Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand visited the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on June 4, 2019. With 57 cadets from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA) accompanying Her Royal Highness, the visit was part of the educational and cultural tour of the CRMA where Her Royal Highness is head of its History department.
Upon arrival at the campus, Her Royal Highness was welcomed at the entrance of the Main Building by UST Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Jesús M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, and Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Prof. Maribel G. Nonato, Ph.D. Also part of the reception line was Assumption College President Dr. Carmen Lourdes Valdés.
After signing the University guest book, Her Royal Highness and the members of her delegation proceeded to the Office of the Rector where she had a brief meeting with the University Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. Her Royal Highness received the coffee table books “400 @ 800” and “Lumina Pandit.”
UST Museum Director Rev. Fr. Isidro D. Abaño, O.P., gave a tour of the Museum, explained its collection, and showed an exhibition specifically mounted for this delegation. The exhibition included artifacts from Thailand, and photographs of Her Royal Highness when she first visited UST in 1991.
Three lectures for Her Royal Highness and the cadets were delivered after the welcome remarks of the Father Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. The first topic was a brief history of the University of Santo Tomas, given by Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Jesús M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., followed by a talk on “Security of the Philippines and the South China Sea” by UST Faculty of Civil Law mentor Atty. Enrique dela Cruz, Jr., while Assumption College President Dr. Carmen Lourdes Valdés spoke on “Women and Leadership.”
A formal luncheon program at the Ballroom of the Paredes Building followed the lectures. The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe performed two Filipino folk dances, and the two-time Choir of the World – Luciano Pavarotti trophy awardee, the UST Singers, in turn, presented Filipino and English songs.
