SAFETY inside the University has been an issue here with the death of two Thomasian students last year near the campus. University officials have conducted talks with the University-Belt police and the barangays surrounding the University as a result.
Some of the safety measures planned, like the installation of lampposts around the campus, roving guards and tanods outside UST, and the increase of police visibility in the area have been implemented.
But all the efforts the University has been pushing to ensure the safety of its students, it is sad to think that there are some security guards who just lack the willingness to serve the students.
Last March 5, at around 10 in the evening, my classmates and I were barred by two security guards at the Dapitan gate from passing through the University to go to España where we would meet up with some of my female classmates.
The guards had locked the pedestrian gate, but the motorist’s gate was still wide open and we asked them to let us in. The two security guards did not allow us to enter, arguing that they were starting to close the gates. Instead, they advised us to walk outside the campus to reach España.
The security guards were right in saying that the University was already closing. But would it not be safer if they would let us pass through Dapitan gate, after all, they were only starting to close the gates? Was it too much to ask them to let my female classmates pass through instead of endangering them in going a stretch outside the campus? Or did they care at all?
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Once a Thomasian, always a Thomasian.
I have never been so proud of being a Thomasian until I finally reached the end of my journey as a college student. All the sacrifices and sleepless nights were worth it, as I finally start another chapter of my life carrying the name of the University.
With the 5,000 plus Thomasians who will soon be leaving the portals of this University, graduates should bear in mind that they carry the identity of being Thomasians in whatever they will do in the future. They should continue the legacy of the University in producing competitive and excellent graduates.
I salute the professors of the University for for having molded compassionate, competent, and committed Thomasians, who will leave with the knowledge and values this Pontifical and Royal, Catholic University has cultivated in them.
Thank you for imparting your knowledge to us.
To sections 4CA1, 4JRN2, 3CA3, and 3ECO, thank you for the memories and for reminding me always about our projects and deadlines. It really made my life easier as an irregular student. To my thesis mates, Des, Dianne, and Liszt, congrats to us. And to our thesis adviser Dr. Orsal, we owe you our flat one thesis grade.
Congratulations Batch 2007!
