The new study, entitled “Conservation of Sustainable Ecotourism on the Island of Siquijor through Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods, Training and Development,” was published in The International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social, and Cultural Context. The participants, who were inhabitants of the island, favored sustainable ecotourism but expressed the need for intensive capacity-building in both interpersonal and computer skills. In terms of actual livelihood activities, the participants identified housekeeping, healing massage training, and tour guiding/tour car driving as immediate areas of concern. To help manage the desired influx of tourists, the residents likewise expressed the need for basic first aid training.

Santos is the incumbent Chair of the Department of Economics of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, while Ancheta teaches at the Graduate School. Meanwhile, the Garcias are academic researchers of the Department of Biological Sciences of the College of Science.

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Using the mixed methods tool “Remittance Investment Climate Analysis in Rural Hometowns,” the researchers found that across the six municipalities, there was no common trend “among municipalities that combining a sound investment climate, an ample number of financial institutions, high levels of residents’ financial literacy, and an active program for migrants and their families all ensure remittances-induced hometown investing.” The researchers called for instituting investment climate reforms to help ensure that remittances will fuel local development.

The , published in the Asian and Pacific Migration Journal in 2024, was recognized in the 2025 National Academy of Science and Technology awards with the Outstanding Scientific Paper Award.

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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 “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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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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The research entitled “Sustainable ľĹÉ«-based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela” 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’s 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’s 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 “Inno” 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’s 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’s continued dominance.

In the article “Cultivating Sustainable Urban Mobility: Investigating Commuters’ Reuse Intentions for Transport Network Vehicle Services to Metro Manila,” 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’ perceptions of TNVS, in terms of “economic benefit, perceived usefulness, trust, safety, and security, as well as their assessment of service quality, satisfaction, attitude toward TNVS, and reuse intention.”

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, “cost-effectiveness and safety” 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 “strengthen literacy and promote environmental education for young learners.”

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

Banag-Moran’s 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 “Assessment, Inventory, and Biological Field Survey of Flora and Fauna of the Mangrove Forests in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.” The team worked closely with Del Carmen Mayor Hon. Alfredo Coro, Jr. and his team for the endeavor.

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The study, co-authored by fr. Austriaco with Mary Chelsea E. Diego and Red Lazaro of the Department of Biological Sciences, Angus White of Providence College – USA, and Allan Paola L. Almajose of the Department of Chemical Engineering, adapted a susceptible-infected-recovered model to help vaccinators administer the needed COVID-19 deterrent and arrest the spread of the disease. The model targeted the National Capital Region as the main focus area of widespread vaccine distribution to mitigate viral transmission, which was high in the capital, while the rest of the archipelago can first focus on medical frontliners, senior citizens, and adults with comorbidities.

The study, entitled “,” was published in the Philippine Journal of Science and helped the Philippine government in distributing limited vaccine supply to the sectors who needed it most.

The NRCP Gabay Award is given annually to active NRCP members whose research works have resulted or translated to adopted technologies and policies; or have informed local and national policy-making.

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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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