College of Architecture faculty members Asst. Prof. Henry Felix E. Herrera and Asst. Prof. Felicisimo A. Tejuco, Jr., presented their papers as associates of the Research Center for Culture, Arts, and the Humanities (RCCAH),
during the 12th International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS 12) in Kyoto, Japan, held via Zoom.
Herrera presented the conditions and challenges of housing for students residing near the University. In his paper, “Assessment of Current Student Housing in the Vicinity of the University of Santo Tomas,” it was noted that there were former and current students who live in residences located in far flung provinces and cities that necessitated nearby student housing.
The study recommended that the University reach out to the owners and managers of these student housing buildings to alleviate the conditions of their lodgings and for the mutual benefit of both parties, the housing management and the students.
Tejuco, meanwhile, presented a paper and poster about UST and España Boulevard. In the paper titled “Enhancing the Cultural-Heritage Experience of the Nearly 100-Year Old UST Manila Campus through a Tourism Master Plan,” he discussed the opportunity of edu-tourism for UST as a tourist destination. The University’s rich history, with its four heritage buildings, and the upcoming centennial anniversary of the Sampaloc campus are main considerations in laying out a tourism plan.
Recalling a consultation activity held years back with alumni and students, Tejuco said that a vision for the University as tourist destination was laid out.
“By 2027, UST will be a tourist destination that welcomes and promotes cultural diversity, national & Thomasian values, environmental concern & sustainability, architectural development & preservation of natural heritage, and unique tourist experience with respect to the surrounding community,” he said.
He concluded his presentation with a proposed tourism trail and video walk-through of the campus. He also acknowledged the Office of Public Affairs, especially its late Director Assoc. Prof. Giovanna V. Fontanilla, Ph.D., for the assistance in the study.
Another research work by Tejuco was presented through an online poster. “Urban Regeneration of the Streets of España Boulevard (Welcome Rotunda to Lerma / Morayta) through Community Empowerment.” It featured the conditions and improvements of the main thoroughfare. The study reiterated that pedestrianization, flooding, and safety are community concerns that should be coordinated to by the public and private sectors.
The ICAS was organized by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), a research and exchange platform based in the university city of Leiden, the Netherlands. IIAS encourages the multi-disciplinary and comparative study of Asia and promotes national and international cooperation, thus linking the expertise of scholars and practitioners.
