THE UNIVERSITY is optimistic that the onboarding activities for freshmen and opening of classes for Academic Year 2024 to 2025 will proceed as planned despite the interruptions to work and enrollment caused by the recent flooding due to typhoon “Carina” and monsoon rains, a top administrator said.
UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. told the Varsitarian that assessments and preparations were underway to ensure that the onboarding activities and start of classes would proceed as scheduled.
“The University hopes to proceed with the opening of Academic Year 2024-2025 as scheduled,” Coronel told the Varsitarian via email.
“We must remain vigilant and be prepared to adapt to any unforeseen changes, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all members of the Thomasian community,” he added.
The opening of classes in at least 738 public schools, initially slated for July 29, has been deferred due to the typhoon-intensified southwest monsoon rains, according to the Department of Education.
Onboarding activities at the Manila and General Santos campuses are slated to begin on Aug. 1 with the UST cloud campus orientation. More orientation and onboarding activities are scheduled from Aug. 2 to 6.
Coronel said UST would release announcements regarding the onboarding activities, namely the Thomasian Welcome Mass, ROARientation, Thomasian Welcome Walk, and the Thomasian Welcome Concert, next week.
Classes are scheduled to begin on Aug. 9.
Onsite work and classes at UST have been suspended since July 23 because of the heavy flooding caused by the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon rains.
No major damage to UST buildings was reported, but some experienced rainwater leaks in the ceilings and floodwater intrusion on the ground floors and elevators, according to the Facilities Management Office.
“The University is continuously assessing the situation to implement the necessary preparations and safety measures to welcome students and University staff back to campus,” Coronel said.
Although typhoon “Carina” had exited the Philippine area of responsibility as of Thursday morning, it was still expected to intensify the southwest monsoon and bring moderate to intense rainfall in Luzon until Saturday, July 27. Sydney Venice V. Berba with reports from Mabel Anne B. Cardinez
