THE UNIVERSITY distanced itself on Monday from the alumni award given to Palace Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson which has been roundly condemned by alumni and students.
In a statement, UST clarified that the conferment of the Thomasian Alumni in Government Service award on Sunday was made by the UST Alumni Association, which is “distinct and separate” from UST.
“It has its own board of trustees and operates independently. The University does not interfere with the affairs of the [alumni association] or any of its alumni organizations,” the statement read.
BREAKING: UST administration's official statement on the award given to Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson for her service in government by the UST Alumni Association yesterday. pic.twitter.com/5mCcPC7IO7
— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) January 22, 2018
UST said the only award given by the University to its alumni is “The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni” or Total Award, which is given to exceptional graduates who undergo a “stringent screening process.”
“[The Total Awards is] given only to alumni in all areas of studies who have instilled excellent core values academically and socially to the public,” the statement said.
Uson received the award from the alumni association on Sunday at the UST grand alumni homecoming, and instantly drew flak and criticism from alumni and students on social media.
READ: ‘Uson does not, in any way, embody the ideals of a real Thomasian’: UST student council
Uson earned a degree in medical technology in 1998 and entered the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1999.
An avid supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, Uson was appointed assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office in May last year.
