ASH WEDNESDAY became a day of reconciliation between the University and the faculty union after Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. announced that the University would soon grant financial benefits and reduce teaching loads without cutting pay starting next academic year, under a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

In his message during the 15th “Dangal ng UST” faculty awards last March 5, Dagohoy thanked the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) for returning to the negotiating table for a new five-year contract for salaries and other terms and conditions of work, which averted a strike (see banner story).

“Simula sa susunod na taong akademiko, ang Unibersidad ay magbabawas na ng [teaching] load mula sa pinakamataas na ranggo. At pagkatapos ng proseso ng lahat, pinapangako namin sa abot ng aming makakaya na maibigay na ang inyong mga inaantay na benepisyo.”

“Harinawa ang lahat ng ito’y maging simula ng ating muling pagkakaisa at sama-samang paghanda sa mga susunod pang hamon na ating haharapin bilang isang Unibersidad,” he said.

Outstanding professors

Dagohoy led University and union officials in paying tribute to outstanding mentors in teaching, outreach, and research.

Philosophy professor Jove Jim Aguas of the AMV-College of Accountancy received the Gawad Santo Tomas for outstanding teaching performance in the professorial level.

In his acceptance speech, Aguas said committing oneself to his profession led to his recognition and that honing his students’ characters inspired him in teaching.

“[Ang pagtuturo] ay isang pag-aalay ng sarili. Ako ay nagtuturo dahil nakakatulong ako sa paghubog ng pagkatao at karakter ng aking mga estudyante. Ako ay nasisiyahan sa aking ginagawa at nakakamit ko dito ang kaganapan ng aking sarili. Dahil dito, ginagampanan ko ang aking mga tungkulin bilang guro,” he added.

READ
Abolish death penalty

Aguas served as the coach of the Accountancy team that won its second championship title last Feb. 24 in the 37th Pautakan, the annual intercollegiate quiz bee organized by the Varsitarian.

Other awardees included the College of Nursing Rouena Villarama (most outstanding associate professor), the College of Commerce and Business Administration’s Catherine Yao (most outstanding assistant professor), and the College of Education’s Erlyn Geronimo (most outstanding instructor).

Commerce and Business Administration Prof. Amelita Del Rosario and Student Affairs head and Education Prof. Evelyn Songco led the Gawad Benavides awardees for their 40 years of teaching in the University.

College of Science professor Allan Patrick Macabeo (outstanding researcher in science), Faculty of Pharmacy professor Librado Santiago (outstanding researcher in health science), Faculty of Engineering professor Joselito Delos Reyes (outstanding artist in literary arts), and College of Rehabilitation Sciences professor and UST Publishing House Director John Jack Wigley—who won best book for "Falling into the Manhole"—received the Gawad San Alberto Magno for excelling in research, technological innovation, and creative output.

The Gawad San Lorenzo Ruiz, given to faculty members recognized in the national or international level, was awarded to College of Science professors Thomas Edison de la Cruz and Bernard John Tongol, both National Academy of Science and Technology outstanding young scientists; College of Rehabilitation Sciences professor Sally Jane Uy, the Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) most outstanding professional in the field of Occupational Therapy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery professor and PRC most outstanding physician Maria Minerva Calimag; and Faculty of Engineering professor Joselito de los Reyes, Makata ng Taon 2013 of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.

READ
Dirt-filled waterways continue to plague flood-prone areas

The Gawad San Raymundo Peñafort for outstanding librarians was given to Narcelita Lane Olamit, while the Gawad San Martin de Porres for outstanding guidance counselors was given to Via Katrina Portera. Gena Myrtle P. Terre

LEAVE A REPLY

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.