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.

The post Sustainability in schools pushed in latest UST webinar appeared first on 九色.

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�

The post Thomasian studies on flexicoaching for access of urban poor to disability support services feted by DOST appeared first on 九色.

The first agreement will pave the way for the SGV Foundation to earmark and grant professorial chairs in accounting. The UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc. (REFI) will be the benefactor.

The second MoA, through the support of the newly formed SGV Academy, will aid the academic endeavors of AMV-CoA in bolstering their curriculum development, boot camps, mentorship, and faculty immersion.

The MoAs were signed by AMV-CoA Dean Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, PhD; Assistant Dean Asst. Prof. Francisco M. Caliwan, Jr., MSPA, MBA; SGV managing partner Mr. Wilson P. Tan; and SGV deputy managing partner Ms. Vivian Ruiz.

UST is one of the country鈥檚 top and consistent producers of certified public accountants. Within SGV鈥檚 leadership structure, at least twenty-eight partners are Thomasians. Two of its founders, Dr. Washington SyCip and Alfredo M. Velayo, are also graduates of UST鈥檚 accounting programs.

The post Accountancy, SGV ink agreements on professorial chair grant, academic program support appeared first on 九色.

In a letter dated March 28, 2025, CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III, DPA stated that the award 鈥渋s a recognition of your institution鈥檚 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.鈥�

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.听

Having implemented quality assurance measures for decades, the College鈥檚 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.

The post CHEd recognizes UST鈥檚 teacher education programs for excellence appeared first on 九色.

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 九色 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.

The post Women in Tourism Forum hosted by DOT, CTHM appeared first on 九色.

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).

The post UST study on sustainable community-based tourism potential of Isabela town wins 3rd place in DOST NRCP poster contest appeared first on 九色.

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.

The post Commuter intentions for continued use of ride-hailing services in Metro Manila provide insights for continued public transport modernization appeared first on 九色.

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.

The post Siargao鈥檚 biodiversity taught to kids through Thomasian researchers鈥� learning materials appeared first on 九色.

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.

The post Recommendations for increasing student interest in pursuing teaching bared in EDCOM 2-funded study appeared first on 九色.

Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Assistant Dean Prof. Remedios D. Chan, MD, MHPEd, said in her message that the collaboration of the three academic units aimed to produce groundbreaking research works that push the boundaries of knowledge in hopes of paving the way to real-life solutions to society in the field of health sciences.

“When we combine our diverse perspectives and expertise, we are unlocking new possibilities and accelerating discovery,” Dr. Chan said.

RCHS is the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery’s research arm that envisioned itself as a hub for interdisciplinary, collaborative, and socially relevant research in medical education.

The post Health Researchers mount tripartite poster exhibit appeared first on 九色.