Beginning with the crisis response

With the mobility restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services also had to shift modality. The paper “ľĹÉ«-based rehabilitation in the time of pandemic: Experiences of parents of children with disability” (co-authored by BS Occupational Therapy students Balangue, Chua, Ilagan, Juan, Labaco, and Noh, and academic staff Asst. Prof. Karen S. Sagun) conducted focus groups with parents whose children received CBR and found that they saw the potential of telecoaching to continue availing services, provided that the digital divide and initial doubt on technology can be overcome.

Building on the previous year’s focus groups, a second study was conducted a year later, focused this time on access of low-income households to community-based telerehabilitation. The paper “Exploring the accessibility of community-based telerehabilitation for children with disabilities from low-income households” was co-authored by BSOT students Ryanne Nicole H. Alava, Kristine Therese S. Cablay, Katelyn A. Dagdag, Francis Rowelle P. Lagman, Kvaern Edgar S. Nocos, Jamela Y. Quidilla, Nina Mari M. Tan, along with Sagun. It was recently published in the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (Volume 16, Issue 2).

The second study found the need to provide a comprehensive approach to helping low-income households overcome access issues. In particular, affordable technology, family support, and policy advocacy must be provided by a combination of stakeholders: healthcare professionals, policy makers, and family beneficiaries. If the needed support is provided, technological competency and service delivery flexibility as well as telerehabiltation sustainability may be attained.

Transitioning to the blended modality

It was not only classes that transitioned to the blended delivery, as CBR for indigent children with disabilities (CWD) also eventually adopted the blended mode. Dubbed Flexicoaching, the QC Kabahagi Center’s CBR program was tested for its effectiveness using a quasi-experimental research design that delved into retrospective records review. This the third study conducted by Thomasian researchers, this time by Sagun, along with students Balloon, Defiño, Guerrero, Managuelod, Oliva, and Riñoza in 2024. The paper, entitled “Examining the caregiver’s perception of occupational performance and satisfaction in community-based rehabilitation using blended online and onsite therapy,” found primary caregivers’ perceived occupation performance and CWDs’ satisfaction were positive in a blended modality. The program enhanced “social and educational participation, validating its potential as a sustainable service delivery model for children with disabilities in urban poor communities.”

Scaling the efforts

The fourth paper, entitled “Effectiveness of community-based flexicoaching from low socioeconomic background using goal attainment scaling, used pre-test and post-design for the quasi-experimental study alongside the Goal Attainment Scale to measure intervention success for CWDs. The Flexicoaching program was found potentially valuable not just for occupational therapists, but also for physical therapists, and speech therapists, after validating remarkable effectiveness among 88.67% of the participants, who were part of the 406 cases reviewed.

According to QC Kabahagi Center Director and Department of Occupational Therapy academic staff Asst. Prof. Karen S. Sagun, MSOT, MRS, “the partnership between UST and QC Government through the Kabahagi Center exemplifies how academe-government collaboration can advance multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health, education, and reducing inequalities.” The findings of the four studies provided informed evidence-based rehabilitation services that have been made accessible to urban poor communities and thus addressed social disparities.

Sagun added that while the collaboration began as a crisis response by BS Occupational Therapy students to see the effectiveness of Flexicoaching, the partnership has now shown “continuous development of community-tailored rehabilitation approaches.”

The GCARSIH award, which looked into Filipino-developed programs that targeted an identified priority health need of a community, fetes transformative partnerships that help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through integrated local governance, health innovation, and academic excellence. Among the selection criteria used were degree of innovativeness, significance, potential for further research and scale, inclusiveness, effectiveness, affordability, and participatory and co-owned nature.

Sagun acknowledged the invaluable support of Quezon City Mayor Hon. Ma. Josefina Belmonte, the QC Kabahagi center staff, UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Anne Marie C. Asron and Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Dean Ma. Lourdes D. Maglinao, along with the units’ officials, academic staff, researchers, and students. Sagun added: “This recognition honors the power of collective innovation in healthcare delivery. From dedicated frontline workers of the government to academic partners and the participatory leadership of the city, each stakeholder has contributed to building a sustainable model of inclusive, community-based rehabilitation services. The partnership has become a launchpad for healthcare innovations while nurturing generations of professionals deeply committed to serving vulnerable communities.”

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In a letter dated March 28, 2025, CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III, DPA stated that the award “is a recognition of your institution’s consistent upholding of the highest standard in ensuring the quality of pre-service teacher education programs, following the CHED minimum standards, program accreditation, and excellent performance in the Board of Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers.”

The College of Education rolls out the following teacher education programs: Bachelor of Secondary Education (with majors in English, Filipino, Mathematics, Religious and Values Education, Science, and Social Studies); Bachelor of Early Childhood Education; Bachelor of Elementary Education; and Bachelor of Special Needs Education.Ěý

Having implemented quality assurance measures for decades, the College’s teacher education programs now enjoy the nod of both international and local external agencies. ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance gave its stamp of approval to the BSEd and BEEd programs in 2017. It has since renewed the certifications. Meanwhile, CHED has recognized the programs as Center of Excellence since 2008, while the Professional Regulation Commission has repeatedly recognized UST for being one of the top performing schools in both secondary and elementary licensure exams. The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation likewise gave the coveted Level IV accreditation to BSEd and BEEd.

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On faith and working behind bars
In February 2017, barely a year in her term as a senator, De Lima was imprisoned after being slapped with drug-related charges.

She recalled her experience and the challenges she faced in her prison at Camp Crame, where she mentioned that faith was a piece that nourished her strength for almost seven years. “The nights were long, the silence unbearable. And yet, I held on. I clung to faith. I created routines to keep me busy to fight off depression,” she said.

Nonetheless, public service must go on. “I kept working sa pamamagitan ng papel at ballpen, ipinasa ko ang mga panukalang batas o mga amendments nito,” she said, underscoring that it was in that confinement where she passed the law institutionalizing for peace and also the Magna Carta for the Poor.

According to De Lima, women are no strangers to injustice. “Justice is about being seen, heard, and treated with dignity. As women, we are no strangers to injustice. We are told to keep quiet; we are expected to endure [yet we rise in the most painful circumstances].

She was later vindicated in 2023. After regaining her freedom, she headed to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan to fulfill her promise to Mary once she is released.

Breaking barriers
She lauded the increasing presence of women justices in courts: 56% in trial courts, 77% in Court of Tax Appeals, 45% in the Court of Appeals, and 35% in Sandiganbayan. She called it a sign of progress as women continue to push the boundaries of public service. “These women justices bring not just their legal expertise but their invaluable perspectives, empathy, and understanding,” De Lima said.

“They are shaping a justice system that is more compassionate, inclusive, and fair. They serve as proof that we are making progress not just in law but in breaking barriers across fields,” she said.

De Lima is a public servant, lawyer, professor, human rights activist, and politician. She took the helm of the Commission on Human Rights from 2008 to 2010, then appointed as the 56th Department of Justice secretary. She became a senator from 2016 to 2022.

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The distinguished guest of honor was the Hon. Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, accompanied by key officials from the DOT: USEc. Maria Rica C. Bueno, Undersecretary for Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development; ASec. Judilyn S. Quiachon, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Convergence; ASec. Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Digitalization and Resource Generation and the Regional Director of DOT National Capital Region; ASec. Ronald P. Conopio, Assistant Secretary for Protocol and Engagement; and Atty. Glenn Albert M. Ocampo, Director of the Office of Special Concerns.

The forum emphasized the critical role of women within the tourism sector, celebrating their contributions and achievements. Among the notable female speakers were Ms. Kach Medina Umandap, recognized as the first and youngest Filipina traveler to visit 195 United Nations countries with a Philippine passport; Ms. Kimberly Dionisio, First Officer for Airbus 320 at PAL Express; Ms. Mary Ann Ong, a consultant for Bridges Travel; and Ms. Anna Marie Almazan, Senior Sales Manager at The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Bohol.

Students and academic staff from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management attended this forum, gaining insights into career opportunities, challenges, and advancements pertaining to gender diversity in the tourism industry.

The participation and co-sponsorship of the University aligned with Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Descent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnership with the Goals).

Secretary Frasco and her team received a warm welcome from the ľĹÉ« administrators and officials, including Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, Secretary-General of the Office of the Secretary-General; Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, MA, Director of the Office of Public Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, Dean of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management; Rev. Fr. Dr. Ferdinand L. Bautista, O.P., Regent; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, Assistant Dean; Asst. Prof. Maria Margarita P. Cruz-Ireneo, College Secretary; Asst. Prof. Christine Concepcion C. Fajardo, Chairperson of the Department of Tourism Management; and Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Chairperson of the Department of Hospitality Management.

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Africa will serve from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028. In a Facebook post, Africa stated that he is “excited to contribute to the program’s roadmap, responsive and relevant to the needs of the institutions I will be working with, all the other music institutions, and my beloved alma mater, UST Conservatory of Music.”

UST’s Conservatory of Music, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, is a recognized Center of Excellence by CHED. Under Africa’s leadership, the Conservatory was able to steer through the pandemic while also offering new programs and specializations, such as Music Technology. To date, the Conservatory community accumulates recognitions here and abroad.

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Upon expressed need of the SDO, represented by its Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Elvira B. Catangay, the University’s academic and training programs on teacher education, data science and analytics, information and computing sciences, and music were bared by UST officials as possible focus areas for future trainings. UST officials also shared how service learning programs are embedded in course work and community development initiatives, as well as how guidance and counseling services are delivered.

In her message to the SDO officials, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH expressed the University’s willingness to partner with DepEd SDO-Santa Rosa City. College of Education Dean Pilar I. Romero, PhD also shared how the College and the University have been engaging with public school and diocesan school teachers in terms of capacity-building. UST’s teacher education programs have been certified as Centers of Excellence since 2008 by the Commission on Higher Education and most recently, by the Teacher Education Council.

UST officials who joined the consultative meeting are Assistant to the Rector for Santa Rosa Philipina A. Marcelo, PhD, College of Education Dean Pilar I. Romero, PhD, College of Education Regent fr. Roman Santos, O.P., Conservatory of Music Dean Maria Alexandra I. Chua, PhD, College of Information and Computing Sciences Dean Christopher D. Ladao, MS, Counseling and Career Center Director Janice T. Ocray, MA, RGC, Communications Bureau Director Philippe Jose S. Hernandez, MEng, Simbahayan ľĹÉ« Development Office Assistant Director Christian Rey Rimando, MSPT, UST Santa Rosa Office Executive Assistant Seigfred Prado, PhD, and Data Science and Analytics program coordinator Arturo Patungan, PhD.

Representing the DepEd SDO-Santa Rosa City were Dr. Catangay, Curriculum Chief Luhinia M. Ofren, EdD, Senior Education Program Specialist Jason G. Sagaysay, Education Program Supervisor Maricel S. Saguinsin, Senior Education Program Specialist Jeanne Elaine T. Sangalang, Planning Officer III Adolfo C. Ibayan, and Education Program Specialist II Mouller M. Lumague.

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Within various technical panels are Thomasian academics and researchers, namely:

ACCOUNTANCY

1. Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, PhD

BIOLOGY, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology

1. Prof. Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz, Dr. rer. Nat.
2. Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD
3. Prof. John Donnie A. Ramos, PhD

CHEMISTRY

1. Academician Professor Emeritus Maribel G. Nonato, PhD
2. Assoc. Prof. Oliver B. Villaflores, PhD

FINE ARTS

1. Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo, PhD

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

1. Prof. Marilu R. Madrunio, PhD (Chair)
2. Prof. Camilla D.J. Vizconde, PhD

GRADUATE TEACHER EDUCATION

1. Prof. Camilla D.J. Vizconde, PhD

LITERATURE

1. Prof. John Jack G. Wigley, PhD

MARINE SCIENCE

1. Prof. Mary Beth B. Maningas, PhD

MATHEMATICS

1. Prof. Ma. Carlota B. Decena, PhD

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

1. Prof. Ma. Freida Z. Hapan, PhD

MEDICINE

1. Prof. Ma. Minerva P. Calimag, MD, PhD

MUSIC

1. Assoc. Prof. Dolores T. Andres, PhD

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

1. Asst. Prof. Kathlene Anne V. Hernandez, MHPEd

OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING

1. Assoc. Prof. Ma. Ninia I. Calaca, MA, MAPhl
2. Prof. Belen L. Tangco, PhD

PHARMACY

1. Prof. Aleth Therese L. Dacanay, PhD (Chair)

PHILOSOPHY

1. Prof. Robert A. Montaña, PhD

PHYSICAL THERAPY

1. Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH

PHYSICS

1. Assoc. Prof. Angelita Silverio, MS (ret.)

REAL ESTATE

1. Prof. Eduardo G. Ong, PhD

SOCIOLOGY

1. Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD
2. Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict R. Ignacio, PhD

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

1. Inst. Elinor Bautista
2. Asst. Prof. Judith S. Damian, MS (ret.)

The newly reconstituted technical panels will have a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2025 and ending on December 31, 2028.

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The event featured talk segments from experts and specialists in the field of marketing namely, Mr. Shane “Shawn” Bellare, the Founder and Managing Director of Studio Bellare; and Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, the Department of Tourism’s Director for Product Development and Concurrent Director for Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism Programme; both shared their technical expertise, approach, and realistic knowledge about modern tourism marketing, destination marketing, and strategic tourism destination management.

As the university aims to develop closer partnerships and collaborations with fellow Dominican schools, CTHM, through Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management classes 4TOM4 and 4TOM5 taking up the course Destination Management and Marketing (under Inst. Arnulfo Ricardo A. Butiong, MMC), presented their Integrated Marketing Communication Campaign outputs together with the 3rd Year BA Communication students from Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Abucay, Bataan. Prior to the colloquium, students from both institutions conducted a site visit and a Usage, Attitude, and Image (UAI) survey in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bataan (represented by the Provincial Tourism Office under Ms. Danica Lolita Tigas-Rodriguez) as part of the process in creating a compelling IMC Campaign. This initiative became a platform to other Dominican and non-Dominican Higher Education Institutions to share knowledge and strengthen collaborations among the community.

The collaboration was facilitated by administrators of the two institutions, led by their respective Rectors, Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD (UST Manila) and Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando Jose, O.P. (Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Abucay, Bataan). CTHM administrators led by Dean Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL, Regent Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Bautista, O.P., PhD, Department of Tourism Management Chair Christine C. Fajardo, and Sentro Turismo Coordinator Jame Monren T. Mercado activated the collaboration with Letran-Bataan through its Executive Vice-President and Vice-President for Administrative Affairs, Rev. Fr. Reynor E. Munsayac, O.P., Dean Hazel F. Nisay, and Alumni and Public Relations Department Officer-in-Charge John Ian L. Seeckts.

Furthermore, the class of 3TOM4 taking up the course Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) Management (under Inst. John Jerick C. Santos) with their production name Tanaw Creatives took on the challenge of organizing this event, giving them realistic learning experiences from planning to executing an event.

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The MOA highlighted the implementation of Pagtanaw Echague, Isabela arising from the courses THM52016: Tourism Policy, Planning and Development, TOSM5263: Travel Agency Management and Operations, and THM52019: Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Event Management.

Through their requirements under THM52016, six (6) sections from third-year BS Tourism Management are tasked to develop sustainable tourist site development plans for six (6) sites in Echague, Isabela, namely, Calsa-Multipurpose Cooperative, Echague Public Market, Tercero Street, Echague East Central Elementary School – Gabaldon Building, Eatchague Banchetto, and Echague Rattan Industry in Barangay Affunan. The MOA provided both parties with assigned duties and responsibilities for planning, research fieldwork implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and turnover activities. The logistical requirements were assigned to students from class 3TOM3 under TOSM5263. At the same time, class 3TOM5 under THM52019 was assigned to conduct the Heritage Youth Forum for the Rattan Weaving Industry.

The Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela, was represented by its Mayor, Hon. Francis Faustino “Kiko” A. Dy, and Mr. Louie C. Simbe, the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Officer. For the ľĹÉ«, it was represented by a Member of the CTHM Dean’s Council, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang and Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS, Coordinator of the UST Sentro Turismo.

In the same event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the UST Simbahayan ľĹÉ« Development Office, CTHM, and the municipality was forged to conduct a dance workshop of Echagueño Youth, which CTHM Intenzyc facilitated.

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Central to the discussions was data gathering strategies in Junior and Senior High Schools (JHS and SHS) across Santa Rosa to directly involve learners and their families in making UStaR’s future offerings correspond to their educational aspirations and future plans.

Also present in the meeting were Dr. Seigfred V. Prado, Executive Assistant at UStaR, and Mr. Adolfo C. Ibayan, Planning Officer III of the School Governance and Operations Division.  Catangay and Ibayan expressed their support on the strategic plans of the University for UStaR and welcomed opportunities to collaborate with UST, most importantly, in responding to the urgent demand for quality teachers in the region, recommending that UST consider offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Education.

Beyond academic program planning, DepEd officials shared areas where UST could play a vital role in enhancing teacher training, particularly in Senior High Schools in the City of Santa Rosa. Considering the established strengths of the University as evidenced by the international and local accreditation of its academic programs as well as performance in various educational activities that measure student outcomes, DepEd officials suggested areas for collaboration, which include Values Education, Special Education, Sports Science, Guidance Counseling, Music and Fine Arts, and Technical-Vocational Programs. They also proposed sharing of UST’s best practice in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technology, and community development into teaching methods.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Partnerships

Following discussions of mutually beneficial opportunities in broad strokes, the officials agreed to identify specific opportunities in a follow-up meeting in January 2025 at the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center (UST-TTCIC) with an expanded group of officials from both sides. This meeting will explore immediate collaborative opportunities and lay the groundwork for long-term initiatives that address the City’s educational challenges and determine the wealth of bigger opportunities that can arise from such collaborations. Consistent with the University’s vision regarding its expansion plans, UStaR’s collaboration with DepEd Santa Rosa can help define the University’s role as a key player in the City’s educational landscape.

This engagement highlights UST’s commitment to aligning its future academic offerings with the needs of the Santa Rosa community, fostering meaningful partnerships, and delivering impactful educational programs that benefit both learners and educators with long-term benefits to the City and the CALBARZON Region.

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