THE FACULTY of Arts and Letters’ (AB) first-ever assistant regent aims to be a welcoming presence for Artlets as they carry on with their journey in the University.
The España University recently named Fr. Jayson Gonzales, O.P., as the first assistant regent of AB and assistant to the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs.
Gonzales’ appointment, along with the designation of five other Dominican priests and a Science professor to key administrative posts, was announced in a memorandum issued by the Office of the Secretary General on Thursday, Sept. 10. He formally assumed the post on Sept. 1.
“I will do my best not only to be present and visible, but also to be someone you (students) can talk with and even be your confidant,” Gonzales told The Flame.
“Hopefully, it can, even with that simple presence, I’ll make you feel that I’m with you all to accompany you in your journey,” he added.
As assistant regent, Gonzales will support AB regent Fr. George Phe Mang, O.P. in ensuring that the UST mission and vision are reflected in the faculty’s academic and cultural programs while fostering its Catholic and Thomasian identity. He will also work with the Artlets community to advance its spiritual formation, moral development and commitment to institutional values.
The assistant regent said he hopes to introduce himself to Artlets through his fondness for board games, which he sees as an opportunity for people to be authentic.
“I want to be introduced in that way, that I’m someone that they can approach, someone they can play with,” Gonzales said.
“By establishing friendship and [a] good relationship, that’s the time that we can start to talk about other things [when] a person [feels] comfortable,” he added.
Gonzales said he feels both excitement and pressure as the first person to hold the post because he would help set a standard for future assistant regents.
He said he intends to understand AB and work closely with the regent before developing plans.
“I’m a teacher. I am teaching moral theology. And for me, it’s very important to know first the situation. Where am I (and) where I am going,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales hopes to highlight the “three P’s” that guide his life, namely “perseverance in faith, persistence in prayer and prudence in decision-making.”
“As one faculty, may our study always lead us to the truth,” he added.
Gonzales earned bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Sacred Theology from the Philippine Dominican Center of Institutional Studies and UST in 2011 and 2014, respectively. He completed his licentiate and master’s degree in Theology, with a major in Moral Theology, from UST in 2018.
He teaches at the Faculty of Sacred Theology and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. He also advises the UST Theological Society, the student council of the Faculty of Theology.
On May 5, he defended his doctoral dissertation in Theology, major in Moral Theology, at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His research examined the role of prudence in pastoral accompaniment of individuals and families considering euthanasia through a Thomistic approach.
Other new appointees
UST also named four Dominican priests as assistant regents of other academic units.
Fr. Rudolf Steven Seño, O.P., now serves as assistant regent of the UST Junior High School and assistant dean of the Faculty of Philosophy under the Ecclesiastical Faculties.
Fr. Cecilio Vladimir Magboo, O.P., Fr. Ivan Paul Obando, O.P. and Fr. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, O.P., are now the assistant regents of the Conservatory of Music, Faculty of Pharmacy and Faculty of Engineering, respectively.
Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, O.P., is now the UST Central Seminary rector, succeeding Fr. Quirico T. Pedregosa Jr., O.P. His term took effect on July 1 and will end on June 30, 2030.
Also appointed was Prof. Ma. Criselda Pacquing of the Department of Psychology, who will serve as acting director of the newly established Career Services and Placement Office. F
