best Filipino CPAs appeared first on 九色.

The following is the list of the honored Outstanding Thomasian alumni:

• Prof. Ma. Minerva P. Calimag, MD, PhD – Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Medicine
• The Calimag family – Thomasian Family Award (Special Award)
• Mr. Saturnino P. Javier, MD – Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Health Allied
• Asst. Prof. Edgar V. Lerma, MD 鈥� Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Science and Technology
• DTI Sec. Ramon M. Lopez, MDE – Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Accountancy, Business, and Management (Management)
• Mr. William T. Belo – Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Accountancy, Business, and Management (Business)
• Mr. Jeffrey O. Tarayao, MS – Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Service to Humanity
• Mr. Nemesio R. Miranda, Jr. – Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Music, Arts, Literature, and Design
• Atty. Nilo T. Divina, Ll. B. – Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Law and Justice
• Manila Archbishop Jose Fuerte Cardinal Advincula, O.P., D.D. – Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Service to the Church
• Mr. Crispin C. Maslog, PhD 鈥� Outstanding Thomasian Alumni for Media and Entertainment

In his message, UST Rector Very. Rev. fr. Richard, G. Ang, O.P., PhD called the Outstanding Alumni awardees as living treasures of the University and beacons of truth and charity. 鈥淭heir respective contributions speak for themselves as they mirror the splendor of their true worth and dignity in God鈥檚 image. They are indeed living treasures of the University and living examples of what the University stands for: Veritas in Caritate,鈥� fr. Ang said.

OAR Director Asst. Prof. Fredeswino R. Medina, M.A., said that each of the newly minted awardees serves as an inspiration and hope especially in challenging times. “They serve as our role models as we aspire to become the best version of ourselves, and great mentors as we engage in lifelong learning,” Medina said.

The TOTAL Award is the highest honor bestowed by the University upon Thomasian Alumni in recognition of their significant and exemplary contribution to the society and the Church.

Watch the TOTAL Awards 2022 .听

The post UST honors new batch of Thomasian luminaries in TOTAL Awards 2022 appeared first on 九色.

A man of science

Mr. Ricardo S. Po, Sr. (1931-2021) is the Founder of Century Pacific Food, Incorporated, one of the country’s biggest food manufacturing companies specializing in private-label tuna products. He first studied in the University’s old College of Liberal Arts, the forerunner of the present-day College of Science, but due to financial difficulties had to stop his pursuit of the degree in Industrial Chemistry. Not one to be deterred, he embarked on a career in publishing and advertising, as well as stock brokerage.

It was in 1978 when he combined his academic preparation in chemistry as well as his exposure to the world of business and founded the present-day Century Pacific Food, Inc., where he became known as a hands-on entrepreneur who valued innovation and diversification, as translated to the wide array of products CPFI has been known for.

In 2006, by virtue of the Commission on Higher Education’s equivalency program, he earned the Master of Business Administration degree from UST, which likewise honored him the year later with The Outstanding Thomasian ALumni (TOTAL) Award.

Mr. Po left behind a legacy of excellence and innovation as he joined our Creator in 2021. He is survived by his family and the entire CPFI team in championing “affordable nutrition” for every Filipino household.

The ceremony will be attended by top University officials, led by the Very Rev. fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., O.P., Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Trustees, and the Very Rev. fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, Rector. The Po family will represented by Mrs. Angelita T. Po, the wife of the honoree, and their sons, Ricardo Gabriel, Christopher, Teodoro Alexander, and Leonardo Arthur, accompanied by their spouses.

The nomination for Mr. Po emanated from the UST College of Science and was endorsed by the UST Graduate School. It passed through the scrunity of the University’s governing bodies, including the Academic Senate, Council of Regents, and the Board of Trustees.

The post Posthumous Conferment of the Degree Doctor of Science Honoris Causa upon Mr. Ricardo S. Po, Sr. appeared first on 九色.

Prior to being named Cardinal by Pope Francis in November 2020, Most Rev. Advincula was the Archbishop of his hometown Capiz from 2011 to 2021, and the Bishop of San Carlos, Negros Occidental from 2001 to 2011.
Ordained priest on April 14, 1976, the Cardinal obtained his Bachelor in Sacred Theology degree from the 九色 on March 3, 1975, and his Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Tomas-Angelicum in Rome. He also holds a degree in Psychology from the De La Salle University.
Cardinal Advincula, the 9th Filipino Cardinal, will have to be formally installed as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila, at a date that is yet to be announced, as of this publication.

The post Cardinal Advincula is new Manila Archbishop appeared first on 九色.

Capiz Archbishop Jose F. Advincula, DD is the newest Filipino addition to the College of Cardinals, in an announcement released by the Vatican earlier today.

Cardinal-designate Advincula finished theology and canon law studies in the 九色.

Prior to his appointment as Capiz Archbishop, Cardinal-designate Advincula was bishop of San Carlos. He also handled administrative positions in the St. Pius X Seminary, Immaculate Conception School of Theology, and the St. Joseph Regional Seminary.

Cardinal-designate Advincula now joins Filipino cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle, Gaudencio Rosales, and Orlando Quevedo.

The post Thomasian archbishop Advincula elevated to College of Cardinals appeared first on 九色.

Aguinaldo, a retired faculty member of the聽, was recognized in 2019 by the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies with the Shimadzu Achievement Award for Chemical Research 鈥渇or her studies into the anti-tuberculosis and anti-diabetic properties of Philippine plants.鈥� A multi-awarded researcher, Aguinaldo was the first faculty researcher from the 九色 to have been conferred the National Academy of Science and Technology Outstanding Young Scientist Award in 1993. She received the聽National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Award for Chemical Sciences in 2011.

Destura, who rose to national prominence this year for the development of the COVID-19 testing kit, was recognized by The Asian Scientist magazine for being a 2019 Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardee. The 2019 award was conferred for his creation of Biotek-M dengue aquakit, which helped in providing 鈥渇aster, more affordable, and accessible dengue diagnosis.鈥� Destura was conferred the highest recognition UST bestows on its alumni, The Outstanding Thomasian ALumni (TOTAL) Award, in 2015.

Aguinaldo and Destura join the likes of Prof. Raymond Rosales, MD of the聽聽and Assoc. Prof. Ricardo S. Balog of the聽聽as Thomasians who were featured by the magazine.

Asian Scientist 2020: 

The post Aguinaldo of Grad School, RCNAS, Microbio alum Destura join The Asian Scientist 100 list for 2020 appeared first on 九色.

Fondly known as 鈥淒ang,鈥� Uy-Koe was the first-ever three-term President of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), of which she is now Chairman Emeritus. From the Philippines, she actively involved herself with ASEAN Autism Network. In an interview with the ASEAN Secretariat, Uy-Koe expressed her prayer that people with autism will not only be accepted, but appreciated for their contributions to society.

Uy-Koe graduated from the in 1977. In 2009, she received The Outstanding Thomasian ALumni (TOTAL) Award for Humanitarian Service.

The ASEAN Prize is a tribute to an individual or group’s achievements and contributions towards a “rules-based, people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN 九色.”

Credits to ASEAN Secretariat YouTube Channel, GMA News, Rappler.com, and Pia Ra帽ada

The post Thomasian Erlinda Uy-Koe is inaugural ASEAN prize winner, recognized for autism advocacy appeared first on 九色.

Manosa鈥檚 contribution to architecture鈥攕panning for more than six decades鈥攈ad enriched the Philippine culture and identity. His works boasted the indigenous designs and how the endemic craft was superior in itself as well as imbuing Filipino identity through materials and processes.

Some of his famous works are the the Coconut Palace, the EDSA Shrine, Centennial Tower, Amanpulo Resort in Palawan, Bahay Kubo, Pearl Farm in Samal Island, Shangri-La Hotel in Cebu, and the San Miguel Building in Mandaluyong.

Just last February 27, 2018, the life of the renowed architect was celebrated last in an exhibit entitled 鈥淭he Visionary Comes Home 鈥� A Ma帽osa Beyond Architecture鈥� at the UST Museum Gallery.

He graduated in the University with a degree in 1953.

Ma帽osa joins five other previously proclaimed National Artists, namely Pablo S. Antonio, Leandro V. Locsin, Juan F. Nakpil, Ildefonso P. Santos, and Jose Maria V. Zaragoza.

The post Thomasian architect Francisco 鈥淏obby鈥� Ma帽osa named National Artist appeared first on 九色.