THE UNIVERSITY will no longer distribute plastic water bottles for this year’s Agape, a Paskuhan event where Thomasians gather on campus to enjoy free food during the Christmas feast.
In guidelines released by the Office of the Property Custodian, UST announced that water stations would be available around the campus starting 3 p.m. on Dec. 13, Agape day.
Students are encouraged to bring their own water containers or tumblers.
“The University Events Committee decided not to allow plastic bottles inside the campus as part of the sustainability efforts of the university,” UST Facilities Management Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. told the Varsitarian.
Agape, a term used from the beginning of Christianity, refers to the highest form of love and charity, symbolizing the reciprocal love between God and humanity. In the UST Paskuhan tradition, Agape is celebrated as a feast for Thomasians.
To accommodate the Agape and the Paskuhan Mass, classes at UST Manila will be suspended from 4 p.m. on Dec. 13.
The Paskuhan Mass, to be held at the Plaza Mayor at 5 p.m., will be presided by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., with UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. delivering the homily.
The Agape will be exclusive to Thomasians and UST alumni. They may claim their food packs by presenting stubs at designated food stations around the campus.
On Dec. 13, Thomasians may enter the campus through Gates 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, and 11. UST has also declared Dec. 13 a carless day.
The gift-giving event dubbed “Ningning 2024” will also be held on the same day. Thomasians are encouraged to bring in-kind gifts or cash donations for the Simbahayan Community Development Office’s program.
A parol-making contest will take place at the Plaza Mayor at 2:30 p.m.
UST Santa Rosa will hold its own Agape and lighting ceremony on Dec. 14. UST General Santos will host its Christmas feast on Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. with reports from Fernando Pierre Marcel B. de la Cruz
