THE YEAR 2024 was pivotal for UST, as it was marked by both remarkable achievements and significant controversies.
UST reached a historic milestone in its 413-year history with the opening of its first and largest branch campus, UST General Santos (GenSan). The University also unveiled new edifices at UST Manila and UST Santa Rosa, signaling an ambitious threefold expansion.
However, 2024 was also marred by two major PR crises, arguably the most significant for UST in recent history. The Office for Student Affairs (OSA) faced national scrutiny for its censorship of the student organization TomasinoWeb, while the University’s implementation of the Manila health permit requirement drew backlash from unions and labor groups.
Join us as we revisit the top stories of 2024.
P300-M William Belo Research Institute set to rise in UST Sta. Rosa
Officials break ground for the UST-Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-WiTBIRIn) set to rise at the Santa Rosa Campus on Jan. 26.
The planned edifice, named after its benefactor, Wilcon Depot Inc. founder and chairman emeritus William Belo, is expected to be completed in one to two years. It will be the first of the “trinity buildings” to rise at the Santa Rosa campus, according to UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P.
P300-M William Belo Research Institute set to rise in UST Sta. Rosa
Central Seminary vice rector named Alaminos bishop
UST Central Seminary Vice Rector Fr. Napoleon Sipalay Jr., O.P. becomes the first Filipino Dominican to be appointed bishop in nearly three decades, taking the helm of the Diocese of Alaminos in Pangasinan.
OSA orders student org to take down ‘7-Eleven’ photo, issue public apology
The OSA orders TomasinoWeb to take down its photo of College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) students in their “Type B” uniforms and entering a convenience store inside the University, after it supposedly caused “public ridicule.”
OSA orders student org to take down ‘7-Eleven’ photo, issue public apology
House resolution seeks probe into UST’s ‘student rights violations’
The TomasinoWeb censorship issue blows up, prompting Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel to file House Resolution 1633 seeking an investigation into the “repressive actions” by the UST OSA and its Director Maria Cecilia Tio Cuison and Assistant Director Maria Regina Arriero.
House resolution seeks probe into UST’s ‘student rights violations’
UST student affairs head goes on medical leave
Embattled OSA Director Maria Cecilia Tio Cuison goes on medical leave, the University announces in its first statement addressing the controversies surrounding the office over the past month.
No CSC bets this year as last candidate withdraws
UST Central Student Council candidate for auditor Stephan Aseron, a medical technology freshman, submits his withdrawal to the Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) following the mass withdrawal of the six other candidates.
Candidates make a bold statement by boycotting the exercise to protest what they call a “system resistant to reform.”
Largest UST campus opens in GenSan
Filipino Dominicans inaugurate the largest of the UST campuses in GenSan on April 11, bringing “Thomasian quality of education” to southern Philippines.
UST enters THE Asia University Rankings for 1st time in 11 years
For the first time in 11 years, UST secures a ranking in the 12th edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings, placing third among Philippine schools and landing within the 601+ bracket in the region.
The inspiring journey of a visually impaired UST Commerce graduate
Jerome Santiago remained unfazed in aiming for his college diploma despite a congenital glaucoma delaying and agonizing his educational journey. He was already 27 years old when he marched inside the Quadricentennial Pavilion on June 8 as one of the 532 graduates of the College of Commerce Class of 2024.
The inspiring journey of a visually impaired UST Commerce graduate
Substandard toilets, large crowds: UST unions complain vs Manila health permit
Employee unions representing faculty, support staff, and hospital personnel at UST reach out to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, raising concerns regarding the city mandate requiring all employees to obtain a health certificate.
They attributed the low compliance rate to several factors: the distance to the designated testing facility, the discomfort of collecting urine and stool samples in substandard public toilets, reluctance to mix with large crowds that might include sick individuals, and many teachers being in nearby provinces during the vacation period.
Substandard toilets, large crowds: UST unions complain vs Manila health permit
UST hit by worst flooding in 15 years due to monsoon rains, ‘Carina’
Heavy flooding hits UST and surrounding streets on July 24, as monsoon rains, intensified by super typhoon “Carina,” caused waist-deep waters, reminiscent of the flooding from typhoon “Ondoy” 15 years ago.
UST hit by worst flooding in 15 years due to monsoon rains, ‘Carina’
Umano’y ‘prototype’ na Baybayin sa street signs sa UST, binatikos
Umani ng puna mula sa mga eksperto at akademiko ang maling paggamit ng Baybayin sa pagsalin ng pangalan ng mga kalye sa UST noong ika-29 ng Hulyo.
Umano’y ‘prototype’ na Baybayin sa street signs sa UST, binatikos
Ax set to fall on non-tenured UST profs without health permits
Part-time and probationary faculty members without health permits are prohibited from teaching at UST in Term 1 of Academic Year (AY) 2024-2025.
Axe set to fall on non-tenured UST profs without health permits
Artlets elevates 6 programs to departments in major restructuring
The UST Faculty of Arts and Letters undergoes a significant restructuring, elevating six programs, including in-demand offerings in Behavioral Science, Legal Management, Creative Writing, and Journalism, to department status ahead of the opening of AY 2024-2025.
Artlets elevates 6 programs to departments in major restructuring
Can we weatherproof the school calendar?
The unpredictability and frequency of class suspensions challenge educators to remain adaptable to ensure uninterrupted student learning, bringing the nation’s educational infrastructure into the spotlight.
Protest vs Manila health permit erupts as UST opens classes
Various UST labor unions call on the University administration to oppose the “unfair” implementation of Manila’s “contentious” health permit mandate, staging a protest at the Lacson Gate on Aug. 9, the start of regular classes at the University.
Eminent writer Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo compiles 50 years of short fiction in new book
Renowned writer and UST literature professor Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo launches 50 years’ worth of short fiction stories in a new book titled, “Complete Stories and Tales.”
Eminent writer Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo compiles 50 years of short fiction in new book
Nantes returns to UST
Fr. Edmund Nantes, O.P., formerly the former prior provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines and UST vice chancellor, is named associate vice rector for finance of UST GenSan.
Former top Filipino Dominican named UST GenSan finance chief
UST GenSan welcomes freshmen in Thomasian rite of passage
The inaugural batch of 126 UST GenSan students begins their Thomasian journey on Aug. 29 with the Welcome Walk, entering through the front gates alongside the campus’s first academic and support staff.
How UST GenSan can elevate Catholic education in Mindanao, according to a Marist educator
Despite concerns that a prominent new institution might attract students from established schools in Mindanao, Bro. Manny V. de Leon, F.M.S., president of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, says UST could positively impact Catholic education in the region.
How UST GenSan can elevate Catholic education in Mindanao, according to a Marist educator
Rector stresses research, innovation in six-point ‘Vision 2028’ agenda
UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., begins his second term with a fresh roadmap to boost research output and elevate UST beyond its reputation as Asia’s oldest existing university by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, outlining six priorities for UST under his “Vision 2028.”
Rector stresses research, innovation in six-point ‘Vision 2028’ agenda
Medical simulation, research bldg opens in UST Manila
University officials inaugurate the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, the simulation hub and research center at the Sampaloc campus poised to enhance UST’s capacity in its flagship field of medicine.
‘Aegis 10’ convicted in Atio hazing death, face life imprisonment
Seven years after the killing of UST law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11 rules that 10 Aegis Juris fraternity members are “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” of violating Section 4 (1) of Republic Act 8049, the old Anti-Hazing Law, for hazing that resulted in death.
UST Singers win big in int’l choir festival
The UST Singers emerge as the top choral group at the Grieg International Choir Festival in Norway, besting 31 choirs from 10 countries from Sept. 26 to 29.
Paghinto sa paggamit ng Mother Tongue, naisabatas na
Sa ilalim ng Republic Act (RA) 12027, hindi na kailangang gamitin ang mother tongue o katutubong wika bilang pangunahing wikang panturo mula kindergarten hanggang ikatlong baitang, ayon sa pahayag ng Malacañang.
UST extends flawless streak in nursing board exams to 10 years
UST again achieves a perfect passing rate in the November 2024 licensure exams for nurses (246 of 246), extending its flawless streak to 10 years.
UST extends flawless streak in nursing board exams to 10 years
Building age confronts UST efforts for PWD-friendly campus
Retrofitting buildings in UST to be more accommodating for persons with disability (PWDs) primarily hinges on their age.
Nine of the 21 edifices at the Sampaloc campus were constructed before Batas Pambansa 344 was enacted in 1983. This law, known as “An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices,” imposes specific measurements and materials required for PWD facilities, including ramps, tactile pavings, and staircases.
Steep ramps, inaccessible CRs: Navigating UST campus a challenge for PWDs
Aiming to understand how UST can make its facilities more PWD-friendly, the Varsitarian conducted an informal accessibility audit at eight buildings where foot traffic is high, enlisting the help of select architects and engineers teaching at the University.
Steep ramps, inaccessible CRs: Navigating UST campus a challenge for PWDs
UST ‘shares the light’ with GenSan, Sta. Rosa in Paskuhan
For the first time, UST celebrates its Paskuhan festivities across multiple campuses, with the General Santos (GenSan) and Santa Rosa campuses joining the Thomasian Christmas tradition that started with simultaneous lighting ceremonies on Nov. 29.
UST to ‘share the light’ with GenSan, Sta. Rosa at start of Paskuhan festivities
UST’s grand Paskuhan concert draws 42,000 attendees
Despite the concert being exclusive to Thomasians for the third straight year, attendees increase to 42,655 from 39,638 in 2023, according to the UST Campus Safety and Security Office.
How this Thomasian psychologist helped Filipino Olympians — Hidilyn Diaz included — conquer ‘post-Olympic blues’
The Olympics represent years of preparation, which culminate in either triumph or disappointment. But after the adrenaline and excitement fade, athletes often face a difficult emotional phase.
Asst. Prof. Karen Trinidad, chair of the UST Department of Psychology and a consultant for the Philippine Sports Commission, highlighted the challenges of “post-Olympic blues” as a significant struggle for athletes.
UST is PH’s most ranked school in 2024
UST is recognized for achieving the most placements in CHEd-accredited international ranking bodies, which included the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE), and the World University Rankings (WUR).
