At the end of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery’s (UST-FMS) 150th anniversary celebration, its Anargyroi Foundation, Inc. (AFI) held “Go Further: Beyond 150 Years – A Capital Campaign” on October 3, 2022, at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes O.P. Building lobby.
The program recognized AFI’s current donors and pledgees, and served as an avenue to invite new potential donors. It also established the collaboration of AFI, University of Santo Tomas, and the alumni of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, the first and oldest school of medicine in the Philippines, which has produced over 40,000 doctors.
“Go Further” was the official introduction to the public of the upcoming 1.2-billion PHP target that would address the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center project, which replicates clinical scenarios in order to provide students a strong link between their basic medical education and actual clinical practice. Using simulation aides, students can learn more effectively without fear of harming patients.
The target amount would see to the completion and furnishing of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, the building that will house the Simulation and Research Center; the support of relevant medical research; the awarding of scholarships to underprivileged medical students, and the modernization of facilities at the St. Martin de Porres Building.
After the blessing was given by UST FMS Regent Rev. Fr. Angel A. Aparício, O.P., the message of gratitude and legacy was delivered by the UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D.
Commending the FMS for fostering a culture of excellence in the medical profession, Fr. Ang expressed that the capital campaign launch was “a fitting occasion to give thanks and to celebrate the legacy of the UST FMS in commemoration of its sesquicentennial foundation anniversary.”
Fr. Ang reflected on gratitude, calling it an act of opening oneself to the grace of God, and thanked the many donors that committed to the capital campaign, particularly the alumni. “Your selfless dedication and support to UST’s Vision-Mission are expressions of your gratitude to your alma mater and your desire to leave a legacy to the next generation.”
The Rector also warmly thanked the Vice Chairman of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) and the Henry Sy Foundation Teresita Sy-Coson for her generous donation and suggestions in the design of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, which will be named after her father.
“Physical structures will provide us with material and tangible legacy, but at the same time we are striving for a lasting legacy that is intangible – a legacy of character and integrity,” said the Father Rector.
Designed by Architects Rodolfo and Ana Ventura, the seven-storey building “will evoke transparency from within, modernity and innovation – the direction that the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is now actively pursuing. The Building exteriors will also feature vertical aluminum sun breakers, which while being functional in itself, will evoke verticality and suggest growth and reaching up to new heights with the innovation in the study of medicine,” as written in the structure notes.
“The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will be a state-of-the-art structure designed to meet the challenges and expectations of a digitally-inclined medical education landscape. It will house technologically-advanced facilities and equipment, which will complement the existing teaching, learning, and research practices of the University. It is yet another milestone, securing the UST FMS a relevant spot, a significant spot in Catholic medical education in the country, the region, and the world,” said the FMS Dean and AFI President Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao.
The Dean further explained, “Today, our battle cry is ‘Go Further Beyond 150 Years—a statement that inspires movement and direction. We have aptly made this the official banner of our ambitious 1.2-billion capital campaign. Nurtured by our past and inspired by our tomorrow, we go further in every milestone as the cradle of Philippine medical education, building a future founded on Thomasian values, legacy, and excellence.”
The event also included AFI Fundraising Committee Chairman Dr. Charles Cuaso’s presentation of the Fundraising Committee Blueprint and conversations among benefactors and friends of UST FMS and AFI, including representatives from the Henry Sy Foundation, Starkey Hearing Technologies, UNILAB, the FMS Class of 1986, the UST Medical Alumni Association, Drs. Peter and Linda Fang, and beneficiaries of the AFI.
AFI Development Office Executive Director Asst. Prof. Anna Maria Gloria Ward, in her closing remarks, said “We encourage everyone to come and be part of this historical narrative, that in UST FMS’ celebration of its 150th anniversary, its alumni and friends sourced and gathered its resources to assure that it remains to be one of the best medical schools in the Philippines. After all, not everyone can claim to be the Cradle of Medical Education in the country.”
She also shared that of 45 rooms available for naming rights, 14 of the rooms are already reserved for donors and pledgees.
Dr. Cuaso and Asst. Prof. Ward then unveiled a ceremonial thermometer that signified the progress toward the 1.2-billion-peso goal.
Interested donors may contact the AFI through anargyroifoundation@gmail.com
