Stronger ties between UST and the University of the Philippines (UP) are expected following the appointment of a UST High School alumnus as the 20th president of the country’s premiere state university.
In a testimonial dinner given by the University last March 30, UP President Alfredo Pascual said a “firm” partnership between UP and UST would lead to a more informed and ethical youth sector—“the kind of generation that we will be happy and proud to entrust our future to.”
Pascual added he was looking forward to a “stronger, more meaningful cooperation” between UST and UP to achieve the two institutions’ “shared dream” of constructing a “more prosperous and moral Philippines.”
Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Rector of the University, said the celebration was to “honor a distinguished high school alumnus, and to deepen the relation between UST and UP.”
“I hope [the relationship] will develop into a partnership, a sharing of talents and resources for our common pursuit of quality education in our country,” De la Rosa said.
Thomasian influence
Pascual said Thomasian education has influenced his vision for UP and the nation.
“Here in UST High School, I learned a vital lesson that has guided me and held me to my path all of these years,” Pascual said. “This is the lesson of veritas—of truth.”
He said he was glad to know that despite physical changes in UST, nothing could alter the University’s unshakable commitment to truth.
“Commitment to truth must be an integral component of the mission, vision, and rationale that guides all educational institutions across the country if we, as a nation, would have real progress and positive change in the future,” Pascual said.
Pascual also said USTHS had a strong influence in forming his character and guiding his choices in life.
“I think it’s because of the way that my foundation has been built in UST, not only in terms of academics, but also in terms of moral compass that helped me make the right choices after high school,” he said.
Pascual was elected UP president last December 2 after getting 6 of 11 votes from the UP Board of Regents, the highest governing body of the UP System. He took his oath last January 31 at Malacañang, and assumed office last February 10.
He graduated valedictorian in high school. He served as the editor in chief of Veritas, the UST High School yearbook; literary editor of Aquinian, the official student publication of USTHS; chairman of the USTHS Cultural Society, and battalion commander of Preparatory Military Training in 1965.
He then enrolled in UP Diliman and took up BS Chemistry, graduating cum laude in 1969.
Pascual is an international banker and a pioneer in investment banking in the country. He held senior executive positions in the Asian Development Bank, Bancom Development Corp., Philippine Pacific Capital (now RCBC Capital), and First Metro Investment Corp. Charmaine M. Parado
