AN EVENT BRIEF OF THE 400thYEAR CELEBRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

Historical Background

The University of Santo Tomas gratefully looks back to July 24,1605, when Bishop Miguel de Benavides, O.P., the third Archbishop of Manila bequeathed a modest amount from his personal funds and his personal library collection for use in the establishment of a ‘seminary-college’ to prepare young men for the priesthood.

Thus, on April 28, 1611, the Colegio de Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario, later named Colegio de Santo Tomas, was born in its original campus within the walled city called Intramuros.

On November 20, 1645, the College was elevated to the rank of a University by Pope Innocent X. King Charles of Spain granted the title “Royal University” to UST in 1785, for the exceptional loyalty shown by its administration and students who volunteered to defend Manila against the British invasion.

On September 17, 1902, Pope Leo XIII made the University of Santo Tomas a “Pontifical University” and in 1947, Pope Pius XII bestowed upon it the title “The Catholic University of the Philippines.”

The continuing increase in enrolment prompted the administration in 1927 to relocate the University in its present site in the Sampaloc district, along Espaňa St, Manila, which covers 21.5 hectares.

Inspired by its rich history, spurred on to impart wisdom and knowledge, enthused by noteworthy accomplishments, the University has remained steadfastly responsive to the needs and issues of the time as they occur, whether in the Philippines or elsewhere in the world.

Today, the University campus is considered a historic site and is a recognizable landmark in Manila and the country.

IMPACT OF THE EVENT AT THE NATIONAL AND / OR INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

The University of Santo Tomas is considered as the oldest University in the Philippines. It enjoys the singular privilege of being the only Pontifical University in Asia. For almost four centuries, it has produced saints and
martyrs, national heroes, church leaders, doctors, lawyers, engineers, educators, architects, artists, journalists, literary masters, businessmen, accountants, and other professionals who have significantly contributed to the shaping of the history of the Philippines and the development not only of the Filipino society and the Church, but of the region and the international community.

As an institutional leader in the service of education and values formation, UST has accumulated a wealth of experience and wisdom, a heritage of culture, a host of structures and physical facilities, and most importantly
a community of great men and women who have left a mark in the Philippines and in the world.

The celebration of UST’s 400th anniversary has a genuine impact on world heritage because it demonstrates
men and women’s indomitable yearning for knowledge and unyielding determination to persevere in keeping
that mission going for 400 years and more.