The UST Protocol Manual, a special publication by the Office of Public Affairs produced in close coordination with the Office of the Secretary-General, was formally launched on May 23, 2019, held at the Main Gallery of the UST Museum.
The Manual contextualizes matters of etiquette and proper procedure, in light of the University’s academic and social functions. Through this publication, the accomplishment of the objective for the University’s positive public presence becomes more efficient and effective by standardizing and streamlining event and visit management to establish consistency, and more importantly, to preserve the University’s practices and traditions rooted in its identity.
UST Office of Public Affairs Director Assoc. Prof. Giovanna V. Fontanilla, Ph.D., in her welcome remarks, quoted His Holiness Pope Francis’ message in the University guest book during his visit in 2015, saying, “‘May the Lord bless all those studying and working for a culture of encounter.’ It is the hope of the team behind the UST Protocol Manual that it will contribute most generously to paving the way for engaging encounters that are sources of inspiration for the fulfillment of the mission and realization of the vision of the University of Santo Tomas.”
UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Jesús M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., the Chief Protocol Officer of the University, delivered a message where he emphasized that, “Learning the protocol by heart is as equally important as knowing the culture of the institution, of giving importance to its traditions and practices, and of respecting its identity. Such is our task; such is our protocol.” The Father Secretary-General was presented the first copy of the Manual.
Along with a special video introducing the Manual, produced by the UST Communications Bureau for the event, an exhibition featuring special visits and events held in the University was mounted. Titled “A Culture of Encounter,” it highlighted activities that meaningfully correspond to the University’s identity, as encapsulated within the six elements found in the Seal of the University.
Gracing the event was one of the Manual’s consultants, former Undersecretary for International Economic Relations of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ambassador (Ret.) Laura Q. Del Rosario.
Two-time Luciano Pavarotti Choir of the World awardee The UST Singers, under the baton of Prof. Fidel Calalang, Jr., performed.
The special event was attended by University administrative and academic officials. Copies of the book, along with a package of postcard-sized checklists for preparing visits and events were given as a token.
