THE DEANS of the UST College of Education and the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy were among the 38 faculty retirees honored in a testimonial ceremony held July 17 at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building.
Education Dean Pilar Romero served UST for 44 years, while Accountancy Dean Patricia Empleo taught for 28 years.
UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. presided over the special rite of blessing for the academic retirees, which followed a Mass at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church, led by Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Fr. Pablo Tiong, O.P.
Ang underscored the importance of Thomasian educators, which he said goes beyond the corners of the campus.
“Your legacy will live on in the hearts of every student you inspired. Your influence shines through the work of every professional you have shaped — whether in or out of the classroom, courtroom, laboratories, or the studio,” he said.
He also urged the retirees to treat UST as a place of refuge that they can return to in the future.
“You are our pride, and we are forever blessed to have such wonderful people, individuals, answering the call to be Thomasian educators. And when the time comes that you need to seek the comfort and solace of your beloved University, drop by and see us sometime,” he said.
“Hindi po matutumbasan ito ng kahit na anong pensyon o retirement benefits, ang epekto ninyo sa buhay ng ating mga estudyante at sa lahat ng mga naging katrabaho ninyo,” he added.
In her speech on behalf of the 38 retirees, Romero said that while they end their stint with UST, they continue to carry with them Thomasian values of commitment, compassion, and competence.
“Even when old age blurs our vision, weakens our hearing, and impairs our speech, our hearts will remain pulsating with gratitude for you, UST,” Romero said. “We are, and will always be, grateful and faithful Thomasians.”
Retirees were presented with plaques of appreciation for their dedication and contribution to UST.
Below is the full list of faculty retirees for 2025:
College of Accountancy
- Prof. Patricia Empleo
College of Architecture
- Asst. Prof. Grace Beriňa
- Asst. Prof. Leah Martin
- Maria Lourdes Rigunay
- Assoc. Prof. Willa Solomon
Faculty of Arts and Letters
- Prof. Clarence Batan
- Assoc. Prof. Maria Eloisa De Castro
College of Commerce and Business Administration
- Asst. Prof. Celso Noel Aban
- Assoc. Prof. Cristina Castro-Cabral
Conservatory of Music
- Assoc. Prof. Antonio Africa
Counseling and Career Center
- Senior Counselor Marie Lalaine Recio
College of Education
- Assoc. Prof. Maria Buendia
- Assoc. Prof. Pilar Romero
Faculty of Engineering
- Asst. Prof. Armando Barretto
- Assoc. Prof. Patrick Go
- Prof. Joehanna Ngo
- Asst. Prof. Remigio Rambongga
- Asst. Prof. Rodelio Tiburcio
Junior High School
- Master Teacher Evelyn Gregorio
- Master Teacher Frederick Roy Manubay
- Master Teacher Ma. Victoria Torres
Library
- Senior Librarian Narcelita Lane Olamit
- Senior Librarian Marivic Usita
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
- Prof. Pilar Agnes Andaya
- Assoc. Prof. Maria Victoria Cruz
- Prof. Clarissa M. Mendoza
- Asst. Prof. Renato Montenegro
- Assoc. Prof. Vicente Rosales, Jr.
- Prof. Anne Marie Trinidad
- Prof. Tim Trinidad
College of Nursing
- Assoc. Prof. Rouena Villarama
Faculty of Pharmacy
- Assoc. Prof. Jocelyn Domingo
- Prof. Librado Santiago
College of Science
- Prof. Carlos Garcia
- Asst. Prof. Claudia Mendoza
- Asst. Prof. Enrico Yambao
Senior High School
- Senior Teacher Lorna Billanes
- Junior Teacher Elizabeth Kapulong
