Tag: No. 9

The soon-to-rise Central Laboratory will house the laboratories of the College of Science, College of Rehabilitation Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy, and will be opened next academic year.

“The reason is very simple: the [Main Building] is very old,” Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. told to the Varsitarian in an exclusive interview after ending his stint as Rector.

“[A] laboratory that uses chemicals can actually compromise the integrity of the building.”

Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. topped the election for Rector among Dominicans in UST last April 25, nearly a month after completing a first term marked by big-ticket projects, efforts to boost the University’s international profile, and a fourth papal visit.

Fr. Dagohoy’s election by members of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas began the selection process for the rectorship. His election still has to be confirmed by the Vatican and the Master of the Order of Preachers. But Rome has historically never disagreed with the election results, and UST rectors are traditionally allowed to complete two four-year terms.

Sought for comment, Fr. Dagohoy said he would “think hard pray about it.”

FOR THE past two academic years, UST raised nearly P31 million in donations for scholarships, research grants, professorial chairs and special projects, a financial report showed.

The UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc. (REFI) through the Office for Grants, Endowments and Partnerships in Higher Education (OGEP) provides financial assistance to faculty and students who wish to engage in research projects.

In the financial report, OGEP Director Fr. Rolando de La Rosa, O.P. said donations to the foundation for the fiscal years 2013 to 2015 amounted to P30,971,577.52. Faculty members, support staff and students benefited from the funds, he said.

REFI had assets of P430,822,439. Expenses for the period reached P8,040,450.

CARING for the environment is an obligation, not an optional duty for Catholics.

Nearly a year since the release of “Laudato si’,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on taking care of creation, the Thomasian community was urged to safeguard the “common home” in the “Ambag Kalikasan” retreat-conference last April 5 to 7.

Fr. John Leydon, Philippine co-convenor of the 2014 Global Catholic Climate Movement, said taking care of the environment should be prioritized by every Catholic.

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiworks is essential to a life of virtue, not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience,” Fr. Leydon said.