How can schools promote sustainability using a whole-person and whole-school approach? This question was answered during the April 22, 2025 (Tuesday) webinar organized by the Office of the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs in collaboration with the Center for Innovative Teaching and Educational Delivery.

In the webinar, Inst. Fermin Antonio D.R. Yabut, PhD of the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy presented relevant sustainability frameworks, including Education for Sustainable Development and Greening of Schools. Yabut spoke of the importance of gathering feedback from multiple stakeholders, whose support is crucial to embracing a sustainability mindset. Meanwhile, Aqo Partners Founder Maricar E. Baticulon talked about communicating and reporting sustainability, which is crucial for helping the community and other schools learn about how each school is progressing.

The two lectures were followed by a panel discussion that presented sustainability according to the threefold thrust of universities: teaching, research, and community development. Asst. Prof. Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo, MA of the Institute of Religion spoke about sustainability as practiced in teaching/instruction, while biologist Prof. Cecilia I. Banag-Moran, Dr. rer. nat. of the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences.

The webinar, attended by over two hundred fifty participants from all over the country, was a contribution to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through raising awareness and maximizing avenues to help stakeholders learn, relearn, and unlearn practices on sustainability.

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Published in the Journal of Religion and Health, a Q1 Scopus-indexed journal under Springer Nature, the paper titled delves into the medical potential and moral considerations of gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. These tools offer promising treatment avenues for rare conditions prevalent in the Philippines, such as Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type I, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and Hunter Syndrome.

Authored by Dr. Mary Anne Chiong (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery) and Dr. Allan Basas (Institute of Religion), the study begins with a clear and accessible overview of gene editing, presenting its transformative capabilities in combating these genetic disorders. The researchers used the three aforementioned diseases as case studies to highlight the real-world implications of scientific innovation in a local context.

But the paper goes beyond biology. Rooted in the Catholic doctrine of Imago Dei鈥攖he belief that every human is made in the image of God鈥攖he authors explore the ethical and theological implications of gene editing. They draw a firm distinction between somatic gene editing, which targets individual patients for therapeutic purposes, and germline editing, which alters DNA in a way that can be passed to future generations鈥攔aising complex moral questions.

Utilizing the See-Judge-Act framework, a staple of Catholic social teaching, the study provides a structured ethical evaluation of gene editing in light of Church doctrine on human dignity. It calls for thoughtful application of science that not only heals but honors the sacredness of life. The authors emphasize that while gene editing holds immense medical promise, it also carries a profound ethical duty. Science, they argue, must always remain grounded in faith and directed toward the service of human dignity and the common good.

In a nation where disparities in healthcare are significant and religion plays a central societal role, the study calls for a united effort among government leaders, healthcare professionals, and faith communities. Strengthening the implementation of the Rare Disease Act and ethically guided investments in gene therapy could revolutionize care for the most vulnerable members of society. Ultimately, this paper is more than a scientific exploration鈥攊t鈥檚 a moral call to action. It asks us to consider how we care for those most in need, with compassion, justice, and an unwavering commitment to life.

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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 鈥溇派�-based rehabilitation in the time of pandemic: Experiences of parents of children with disability鈥� (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鈥檚 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 鈥淓xploring the accessibility of community-based telerehabilitation for children with disabilities from low-income households鈥� 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鈥檚 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, Defi帽o, Guerrero, Managuelod, Oliva, and Ri帽oza in 2024. The paper, entitled 鈥淓xamining the caregiver鈥檚 perception of occupational performance and satisfaction in community-based rehabilitation using blended online and onsite therapy,鈥� found primary caregivers鈥� perceived occupation performance and CWDs鈥� satisfaction were positive in a blended modality. The program enhanced 鈥渟ocial and educational participation, validating its potential as a sustainable service delivery model for children with disabilities in urban poor communities.鈥�

Scaling the efforts

The fourth paper, entitled 鈥淓ffectiveness 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, 鈥渢he 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.鈥� 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 鈥渃ontinuous development of community-tailored rehabilitation approaches.鈥�

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鈥� officials, academic staff, researchers, and students. Sagun added: 鈥淭his 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.鈥�

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The discovery of the new species was a result of using 鈥渁n integrative approach of morphological, biogeographic, and molecular biology techniques to describe a tarantula species.鈥� The technique likewise succeeded in resolving 鈥渢axonomic issues on the genera Selenobrachys and Chilocosmia, which were synonymized under the genus Orphnaecus.

With the discovery, the group continues its work on discovering bioactive components that may have therapeutic potential from spider venom. The research program is funded by the Department of Science and Technology and has been named GAGAMBA – Gamot mule sa Gagamba at Mananaliksik ng Bayan.

Authoring the paper were Thomasian researchers Darrell C. Acu帽a, Maria Mikaela U. Dumbrique, Lorenz Rheum P. Ragasa, Charles Nylxon C. Noriega, Assoc. Prof. Myla R. Santiago-Bautista, PhD, Asst. Prof. Leonardo A. Guevarra, Jr., MSc, and Asst. Prof. Maricel C. Ra帽ido, PhD. They were joined by Anna Beatriz R. Mayor, Gregorio Antonio Florendo Jr., and Mary Jane A. Fadri of Romblon State University, and Volker von Wirth of Theraphosid Research Team – Eitting, Germany.

Santiago-Bautista, Guevarra, and Ra帽ido are academic staff of the Department of Biochemistry of the Faculty of Pharmacy. They are academic researchers at the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences.

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Engaging with Edward Hahnenberg鈥檚 insights on lay homiletics, the new work explores an inclusive model of Eucharistic preaching within the Catholic Church to examine the 鈥渆volving ecclesiology since Vatican II, emphasizing a synodal and participatory Church.鈥� Using the experiences of lay Catholic preachers as data, Bola帽os argued that these 鈥渆xemplify the potential for engaging the faithful,鈥� acknowledging diversity of charisms and pastoral adaptability, among others. Bola帽os called for a broader understanding of 鈥淓ucharistic preaching beyond ordained ministry.鈥�

The SHS Principal, who also teaches at the Institute of Preaching of the Philippine Dominican Center for Institutional Studies stated that there is a need for 鈥渞esponsible lay involvement in preaching, recognizing the Spirit鈥檚 call for an inclusive and authentic ministry while upholding the liturgical and sacramental integrity of the Eucharistic celebration.鈥�

The chapter is part of the new book entitled 鈥淟ay Eucharistic Preaching in a Synodal Catholic Church,鈥� edited by fr. Gregory Heille, O.P. of the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The book is a product of a March 2024 gathering of twenty-seven preachers and theologians, who delved into the question of whether 鈥渁 synodal church in mission could make a theological case to commission a more extensive and diverse pool of qualified lay preachers and evangelists to preach the Word of God at the Eucharist.鈥�

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The research entitled 鈥淪ustainable 九色-based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela鈥� assessed the potential of Barangay San Miguel in Echague, Isabela for sustainable community-based tourism in the post-COVID-19 era. It examined the barangay鈥檚 current tourism development, identified challenges and opportunities, and gathered stakeholder perspectives on sustainability in tourism. The study recommends a Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development Plan, integrating community contributions to economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and political priorities. This plan aims to guide future tourism development and ensure sustainability in Barangay San Miguel鈥檚 tourism industry.

The project is part of the first batch of the NRCP Policy-funded Research in 2021. #TeamKomunidad is headed by Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado with its members, Asst. Prof. Dr. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado. The project is in partnership with the House of Representatives Office of Hon. Faustino 鈥淚nno鈥� A. Dy V of the 6th District of Isabela and the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela.

The participation of the project team aligned with the SDGs 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), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), 15 (Life on Land), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

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Will commuters continue to patronize ride-hailing services that can be booked through apps, licensed as part of the country鈥檚 transport network vehicle service (TNVS)? College of Commerce and Business Administration academic researcher Agnes Jocelyn P. Bandojo, PhD investigated this to uncover reuse intentions among Metro Manila commuters who are confronted with a provider鈥檚 continued dominance.

In the article 鈥淐ultivating Sustainable Urban Mobility: Investigating Commuters鈥� Reuse Intentions for Transport Network Vehicle Services to Metro Manila,鈥� Bandojo relied on the Utility Maximizing Theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Activity-Based Approach to conduct the descriptive-correlational quantitative study. The study aimed to assess participants鈥� perceptions of TNVS, in terms of 鈥渆conomic benefit, perceived usefulness, trust, safety, and security, as well as their assessment of service quality, satisfaction, attitude toward TNVS, and reuse intention.鈥�

The 563 respondents indicated that factors such as perceived utility, trust, contentment, and economic rewards are drivers for commuters to reuse TNVS. In increasingly urban environments such as Metro Manila, 鈥渃ost-effectiveness and safety鈥� are very important.

Bandojo provided practical implications arising from the commuter survey, such as variable pricing and economic rewards, collaboration with local authorities for sustainability of the transport system, and continued efforts to maintain service excellence and maintain consumer satisfaction.

Bandojo is an academic researcher of the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education and teaches at the Department of Marketing Management.

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A team led by Biological Sciences Professor Cecilia I. Banag-Moran, Dr. rer. nat. developed digital and print learning materials for children, whose schools now adopt the tools. In an announcement by the NRCP, the funding agency announced that the Department of Education – Schools Division of Siargao approved the use of the materials to 鈥渟trengthen literacy and promote environmental education for young learners.鈥�

The materials include a printed workbook, the Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle mobile game, and twenty-one (21) animated videos focusing on what comprise Siargao鈥檚 famed biodiversity. The materials have a focus on mangrove research areas.

Banag-Moran鈥檚 team is composed of the following academic staff: Inst. Jorge Anton D. Ordas, MSc, Inst. Genea Nichole Cortez (content writer for the workbook), MSc, Asst. Prof. Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, MSc, Academician Mudjekeewis Santos, PhD (Graduate School), and Academician Arvin Diesmos, PhD.

The project was based on a 2019-2020 study entitled 鈥淎ssessment, Inventory, and Biological Field Survey of Flora and Fauna of the Mangrove Forests in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.鈥� The team worked closely with Del Carmen Mayor Hon. Alfredo Coro, Jr. and his team for the endeavor.

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Among Castillo鈥檚 research highlights are drug delivery of natural products and product development. Her work with natural products and pharmacology have been published in journals such as Current Enzyme Inhibition, the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, and Neurotoxicology. Conditions that have been the subject of her studies include Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, osteoarthritis, and myeloid leukemia.

A decorated academic, she has been feted with the 2023 The Outstanding Pharmacist Award in Research by the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. and the 2021 Best Mentor in Health Research Award by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. Recently, she was also named a recipient of the 2025 Faces of PACOP Award (Research Category) by the Philippine Association of College of Pharmacy.

Llamasares-Castillo teaches at the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Graduate School and is an academic researcher at the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences. She has recently partnered with Assoc. Prof. Donald G. Manlapaz, PhD, PTRP to establish the GRACE HUB with support from the TOMASInno Technology Business Incubator of the University.

The NRCP Achievement Award was established in 1979 to recognize 鈥渕embers for their significant contributions to their respective fields.鈥� Among UST鈥檚 NRCP Achievement Awardees are Prof. Mario A. Tan, PhD (Chemical Sciences, 2023), Prof. Jovencio G. Apostol, PhD (Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2017),  Prof. Allan B. de Guzman, PhD (Governmental, Educational, and International Policies, 2006), and Prof. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano, PhD (Engineering and Technology, 2009).

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Presenting the initial findings of her study 鈥淚ntegrating Multiperspectivity in Encouraging Students to Enter the Teaching Profession: Contexts, Challenges, and Causality,鈥� Mirasol looked into the demographic characteristics of those enrolled in the academic track – humanities and social sciences strand of senior high school and in tertiary teacher education programs to determine factors that will predict their intent to consider teaching as a career and whether they feel this is the best career option.

Combining surveys and focus group discussions, the study uncovered low interest to teach among SHS students, who expressed uncertainty about job satisfaction and economic returns. Though they considered teachers to be crucial in society, concerns about salary and workload weighed heavily on SHS students.

In contrast, education students revealed long-held childhood aspirations to teach and find it fulfilling. They agree that teachers receive support and believe that teaching provides long-term career growth.

Mirasol recommended the engagement of the community, as well as mentoring and career guidance in basic education to help promote teaching as a career. School-industry partnerships as well as incentives and support for those pursuing teaching may also be explored. Finally, the promotion of diversity and inclusion is seen as a possible way of increasing the base of future teachers.

Mirasol teaches at the Department of English and is an academic researcher of the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education. The study is funded by the Ateneo de Manila University – EDCOM II partnership and was presented on March 12, 2025.

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