In the book, Mata gives the readers a portrait of President Ramon Magsaysay and also a glimpse of his harrowing firsthand accounts after the plane crash in Balamban, Cebu, which claimed the lives of the former president and 25 others, as its lone survivor. It was first published in 1957 and was co-penned with Vicente Villafranca.

Mila Magsaysay-Valenzuela and Joy Mata, daughters of the two respective Filipino icons, expressed their gratitude to those involved in organizing the book launch, including the University, which kept the legacy of their fathers alive.

“[Through this book], I hope that people realize that life is so fragile. And as fragile as it is, I hope it inspires people to live life with a lot of consequences and with integrity and love for country,” Mila said.

Mila also shared that they also conduct trekking activities that revisit the site of the plane crash in Cebu to commemorate the president’s death anniversary.

Memorabilia, photographs, and other items that offer a glimpse of the vibrant life of Mata, a Philets alumnus belonging to the class of 1959, were also exhibited in the lobby. He passed away in 2018.

In June 2023, Mata’s family donated 846 books from his Library. After turning over her late father’s books to the University, the new custodian of Mata’s books, Joy gathered her siblings and decided to publish a new edition, tapping Art Angel Commercial Quests, Inc. as the publisher.

“Although my father has already met his deadline, his little candle will continue to burn with so much warmth and light, especially [by] sharing his books with the readers at the UST Library and with everyone [through the] new edition of the book, One That Came Back,” Joy said.

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Intended to aid CICS students in their studies and also serve as a space of recreation, BiblioTech Ai library offers a plethora of books, ebooks, and other published materials that are essential to CICS students, academic staff, and educators alike. It also has board games in its shelves.

CICS Dean Asst. Prof. Jerralyn T. Padua, MSCS said the satellite library marks a new chapter to CICS’s “bookish lives”. “The library also offers a low-risk strategy to expand your choices of reading matter,” Dean Padua said. “Libraries are also not about books on shelves. They are also an important social meeting point, which is accessible and affordable to all […] they are naturally democratic and [it is] an enormous anchor in our society for all sorts of reasons,” she added.

Meanwhile, CICS Regent Rev. fr. Gaspar Sigaya, O.P., the concurrent Assistant Prefect of Libraries, highlighted the importance of libraries as sources of knowledge., “It can also be a place that offers smart and clear answers to even most difficult questions,” fr. Sigaya said.

For Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta DrPH, the future of education is hybrid and CICS is the cusp of humans and technology. “With the opening of BiblioTech Ai Library, this will not [just] be a venue for students and academic staff [to] access materials, but it will be a source and an avenue for collaboration for the propagation of more knowledge in the area of technology,” Prof. Peralta said.

Secretary-General Rev. fr. Louie R. Coronel. O.P., EHL noted that the satellite library’s inauguration is also a celebration of libraries’ power in shaping minds of the young. “[The library] seamlessly weaves together the various elements of tradition and innovation,” fr. Coronel said.

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Dr. Rzymkowski, who also serves as the Government Plenipotentiary for the Development and Internationalization of Education and Science and a Member of Parliament, was accompanied by the Deputy Director from the Ministry of Education and Science, Mr. Przemysław Skrodzki; Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Poland in Manila Mr. Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, and Embassy Intern Ms. Isabel Borwoska.

UST Office of Public Affairs Director Asst. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, Ph.D., the Executive Assistant of the Office of Secretary-General Mr. Emmanuel Batulan, Ph.D., and the Assistant to the Director for Public Affairs Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, welcomed the visitors.

Part of the discussions during the courtesy call included possible points of further collaboration and new scholarship opportunities. The delegation also met the UST Prefect of Libraries Rev. Fr. Ángel A. Aparicio, O.P., Assistant Prefect of Libraries and Acting Archivist Rev. Fr. Gaspar Sigaya, O.P., Miguel de Benavides Library Chief Librarian Ms. Ma. Cecilia Lobo, and Head Book Restorer Ms. Ginalyn Santiago.

Fr. Aparicio also updated the delegation with regards to the ongoing collaboration between the University of Santo Tomas and the Embassy of Poland on the restoration of a rare first edition copy of Nicolaus Copernicus’ book on heliocentrism, which is a Polish cultural treasure housed within the UST Archives.

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The Casa Asia awards aims to “recognize and disseminate the work of individuals and entities, both public and private, that have stood out for their work in the economic, social, educational, cultural, or development cooperation, promoting dignity and human rights in the Asia-Pacific region, and/or contribute or have contributed to promoting knowledge, dialogue, and relations between Spain and the Asia-Pacific region. A commemorative engraving and 1,500 euros will be granted to UST during the forthcoming 2021 awards ceremony.

Casa Asia is a public consortium consisting of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, the Generalitat of Catalonia, and the Barcelona and Madrid City councils. It aims to “contribute to better understanding between Spain and Asian countries and to promote institutional, economic, cultural, and educational relations as well as encouraging exchanges in the domains of culture, ideas, and projects of shared interest.”

Casa Asia News:

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The Davao-based Quichon family and the Robert Biggert Collection entrusted the stamps, postcards, and books to the University because of its “collecting efforts into this greater life of reminiscence, relevance, and accessibility.”

Likewise, the , the , and the Miguel de Benavides Library were entrusted in preserving the historical memorabilia and in sharing nostalgia with the Thomasian Community who valued history.

According to the Prefect of Libraries, Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., the exhibit showed the form of communication that almost vanished due to the technological advancement. “[Sending postcards and stamps] has an element of surprise and romanticism that can touch a person,” Aparicio said.

The collection donated to the University bore two themes: on one hand, the first theme depicts the rural life of Filipino societies and their cultural development; and on the other hand, the second theme depicted the Western mindset in terms of religious, political, and the business forces of the Americans in the Philippines.

Moreover, the collection provided a snapshot of three mailing periods, namely: Pioneer (pre-1898), Private Mailing Card (1898-1901), and Undivided back (1901-1907).

Philippine Postal Corporation Chief of Staff Gilbert B. Javier underscored the integral task of recording history and the rich culture of our country through stamps.

“The stamps are no longer just pieces of paper that we place on the upper right part of the envelope,” Javier said.

The Quichon family, represented by Mr. Expedito Quichon, likewise expressed gratitude to the University for housing the collection that was significant to the family for it provided a panoramic view of the old Philippines through small things.

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Padilla’s talk mainly focused on the background, challenges and experiences of UST Library as it implemented its Digitization Project, in which the rare, historical, and fragile books and documents of the University which have been gathered through its long history are being digitized. It is a brilliant endeavor of UST and its benefactor, the UnionBank of the Philippines. The project aimed to convert the Library’s heritage collections to digital format and make them available to a wider public through the world wide web. A digital repository is created not only for preservation but to provide its users with a trusted digital library that helps support information discovery. The UST Digital Library is accessible at digilib.ust.edu.ph.

The two-day conference aimed at bringing together librarians, IT personnel, researchers, and educators to discuss issues and challenges, and learn from the experiences. The participants were welcomed by Embassy of Spain in the Philippines Cultural Affairs First Secretary Ms. Maria Pilar Cuadra Gascon.  The attendees from UST were Ms. Padilla, Library Information & Communication Technology committee head Mr. Lejempf de Vera Flores; and UST Archivist Prof. Regalado Trota José. A total of nine lectures and a panel discussion were delivered by resource persons from notable universities and institutions in the Philippines and Spain. 

Aside from Padilla, the other speakers were: Science and Technology Information Institute Director, Department of Science and Technology and Chair, Steering Committee, Philippine eLibrary Project Dr. Richard P. Burgos; Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Rizal Library Director Dr. Vernon R. Totanes; National Library of Spain Processes and Digital Services Division Director Ms. Mar Perez Morillo; Ministry of Culture and Sports, Madrid, Spain sub-directorate general for Library Coordination Ms. Concepción Villariño Periáñez; Family Search International Area Manager Mr. Felvir D. Ordinario; UP Film Institute Prof. Nicolas A. Deocampo; National Library of the Philippines Assistant Director Mr. Edgardo B. Quiros; and University of the Philippines Diliman University Librarian Mr. Chito N. Angeles. 

The panel discussion speakers were archivists from UST, AdMU and UP Baguio, namely, Prof. José (UST); Ms. Carina C. Samaniego (AdMU); and Ms. Cristina B. Villanueva (UP Baguio). 

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Russel Berrie Foundation President Angelica Berrie, delivered the keynote address. In her speech, she highlighted the inevitable task of reaching out to other beliefs and forge strong relationships with them – a thrust that her foundation has been working on for ten years now.

The Russel Berrie Foundation, according to its website, carries on the values and passions of the late Russell Berrie, through promoting the continuity of the Jewish people, and fostering religious understanding and pluralism.

In the second part of the conference, Asian Women of Faith Network Chair and Religions for Peace-Philippines Secretary General Dr. Lilian J. Sison who spoke on behalf of the lay Catholic Movement, University of the Philippines Institute for Islamic Studies Dean Dr. Macrina Morados, Venerable Miaoxin of the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple in Manila and Ms. Yogita Sharma from the Hindu community, offered some insights on how religions can conduct meaningful dialogues with each other and help achieve a peaceful and harmonious world. The forum was participated in by different religious leaders, representatives from universities and government agencies from all over the country and in Asia.

After the whole day forum, the guests were treated to a campus tour with stops at the Arch of the Centuries, the Benavides and the Quadricentennial Parks, the Main Building and the Heritage Library of the . This was followed by a formal fellowship dinner hosted by the Institute of Religion attended by the participants and speakers. This was graced by the presence of UST Rector , and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines His Excellency Most Rev. Gabriele Giordano Caccia, D.D., who gave an inspirational message.

The Thomas Aquinas Forum is a yearly academic conference, which aims to participate in the public discussion on timely and relevant topics concerning issues that affect religion and theological thinking such as the relationship of the state and the Church, ethics, social teachings and many others.

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According to OAR Director Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina, “This event is a symbol of sincere gratitude to our benefactors, partners and sponsors for their utmost support and generosity to all the activities that we have successfully accomplished throughout the years.”

Since the establishment of the Office of Alumni Relations, the office has gained the trust and support of different individuals and companies as shown by the companies that are sponsors and partners of the Thomasian Alumni Card. The perks and privileges forged by the office and these companies have been used and enjoyed by thousands of Thomasian alumni across the country. The annual Rector’s Cup, one of the projects handled by the OAR, has also been successful in raising funds for Thomasian student athletes who need assistance for their competitions. During the program, Medina thanked everyone for their relentless efforts and contributions that made the office stronger each year, saying that the success of the Alumni Relations is also the success of everyone.

Some of the awardees included: Partners of the Thomasian Alumni Card such as the , , UST , Hotel San Marco, Resorts World Manila, Winford Hotel, Solaire Resorts, and Belmont Hotel and Resorts. Also awarded were sponsors of the Alumni Relations’ events that included Phenix Garuda, AIMM Builder and Construction Supply, Ironcon Builders and Development Corp, and Tokwing Construction Corp.

Awardees received glass plaques with the initials of the University of Santo Tomas. The event was hosted by Ms. Maita Oebanda of the UST Museum, an alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Letters and a frequent voice-over talent and host of various University events. Also present was UST Alumni Association Inc. President Dr. Evelyn Songco.

Dr. Jose Evangelista delivered an inspiring and heartfelt closing speech where he reminisced the early beginnings of the Thomasian Alumni Center or the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building we know today. “It used to be nothing but a vision,” said Dr. Evangelista. He thanked everyone who made this vision tangible and alive.

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Included in the exhibit were the deeds of sale of land written in Baybayin script dated each at 1613 and 1625 and now considered as National Cultural Treasures; the plan of the UST compound in Intramuros in 1690; and various maps detailing several parts of the Philippines, like Map of Puerto de Sisiran, Camarines (1757), Celebes Islands (1788-1792), East China and Southeast Asia (1788-1792). Several maps of the Philippine archipelago were likewise exhibited.

Apart from maps, UST’s collections in the Archives, like the Foundation Act of 1611 and the Libros de Piques (an examination book), were showcased. The participants were likewise toured around the Antonio Vivencio del Rosario Heritage Library for a demonstration of UST’s conservation efforts.

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The dawning of a new chapter

In her opening remarks, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Clarita D. Carillo, PhD noted that the event’s name–Testimonial for Retirees–must not be looked at as an end, similar to how the word “retirement” is commonly thought of. Instead, retirement is an opportunity for the honorees to replace their old tires and start a new chapter in their lives. “Retirement is also a commencement,” said Carillo, who enumerated big names in history who contributed immensely to society even though they were already advanced in age.

Carillo noted that while in the past, the event was held in the evening, the occasion was made a morning affair in order to symbolically recognize the start of a new phase in the lives of the honorees.

In a world obsessed with youth

For his part, UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. called on the retirees, whom he quipped seemed to have found the mythical fountain of youth, to remember that while modern society is obsessed with youth, words like “legacy, impact, stability, and longevity are not associated with youth. Instead, they are attributed to those who are advanced in age.” Dagohoy emphasized that despite noticeable signs of aging, those who are advanced in age have battles that they have won, have overcome setbacks, and have cried tears that cleansed their vision of the future.

The Rector closed his remarks by praying for the retirees, whom he thanked profusely for their years of service to the University.

Sailing on

Responding on behalf of the retirees, former dean Alberto A. Laurito, who served the University for 43.5 years, called the day a day of “mixed emotions” for his “batch mates,” as they “graduate from serving the University.” “I believe we feel gratitude, sadness, some level of denial, concern, and hope now that we are leaving UST, whom we have served for so long…Let us, however, have faith in what lies ahead.”

Laurito recognized that the University is in the midst of a great transition and will continue to face new challenges in the coming years, brought about by local and international movements in education. “Stay true to who we are and face the challenges head-on.”

The thirty-eight faculty retirees are (classified according to their affiliation):

College of Education

Asst. Prof. Madeline B. Dionora

Prof. Jose Dakila N. Espiritu, PhD

Assoc. Prof. Rhodelia H. Mendoza, PhD

Asst. Prof. Cristina C. Sagum

Faculty of Engineering

Prof. Alberto A. Laurito

Prof. Nancy Eleria, PhD

Assoc. Prof. Marifa S. Torralba, PhD

College of Fine Arts and Design

Asst. Prof. Danilo P. Santiago

Asst. Prof. Gil O. Santos

Junior High School

Mr. Wilfredo Ornedo

Ms. Nerissa Peñamora

Ms. Noemi S. Visorde

Miguel de Benavides Library

Ms. Estrella S. Majuelo

Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

Prof. Buena Fe A. Apepe, MD

Prof. Romulo A. Buzon, Jr., MD

Prof. Rosalia M. Buzon, MD

Assoc. Prof. Antonio M. Cruz, MD

Assoc. Prof. Manuela T. de Jesus, MD

Prof. Emelita A. Gan, MD

Assoc. Prof. Ramon S. Javier, MD

Assoc. Prof. Mario T. Milo, MD

Prof. Narciso S. Navarro, Jr., MD

Assoc. Prof. William L. Olalia, MD

Assoc. Prof. Marcelino V. Ostrea, Jr., MD

Prof. Patria P. Punsalan, MD

Assoc. Prof. Bee Giok T. Sales, MD

Prof. Judith M. Sison, MD

Assoc. Prof. Celina S. Tady, MD

Assoc. Prof. Benito L. Uy, MD

College of Nursing

Prof. Crestita B. Tan, PhD

Faculty of Pharmacy

Prof. Aristea V. Bayquen, PhD

Assoc. Prof. Ma. Asuncion Crispina S. Cobar

Asst. Prof. Milagros Salvador

Institute of Religion

Assoc. Prof. Carmen R. Alviar, PhD

Asst. Prof. Digna S. Sese

College of Science

Prof. Lucila O. Bance, PhD

Asst. Prof. Gil Cauyan

Assoc. Prof. Emerita Simeon, PhD

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