Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines and UST Vice Chancellor Very Rev. Fr. Napoleon B. Sipalay, Jr., O.P., presides over the Eucharistic Celebration, which was solely live streamed for the first time through the official Facebook page of UST on August 12, 2020 upon the efforts of the UST Communications Bureau.

INSIDE: UST opens A.Y. 2020 - 2021: UST launches Minecraft campus tour for freshmen, conducts ROARientation online 3 Dominican Provincial urges On first episode of ‘In Depth’: Master of the Order reflects on Thomasians to keep synergy, St. Dominic, Order’s mission, history 5

bring hope On St. Dominic’s feast day: Vice Rector urges Thomasians he University of Santo Tomas (UST) officially opened the new to ‘continue St. Dominic’s legacy’ 6 academic year with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit being celebrated online. Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of UST researchers find SARS-CoV2 Tthe Philippines and UST Vice Chancellor Very Rev. Fr. Napoleon B. enzyme-inhibiting compounds Sipalay, Jr., O.P., presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, which was through molecular dynamic simulations 11 solely live streamed for the first time through the official Facebook page of UST on August 12, 2020. UST-engineered telepresence robot ‘LISA’ UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Vice Rector Rev. improves frontliner protection with new Fr. Isaias D. Tiongco, O.P., and Dominican Fathers concelebrated the disinfection function 12 Mass, complying with physical distancing protocols. The Thomasian community — including the usual attendees of the Mass such as Science webinar tackles air quality, human- induced issues in Metro Manila 15 UST OPENS A.Y. 2020 TO PAGE 2 and more ... News News

UST launches Minecraft campus tour for freshmen, conducts ROARientation online UST OPENS A.Y. 2020 FROM PAGE 1

he ongoing pandemic has caused beginning of each academic year to signify online program live streamed through the many schools to get even more the beginning of their Thomasian life. UST Cloud Campus was held from August creative, and the University of The freshmen explored the 24 to August 28, 2020. TSanto Tomas remains ready to adapt 21.5-hectare UST-Manila campus and The 97th Rector of UST Very Rev. Fr. its traditions online. The 409-year old saw its iconic structures, which were re- Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., started the University showcased its premises to its constructed in detail through Minecraft by program with an online Welcome Mass and freshmen online through a virtual tour of around 80 UST students. Welcome Rites. the Manila campus, reconstructed in their The two-hour virtual campus tour “To the freshmen, the new members own Minecraft server, on August 28, 2020. located in the UST Minecraft server was of the Thomasian family and community, The UST Minecraft Launch and Tour began held on August 29, August 30, September the road ahead may be a bit rough, and synchronous streaming at on the UST 5, and September 6, with each academic the current situation might take some Tiger TV Facebook page, with builders and unit having its own schedule. time getting used to, but it also presents representatives of the different faculties, numerous opportunities to discover and colleges, and institutes introducing the ROARientation Program successfully navigate new and exciting virtual UST campus to the community. With its ROARientation program learning experiences,” said Very Rev. Fr. This took the place of the traditional now solely online, the University of Santo Ang. Thomasian Welcome Walk, where — Tomas (UST) continued to bridge the since 2002 — thousands of freshmen distance among its freshmen at home and symbolically enter the University through invited them to connect with the greater UST LAUNCHES MINECRAFT the historic Arch of the Centuries at the Thomasian community. The week-long CAMPUS TOUR TO PAGE 4 UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. (standing center), and UST Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Isaias D. Tiongco, O.P., concelebrate the Mass, complying with physical distancing and mask wearing protocols. The online Eucharistic celebration was announced through a poster uploaded on the official website and Facebook page of UST (right photo).

administrative and academic officials, faculty members, support and faculty councils, University-wide and department-wide staff and student leaders — joined the stream from their homes. officials, faculty members and non-academic staff, especially our In his homily, Fr. Sipalay likened the experience of quarantine students,” said Fr. Sipalay. to the state of the Apostles prior to the appearance of the Risen “I know this is not an easy journey,” Fr. Sipalay acknowledged, Christ, saying “We were in locked doors, we experienced fears, adding that “What we need is to encourage and give words anxieties, and we were waiting for the unfolding of the new of hope to everyone: We can do this together… We join the normal. But just like the His disciples, we discovered that with the community of UST to bring hope to all involved in the education Risen Christ, with interdependence with one another, and with of our students. May this synergy of working for the realization of the coming of the Spirit as promised by Christ, we found new the plan of God, in this academic setting, bring hope during this courage to navigate the new challenges we are facing.” pandemic.” “It is in working together that we are able to craft the way At the end of the Mass, the Vice Chancellor declared the to move forward in this present academic year. We thank our Academic Year 2020 to 2021 officially open. administrators who took the lead to navigate us to the new Due to the declaration of the modified enhanced community normal… As we enter the new academic year, we ask the guidance quarantine in Manila, the Installation of the Rector, which was set of the Holy Spirit to all our stakeholders, executive authorities of on the same day immediately after the Mass of the Holy Spirit is the University and its academic and research units, University rescheduled for a later date.

The overhead view of the virtual UST campus in the UST Minecraft server (Photo courtesy of @minecraft_ust on Twitter)

2 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 3 News News

UST LAUNCHES MINECRAFT On first episode of ‘In Depth’: CAMPUS TOUR FROM PAGE 3 Master of the Order reflects on St. Dominic, Order’s mission, history

Such an arrival was in line with “what St. Dominic asked the first brothers to do, which is to study, to preach, and to build community.” Salcedo noted during the interaction UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. the Dominicans’ impact on education in the Richard G. Ang, O.P., Philippines, pointing out that the Order is delivers the homily during known for being educators and establishing the Welcome Mass (photo courtesy of the official UST schools, such as the University of Santo Facebook page). Tomas, known as the oldest university in Asia, and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, known as the oldest high school for boys in the country. Fr. Laguerta also commented that The Mass was immediately followed by a Welcome Address from “The Dominicans have contributed to the UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Jesús M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., Ph.D. the growth of the faith and the Church in The “Life at UST” series by Tiger TV became available for our country, and we can only be grateful asynchronous stream on August 24. Thomasians are known as The Master of the Order, the Very Rev. Fr. Gerald Francisco Timoner III, O.P., speaks about the arrival of the Dominican Order in the Philippines in an online forum. for them, including the universities, the “Tigers”, and fittingly, “Life at UST” has for its daily themes the beautiful churches, the Doctrina, and of acronym “T.I.G.R.E.”: Traditions, Inspiration, Guarantee, Resiliency, course the Dominicans who continue to and Engagement. Each day of the orientation corresponds to one n the feast day of St. Dominic de He mentioned that the first community of preach the Word.” themed episode. Guzman, the Master of the Order the Dominican faithful arrived on July 22, Touching on the topic of the future The first episode features “Tradition” and tackled the history and of Preachers and UST Chancellor 1587, coinciding with the feast day of St. of the Church after the celebration of the culture of UST, the Thomasian Identity, school spirit, campus life, and OVery Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner, III, Mary Magdalene, one of the matrons of the 500th year since the arrival of Christianity the Thomasian cheers for UAAP games. Among the speakers for this O.P., was featured in the first episode of “In Dominican Order. in the Philippines in 2021, “I may not know day is UAAP Season 81 and 82 courtside reporter Makayla Chavez. Depth,” a webinar series by Dominus Est (It “It’s very interesting that the historian what the Church would look like 50 years For August 25, the theme of “Inspiration” highlighted Thomasian role is the Lord). He discussed the first Missions who chronicled this wrote that ‘this is the from now, but this I know: The future UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Jesús M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., welcomes models, namely, St. Thomas, St. Dominic, the Thomasian Saints and Thomasian freshmen in a pre-recorded message during the online in the Philippines in the episode that was arrival of the first barkada’, because the Archbishop of Manila, the future priests Martyrs, and its notable alumni that include the National Hero, Dr. Jose ROARientation. streamed on the Dominus Est Facebook missionaries were on a barka (boat). That of the Philippine Church, are already Rizal. UST Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Rev. Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P., page on August 8, 2020. word, barkada, came to our language to learning their Catechism now. The future and Atty. Mae Diane Azores, the 2019 Bar Examinations Topnotcher for Dominus Est, an online evangelization mean ‘a group of close friends.’ That’s lay leaders of the Philippine Church are the UST-Legazpi College of Law, were speakers. ministry launched by His Eminence very interesting to me because it tells already attending Mass in our parishes. “Guarantee” was released on August 26 and introduced new Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle when he was us something: that these brothers who The way people are brought up in the faith Thomasians to the UST Brand of Education, the Enhanced Virtual Mode, still the Archbishop of Manila, is headed by came were really friends, and people is important now, because the way they Thomasian perks and advantages, and student services. TV host and its Founding Director Fr. Jason H. Laguerta, associated that word [referring to a group know, live, and assimilate that faith in their UST alumna Winnie Cordero and UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs who served as reactor for this particular of missionaries who came by barka] with a life will determine the kind of Church, the Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, Ph.D., led the discussion. episode. Dominus Est Editor-in-Chief Ms. group of friends because the community kind of nation, we will have 20 or 50 years “Resiliency” was the topic on August 27, and tackled mental health, Margaux Salcedo was the moderator. is an evangelizer. So it is not just one from now.” the new normal, and Diskarteng Tomasino, with Thomasian scholars Within the 90-minute session, Fr. person who evangelizes, but rather it is and athletes taking part in the conversation. For the final day of the Timoner spoke on the life of St. Dominic, the the community, and the credibility of that program, “Life at UST” put the spotlight on “Engagements”, namely, MASTER OF THE ORDER REFLECTS mission of the Order of Preachers, and the community will determine the effectiveness the Central Student Council, the Student Organization Coordinating TO PAGE 6 arrival of the Dominicans in the Philippines. of preaching the Gospel.” Council, and other student organizations, student affairs, and the The Arch of the Centuries — the original entry way to the University when Thomasian Code of Honor. it was still in the Intramuros campus — is rebuilt in Minecraft and ready Through the adaptation of community traditions to a web-based for freshmen’s avatars to walk through (Photo courtesy of @minecraft_ust medium, Thomasians continue to roar as one. on Twitter).

4 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 5 News News

On St. Dominic’s feast day: Vice Rector urges Thomasians to ‘continue St. Fr. Pedregosa, O.P., launches book Dominic’s legacy’ in remembrance of St. Dominic’s life

n the Feast Day of St. Dominic, the UST Central Seminary Rector Rev. Fr. Quirico T. Pedregosa, Jr., O.P., launched his book titled “A Preacher’s Calling: In Remembrance of Dominic.” The book Olaunch was conducted on August 8, 2020, through an online video on the official Facebook page of the Dominican Province of the Philippines. In the video, Fr. Pedregosa, shared that the book is divided into four parts, namely, “The Missionary Impulse of Preaching,” “A Life of Preaching,” “The Preaching Life,” and “A Preaching Life in the Peripheries.” “We should aim to make our preaching life into a life that witnesses — through the good news that we preach — people seeing the beauty in the Gospel of Christ,” urged Fr. Pedregosa. Noting that the book is released in anticipation of the 800th death anniversary of St. Dominic, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines and UST Vice Chancellor Very Rev. Fr. Napoleon B. Sipalay, Jr., O.P., recommended the book in another video message. Fr. Sipalay said, that “It’s very important for us to understand the integration of teaching and practice, and this book encourages us to apply that by integrating what we say into what we do to a Dominican life, a Christian life, with St. Dominic as an example.” Fr. Tiongco, O.P., shares the life of St. Dominic. The book can be ordered online through the OP Project Aral Facebook Page. ST Vice Rector Fr. Isaias Tiongco, to others the fruits of contemplation to O.P. led the Eucharistic Celebration live as St. Dominic’s family. According to MASTER OF THE ORDER REFLECTS for the feast day of St. Dominic de Fr. Tiongco, it would be “our own humble FROM PAGE 5 UGuzman at the Santisimo Rosario Parish way of proving and effecting Dominic’s Church (UST Chapel). The online Mass was usefulness as he continues interceding for In his closing message, the Very Rev. live streamed on August 7, 2020 via the us in Heaven [in fulfillment of St. Dominic’s Fr. Timoner encouraged the Dominican official Facebook page of the Chapel. promise].” Family to read his Letter to the Order on “O With the celebration’s theme of “As sons and daughters of Dominic, the occasion of St. Dominic’s Feast Day, Spem Miram (O Wonderful Hope)! Dominic’s we must lead by word, example, and which tackles the responsory hymn “O promise, our wonderful hope,” the title of life, helping others find answers for their Spem Miram” (O Wonderful Hope). a responsory that details St. Dominic’s basic need to search for God through our “It may be paradoxical that we sing promise of heavenly intercession for those prayers, assiduous study, and community this song of hope as we commemorate the who share and live his ideals, Fr. Tiongco sharing, for it is only then that, like Dominic, departure of Dominic from this life. But it emphasized the need for the Dominican we can make promises of hope to others,” is ‘wonderful’ because Dominic promised way of life, which is “a legacy we need to said Fr. Tiongco. that he would be more useful to us when continue in our increasingly complicated St. Dominic de Guzman is the founder he is already with the Father in heaven. times.” of the Order of Preachers, more popularly Dominic passed from this life surrounded Reflecting on St. Dominic’s life, Fr. known as Dominican Order, the religious by his brothers, and that is what hope Tiongco shared that he “was a man of order to which Fr. Miguel de Benavides, is: Walang iwanan (No one is left behind), remarkable character and broadness of OP, the founder of the University of Santo because God abides in the joyful even The Very Rev. Fr. Sipalay, O.P., recommends “A Preacher’s Calling,” in a video mission, possessing such great integrity, Tomas belongs. St. Dominic’s feast day sorrowful, and glorious mysteries of our message. and was so motivated by Divine Love that falls on August 8, a holiday in UST. Thus, it lives. God remains with us as our hope: without doubt he proved to be a bearer of has been the tradition in UST to celebrate O Spem Miram,” shared the Master of the Fr. Pedregosa, O.P., gives a preview on the contents of the book (upper photo), honor and grace.” his feast day with a Eucharistic Celebration Order. the book cover (below), and the announcement poster (on the right). Like St. Dominic, the faithful are urged on August 7, that in the past was attended to share in the evangelizing task of sharing by the Thomasian community.

6 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 7 News News

UST honors 37 faculty retirees UST HONORS 37 FACULTY RETIREES Dr. Mary Agnes S. Regal FROM PAGE 8 (34 years) Dr. Prof. Mercy G. Santi through online tribute (28 years) Here is the complete list of retirees for Dr. Manuel B. Zacarias Academic Year 2019-2020: (29 years)

College of Accountancy College of Nursing Atty. Jose L. Ngo, Jr. Asst. Prof. Elizabeth D. Cortez (24 years) (38 years) Assoc. Prof. Ma. Socorro S. Guan Hing College of Architecture (32 years) Asst. Prof. Demeterio D. Alcaraz Jr. Faculty of Engineering mentor Prof. Evelyn Assoc. Prof. Maria Corazon S. Olayres (13 years) Laurito, Ph.D., who served for the most (34 years) Asst. Prof. Armando L. Miranda number of years, 44 years (23.5 years) Faculty of Pharmacy Asst. Prof. Gliceria May O. Lagniton Asst. Prof. Carmelita C. Cardona Faculty of Arts and Letters (30 years) (42 years) Asst. Prof. Carmelita V. Cabrera Assoc. Prof. Zenaida F. Velasco (40 years) (31 years) College of Science Assoc. Prof. Anita P. Garcia Assoc. Prof. Mary C. Martin (40.5 years) Faculty of Engineering (35 years) Dr. Arlo Luis R. Salvador II Prof. Evelyn R. Laurito Assoc. Prof. Angelina A. Silverio (44 years) (43 years) UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., lauds the academic efforts of the faculty retirees in (25.5 years) his video message. College of Commerce and Junior High School Business Administration Ms. Aileen Catherine B. Hernandez hirty-seven faculty members of the the University of Santo Tomas is known to be Asst. Prof. Carmen E. Mazo (36 years) University of Santo Tomas (UST) who one of the best universities in the Philippines, (38 years) retired from teaching were honored largely due to the tremendous role played by its Faculty of Civil Law Tthrough an online video tribute on July 30, faculty,” said Father Ang. College of Education Atty. Rene B. Gorospe 2020. Acknowledging that this is the first time Assoc. Prof. Aurora L. Domingo (40 years) Through a video message posted on the that the annual tribute is held online, UST’s 97th (40 years) official Facebook page of the University, UST Rector said that “Today’s event may be a new Prof. Editha A. Fernandez Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., experience for us all since this is usually held (43 years) Dr. Eduardo Vicente S. Caguiao Ph.D., extended his gratitude to the seasoned in the University, but it doesn’t mean that [this (27 years) mentors and lauded their academic efforts. year’s testimonial for retirees] is less solemn Dr. Prof. Ruben D. Cardenas “Our Thomasian teachers, you have truly and meaningful.” He added that since the spirit (29 years) Assoc. Prof. Angelina Silverio from the made a mark in your students’ lives. Retiring is of the occasion is genuinely present, it can be Dr. Stephanie Marie B. Javier College of Science not about leaving; it is about the lasting legacy approximated in a virtual environment. (30 years) that you will leave behind as your students Out of the 37 retirees, Prof. Evelyn R. Dr. Mary Jocelyn Y. Laygo College of Tourism and face the world armed with the knowledge and Laurito, Ph.D., former Chemical Engineering (36 years) Hospitality Management values you have taught and inculcated in them. Department chair from the Faculty of Dr. Redario C. Laygo Asst. Prof. Remedios P. Abuton You will always be an inspiration and a beacon Engineering served the longest, having taught (29 years) (30 years) of hope to the lives of everyone you have for 44 years. Dr. Rolando A. Lopez Assoc. Prof. Evangeline E. Timbang deeply touched. This is the precious gift that Also in the same group were Office of (36 years) (42.5 years) the teacher receives — the gift of gratitude, Faculty Evaluation and Development Director Dr. Ray B. Malilay both from your students who look up to you Prof. Editha Fernandez, Ph.D., from the College (31 years) The tribute video may be and whom you have inspired to be better of Education, and Assoc. Prof. Angelina Silverio Dr. Sandra Teresa V. Navarra Office of Faculty Evaluation and watched through this link: https:// versions of themselves, and the University from the College of Science, who both served (38 years) Development Director Prof. Editha www.facebook.com/UST1611official/ that acknowledges that a higher-learning for 43 years. Fernandez, Ph.D., from the College of Dr. Leoncia N. Olonan videos/4420187588021709/ institution is as good as its teaching force, and Education (37 years)

UST HONORS 37 FACULTY RETIREES TO PAGE 9

8 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 9 News Research

Eng’g student leader shares UST researchers find SARS-CoV2 enzyme-inhibiting Shell Young Leaders Program experience compounds through molecular dynamic simulations

or eight months, from September and the Operations Research Society of the the COVID pandemic, we tackled how 2019 to July 2020, Ariel A. Salvador, Philippines (ORSP) UST Chapter from the our organization still become operational Jr., president of the Operations Industrial Engineering Department of the despite the pandemic, what were our future FResearch Society of the Philippines UST Faculty of Engineering. The organization plans under the new normal and even in the Chapter, together with 77 other student presidents and their officers were part of post-COVID setting,” shared Salvador. leaders representing 15 selected student the leadership program. Salvador looks at the Shell Young organizations from seven universities The program, according to Salvador, Leaders Program as a forum that enabled in Metro Manila participated in the first who graduated in June 2020 with a student leaders like him to have an Shell Young Leaders Program (SYLP). The degree in Bachelor of Science in Industrial optimistic and effective approach in sessions were held at the Finance Center Engineering, was designed for executing leadership, and to realize that there are in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig until five Capability Building Sessions and two always opportunities for growth. He also COVID-19 took over and virtual sessions Mentorship Sessions. The topics, he said, underscored the value of being a good and became the new normal for carrying out the were useful to student leaders in running a critical decision maker and a problem remaining two sessions and the awarding their organizations. The Capability Session solver who always considers the benefit of ceremonies. topics included Organization Branding, the larger group, stressing the fact that the As the company fuels the economy Internal Relations, Finance and Marketing, main role of the student leader is to be of with oil, the company considers SYLP as Project Management, Sustainability and help. its way of powering and strengthening the Nation-building, and Digitalization. “My most significant takeaway in the leadership skills at the university level to “Aside from the plenary sessions, program is to make sure that the core produce future-ready and well-rounded there were team-building activities and purpose of the organization you are trying Filipinos once they begin to pursue their capability tasks, one mid-year presentation to build is well-defined. This will serve as the respective career paths. in February and the year-end presentation backbone of every plan and action for the From the University of Santo Tomas, in June. It was in these presentations when members (of the organization). In addition, two student organizations were selected, we talked about our organizations in terms sustainability shall be administered so the Thomasian Junior Association for of accomplishments, problems, challenges, it can create a long term impact for the Docked poses of scedapin C (15), quinadoline B (19), and norquinadoline A (20) UST Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences researcher Prof. Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, Dr. rer.nat. [Photo provided by Fotomasino] People Management from the College of resolutions and learning. For the year-end beneficiaries and other stakeholders,” against SARS-CoV2 PLpro shown as (A) ribbon representation and (B) molecular surface representation. Commerce and Business Administration presentation, since it was already during Salvador added.

team of researchers from the clinical observations now support that Rhenz Alfred D. Liman (Graduate School), University of Santo Tomas (UST), led it’s not the effect of the virus per se, but and the SJTU researchers Abbas Khan and by Prof. Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, rather the delayed, exuberant inflammatory Dong-Qing Wei found five compounds with ADr. rer. nat., conducted molecular dynamics response, a “cytokine storm”, which is promising anti-COVID properties in silico. simulations to screen compounds from largely responsible for morbidity/mortality Out of 97 metabolites in the study fungi against SARS-CoV2, the virus from SARS-CoV2. The ability of SARS- that were aimed to target five SARS-COV2 which causes the COVID-19 disease. The CoV2 to evade early immune recognition proteins through two docking protocols, of UST team worked in collaboration with is mediated by its production of the non- note was quinadoline B, a fungal-derived researchers from the Shanghai Jiao Tong structural protein 15 (nsp15). By inhibiting natural product. It was found to be multi- University (SJTU) in China. nsp15, then it would be easier for the targeting and can inhibit multiple enzymes The research is one of the few immune system to recognize and eliminate within SARS-CoV2. As Macabeo — a published studies that have identified the virus.” prolific researcher of both natural products inhibitors against nsp15 – a non-structural The UST team, composed of Mark and synthetic chemistry — pointed out, protein essential to the virus’ evasion of Andrew O. Mendoza, Justin Allen K. Lim, quinadoline B was also predicted to have host immunity. Jehiel Karsten H. Ong, and Luis Agustin favorable pharmacokinetic properties, “It’s becoming increasingly clear that E. Pilapil (Research Center for the Natural which means it has strong potential for an inhibiting viral evasion of the host innate and Applied Sciences); Kin Israel R. anti-COVID-19 drug. immune response perhaps holds the Notarte, Adriel M. Pastrana, and Rey key to tackling COVID-19,” emphasized Arturo Fernandez (Faculty of Medicine and UST RESEARCH FIND SARS-COV2 Macabeo, adding that “Accumulating Surgery); Mark Tristan J. Quimque and ENZYME-INHIBITING COMPOUNDS TO PAGE 12 The UST-ORSP Executive Board, led by Ariel Salvador Jr., (front row, center), are participants in the Shell Young Leaders Program.

10 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 11 Research Research

UST-engineered telepresence robot ‘LISA’ improves UST-ENGINEERED TELEPRESENCE for immediate response to the COVID-19 Grateful to UST; the message of LISA frontliner protection with new disinfection function ROBOT ‘LISA’ FROM PAGE 12 pandemic. Bautista said that he submitted robot a proposal titled “LISA robot: Logistic Having taught at the UST Faculty the next version of the LISA robot that we Indoor Service Assistant Telepresence of Engineering for some 11 years, Engr. Bautista, whose Master’s degree is in emember the robot that a faculty member will deploy, hopefully in the last week of Robot.” On May 14, 2020, he received a August 2020,” Bautista shared in an online letter from DOST-PCIEERD stating that Business Administration, says that his of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) UST RESEARCH FIND SARS-COV2 interview. his proposal was approved and that the personal objective for inventing LISA invented to minimize contact between the ENZYME-INHIBITING COMPOUNDS agency was going to fund the development robot is to help hospitals and (similar) Rpatient and the medical practitioners in this time FROM PAGE 11 institutions in the country because of the of the dreadful COVID-19? It was named LISA DOST and LISA robot Version 3 of the LISA robots for public hospitals in COVID-19 pandemic. robot invented by Mechanical Engineer Anthony Bautista and his team of faculty the Philippines. “The bioavailability and potency “If the first version of the LISA robot James C. Bautista, Ph.D. members from the UST Mechanical With PhP 5M grant for a three-year of the drug are directly associated with will help different hospitals in our country, The first Logistic Indoor Service Assistant Engineering Department, said that they are project, Bautista, who holds a doctorate in its pharmacokinetics, and in our study, I will be very much willing to share the (LISA) robot caught the attention of the public in now developing the third version of LISA Technology, and has a natural enthusiasm quinadoline B was predicted to be easily technology,” he remarked. April 2020 as it was an attempt to help medical robot using the fund that they received from for robotics, sees the possibility of absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract “The Faculty of Engineering has practitioners in the performance of their hospital the Department of Science and Technology developing a fully autonomous LISA robot. making it a good candidate for oral been very cooperative in this work. It duties in terms of communicating with their (DOST). The project will begin in 2021. The grant formulations. In addition to that, the has provided me with the facilities to test patients. The robot could be controlled remotely “We will design the new model to was intended to develop additional robots compound was also predicted to have poor build and test the robot. My colleagues at from a distance of between five to ten meters be multi-functional, meaning that the and improve on its previous versions. blood-brain barrier crossing capacities the Mechanical Engineering Department from the medical practitioner to the patient and robot will not only be a remote controlled “The LISA robots that are being indicating that as a candidate drug lead, give feedback and suggestions on how is equipped with a tablet mounted on a mobile Telepresence robot, but it can also be used deployed now are of Level 1 automation this compound may not be able to cause to further improve the LISA robots,” base. Communication is through internet-based to disinfect a room from bacteria or viruses. or remote controlled robots. Next year, we harm to the nervous system,” Macabeo Bautista adds. platforms such as Skype, Viber or Facetime. The However, with this, we will do our best to will include Level 2 automation that will explained in an online interview. “I am very thankful to UST for its full robot also has a compartment box that allows make the LISA robot affordable,” explained allow the robot to be controlled anywhere Having paved a path to develop novel support in this endeavor. I hope that the delivery of medicines for conscious and stable Bautista when asked about the features of in the world for as long as there is a WiFi compounds against the COVID-19 disease, LISA robot will serve as an alternative patients. Bautista’s idea was: with minimized the third version of the LISA robot. connection, and Level 3 automation which Macabeo and his team remain enthusiastic tool that our frontliners can utilize in their physical contact, using the robot may help In March of this year, DOST - Philippine will allow the robot to create a map of the in building upon their results through a fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. medical forntliners to conserve PPEs. Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging hospital and navigate to different locations follow-up paper. He shared that “We plan The LISA robot will serve as a message The first version of LISA robot was given Technology Research and Development autonomously using a Light Detection and to further work on quinadoline B through that we, at UST are behind them in to the UST Hospital and the Pasig Medical (PCIEERD) announced a call for proposals Ranging (LiDAR) sensor. structural modification to enhance its helping solve this problem,” Bautista Doctors Hospital in April. Bautista’s friend, a activity against SARS-CoV2 target proteins. said. Thomasian medical doctor Rodrigo C. Santos, a We are in collaboration with a team from Developing robots is not new to cardiologist, did not only prod him to invent LISA Italy where we use artificial intelligence to Bautista, who developed agricultural but also acted as his consultant in this endeavor. generate synthetically viable structures. robots for rice farmers, converting On June 20, 2020, four units of the second With this work, we hope to discover more commercially-available hand tractors version of LISA robot were deployed to four potent and selective inhibitors against into autonomous robots to help farmers hospitals: Premier Medical Center (Paranaque), SARS-CoV2 target proteins.” in their labor-intensive agricultural tasks Binangonan Lake View Medical Center (Rizal), An award winning Thomasian such as ploughing, tilling and land- Pasig Doctors Medical Center (Pasig) and researcher, Dr. Macabeo has been levelling. In, 2017, he was a Visiting Marikina Valley Medical Center (Marikina). recognized for his outstanding Researcher at the Harper Adams With initial feedback from the doctors who achievements in chemical research University in the United Kingdom where used the first version of the robot, the second including the 2015 Outstanding Young he focused on developing driver-less version had been improved. For one, it now Scientist award in Organic Chemistry, the tractors for precision farming. In 2019, has four independently-driven wheels of the 2015 The World Academy of Sciences he was invited for a short-term research Mecanum type that allow the robot to turn (TWAS) award in Organic Chemistry, and immersion at the Toyohashi University of efficiently in a single spot. The other changes the 2013 Merck Young Scientist award. He Technology in Japan to work on indoor include enclosed wiring connections in a casing, The Logistic Indoor Service obtained both his Bachelor of Science and navigation using Light Detection and Assistant (LISA) with and more adjustable tablet and holder. Master of Science in Chemistry degrees Ranging (LiDAR) and Visual Sensors. independently driven Mecanum “I am very happy with the feedback from from the University of Santo Tomas, and Bautista is currently a faculty researcher wheels and adjustable holder the UST Hospital. Their (medical practitioners) his Doctor of Natural Sciences degree from of the UST Research for Natural and subsequent feedbacks have been included in the Universität of Regensburg – Germany. Applied Sciences.

UST-ENGINEERED TELEPRESENCE A team from the UST Faculty of Engineering with four LISA units and their remote controls. ROBOT ‘LISA’ TO PAGE 13

12 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 13 Research Lectures and Conferences

Transformare is recipient of BAICE Seedcorn Grant for Science webinar tackles air quality, human-induced a research on Impact of Covid-19 to issues in Metro Manila Adult Learning and Education in PH

ransformare: A Network of Adult (potential) effects of the pandemic to Sciences and Education (RCSSED) of Literacy and Lifelong Learning adult learning and education programs by the University of Santo Tomas and the Advocates is spearheading in the drawing from reflections on contrasting President of Transformare. Members of the TPhilippines a scoping research to study contexts of the three countries. research team are its officers from various the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic This project will be managed by universities namely, Arceli Amarles, Ph.D. to adult education and learning. It is an the British Association for Literacy in (Vice President) from the Philippine Normal interdisciplinary network of committed Development (BALID) and will be led by University, Katrina Ninfa Topacio (Secretary) academics, practitioners, policymakers Dr. Ian Cheffy from Summer Institute of from the University of Santo Tomas, Ma. and advocates who engage in promoting Linguistics (SIL) and BALID, in collaboration Joahna Mante-Estacio, Ph.D. (Treasurer) adult literacy, lifelong learning and active with UEA UNESCO Chair team. Findings from De La Salle University, Rosalie Quilicol citizenship in the Philippines. from this research will form part of a policy (Auditor) and Grace Reoperez, Ph.D., both As a recipient of the Seedcorn Grant brief which contains recommendations from the University of the Philippines. from the British Association for International to the governments concerned on the Transformare was launched on and Comparative Education (BAICE), means by which governments and non- November 21, 2019 during the 1st Gender, Transformare will work with organizations state actors could be able to take into Adult Literacy, and Active Citizenship from Afghanistan and the United Kingdom. consideration the needs of adult learners for Social Transformation (GALACST) The proposed project, “COVID-19 and as COVID-19 continues to rampage. International Conference which was held its impact on Adult Learning and Education: The project lead of this research at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila in a scoping research in the UK, Afghanistan in the Philippines is Gina M. Lontoc, November of last year. and the Philippines” aims to explore the Ph.D of the Research Center for Social

Cayetano shares a graph by her colleague Engr. Roseanne Ramos which maps the decrease of nitrogen oxide, a pollutant from motor vehicles, in Metro Manila from before and during the ECQ.

webinar on the topic “Living on the “People started realizing that we do Air quality improvement in time of Impacts of Environmental Pollution have a large effect, mostly negative, on quarantine in the Philippines: Issues, challenges the environment, but we realized that just Having begun on the topic of the Aand managing what we know” was by staying home, by not using cars, [the anthrosphere and the interaction of humans conducted by the UST College of Science environmental situation wasn’t] as hopeless with nature, Cayetano’s lecture focused on with Assoc. Prof. Mylene G. Cayetano, as they seemed. Since it led to such a why urban environments need particular Gina Lontoc, Ph.D. Arceli Amarles, Ph.D. Katrina Ninfa Topacio University of Santo Tomas Philippine Normal University Philippine Normal University Ph.D., who has over 15 years of experience remarkable improvement in our immediate attention and the impact of air pollution. in the environment sector. Through the surroundings, it gives us hope that if we do Presenting data from the Land UST Cloud Campus and the UST-Science more, we really can push environmental Transportation Office showing that the Facebook page, the webinar was live recovery,” said Pavia. registered motor vehicles in the Philippines streamed on July 7, 2020. However, Pavia warned, with this have exceeded the 12 million mark as of Department of Biological Sciences development came a worrying compromise 2018, Cayetano cautioned that motor Chair Dr. Richard B. Pavia, Jr., emphasized — a “delivery culture” that increased the vehicle emissions, in comparison to other in his opening remarks that one of the most use of plastic disposable utensils and sources of pollution, produce airborne noticeable phenomena after the Enhanced packaging materials that are building up particulate matter which produces the haze Community Quarantine was declared was in addition to reports that used Personal shrouding cities. the normally ubiquitous ‘urban haze‘ from Protective Equipment (PPEs), one-time use Ma. Joahna Extacio, Ph.D. Rosalie Quilicol Grace Reoperez vehicle emissions that gave way to clearer only by necessity, are being found washed SCIENCE WEBINAR TACKLES AIR De La Salle University University of the Philippines University of the Philippines skylines. up on shores and clogging up waterways. QUALITY TO PAGE 17

14 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 15 Lectures and Conferences Lectures and Conferences

UST COLLABORATES WITH DEPED UST collaborates with DepEd FROM PAGE 16 for Webinar Series on Teacher Education

Webinar Series on ‘Understanding Teacher Education Noticing Behavior During COVID-19 Pandemic’ The Teacher Education Council (TEC) of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the University of Santo Tomas, Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSED) will collaborate to bring the “TECOVID-19 Colloquy Series: Understanding Teacher Education Noticing Behavior During COVID-19 Pandemic- Mindfulness, Decision-Making, and Adaptation” on August 29, September 5 and 19, and October 3 and 17, 2020 via the UST Cloud Campus. The series will provide understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic is shaping and reshaping the ontological, epistemological and axiological directions and attributes of today’s higher education SCIENCE WEBINAR TACKLES AIR public places. For long-term solutions at It will describe the nature, role, and delivery in most parts of the globe. It will describe the contexts and QUALITY FROM PAGE 15 the national and local government level, processes of democracy that shape dynamics of teacher education institutions’ internal and external Cayetano echoes the calls of fellow experts human affairs; discuss how education environments that are critical in their overall operations during the This is potentially dangerous because to avoid urban sprawl by following proper serves as a vehicle in advancing pandemic; explicate how challenges, imperatives and implications “when we inhale [in polluted surroundings], urban planning, having a sustainable and democracy and its underlying processes; are calibrated, understood and interpreted by teacher education we take in particles in the atmosphere, reliable mass transport system, ceding and apply principles of service learning institutions; and elucidate key strategic responses, policies and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 road space to non-motorized transport as education’s proactive contribution to and guidelines enacted by teacher education institutions at the micrometers (PM2.5) may linger in the gas systems like bicycles, and switching to strengthen democracy. The audience for institutional, program and individual levels. exchange regions of the lungs, which may clean energy that can power more green the series are Master Teachers in Social Additionally, the series will help leaders and program cause diseases,” shared Cayetano. cities, among others. Webinar poster Studies, Regional Supervisors, and implementers of teacher education Institutions in institution-wide The lecture also highlighted the sharp “Human-induced issues and Democracy Local Antenna Units in 13 level initiative such as policy design, and support to organization decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) averages challenges can be solved by human-driven Expected participants are deans of teacher education Countries. and internal quality assurance systems; in program level which from comparing the levels from two weeks solutions. We must continue measuring institutions, teacher educators, in-service teachers, principals The speakers for the August 15 comprises actions to measure and enhance the design, content prior to ECQ (March 2 to 8) to the sixth the impact of human activities [on the and supervisors. colloquium were Prof. Tina Nabatchi, and delivery of the program within a department or a school; and in week of ECQ (April 20 to 26), as mapped by environment] because we can only manage Ph.D., Director of the Program for the individual level which includes initiatives that help teachers achieve her colleague Engr. Roseanne Ramos from what we know,” she shared with the Webinar Series on ‘Understanding 21st Century Democracy: Advancement of Research on Conflict their mission, encouraging them to innovate and to support the University of the Philippines. NO2 is a listeners, adding that if maintaining good A Call for Teacher Agency’ and Collaboration, Maxwell School of improvements to student learning and adopt a learner-oriented pollutant that ‘primarily gets in the air from air quality is the goal in the ‘new normal’, The University of Santo Tomas and Fondazionne Gravissimum Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse focus. the burning of fuel, i.e., emissions from conscious and responsible choices have to Educationis in cooperation with the National Educators Academy University, USA; and Assoc. Prof. Edson Speakers are Assoc. Prof. Robert Kleinasser, Ph.D., of the cars, trucks and buses, power plants, and be made in usual human activities. of the Philippines (NEAP) and the Teacher Education Council (TEC) C. Tandoc, Ph.D., Director, WKWSCI PhD MLFTC-Division of Educational Leadership and Innovation, off-road equipment.’ Currently an Adjunct Research of the Department of Education will conduct the “TECOVID-19 and Master’s by Research Programs, Arizona State University, USA; Assoc. Prof. Leslie Dietiker, Ph.D., One of the questions she let the Professor of the International Environmental Colloquy Series on Understanding 21st Century Democracy: Wee Kim Wee School of Communication Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, Boston audience contemplate at this point was Research Institute at the Gwangju Institute A Call for Teacher Agency” on August 15/22, September 12, and Information, Nanyang Technological University, USA; Shaun Nykvist, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, School “Does the population really need to be of Science and Technology in South Korea, October 10/24, November 14, 20202 and January 9/23, 2021 via University, Singapore. of Teacher Education and Leadership, Queensland University of in quarantine just to attain this air quality Dr. Cayetano also teaches at the Institute the UST Cloud Campus. Part of the organizers is the Teacher Technology, Australia; and Ee Ling Low, Ph.D., Dean of Teacher improvement?” of Environmental Science and Meteorology The series is divided into three strands, namely: Strand 1: Education Council to which Prof. Allan Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Since the quarantine is a temporary at the University of the Philippines - Understanding Democracy as a Human Enterprise, Strand 2: B. de Guzman, Ph.D., belongs as the The issues to be discussed include: Closing the Digital solution to a different problem, more Diliman, where she is the Founding Head Embracing Democracy as Educational Commitment, and Strand Representative for Luzon. He teaches Divide and Strengthening Distance Learning, Promoting Authentic efforts need to be undertaken in order of the Environmental Pollution Studies 3: Doing Service Learning as a way to democratize Philippine at the UST College of Education and Learning and Assessment, Developing Student Agency and to scale back air pollution and improve Laboratory. Society the Graduate School. He is also the Metacognitive Skills, Ensuring Support for Students’ Social air quality, especially in urban spaces. The webinar was held as part of coordinator of the Philippine Local and Emotional Learning, Redesigning Schools for Stronger Cayetano shared that, in the short term the Modified Enhanced Online Week of Antenna with Prof. Belinda V. de Castro, Relationships, Expanding Learning Time, Using Formative and personal level, the community can Science (MEOWS), which the UST College UST COLLABORATES WITH DEPED Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Joel L. Adamos, Assessments that Support Growth, and Sustaining Early Childhood avoid unnecessary idling of cars, burning of Science celebrated remotely in the third TO PAGE 17 Ed.D., as members. Education Programs. waste in open spaces and smoking in academic term.

16 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 17 Community Development Community Development

CRS organizes telerehabilitation program for parents, Calumpang of UST is recognized by Pontifical caregivers of visually impaired children University in Rome for outreach program

he College of Rehabilitation based on the concept of telerehabilitation to 21 parents/caregivers of these children. CRS ORGANIZES Sciences (CRS), aiming to promote which is recognized by the World Health Each CVI was assigned to a team of TELEREHABILITATION PROGRAM self-reliance and resilience to its Organization and global and national healthcare professionals that consisted of FROM PAGE 18 Tpartner community, the Parent Advocates professional organizations. a rehabilitation doctor, physical therapist, for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC), Telerehabilitation is the use of occupational therapist, and speech- assessments while providing a more recently conducted a community telecommunication technology to deliver language pathologist practitioners. A total holistic approach for the child’s overall development project titled: “EYE-Rehab: and support rehabilitation services and it of 41 health professionals participated in development. The first session was A Telerehabilitation Program for Parents is the clinical application of consultative, this project. allotted for the assessment procedures and Caregivers of Children with Visual preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic The project started with a general where the parent or the caregiver, along Impairment.” services via interactive telecommunication orientation held on June 27, 2020. A with the professionals, set functional The objectives of this project were: technology. It enhances rehabilitation survey was also conducted among the objectives for the child. Questions were to provide telerehabilitation home access and it made rehabilitation possible participating parents and caregivers to asked to the parent or caregiver to programs by assessing children with visual even during this time of pandemic. The assess their internet connectivity, network have an overview of the child’s current impairments (CVI) and training parents and concept of interprofessional collaboration availability and preferred online platforms. performance and concerns. The child caregivers in carrying out simple and safe was also applied allowing multiple health The online sessions were conducted was also observed all throughout the instructions; and to educate the parents professionals from different backgrounds for an hour each on two Saturdays, July session and was asked to perform some and caregivers about the condition of their to work together with the children and their 4 and 11, 2020. The interdisciplinary team tasks to determine strengths and things children and to introduce interprofessional parents in a holistic manner. approach allowed a more collaborative that need improvement. approach. However, community quarantine management and avoided duplication of Meanwhile, the second session The COVID-19 pandemic affected restrictions did not hinder CRS from focused more on the home instructions the rehabilitation programs of the children carrying out its mission to respond to to empower parents and caregivers. with visual impairments (CVI) as in- the needs of the society as the program CRS ORGANIZES Specific instructions and demonstrations person sessions were prohibited due to was delivered online via Zoom and FB TELEREHABILITATION PROGRAM Rev. Fr. Joel P. Agad and Chrisma B. Calumpang (right) were provided to ensure that the parent the community quarantine. This project is Messenger. The project was able to cater TO PAGE 19 or caregiver would be able to carry out the intervention even after the program niversity of Santo Tomas persons, and members of religious orders has concluded. With this sustainable Ecclesiastical Faculties mentor who work for the Church in economic and rehabilitation program, the College is Chrisma Bangaoil-Calumpang and administrative capacities, where students certain that even if it will take a long UImmaculate Heart of Mary Parish Priest learn a wide range of management skills while for their participants to receive Rev. Fr. Joel P. Agad received the first that prepare them for using the resources direct interventions from healthcare Program of Church Management (PCM) of the Church in accordance with Catholic professionals, these children will Capstone Project Award from the Markets, Social Teachings.” The prize for first place continuously make progress. Afterall, Culture and Ethics Research Center of is 1000 Euros to help fund the project. little progress each day is what it is all the Pontificia Università della Santa Croce In a video message, Fr. Agad and about. The program concluded on July (Pontifical University of the Holy Cross) in Calumpang said, “Our hearts are full with 18, 2020 where program evaluation was Rome. joy and gratitude. Thank you for choosing conducted involving all the participants. Calumpang and Fr. Agad were our capstone project. You inspired us to This remote community recognized for “Love for the Poor,” an continue our mission works, to reach out development via telerehabilitation also outreach program they spearheaded which to more people, and to evangelize and faced the challenge of poor or weak provides catechism, aid, and sacraments transform lives.” internet connectivity affecting the to its recipient community. According to The Capstone Projects were evaluated online interaction between the health the contestants’ overview message, it by a panel of judges that included professionals and parent and child. has been ongoing for the last five years PCM organizers and teachers, Catholic at a parochial level and they have reached entrepreneurs, managers, investors, and out to about 1,500 families in the Diocese members of the International Business of Dipolog in Mindanao. Because of its Leaders Advisory Council (IBLAC). Orientation with the parents and caregivers via Zoom Screenshot of the Zoom session success, they are looking into expanding Calumpang, a lay missionary who is their operations, to support 24,000 pursuing a Licentiate in Canon Law at the recipients from around 4,000 families. University, currently teaches at the Faculty According to its website, the PCM of Philosophy and the Faculty of Arts and is a “course of formation for priests, lay Letters.

18 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 19 Arts and Culture Arts and Culture

WALL-E INSPIRED BAGS Architecture students’ WALL-E inspired design bags TO PAGE 20 third place in int’l competition in Spain

A peek inside the amphibious pods (Photo courtesy of iaac.net)

a second selection with 36 projects that qualified as finalists. The jurors were composed of 33 reputable “WALL-E Transforming waste into a floating city” (Photo courtesy of iaac.net) architects and designers. Having won third place, each team member will receive a Thomasian team composed of five build an ideal future.” With the main idea scholarship for a Master’s degree graduates of the BS Architecture of finding life in the middle of a wasteland, at the IAAC as well as a cash prize. program in 2020, won third place the project is named after a series of old According to IAAC’s website, “Given Ain the Institute for Advanced Architecture sunken walls that provide foundation for the current global circumstances, the for Catalonia’s (IAAC) ”Design for Living” new settlements above the water. Through Institute for Advanced Architecture international competition. utilizing amphibious pods made from of Catalonia (IAAC) will study how Aramis Corullo, Paula Casia, recycled plastic waste, the entry attempts to support the winners, especially Gellaine Burgos, Althea Poblete, and to solve problems within the village’s the finalists, interested in continuing Angelo Landicho submitted their entry fishing community, namely, the slow to research their proposals in the titled “WALL-E Transforming Waste into sinking of land into the ocean, the lack of academic environment of the IAAC.” a Floating City to Restore the Sunken proper water treatment and lack of solid Kingdom of Binuangan.” Their project, waste management. which competed against over 190 entries According to IAAC’s website, upon An overhead view of from 80 different countries, reimagines receiving the proposals on July 15, 2020, the different proposed ‘future human habitats’ and presents a the organization made an initial selection of features within the concept of how to prevent communities entry (Photo courtesy 133 projects that will appear in a special of iaac.net) from being washed away by creating livable publication made by Actar Publishers and structures from discarded plastic. The team described their entry as: “WALL-E presents the opportunity to WALL-E INSPIRED BAGS transform the mistakes of the past to TO PAGE 21

20 • August 1 - 31, 2020 August 1 - 31, 2020 • 21 Photo News

Obiena bags 3 medals in int’l pole vaulting competitions

EDITOR IN CHIEF REV. FR. JESÚS M. MIRANDA, JR., O.P., Ph.D. EDITORS ASSOC. PROF. GIOVANNA V. FONTANILLA, Ph.D., A.P.R. REV. FR. CHRISTOPHER JEFFREY L. AYTONA, O.P. ASSOCIATE EDITORS ASST. PROF. VIRGINIA A. SEMBRANO MR. EMMANUEL M. BATULAN, Ph.D. MR. PHILIPPE JOSÉ S. HERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER MS. CHRISTIE ELISE C. CRUZ LAYOUT ARTIST MR. KENNETT ROGER T. GARCIA PHOTOGRAPHERS DMD PHOTOGRAPHY

COORDINATOR CORRESPONDENTS

Asst. Prof. Maria Corazon S. Sauz, Ph.D. Academic Affairs Ms. Rowena R. Castro Human Resource Department Mr. Francisco M. Caliwan, Jr. Accountancy Asst. Prof. Divinagracia R. Mariano Institute of Information and Computer Sciences Ms. Sarah Joy M. Anteola Admissions Office Mr. Al Denn John Lozada Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Ms. Danielle Joyce E. Factora Alumni Relations Mr. Sir-Lien Hugh T. Tadeo Institute of Religion Ar. John Clemence M. Pinlac Architecture Prof. Karen S. Santiago, Ph.D. International Relations and Programs Asst. Prof. Ma. Zenia M. Rodriguez Arts and Letters Mr. Anthony C. Castro Junior High School Assoc. Prof. Richard C. Pazcoguin Center for Campus Ministry Prof. Ma. Lourdes B. Coloma, M.D. Medicine and Surgery Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerudo, Ph.D. Center for the Conservation of Ms. Diana V. Padilla Miguel de Benavides Library Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics Ms. Ma. Zita Maita B. Oebanda Museum Assoc. Prof. Ralph S. Galán Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies Asst. Prof. Peter J.M.L. Porticos, Ph.D. Music Ms. Kimberly Bañadera Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities Ms. Sarah Salazar Nursing Asst. Prof. Ryan Frances O. Cayubit Center for Social Sciences and Education Assoc. Prof. Rosario R. Aranda Pharmacy Atty. Anicia Marquez Civil Law Asst. Prof. Ma. Ailil B. Alvarez Publishing House Obiena in training (Photo courtesy of EJ Obiena’s Facebook page) Asst. Prof. Maureen Gelle-Jimenez Commerce and Business Administration Engr. Nestor R. Ong QS/THE Ranking Mr. Hans Lawrence V. Malgapu Communications Bureau Assoc. Prof. Ma. Fylene Uy-Gardiner Quality Management and Planning Ms. Carol Angeline P. Macawile Counseling and Career Center Ms. Zyra Mae F. Villamor Rehabilitation Sciences rnest John “EJ” Obiena, a Thomasian track and field athlete currently Asst. Prof. Joel C. Sagut, Ph.D. Ecclesiastical Faculties Assoc. Prof. Michael Jorge N. Peralta Research and Innovation Ms. Eleanor Marie Bahrami-Hessari Education Mr. Rosauro L. Gervacio Santo Tomas e-Service Providers in training in Italy for the postponed 2020 Olympics in Japan, recently Assoc. Prof. Andres Julio V. Santiago, Jr., Ph.D. Education High School Asst. Prof. Maria Juana P. Lacuata, Ph.D. Science scored three podium finishes in international competitions held Asst. Prof. Mildred M. Antonio Engineering Ms. Carla Vee F. Ababon Senior High School Eremotely in August. Ms. Adrienne Zacarias Fine Arts and Design Ms. Karla Patricia G. Colmenar Tourism and Hospitality Management Graduate School UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office Obiena, currently Asia’s top-ranked pole vaulter and World’s #16 Assoc. Prof. Elizabeth H. Arenas, Ph.D. Ms. Veronica Moreno according to World Athletics’ list, won the “Finest Pole Vaulter in the World” silver medal on August 17, 2020 by clearing the height of 5.60 meters. “Who’s the Finest Pole Vaulter” was a virtual competition that streamed live the leaps of top pole vaulting athletes directly from their training locations. The 24-year-old Obiena also won a bronze medal and achieved a 5.70-meter jump at the Diamond League Athletics Meeting held in Monaco on August 15, 2020. Only days before that, he bagged a silver medal at the Address all communications For comments and suggestions, contact 13th Triveneto International Meeting in Trieste, Italy, held on August 1, 2020, to the Office of Public Affairs, us at (+632) 3406.1611 local 8315 University of Santo Tomas or (+632) 8731.3544. with a jump of 5.45 meters. España Boulevard, Manila, You may also send them via fax A student of the Faculty of Engineering, Obiena, the first Filipino athlete 1015 Philippines at (+632) 8740.9727` to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, is currently officially on leave of absence to be able to train abroad. He qualified for the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics http://www.ust.edu.ph/ with a jump of 5.81 meters that took place in Italy in 2019.

/UST1611official

22 • August 1 - 31, 2020