SANTA ROSA, Laguna — University officials on May 8 topped off the Dr. William T. Bello Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-WiTBIRIn) at the UST Manila Annex (UST MAx) in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The four-storey edifice, named after its benefactor, Wilcon Depot Inc. founder and chairman emeritus William Belo, is the second edifice to rise at UST MAx, formerly referred to as “UST Santa Rosa.”
UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said the institute would promote research and collaboration among Thomasians, representing the University’s aggressive expansion push beyond Sampaloc.
“As we glance at this structure, we see the embodiment of our commitment to nurturing the future generations of Thomasian academics, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students,” Ang said in his speech during the ceremony.
“[B]uild bridges among the various faculties, colleges, and institutes in the University with a hope of contributing to Santa Rosa’s growth towards becoming a smart city and of expanding the reach of UST’s guiding mission beyond España and Manila,” he added.
The UST-WiTBIRIn will house research work stations and spaces for collaboration in six interdisciplinary research areas:
- food security and safety;
- health and well-being;
- clean energy;
- environmental sustainability;
- information, communications, and emerging intelligent systems and technologies;
- advanced materials, engineering design, and product innovation.
In his welcome remarks, UST Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Isaias Tiongco described the institute as a reflection of the University’s direction toward research.
“[It] represents the future of research at UST, a future where collaboration across diverse fields addresses present social issues guided by our institutional mission, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the teachings of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter entitled Laudato Si,” Tiongco said.
“This signifies not only the structural completion of the highest point of our new building, but also symbolizes the heights to which our collective endeavors can soar when unified by the combination of excellence, innovation, and service,” he added.
Belo, although unable to attend the event, conveyed his message through Mary Alger, the vice president for investor relations of Wilcon Depot Inc.
“We are one step forward towards the realization of our vision to have a place where students will have a venue that would foster a robust research culture where great ideas are explored and developed,” Alger said on Belo’s behalf.
Designed by JSLA Architects and constructed by Monolith Corporation, the P300-million UST-WiTBIRIn covers 8,311 square meters and will house 25 laboratories spread across four stories.
UST Vice Rector for Finance Fr. Roberto Luanzon, O.P. presided over the topping-off rites.
Other administrators who attended the ceremony included Assistant to the Rector for UST Santa Rosa Philipina Marcelo, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Fr. Jannel Abogado, O.P., and Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel O.P.
Members of the UST Alumni Association Inc. and student leaders from the UST College of Science Student Council, Central Student Council, Commission on Elections, UNICEF, and UNESCO Club were also present at the ceremony.
The WitBIRIn will be the second of the “trinity buildings” planned for the Santa Rosa Campus, following the Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center’s opening in 2023.
