UST RECTOR Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. has appealed for collaboration from Thomasians to move the University forward as he begins his second four-year term.
In an interview with The Flame on Monday, Sept. 9, Ang emphasized the need to advance “synergy” among disciplines, units and institutions to avoid mismatches.
“I want [Thomasians] to collaborate with everyone and of course, I need their support. It is our unity [that] will propel the University to the 21st century. Hindi tayo pwedeng magkakanya-kanya na hiwalay isang unit sa isang unit (We cannot be on our own wherein one unit is separated from another),” Ang said.
“As I have said during my first installation, synergy is important. Because without synergy, there is no collaboration; there will be a mismatch,” he added.
During his solemn investiture as the 97th rector, Ang said he would employ six strategic goals to sustain the University’s achievements from his previous term.
“As we look ahead, I would like to share my vision for 2028 and the key initiatives we will pursue to elevate our institution to new heights,” he said on Monday at the Santisimo Rosario Parish.
Ang’s six strategies, an extension of his existing seven-point agenda, are collectively known as the University’s “roadmap to 2028.”
READ: Ang seen to further boost his seven-point agenda during his second term as UST rector
1. More academic research
Ang’s first strategy is to enrich programs and research outputs by “strongly encouraging” academic units to review and update their curriculum to keep pace with emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches.
According to Ang, the University will also recruit more qualified teaching personnel, while “gently convincing” tenured faculty to finish their doctorate degrees.
“Faculty development is the bedrock of quality in teaching. And as we continue with hybrid learning, we shall periodically upgrade our digital infrastructure to create a rich learning environment that fosters stronger links between teaching, research, and community development,” he said.
In pursuit of boosting academic reputation, Ang also aims to expand the University’s global reach through “reputable” research publications and citations.
2. New facilities in other UST branches
For his second strategy, Ang seeks to develop the Research and Innovation Complex in the upcoming UST Santa Rosa campus in Laguna and the newly-established General Santos campus in Mindanao.
The rector detailed the timeline of several buildings in the works at the Laguna-based campus, including the full operation of the Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center and the completion of the Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute within two years.
The rector also mentioned plans to introduce academic programs in the Santa Rosa branch next year.
With regard to the General Santos campus, Ang aims to inaugurate the Dr. Ricardo S. Poe Sr. Integrated Innovation and Research laboratories and the proposed School of Science within the next two years.
He also talked about his vision of making the General Santos branch Mindanao’s “agritech” or agricultural technology campus by 2030.
“All these will be made possible not by one man, not by one woman, but by the synergy and concerted efforts of the various personnel. This is not part of my speech but it is also part of my vision to make UST GenSan a university in four-years time,” Ang said.
3. Reinvigorate the UST Hospital
The third strategy is to optimize the UST Hospital’s private and clinical divisions to “meet growing medical needs” and better train its physicians.
“We will continue working for a more symbiotic relationship between UST and the UST Hospital as the University is well-known for its flagship programs in the health sciences,” the rector said.
The Henry Sy Sr. Hall at the Manila Campus, which is nearing completion, will serve as a research facility for the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
In the following months, the University also aims to restore the full operations of the St. John Paul II Building of the UST Hospital which was only partially opened in April 2022.
According to Ang, the University will employ different methods to “revitalize” its clinical division, such as benchmarking other medical institutions, investing in new equipment and staff and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
4. Improving student welfare and service
Citing his experience as a former Artlets student, Ang said he intends to provide better services for the youth in the University.
“I have first-hand experience in advocating for student welfare. This experience reinforced my commitment to fully support the holistic development of the student body, recognizing the profound impact it has on nurturing well-rounded individuals,” he said.
The rector gave marching orders to the following administrative offices: the Office for Student Affairs (OSA) to review its policies and management of student welfare development committees; the academic units to provide more scholarship opportunities; the UST health service to deliver efficient medical assistance; the counseling and career center to better assist psychological and career concerns; and the religious ministries to give spiritual guidance to students in need.
Ang also pledged to provide more residences to student clerics and those inbound for the Ecclesiastical Faculties, quoting Pope Francis statement on the vital role of the youth in the church.
5. Expand alumni and international relations
UST is also looking to expand its partnership with alumni and industry organizations for mentoring opportunities and fund-raising projects, Ang said.
The rector also cited the joint ventures between the research complexes of all UST campuses and the Letran schools.
Ang also vowed to work with governing bodies, especially the Manila city government, with regard to the health permit issue.
“We have to work harmoniously with our government. We cannot fight the Manila LGU (local government unit) but we will have to support their Manila health certificate requirement,” Ang said.
RELATED: UST Rector: Manila health permit issue is over
6. ‘More aggressive’ public relations
The rector likewise emphasized the University’s goal to promote its own “brand of education” through various social media channels and public engagements.
“The University will be committed to a more aggressive stand or assertive stance when it comes to building UST’s visibility in the local and international scene,” Ang said.
He added that the University would establish a “positive and enduring reputation” by showcasing its accomplishments and innovations.
The University’s chief administrator also raised the need to develop a more efficient crisis management strategy, admitting that the task remains a struggle because UST is a large scale institution. The University must also maintain its nationwide and global prominence in the modern educational landscape, he added.
“Even if UST is old, it should not grow old, it remains young. It remains fresh because it is always evolving,” Ang said.
“Indeed, UST is the oldest existing university in Asia, but it is not sufficient and enough to be the oldest existing university in Asia. It should also be the most innovative or one of the most innovative universities in this part of the world.”
Ang first served as rector from 2020 to 2024. UST rectors may only be re-elected to a second term. F – with reports from Veancy Palad
