The vibrant celebration of Pistang Tomas 2025: A Community Trade Fair was once again held at the University of Santo Tomas last February 17 to 21, 2025.
The weeklong celebration, with the theme, “Pistang Handog: Pagpapaunlad ng Kabuhayan at Kultura ng Pamayanan” (Feast of Giving: Uplifting the Livelihood and Culture of the Community), provided a platform for various SIMBAYAHAN outreach communities and institutions from all over the Philippines to showcase their local produce and goods inside the campus’ Quadricentennial Square.
The festivity commenced with a Eucharistic celebration which was presided over by the Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs, Rev. Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P., who also led the ribbon cutting at the Quadricentennial Square. He was accompanied by the SIMBAHAYAN Director, Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, MCD, and SIMBAHAYAN Assistant Director Asst. Prof. Christian Rey D. Rimando, MSPT, PTRP.
Fourteen partner communities and institutions showcased their various local products including but not limited to vegetables, root crops, delicacies, homemade dishwashing liquid, handmade products, and handicrafts. Among the fourteen partner communities were several barangays from different provinces as well as NGOs like the Holy Family Social and Educational Center – Religious of Mary Immaculate and the Fellowship for the Care of Creation Association, Inc. Also present during the week-long festivities were two guest exhibitors: Cooperative of Women in Health and Development (COWHED) from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and the Kalinga Treat Food Products.
As customary to Pistang Tomas, various types of awards were given to the participating merchants. The Best Booth Design and Madiskarte Award were both won by the Brgy. San Juan, Laur, Nueva Ecija. The Best in Customer Service Award was given to Buga Elementary School. Lastly, the Best Selling Product Award was given to the Religious of Mary Immaculate.
Considering the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority which documented 1.63 million unemployed individuals in December 2024, community development projects such as Pistang Tomas intend to promote productive employment and decent work for the university’s partner communities and institutions, aiding in the decrease of unemployed Filipinos. With the continuous support and generosity of Thomasians through the students, administrators, academic staff, support staff, and alumni, this event helps in strengthening the community members’ capacity as employees and employers.
Through this community trade fair, partner communities gained hands-on experience promoting local entrepreneurship and developed essential skills such as marketing, customer service, and financial management, which were part of the topics during the pre-Pistang Tomas training workshops.
Pistang Tomas 2025 was organized by the UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office (SIMBAHAYAN) and the Pistang Tomas Cluster A.Y. 2024-2025, headed by the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) together with the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), Conservatory of Music (Music), College of Commerce and Business Administration (Commerce), College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM), Alfredo M. Velayo-College of Accountancy (Accountancy), and their respective student organizations: Community Achievers Association – Accountancy Unit, Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, Accountancy Student Council, Haus Industriel Design, Interior Design Innovators, One Shade Dance Squad, Polymath Art Society, The Illustrativ, Touch Point, Hotel and Restaurant Management Society, Intenzyc, Pax Romana – CTHM Unit, CTHM Student Council, Music Student Council, IPEA Student Council, Salinggawi Dance Troupe, and Sinag Ballroom Dance Company.
