Vatican appoints Dagohoy as Rector of UST

May 24, 12:30 p.m. – ROME has formally approved the appointment of Fr. Herminio Dagohoy,
O.P. as Rector of the Asia’s only Pontifical university.

Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, prefect of the Vatican’s Sacred Congregation
for Catholic Education (for Seminaries and Educational Institutions),
signed the decree of Dagohoy’s appointment last May 14, said Fr.
Gerard Francisco Timoner III, O.P., prior provincial of the Dominican
Province of the Philippines and vice chancellor of the University.

Dagohoy—the internal auditor and director of finance and
administration of UST Hospital—won successive ballots conducted among
UST Dominicans, the Academic Senate, and the University’s Board of
Trustees early last month.

The veteran administrator was the top choice, followed by Faculty of
Sacred Theology Dean Fr. Rodel Aligan, O.P. and Faculty of Philosophy
Dean and former UST rector Fr. Norberto Castillo, O.P. The names of
all three candidates were sent to Rome last April 9 for the usual
vetting process.

Dagohoy, who will serve as the 96th rector of UST, will be formally
installed on June 4 during the Misa de Apertura or the Mass of the
Holy Spirit, which traditionally opens the academic year.

The new Rector had served as prior of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas
in UST and prior of Santo Domingo convent which oversees the National
Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval. He was also the chief
finance officer of UST Hospital and rector of Angelicum College in
Quezon City.

Dagohoy was ordained to the priesthood in 1994. Rafael L. Antonio