The University of Santo Tomas joined the inaugural Philippine University Fair in New York City, USA, from May 31 to June 2, 2025, upon the invitation of the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines. Organized in partnership with the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), this first-ever fair highlighted the excellence of Philippine higher education to the Filipino-American community and prospective students in the United States.
Consul General Senen Mangalile, in his opening remarks, emphasized the historic nature of the event – “This fair is a first-of-its-kind initiative at the Consulate, and we are proud to host it in partnership with PIDCI. It is an opportunity to reconnect with our roots and expand access to Philippine higher education.”
As one of the invited universities, UST’s presence underscored its unwavering commitment to academic diplomacy, cultural engagement, and the formation of globally competent students rooted in Catholic tradition. Leading UST’s presenters were the Father Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D.; Assistant to the Rector for UST Manila Annex (Santa Rosa City) Prof. Philippina A. Marcelo, Ph.D., and UST Graduate School of Law Dean Assoc. Prof. Jacqueline L. Kaw, DCL. Their presentations and interactions captured the essence of UST’s academic excellence, global reach, and distinctive Thomasian identity.
Completing the UST delegation were Prof. Marciana Agnes G. Ponsaran, Ph.D., Executive Secretary of the Office of the Rector; Dr. Sheryl M. Dionisio, UST Health Service Director; Engr. Nestor R. Ong, Deputy Director of the Office of QS/THE Rankings; Mr. Levine Andro H. Lao, Director of the Office for Grants, Endowments and Partnerships in Higher Education (OGEP), and Mr. Cristian Naval, Stakeholders Engagement Head of the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc (REFI).
During the university fair’s academic forum on May 31, the Thomasian leaders highlighted the institution’s unparalleled heritage. Founded in 1611, UST is the oldest existing university in Asia and home to over 42,000 students from across the globe. The Father Rector and his team shared how UST has evolved into a dynamic institution recognized as a Center of Excellence in multiple fields by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education, including medicine, pharmacy, teacher education, engineering, and philosophy.
The presentation showcased UST’s affordability and accessibility, noting that tuition costs at UST are a fraction of those in the United States, about $2,000 to $3,000 per semester, while still offering state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, and a vibrant, inclusive campus life. UST’s location in the heart of Manila, a city brimming with history, culture, and warmth, was highlighted as a prime advantage for international students.
In his presentation, Fr. Ang described UST’s approach to holistic education, having an environment that nurtures not only the intellect but also the spirit. “As a Catholic university founded by the Dominican Order, we nurture minds and hearts, rooted in faith, guided by reason, and called to serve,” he said.
UST’s global connections and over 250 international partnerships were also emphasized, offering students opportunities for exchange, research, and cultural immersion worldwide.
As Consul General Mangalile noted in his address, Philippine universities have long shaped generations of leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and faith workers who contribute to global society. The Philippine University Fair stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, forging new ties across oceans and generations.
Part of the activities also included the Philippine Independence Day festivities in New York City on June 1, reaffirming the enduring bonds of the Thomasian community and the University’s steadfast commitment to upholding Filipino heritage on the global stage.
Held along Madison Avenue with a grand parade, exhibitions, and a concert, the 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration drew hundreds of Filipino-Americans and friends in a vibrant showcase of identity, history, and culture. The event was organized by the PIDCI in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Philippines in New York.
“The presence of the University of Santo Tomas and the delegation’s presentation contributed significantly to the success of the fair and provided prospective students, Filipino-American families, and educators in the U.S. Northeast with valuable insight into the quality of global relevance of Philippine higher education,” said Honorable Consul General Senen T. Mangalile. “[UST’s engagements] helped foster greater awareness of academic opportunities in the Philippines and strengthen connections with our diaspora communities.”
Leading the Thomasian contingent in the parade was Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D.
The event also served as a homecoming for the Thomasian alumni, who were gathered by Dr. Shirley Malabanan-Tansiongco. The distinguished roster included Dr. Luther Tamayo, Dr. Lito Domingo, Dr. Feliciano Embralino, Dr. Marissa Santos, Dr. EJ Fernandez, Dr. Rosa Inciong-Reyes, Dr. Ramon Reyes, Dr. Aurora Gonzales, Dr. Antonio Gonzales, Dr. Orlando Fernando, Dr. Tina Goiri, Dr. Rainier Soriano, Dr. Alicia Almendral, Dr. Wilfred Villamater, Dr. Audrie de Jesus, Dr. Maria Faustina Calma, Dr. Reina Reyes-Constantino, Ms. Hasmine Manalungsung, Ms. Hazel Katigbak Education, Mr. Roman Solano, Dr. Naila Lambinicio Trani, Ms. Amieliza Sansait, Dr. Emily Zipagan, Ms. Vicky Baxa, Ms. Liza Tan, Mr. Felix Manuel, and Mr. Fernando Mendez.
The Father Rector and the Thomasian alumni were joined in the parade by Prof. Marciana Agnes Ponsaran, Ph.D. Executive Secretary of the Rector; Assoc. Prof. Jacqueline L. Kaw, DCL, Dean of the Graduate School of Law; Dr. Sheryl Dionisio, Director of the UST Health Service; and Mr. Cristian L. Naval, Stakeholders Engagement Head of the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc.
The University’s presence also extended beyond the parade with a thoughtfully curated UST station along Madison Avenue. It was staffed by Prof. Philipina Marcelo, Ph.D. Assistant to the Rector for UST MAx (Santa Rosa City); Asst. Prof. Nestor R. Ong, Deputy Director of the QS/THE Ranking Office; and Mr. Levine Andro H. Lao, Ph.D., Director of the Office for Grants, Endowments and Partnerships in Higher Education. This academic showcase highlighted UST’s rich heritage, global initiatives, and unwavering dedication to the formation of leaders anchored in faith and reason. Throughout the day, prospective students, alumni, and members of the Filipino-American community engaged with the team, exploring UST’s programs and global footprint.