COLLEGE of Science Regent Fr. Pompeyo de Mesa, O.P. said St. Thomas Aquinas can guide voters in choosing government leaders during the lecture series “St. Thomas on Good Governance” at the UST Medicine Auditorium last month.
“In his writings, St. Thomas also enumerated the ways on achieving peace through the types of governance. He was most favorable with the rule of one, or the monarchy, where one can more efficaciously bring about unity than a group of several,” he said.
Fr. de Mesa also urged students to know St. Thomas Aquinas more.
“Many of us, even the faculty, do not know what kind of a man St. Thomas is. That is why you seldom appreciate him. Some even only know that he is our patron saint and that the University was named after him. If you would just strive to know about him, maybe you can learn from him as well,” Fr. de Mesa added.
Meanwhile, Literature professor Dr. Milagros Tanlayco told students not to take their literature courses for granted during the languages lecture “Science in Literature” last month at the Blas Hall of the Main Building.
“Literature is the discipline of all disciplines because it focuses on human nature—what you deal with in science. You wouldn’t even understand your math without it. What other medium can your professors use to catch your attention if not literature? Everything touches on literature,” said Tanlayco, who was bestowed by the University the title of Professor Emeritus last September.
The two seminars were part of the 77th anniversary celebration of the College of Science themed “Agham at Kapayapaan: Magkasangga.”
Science Dean Fortunato Sevilla III said the college week was a challenge to the speakers and organizers to relate each course with peace.
“Everything should be connected with peace. Come to think of it, our theme is even relevant to the country’s present issues. And I guess this event has proven that our Science week can be approached in so many ways,” he said.
Other activities during the Science week included the BPI Science Awards (see related article), Chem Magic and Physics Magic (quiz bees), interactive exhibits and department lectures.
