The University of Santo Tomas honored its exemplary faculty members and administrative staff for their contributions in the Academic Years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 in the Dangal ng UST 2025 on August 15, 2025, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
In his message, Rector Rev. fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, lauded the Thomasian luminaries for going beyond their purpose as content experts and course facilitator sto wear the emotional support hat to aid and inspire their students. “Sa bawat hamon na kaakibat ng pagiging guro, nasusubok hindi lamang ang kanyang talino, kundi pati ang pagkamalikhain at pagiging maparaan, kung paano dumiskarte,” fr. Ang said.
“Dito nahuhubog ang kabuoan ng kanyang pagkatao dahil mahalaga ito upang ang kanyang mga estudyante ay maging life-long learners. Batid niya ang teknolohiya ay isang accessory at isang kasangkapan lamang at hindi ang layunin ng pagkatuto,” the Rector added.
Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, Rev. fr. Filemon I. Dela Cruz, Jr., O.P., underscored the importance of faith in their mission as educators amidst their challenges. Moreover, he said that teaching must not just be outbound, but also be inbound.
“Sa inyong pagtuturo, capture the spirit of vision and faith; these will keep you alive. You will not lose the zest for life,” fr. Dela Cruz said.
“Alagaan niyo lang ang mga estudyante at hindi kayo pababayaan ng Diyos,” he added.
UST Faculty Union President Prof. Asst. Prof. Emerito C. Gonzales, MA hailed the awardees for offering their years in the vocation to serve and to teach in generations of Thomasians in UST. “Sa kani-kaniyang larangan, kayo ay ang huwaran ng kahusayang Tomasino. Dala ninyo ang dangal ng buong pamayanan hindi lamang sinyong mga tagumpay kundi sa integridad at dedikasyong ginugol ninyo upang marating ang mga ito,” he said.
In her message of acceptance and gratitude, on behalf of the awardees, Assoc. Prof. Rouena S. Villarama, MEd, RN of the College of Nursing said honing generations of Thomasian nurses was her way of giving back to the University. “Sa pagtuturo at natamo ko hinid lamang ang katuparan kundi ang kaligayahan ng aking propesyong Nursing,” Villarama said.
Furthermore, she said to be a better educator, one must know how to research, serve, and know the value of community and the country. Likewise, she urged her fellow educators to look at the three Thomasian core values as a beacons that will light their way in their mission to teach. She received the Gawad Benavides Award for 40 years of service.
National Academician and Professor Emeritus Fortunato B. Sevilla III said in his message that the awards received by the educators were not just mere symbols of their excellence and service, but it was a proof of the support and trust given by UST to them in pursuit of their ambition as an exemplary Thomasian educator and researcher.
Moreover, the awards they received were in recognition of the inspiration they drew from their students.
“Ang estudyante rin ay tulay para mabilis tayong matuto ng makabagong pamamaraan at teknolohiya. Ang mga kwento ng mga dating estudyante o alumni ay mahalaga para maiangkop nating mga guro sa ating pagtuturo at maihatid natin ang dunong at kasanayan na kakailanganin sa trabaho.” Sevilla said.
Sevilla has been serving the University for 55 years.
This year’s theme is “Gurong Tomasino: Gabay at Panday sa Kinabukasang Matagumpay.”
Photo from the Varsitarian.