Santos was recognized for his exceptional contributions to fisheries science and governance in the country, where his work involves genetics, resource assessment and policy studies to support fisheries management and aquaculture for food security, biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation in the country.

“Doc Mudjie”, as he is often called, established the NFRDI-Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory, the country’s leading genetics lab for fisheries and pioneered the Fisheries Vulnerability Assessment Tool (FishVool), a standard protocol for assessing vulnerabilities of fisheries communities and commodities to climate change.

Aside from being Scientist V at the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), Santos is an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines, and an academic staff at the Graduate School of the ��ɫ.

Santos has authored and co-authored over 100 scientific articles, book chapters and books. He led the revival and transformation of The Philippine Journal of Fisheries (TPJF) into a world-class Scopus indexed Journal and is currently its Editor-in-Chief. He also serves as a Section Editor of the Philippine Agricultural Scientist and an Editor of Fisheries Science, the official journal of the Japan Society for Fisheries Science.

He is a recipient of numerous awards including the Award of Excellence in Socio-Economic Applications of DNA Barcoding by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada and the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan award given by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the President of the Philippines.

In recognition of his significant contribution to the advancement of fisheries science and management in the country, a species of fish was named after him in 2015 (Chelidoperca santosi), by two of the world’s leading fish taxonomists in the world, Dr. Jeffrey Williams and Dr. Kent Carpenter. In the same year, an islet in Zamboanga City was named in his honor, “Mudjie Wise Key Islet,” by the people of Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City. Later, he was officially recognized by the City of Zamboanga, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and by the Sardine Industry as one of the prime movers of the closed fishing season in the Peninsula that not only benefits the City but the entire country. As such, he is sometimes called “Mr. Fisheries Research” or the “Fisherfolk’s Scientist.”

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UST FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes D. Maglinao said that the conferment of the Professorial Chair to a foremost specialist in bioethics infectious disease specialist, and trailblazer like Dr. Tan Alora “honors excellence in the field of medical education, celebrates the profound impact of knowledge and mentorship, and explores the insights gained from navigating ethical challenges in these unprecedented times.”

The Dean added, “May this occasion inspire continued dedication and provide lessons to shape a more ethical and resilient future.”

Metrobank Foundation Executive Vice President Mr. Philip Francisco Dy congratulated Dr. Tan Alora on the conferment of the Professorial Chair, which “supports UST in its endeavor to develop programs in medical education and contributes to the global competitiveness of our country’s medical practitioners.”

            In her lecture “Enhancing Ethical Behavior: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic”, Dr. Tan Alora shared insights and observations from the ongoing pandemic experience, that she hoped would help healthcare professionals to take actions that lead to “ethical comfort in doing as much good as one can, and achieve what Pope Francis tells us: ‘Be joyful, help without hesitation, and persevere’–to become better persons.”

            “There is much beyond our control, and yet much more remains within our control,” emphasized Dr. Tan Alora, who warned listeners that “COVID-19 is here to stay. More will suffer from the disease and its long-term complications. Local spikes and further waves are inevitable.”

            Currently beyond control is the knowledge surrounding the disease COVID-19 and the virus that causes it, SARS CoV-2. Said knowledge is incomplete, since it is a “novel illness that continuously evolves daily. There is new information about variants, transmissions, preventive measures, complications, treatments, vaccines, and immunity. We have no truly accurate measure to determine ‘good care’.”

            She also remarked on the world’s shift toward internet-based communication and education, particularly the “ubiquitous social media landscape which blurred the distinction between truth and fiction, creating an infodemic of endless opinions, rampant misinformation and disinformation” and the urgency of the pandemic, which “catapulted preprint servers and predatory journals without peer review that lead to a reproducibility crisis.”

 The nature and circumstances of healthcare during the onset of the pandemic was also beyond control, such as the vital necessity of strict infection control measures that, at the same time, “threatened personalized, dignified, and humane care.” These include distancing restrictions that prohibit family members to visit or assist patients, leading to those in the ICU dying alone. Due to the scarcity of resources at the time, both human and material, “decisions on how to meet an individual’s need gave way to decisions on how to maximize public care.”

Another challenge was the unprepared public health system stemming from the lack of clear science-based directives and policies during the crisis

A lesson to be learned among these trials, Dr. Tan Alora emphasized, is “Do not give up. Rather, accept with confidence that God’s hand is upon us as we do our part. And what is our part? To focus on what we can control: to be trustworthy, to do the right thing for the right reason, to act virtuously, humbly, compassionately, and courageously,”

An ethical person must summon the courage to do the ordinary tasks in extraordinary manners despite adversity and unpleasant consequences, to act and live with authenticity, integrity, and transparency, to be willing to do what is right above what is convenient, to do even small things with great love, implored Dr. Tan Alora, who added that “the greater danger is not that our dreams are too lofty that we fail to reach them, but that they are too small and we do. We need to dream high and strive to realize that we are meant for more.”

            As society begins to emerge from the pandemic, change is inevitable. People must not go “back to normal” but rather collectively build a “new normal that is better than the one before, with an enhanced ethical behaviour.”

Dr. Tan Alora taught at the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery for 44 years and served as the head of the Department of Medical Education.

Aside from her affiliation with the ��ɫ, she is also a fellow of the Philippine College of Physicians and the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, the latter of which she served as the first woman president. She also taught at UP Manila and became the Director of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions for 5 years.

Dr. Tan Alora is the third recipient of the Doña Victoria Ty Tan Professorial Chair, which started in 2019. She joins the ranks of  Dr. Sandra Navarra and Dr. Fidela Moreno. Upon conferment to 10 medical educators and researchers, UST and the Metrobank Foundation will publish a book containing the collated lectures/research works.

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Administrators,  academic staff, and students delved into the latest advancements in AI tools through academic discussions and booth interactions from various educational technology and tool suppliers and contacts.

“The University’s subscription to tools with AI features presents an opportunity for harnessing its potential to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, automate various tasks, personalize the learning experience, and offer immediate feedback, thereby contributing to an improved teaching and learning environment,” according to the event rationale.

Aside from the booths, capacity-expanding plenary talks on the Power Skills Framework for Analytics and AI from FEU Institute of Technology Senior Director Dr. Ace Lagman, and the future of e-learning in the age of AI from De La Salle University Academic Support for Instructional Services and Technology (ASIST) Director Asst. Prof. Michael Manguerra provided glimpses into the transformative potential of technology in education.

Learning sessions on Grammarly, Zoom AI companion, Canvas’s AI-powered features, Microsoft 365 Education, TurnItIn feedback studio, Adobe Firefly and Adobe Express, Google Bard, Anthology Milestones, and the artificially intelligent learning and assessment system ALEKS were also held for interested academic staff, appointees, and students.

The digital expo was organized by the Office of Information and Communications Technology, the Educational Technology Center, and the Purchasing Office.

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This prestigious biennial award acknowledges mentors who have significantly contributed to the development of researchers in the health sector, thereby advancing the goals of the Philippine National Health Research System and the National Unified Health Research Agenda.

Dones is recognized not only for his competence and dedication as an educator but also for his prolific contributions to research, as evidenced by his numerous publications and research engagements. His commitment to training both students and junior academic staff is pivotal in enhancing research quality and promoting evidence-based practice within the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Renowned for his ability to inspire and motivate, Dones excels in instilling core values such as honesty, discipline, and commitment, while challenging and supporting his mentees to foster innovative thinking and research excellence.

His expertise in research methodology, statistics, writing, and the use of various research tools has been invaluable to the academic community. The award ceremony, set to take place during the 42nd DOST-PCHRD Anniversary Celebration in March 2024, will include Dones among the regional winners competing for national recognition.

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AMV COA Dean Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, Ph.D. was appointed as Chair of the TWG on Business Environment and Concepts, while Assistant Dean Francisco M. Caliwan, Jr. and Assoc. Prof. Antonio J. Dayag, Ph.D. were appointed as members of the TWG on Financial Accounting and Reporting. Moreover, Asst. Prof. Enrico D. Tabag and Atty. Tristan L. Lopez were appointed as members of TWG on Tax Compliance and Planning, while Mr. Francisco H. Villamin, Jr. DBA was appointed as member for Auditing and Attestation. The appointed members took their oath last December 18, 2023 at the PRC Office, Philippine International Convention Center.

The technical working group is tasked to revise the syllabi and table of specifications of the Philippine CPALE and align it with the examination given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Currently, the AICPA examination consists of two modules—core and discipline. The core module contains three compulsory parts (courses), namely: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG). The disciple module contains three optional parts (courses), namely: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR),  Information Systems and Control (ISC) and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). Students will choose one of the options. To complete the CPA Exam, a student will do 3 Core Courses and 1 Discipline Course.

 The AICPA-based examination is set to be given starting the October 2028 CPALE.

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Selected Junior and Senior BS Tourism Management students namely, Fiona Charlize S. Nazar, Maria Carren M. Santos, Solomon M. Santiago, and Anton Ivan B. Victorino formed the group Travelkadas that produced the winning vlog. The vlog showcased Muntinlupa City and featured select prominent attractions around the city. The vlog also highlighted inclusive and sustainable destinations focusing on health and wellness, accessible tourism, and recreational tourism. It also underscored the city’s best practices about its efforts on green investment.

Significant partner institutions assisted the team, namely, the City Government of Muntinlupa – Museo ng Muntinlupa, Filinvest City and Festival Mall Management, and the Bureau of Corrections. Academic staff members Ms. Lizette V. Villaflor, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, and Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado served as the mentors of the team.

Aside from the TVC, CTHM also joined other categories during the event such as Tourism Start-up, Destination Marketing Plan, and Travel Brochure-making competitions.

The preparation and monitoring of the competition delegates from the College was spearheaded by Ms. Catherine C. Mondejar, the Tourism Management Competition point person.

The winning vlog can be accessed through this link:

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During his welcome remarks, OAR Director Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina, MACHs reported the growing number of partners throughout the years. In the first-ever OAR Appreciation event in 2018, there were 24 industry partners and benefactors recognized in the event. This year, OAR was able to connect and further strengthen relationships with 77 partners composed of 6 UST department units, 67 private companies, 2 organizations, and 2 individual benefactors.

These partners offer various perks and privileges that come with the Thomasian Alumni Card that can be availed by Thomasian alumni across the country.

Alumni card partners such as Astoria Hotels, Cabean Cafe, George Optical, Highlands Coffee, Holiday Inn Express Manila, Hotel San Marco, Le Soleil De Boracay, Luxent Hotel, Makati Medical Care Access Araneta City, Movenpick Boracay, Reddoorz Philippines, Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care, Tinapayan Festival Bakeshoppe, and Winford Hotel & Casino were recognized during the event.

Also recognized were the partner organizations of OAR that included UST Alumni Association, Inc. for alumni events and Prosple for career development programs of the alumni community. Generous benefactors Drs. Jose & Stella Evangelista and Dr. Anselmo Unite were also honored during the event.

Asst. Prof. Medina gave his heartfelt thanks to everyone who has given their trust and confidence to OAR in continuing its purpose to serve the alumni community. He assured the partners of the improvements and innovations OAR is working on to make the collaboration and partnership more sustainable and engaging for the years to come.

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Buensalido + Architects, a firm owned by Architecture alumni Ar. Jason Buensalido and Ar. Nikki Boncan – Buensalido, was declared winner under the Ethics and Value Category (WAFX) for their project Pangasinan Barangay Centers. The same project was also recognized as Highly Commended under the Future Projects-Civic Category. The firm envisioned the project to be inspired by, designed by, and crafted by the local community, which hopefully creates a high sense of care and ownership towards the barangay centers; it is envisioned to be applied to all 140 barangays in the province, or even to over 42,000 barangays in the country.

Buensalido + Architects was established in 2006 with the commitment to introduce fresh, bold, and innovative concepts to the Philippine design setting.

Also recognized in the festival as Highly Commended was WTA Architecture & Design Studio’s Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Stadium Project located in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Under the Completed Building-Sport Category, the FEM Stadium is a 12,000 seater open stadium built as public social space for the people of Ilocos Norte.

WTA Architecture & Design Studio is owned by Ar. William Ti, Jr., an alumnus from batch 2002. In 2020 and 2021, the firm was recognized as one of the Top 10 Architecture Firms by BCI Asia. Currently, his firm is ranked 96th in Building Design World Architecture 100 (WA100) 2023.

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This inaugural hackathon brought together 14 teams composed of 83 students from various disciplines. Transcending the boundaries of traditional academic silos, it encouraged students to collaborate, innovate, and create solutions to real-world problems.

TOMASInno Center made the event inclusive and appealing to students with varied interests and skills by conducting bootcamps where professional practitioners coming from the field of engineering, business, programming, and other related trades and professions gave lecture sessions.

Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of Climate Change Commission, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje delivered a keynote message, addressing key issues and emphasizing the importance of innovation. He highlighted the challenges ranged from developing innovative solutions to societal problems to creating new technologies that could disrupt existing industries.

During the competition, the teams presented their innovations on their chosen SDG focus with a 5-minute pitch.

In first place was Team INNOvision with their project “AERLYTE”. The project aims to solve rising problems among geriatrics like health risks, reduced mobility, social isolation, and lack of motivation for exercise. This will be addressed through technology, specifically, a revolutionary exergaming app that seamlessly blends entertainment and health that enables a personalized and immersive fitness experience, fostering a new era of active aging for a healthier and happier senior community. Members include Julianne Kyle D. Abello, FJ Rio Rey Bantugan, Karl Dominic F. Placido, and Ydel Dominique C. Villariba.

In second place was Team Thoma5eekers with their project “Charging Point”, which aims to solve the problems brought by car-centricity by creating bike-friendly campuses and allowing the community to contribute in generating renewable energy. Mikayla Vera G. Cabildo, Kyle Christian Joshua M. Elgarico, Ronrico Miguel M. Kho, Niña Darlene S. Sebastian, and Russell L. Serranillo are the team members.
In third place is Team “MATCHA” with “Project Gesto”, an app made for everyone who desires to communicate and learn using sign language. Aside from its purpose to communicate, this will also help people who are willing to learn Braille and Sign Language. The team includes Abby Joyce E. Borromeo, Johann Louise V. Castillo, Alyssa Cherrylyn S. Guinto, and Lance Raphael H. Perez.
Team Synapse’s “Sewalert” was recognized as the top environment-related pitch for tackling the causes of flooding by leveraging their innovative flood sensor technology and helping to alert the appropriate authorities. Team members are Marc Angelo S. Ching, Miguel Felipe E. Lugay, Kercwin Paul F. Ocampo, Carl Diego L. Sadie, and Colleen Fritzi Santiago.
Team T6’s project “KKB”, which stands for “kumain ka na ba?” aims to solve lack of nutrition, foster healthy eating habits, and embracing connectivity among college students through an app with interconnected features of assisting users in locating food shops according to their preferences and constraints, providing easy nutrient-tracking through AI photography, and promoting a social community that reminds each other to eat rightfully and healthily. It was recognized as the top health-related pitch.
The top education-related entry was Team Incinque’s ABARKADA, which aims to provide inclusive, accessible, and quality education for all through an interactive learning platform integrated with innovative and inclusive features for children with limited hearing capacities, such as AI Learning assistant and Digital Classrooms.
Winning teams were awarded with cash prizes, medals, and tokens for the overall effectiveness of their interdisciplinary teamwork. Serving as the competition’s panelists were the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Head Dr. Kenneth Paul S. Ong, Cerebro CEO/Founder Justine Itugot, Accenture Managing Director Mr. Nepthalie Cruz, UST Hospital Medical Director Dr. Charito P. Malong-Consolacion, UST Alumni Association Inc. President Atty. Dwight Ramos, and UST EdTech Director Asst. Prof. Anna Cherylle M. Ramos.
This event was generously supported by its major sponsors, Accenture and Climate Change Commission, and minor sponsors, Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc, Unify Platform AG, and Thomasian Employees’ Credit Cooperative.

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Her study, titled “Interprofessional Education: A Scientometric Analysis”, was nominated for the Scott Reeves Research Award by Care in Partnership with the Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education (CAIPE) and Journal of Interprofessional Care (JIC). This paper delves into scientometric analysis, exploring the current landscape of Interprofessional Education (IPE) research and its implications for advancing healthcare practices.  Her study provides an overview of IPE publications’ scientific output, trends, and research topics worldwide. The analysis revealed the increasing interest in interprofessional education worldwide through publications and citation indicators.  This study will serve as a valuable guide for researchers, practitioners, educators, and policymakers to bridge existing knowledge structures and current trends

Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice champions and various health care and social care professionals globally attended the conference. The conference concluded with the  Winterthur-Doha Declaration on Interprofessional Education and Practice by Interprofessional Global being handed over to Dr. Jim Campbell, Director of Health Workforce of the World Health Organization.

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