THE YEAR 2018 was a tumultuous one for the University, from the arrest of Aegis Juris fratmen over a hazing death, the alumni award for a controversial Malacañang appointee, and milestones such as the groundbreaking of the future General Santos campus.
The Varsitarian recaps the stories that made the rounds on social media in the year that is about to end.
Mocha Uson, assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, is awarded the Thomasian Alumni Award in Government Service by the UST Alumni Association. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
Mocha Uson, assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, is awarded the Thomasian Alumni Award in Government Service by the UST Alumni Association. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
Mocha Uson, assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, is awarded the Thomasian Alumni Award in Government Service by the UST Alumni Association. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
Furor over Mocha Uson’s award
The UST Alumni Association's award for Palace Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson, for her service in government, on Jan. 21 was met with uproar on social media.
In a statement, the UST Central Student Council denounced the association's move, calling Uson, a medical technology alumna of UST, a "purveyor of politically motivated propaganda against known members of the opposition."
The furor caused the resignation of alumni association president Henry Tenedero and alumni relations office head Cherry Tanodra taking an indefinite leave of absence.
The UST Alumni Association's award for Palace Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson, for her service in government, on Jan. 21 was met with uproar on social media.
In a statement, the UST Central Student Council denounced the association's move, calling Uson, a medical technology alumna of UST, a "purveyor of politically motivated propaganda against known members of the opposition."
The furor caused the resignation of alumni association president Henry Tenedero and alumni relations office head Cherry Tanodra taking an indefinite leave of absence.
The UST Alumni Association's award for Palace Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson, for her service in government, on Jan. 21 was met with uproar on social media.
In a statement, the UST Central Student Council denounced the association's move, calling Uson, a medical technology alumna of UST, a "purveyor of politically motivated propaganda against known members of the opposition."
The furor caused the resignation of alumni association president Henry Tenedero and alumni relations office head Cherry Tanodra taking an indefinite leave of absence.
National Artist for Literature and Varsitarian alumnus Bienvenido Lumbera leads the cake-cutting ceremony during the grand alumni homecoming of the Varsitarian on Saturday. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
National Artist for Literature and Varsitarian alumnus Bienvenido Lumbera leads the cake-cutting ceremony during the grand alumni homecoming of the Varsitarian on Saturday. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
National Artist for Literature and Varsitarian alumnus Bienvenido Lumbera leads the cake-cutting ceremony during the grand alumni homecoming of the Varsitarian on Saturday.
(Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
Varsitarian marks 90th year
UST's official student paper, the Varsitarian, marked its 90th year with a grand alumni homecoming on Jan. 20.
National Artists F. Sionil Jose and Bienvenido Lumbera, journalists, media professionals and culture and arts leaders came home to the University to raise a toast to the country's most influential campus paper.
UST's official student paper, the Varsitarian, marked its 90th year with a grand alumni homecoming on Jan. 20.
National Artists F. Sionil Jose and Bienvenido Lumbera, journalists, media professionals and culture and arts leaders came home to the University to raise a toast to the country's most influential campus paper.
UST's official student paper, the Varsitarian, marked its 90th year with a grand alumni homecoming on Jan. 20.
National Artists F. Sionil Jose and Bienvenido Lumbera, journalists, media professionals and culture and arts leaders came home to the University to raise a toast to the country's most influential campus paper.
Aegis Juris fratmen attend the second trial of the hazing death of UST Law freshman Horacio "Atio" Castillo III at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 20. (Photo by Jose Miguel J. Sunglao/The Varsitarian)
Aegis Juris fratmen attend the second trial of the hazing death of UST Law freshman Horacio "Atio" Castillo III at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 20. (Photo by Jose Miguel J. Sunglao/The Varsitarian)
Aegis Juris fratmen attend the second trial of the hazing death of UST Law freshman Horacio "Atio" Castillo III at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 20. (Photo by Jose Miguel J. Sunglao/The Varsitarian)
Aegis Juris' expulsion, arrest
The Aegis Juris fratmen tagged in the hazing death of UST law freshman Horacio "Atio" Castillo III were kicked out from the University on Feb. 18 after a fact-finding committee found them guilty of violating the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline.
The fratmen voluntarily turned themselves in to the National Bureau of Investigation on March 23, a day after the Manila Regional Trial Court ordered their arrest.
On Aug. 14, the trial on Atio's hazing death began but the court has yet to render a verdict on the case
The UST Office for Student Affairs has also suspended the recognition and operation of fraternities and sorrorities in the University following Atio's death.
The Aegis Juris fratmen tagged in the hazing death of UST law freshman Horacio "Atio" Castillo III were kicked out from the University on Feb. 18 after a fact-finding committee found them guilty of violating the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline.
The fratmen voluntarily turned themselves in to the National Bureau of Investigation on March 23, a day after the Manila Regional Trial Court ordered their arrest.
On Aug. 14, the trial on Atio's hazing death began but the court has yet to render a verdict on the case
The UST Office for Student Affairs has also suspended the recognition and operation of fraternities and sorrorities in the University following Atio's death.
The Aegis Juris fratmen tagged in the hazing death of UST law freshman Horacio "Atio" Castillo III were kicked out from the University on Feb. 18 after a fact-finding committee found them guilty of violating the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline.
The fratmen voluntarily turned themselves in to the National Bureau of Investigation on March 23, a day after the Manila Regional Trial Court ordered their arrest.
On Aug. 14, the trial on Atio's hazing death began but the court has yet to render a verdict on the case
The UST Office for Student Affairs has also suspended the recognition and operation of fraternities and sorrorities in the University following Atio's death.
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. along with other University officials officiate the groundbreaking ceremony of thenew UST campus in General Santos City. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. along with other University officials officiate the groundbreaking ceremony of thenew UST campus in General Santos City. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. along with other University officials officiate the groundbreaking ceremony of thenew UST campus in General Santos City. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
UST GenSan begins construction
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. led the groundbreaking rites of UST’s satellite campus in General Santos City in Mindanao last April 20.
The University moved forward with its expansion in 2017, integrating with Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi, now UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, respectively.
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. led the groundbreaking rites of UST’s satellite campus in General Santos City in Mindanao last April 20.
The University moved forward with its expansion in 2017, integrating with Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi, now UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, respectively.
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. led the groundbreaking rites of UST’s satellite campus in General Santos City in Mindanao last April 20.
The University moved forward with its expansion in 2017, integrating with Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi, now UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, respectively.
Clergy killings
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. led the groundbreaking rites of UST’s satellite campus in General Santos City in Mindanao last April 20.
The University moved forward with its expansion in 2017, integrating with Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi, now UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, respectively.
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. led the groundbreaking rites of UST’s satellite campus in General Santos City in Mindanao last April 20.
The University moved forward with its expansion in 2017, integrating with Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi, now UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, respectively.
2018 saw the killing of clergymen Fr. Mark Ventura and Richmond Nilo, who were both slain while carrying out their duties.
Nilo, the parish priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, was shot on June 10 before celebrating Mass at the Nuestra Señora de la Nieve Chapel in Brgy. Mayamot in Zaragoza.
Ventura, who finished his philosophical studies in UST in 2006, was killed last April 29 by armed men riding a motorcycle, just after celebrating Mass in Gattaran, Cagayan.
UST officials, student leaders hit Duterte for ‘stupid’ God remark
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. led the groundbreaking rites of UST’s satellite campus in General Santos City in Mindanao last April 20.
The University moved forward with its expansion in 2017, integrating with Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi, now UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, respectively.
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. led the groundbreaking rites of UST’s satellite campus in General Santos City in Mindanao last April 20.
The University moved forward with its expansion in 2017, integrating with Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi, now UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, respectively.
University officials and student leaders slammed President Duterte for calling God “stupid,” saying it was uncalled for and unbecoming of the highest official in the land.
Fr. Napoleon Sipalay Jr., O.P., prior provincial of the Dominican Province in the Philippines and UST vice chancellor, said Duterte must learn to “respect the sensitivity of people’s faith.”
Duterte had earned widespread condemnation from religious leaders and lawmakers for his remark on June 22 that God was “stupid” for allowing Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, which caused their banishment from the Garden of Eden.
UST kicks out student following complaints of abuse
(Letter from abuse victim’s mother sent to the College of Science in April, prior to disciplinary proceedings against biology student Kyle Viray. )
(Letter from abuse victim’s mother sent to the College of Science in April, prior to disciplinary proceedings against biology student Kyle Viray. )
(Letter from abuse victim’s mother sent to the College of Science in April, prior to disciplinary proceedings against biology student Kyle Viray. )
College of Science student Kyle Viray has been kicked out of the University last August following complaints of physical abuse from fellow Thomasians.
Viray was found guilty anew of violating UST’s Code of Conduct and Discipline, and was “excluded” from the roll of students and “disqualified” from enrolling in any program offered by the University.
He was first found guilty of violating the code last May, and was given 250 hours of community service. He was also barred from joining the college’s solemn investiture rites.
College of Science student Kyle Viray has been kicked out of the University last August following complaints of physical abuse from fellow Thomasians.
Viray was found guilty anew of violating UST’s Code of Conduct and Discipline, and was “excluded” from the roll of students and “disqualified” from enrolling in any program offered by the University.
He was first found guilty of violating the code last May, and was given 250 hours of community service. He was also barred from joining the college’s solemn investiture rites.
College of Science student Kyle Viray has been kicked out of the University last August following complaints of physical abuse from fellow Thomasians.
Viray was found guilty anew of violating UST’s Code of Conduct and Discipline, and was “excluded” from the roll of students and “disqualified” from enrolling in any program offered by the University.
He was first found guilty of violating the code last May, and was given 250 hours of community service. He was also barred from joining the college’s solemn investiture rites.
The pioneering batch of Creative Writing Students during the annual Thomasian Welcome Walk.
(Photo courtesy of UST Literary Society's official Facebook page.)
The pioneering batch of Creative Writing Students during the annual Thomasian Welcome Walk.
(Photo courtesy of UST Literary Society's official Facebook page.)
The pioneering batch of Creative Writing Students during the annual Thomasian Welcome Walk.
(Photo courtesy of UST Literary Society's official Facebook page.)
Creative writing program launched
The Faculty of Arts and Letters opened a fresh undergraduate program in creative writing (AB-CW), which held writing workshops as part of its curriculum.
According to the program description, the program was “designed to nurture and guide aspiring student writers in the four major genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama.”
The Faculty of Arts and Letters opened a fresh undergraduate program in creative writing (AB-CW), which held writing workshops as part of its curriculum.
According to the program description, the program was “designed to nurture and guide aspiring student writers in the four major genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama.”
The Faculty of Arts and Letters opened a fresh undergraduate program in creative writing (AB-CW), which held writing workshops as part of its curriculum.
According to the program description, the program was “designed to nurture and guide aspiring student writers in the four major genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama.”
Pinasinayaan ang pormal na paglagda ng Memorandum of Understanding sa pagtatag ng Sentro sa Salin sa pagitan ng Unibersidad at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
(Kuha ni Enrico Miguel S. Silverio/The Varsitarian)
Pinasinayaan ang pormal na paglagda ng Memorandum of Understanding sa pagtatag ng Sentro sa Salin sa pagitan ng Unibersidad at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
(Kuha ni Enrico Miguel S. Silverio/The Varsitarian)
Pinasinayaan ang pormal na paglagda ng Memorandum of Understanding sa pagtatag ng Sentro sa Salin sa pagitan ng Unibersidad at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
(Kuha ni Enrico Miguel S. Silverio/The Varsitarian)
Sentro ng Salin, inilunsad
Pormal nang inilunsad ang Sentro sa Salin sa Unibersidad noong ika-2 ng sa pagitan ng UST at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
Pumirma sa kasunduan sina Virgilio Almario, tagapangulo ng KWF at Prop. Allan de Guzman, sa gusaling Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P.
Pormal nang inilunsad ang Sentro sa Salin sa Unibersidad noong ika-2 ng sa pagitan ng UST at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
Pumirma sa kasunduan sina Virgilio Almario, tagapangulo ng KWF at Prop. Allan de Guzman, sa gusaling Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P.
Pormal nang inilunsad ang Sentro sa Salin sa Unibersidad noong ika-2 ng sa pagitan ng UST at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
Pumirma sa kasunduan sina Virgilio Almario, tagapangulo ng KWF at Prop. Allan de Guzman, sa gusaling Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P.
Thomasians hit AFP's ‘red-tagging’
Thomasians denounced on Oct. 3 the inclusion of UST in the list of schools deemed as recruitment grounds of communists in a plot to oust President Duterte.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines revealed that 18 schools in Manila were allegedly tapped by the Communist Party of the Philippines to join the alleged “Red October” plot against the Duterte administration.
Thomasians denounced on Oct. 3 the inclusion of UST in the list of schools deemed as recruitment grounds of communists in a plot to oust President Duterte.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines revealed that 18 schools in Manila were allegedly tapped by the Communist Party of the Philippines to join the alleged “Red October” plot against the Duterte administration.
Thomasians denounced on Oct. 3 the inclusion of UST in the list of schools deemed as recruitment grounds of communists in a plot to oust President Duterte.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines revealed that 18 schools in Manila were allegedly tapped by the Communist Party of the Philippines to join the alleged “Red October” plot against the Duterte administration.
Padre Pio de Pietrelcina's heart relic arrive at the University. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
Padre Pio de Pietrelcina's heart relic arrive at the University. (Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
Padre Pio de Pietrelcina's heart relic arrive at the University on Oct. 8.
(Photo by Michael Angelo M. Reyes/The Varsitarian)
Thousands flock to UST for Padre Pio relic
An estimated 100,000 devotees of Padre Pio de Pietrelcina flocked to UST on Oct. 8 for the arrival of the saint’s heart relic at the University.
An estimated 100,000 devotees of Padre Pio de Pietrelcina flocked to UST on Oct. 8 for the arrival of the saint’s heart relic at the University.
An estimated 100,000 devotees of Padre Pio de Pietrelcina flocked to UST on Oct. 8 for the arrival of the saint’s heart relic at the University.
Thomasian architect Francisco Mañosa is National Artist for architecture.
(Photo by Hazel Grace S. Posadas/The Varsitarian)
Thomasian architect Francisco Mañosa is National Artist for architecture.
(Photo by Hazel Grace S. Posadas/The Varsitarian)
Thomasian architect Francisco Mañosa is National Artist for architecture.
(Photo by Hazel Grace S. Posadas/The Varsitarian)
Thomasian architect is National Artist
Thomasian architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa was named National Artist for Architecture along with six other artists, in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on Oct. 24.
Thomasian architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa was named National Artist for Architecture along with six other artists, in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on Oct. 24.
Thomasian architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa was named National Artist for Architecture along with six other artists, in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on Oct. 24.
A UST maintenance worker preapres the Open Field for the Baccalaureate Mass last May 24.
(Photo by Deejae S. Dumlao/TheVarsitarian)
A UST maintenance worker preapres the Open Field for the Baccalaureate Mass last May 24.
(Photo by Deejae S. Dumlao/TheVarsitarian)
A UST maintenance worker preapres the Open Field for the Baccalaureate Mass last May 24.
(Photo by Deejae S. Dumlao/TheVarsitarian)
UST eyes regularization, wage hike of non-teaching staff
The non-teaching staff hired by UST on a contractual basis will soon be regularized and given pay hikes from the freshmen tuition increase, Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.
Dagohoy earlier said the University plans to regularize workers hired on a contractual basis through manpower agencies, to comply with the Department of Labor and Employment’s order restricting contractual employment schemes.
The non-teaching staff hired by UST on a contractual basis will soon be regularized and given pay hikes from the freshmen tuition increase, Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.
Dagohoy earlier said the University plans to regularize workers hired on a contractual basis through manpower agencies, to comply with the Department of Labor and Employment’s order restricting contractual employment schemes.
The non-teaching staff hired by UST on a contractual basis will soon be regularized and given pay hikes from the freshmen tuition increase, Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.
Dagohoy earlier said the University plans to regularize workers hired on a contractual basis through manpower agencies, to comply with the Department of Labor and Employment’s order restricting contractual employment schemes.
Faculty union squabble
The 1,900-strong UST Faculty Union (USTFU) elected a new set of negotiators for the 2016 to 2021 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks last May 28.
Lawyer Jose Ngo Jr., Edilberto Gonzaga, Rebecca Adri, Michelle Desierto and Emerito Gonzales were elected as USTFU-CBA panel members. The negotiators, however, questioned the inclusion of USTFU President George Lim as head of the panel as he was not elected by the union members.
Lim inhibited himself from the CBA talks in August.
The 1,900-strong UST Faculty Union (USTFU) elected a new set of negotiators for the 2016 to 2021 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks last May 28.
Lawyer Jose Ngo Jr., Edilberto Gonzaga, Rebecca Adri, Michelle Desierto and Emerito Gonzales were elected as USTFU-CBA panel members. The negotiators, however, questioned the inclusion of USTFU President George Lim as head of the panel as he was not elected by the union members.
Lim inhibited himself from the CBA talks in August.
The 1,900-strong UST Faculty Union (USTFU) elected a new set of negotiators for the 2016 to 2021 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks last May 28.
Lawyer Jose Ngo Jr., Edilberto Gonzaga, Rebecca Adri, Michelle Desierto and Emerito Gonzales were elected as USTFU-CBA panel members. The negotiators, however, questioned the inclusion of USTFU President George Lim as head of the panel as he was not elected by the union members.
Lim inhibited himself from the CBA talks in August.
A woman joins a protest last Nov. 26 against the removal of Filipino and Panitikan subjects in college. (Jose Miguel S. Sunglao/The Varsitarian)
A woman joins a protest last Nov. 26 against the removal of Filipino and Panitikan subjects in college. (Jose Miguel S. Sunglao/The Varsitarian)
A woman joins a protest last Nov. 26 against the removal of Filipino and Panitikan subjects in college. (Jose Miguel S. Sunglao/The Varsitarian)
SC rules in favor of K-12, removal of Filipino and Lit subjects in college
The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the K to 12 basic education program and the Commission on Higher Education's (CHEd) decision to remove Filipino and Panitikan as core subjects in college.
The head of the UST's Filipino Department urged the UST administration to continue offering Filipino subjects under the new curriculum despite the ruling.
The SC ruling affirmed CHEd's order to remove 15 units of Filipino subjects, or 9 units of Language and 6 units of Panitikan, from the core subjects of the tertiary level.
The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the K to 12 basic education program and the Commission on Higher Education's (CHEd) decision to remove Filipino and Panitikan as core subjects in college.
The head of the UST's Filipino Department urged the UST administration to continue offering Filipino subjects under the new curriculum despite the ruling.
The SC ruling affirmed CHEd's order to remove 15 units of Filipino subjects, or 9 units of Language and 6 units of Panitikan, from the core subjects of the tertiary level.
The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the K to 12 basic education program and the Commission on Higher Education's (CHEd) decision to remove Filipino and Panitikan as core subjects in college.
The head of the UST's Filipino Department urged the UST administration to continue offering Filipino subjects under the new curriculum despite the ruling.
The SC ruling affirmed CHEd's order to remove 15 units of Filipino subjects, or 9 units of Language and 6 units of Panitikan, from the core subjects of the tertiary level.
Furor over Mocha Uson’s award
THE UST Alumni Association’s award for Palace Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson, for her service in government, on Jan. 21 was met with uproar on social media.
In a statement, the UST Central Student Council denounced the association’s move, calling Uson, a medical technology alumna of UST, a “purveyor of politically motivated propaganda against known members of the opposition.”
The furor caused the resignation of alumni association president Henry Tenedero and alumni relations office head Cherry Tanodra taking an indefinite leave of absence.
Uson returned the award on Jan. 24 to the alumni association through her assistant.
READ: Thomasians protest award for Mocha Uson
Varsitarian marks 90thyear
UST’s official student paper, the Varsitarian, marked its 90th year with a grand alumni homecoming on Jan. 20.
National Artists F. Sionil Jose and Bienvenido Lumbera, journalists, media professionals and culture and arts leaders came home to the University to raise a toast to the country’s most influential campus paper.
READ: National artists, vip, alumni toast Varsitarian’s 90th year
Aegis Juris members’ expulsion, arrest
Aegis Juris fratmen tagged in the hazing death of UST law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III were kicked out of the University on Feb. 18 after a fact-finding committee found them guilty of violating the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline.
The fratmen voluntarily turned themselves in to the National Bureau of Investigation on March 23, a day after the Manila Regional Trial Court ordered their arrest.
On Aug. 14, the trial of Atio’s hazing death began.
The UST Office for Student Affairs suspended the recognition and operations of all fraternities and sorrorities in the University following Atio’s death.
READ: Aegis Juris fratmen indicted in Atio hazing death; Divina cleared of charges
UST GenSan begins construction
Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. led the groundbreaking rites of UST’s satellite campus in General Santos City in Mindanao last April 20.
The University moved forward with its expansion in 2017, integrating with Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi, now UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, respectively.
READ: UST Rector leads groundbreaking of new GenSan campus
Clergy killings
2018 saw the killing of clergymen Fr. Mark Ventura and Fr. Richmond Nilo, who were both slain while carrying out their duties.
Nilo, the parish priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, was shot on June 10 before celebrating Mass at the Nuestra Señora de la Nieve Chapel in Brgy. Mayamot in Zaragoza.
Ventura, who finished his philosophical studies in UST in 2006, was killed last April 29 by armed men riding a motorcycle, just after celebrating Mass in Gattaran, Cagayan.
READ: THE CLERGY KILLING FIELDS: They shoot priests, don’t they?
University officials, student leaders hit Duterte for ‘stupid’ God remark
University officials and student leaders slammed President Duterte for calling God “stupid,” saying it was uncalled for and unbecoming of the highest official in the land.
Fr. Napoleon Sipalay Jr., O.P., prior provincial of the Dominican Province in the Philippines and UST vice chancellor, said Duterte must learn to “respect the sensitivity of people’s faith.”
Duterte earned widespread condemnation from religious leaders and lawmakers for his remark on June 22 that God was “stupid” for allowing Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, which caused their banishment from the Garden of Eden.
READ: UST officials, student leaders hit Duterte for calling God ‘stupid’
UST kicks out student following complaints of abuse
College of Science student Kyle Viray was kicked out of the University last August following complaints of physical abuse from fellow Thomasians.
Viray was found guilty of violating UST’s Code of Conduct and Discipline, and was “excluded” from the roll of students and “disqualified” from enrolling in any program offered by the University.
He was first found guilty of violating the code in May, and was given 250 hours of community service. He was also barred from joining the college’s solemn investiture rites.
READ: UST kicks out student after new complaint of abuse
Creative writing program launched
The Faculty of Arts and Letters opened a fresh undergraduate program in creative writing in August 2018.
According to the program description, it was “designed to nurture and guide aspiring student writers in the four major genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama.”
READ: UST to introduce 3 new programs, reduced years of study next academic year
Sentro ng Salin, inilunsad
Pormal na inilunsad ang Sentro sa Salin sa Unibersidad noong ika-2 ng Agosto, sa pagpirma ng isang kasunduan sa pagitan ng UST at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
Lumagda sa kasunduan sina Virgilio Almario, tagapangulo ng KWF at Prop. Allan de Guzman, sa gusaling Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P.
READ: Kasunduan sa pagtatag ng Sentro sa Salin, nilagdaan
Thomasians hit AFP’s ‘red-tagging’
Thomasians denounced on Oct. 3 the inclusion of UST in the list of schools deemed recruitment grounds of communists in a plot to oust President Duterte.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed that 18 schools in Manila have been tapped by the Communist Party of the Philippines to join the alleged “Red October” plot against the Duterte administration.
READ: UST condemns AFP’s ‘red-tagging’
Thousands flock to UST for Padre Pio relic
An estimated 100,000 devotees of Padre Pio de Pietrelcina flocked to UST on Oct. 8 for the arrival of the saint’s heart relic at the University.
READ: End social stigma, emulate St. Padre Pio’s faithful heart — bishop
Thomasian architect is National Artist
Thomasian architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa was named National Artist for Architecture along with six other artists, in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on Oct. 24.
READ: Thomasian architect Francisco Mañosa is National Artist for architecture
UST eyes regularization, wage hike of non-teaching staff
The non-teaching staff hired by UST on a contractual basis will soon be regularized and given pay hikes from the freshmen tuition increase, Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.
Dagohoy earlier said the University plans to regularize workers hired on a contractual basis through manpower agencies, to comply with the Department of Labor and Employment’s order restricting contractual employment schemes.
READ: Wage hike, regularization soon for non-teaching staff — Rector
Faculty union squabble
The 1,900-strong UST Faculty Union (USTFU) elected a new set of negotiators for the 2016 to 2021 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks last May 28.
Lawyer Jose Ngo Jr., Edilberto Gonzaga, Rebecca Adri, Michelle Desierto and Emerito Gonzales were elected as USTFU-CBA panel members. The negotiators, however, questioned the inclusion of USTFU President George Lim as head of the panel as he was not elected by the union members.
Lim inhibited himself from the CBA talks in August.
READ: Faculty members elect CBA negotiators; inclusion of union president questioned
SC rules in favor of K-12, removal of Filipino and Lit subjects in college
The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the K to 12 basic education program and the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHEd) decision to remove Filipino and Panitikan as core subjects in college.
The head of the UST’s Filipino Department urged the UST administration to continue offering Filipino subjects under the new curriculum despite the ruling.
The SC ruling affirmed CHEd’s order to remove 15 units of Filipino subjects, or 9 units of Language and 6 units of Panitikan, from the core subjects of the tertiary level.
READ: UST urged to keep Filipino subjects after SC ruling on K to 12
