On faith and working behind bars
In February 2017, barely a year in her term as a senator, De Lima was imprisoned after being slapped with drug-related charges.

She recalled her experience and the challenges she faced in her prison at Camp Crame, where she mentioned that faith was a piece that nourished her strength for almost seven years. “The nights were long, the silence unbearable. And yet, I held on. I clung to faith. I created routines to keep me busy to fight off depression,” she said.

Nonetheless, public service must go on. “I kept working sa pamamagitan ng papel at ballpen, ipinasa ko ang mga panukalang batas o mga amendments nito,” she said, underscoring that it was in that confinement where she passed the law institutionalizing for peace and also the Magna Carta for the Poor.

According to De Lima, women are no strangers to injustice. “Justice is about being seen, heard, and treated with dignity. As women, we are no strangers to injustice. We are told to keep quiet; we are expected to endure [yet we rise in the most painful circumstances].

She was later vindicated in 2023. After regaining her freedom, she headed to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan to fulfill her promise to Mary once she is released.

Breaking barriers
She lauded the increasing presence of women justices in courts: 56% in trial courts, 77% in Court of Tax Appeals, 45% in the Court of Appeals, and 35% in Sandiganbayan. She called it a sign of progress as women continue to push the boundaries of public service. “These women justices bring not just their legal expertise but their invaluable perspectives, empathy, and understanding,” De Lima said.

“They are shaping a justice system that is more compassionate, inclusive, and fair. They serve as proof that we are making progress not just in law but in breaking barriers across fields,” she said.

De Lima is a public servant, lawyer, professor, human rights activist, and politician. She took the helm of the Commission on Human Rights from 2008 to 2010, then appointed as the 56th Department of Justice secretary. She became a senator from 2016 to 2022.

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The distinguished guest of honor was the Hon. Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, accompanied by key officials from the DOT: USEc. Maria Rica C. Bueno, Undersecretary for Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development; ASec. Judilyn S. Quiachon, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Convergence; ASec. Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Digitalization and Resource Generation and the Regional Director of DOT National Capital Region; ASec. Ronald P. Conopio, Assistant Secretary for Protocol and Engagement; and Atty. Glenn Albert M. Ocampo, Director of the Office of Special Concerns.

The forum emphasized the critical role of women within the tourism sector, celebrating their contributions and achievements. Among the notable female speakers were Ms. Kach Medina Umandap, recognized as the first and youngest Filipina traveler to visit 195 United Nations countries with a Philippine passport; Ms. Kimberly Dionisio, First Officer for Airbus 320 at PAL Express; Ms. Mary Ann Ong, a consultant for Bridges Travel; and Ms. Anna Marie Almazan, Senior Sales Manager at The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Bohol.

Students and academic staff from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management attended this forum, gaining insights into career opportunities, challenges, and advancements pertaining to gender diversity in the tourism industry.

The participation and co-sponsorship of the University aligned with Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Descent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnership with the Goals).

Secretary Frasco and her team received a warm welcome from the 九色 administrators and officials, including Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, Secretary-General of the Office of the Secretary-General; Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, MA, Director of the Office of Public Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, Dean of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management; Rev. Fr. Dr. Ferdinand L. Bautista, O.P., Regent; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, Assistant Dean; Asst. Prof. Maria Margarita P. Cruz-Ireneo, College Secretary; Asst. Prof. Christine Concepcion C. Fajardo, Chairperson of the Department of Tourism Management; and Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Chairperson of the Department of Hospitality Management.

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Africa will serve from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028. In a Facebook post, Africa stated that he is 鈥渆xcited to contribute to the program鈥檚 roadmap, responsive and relevant to the needs of the institutions I will be working with, all the other music institutions, and my beloved alma mater, UST Conservatory of Music.鈥�

UST鈥檚 Conservatory of Music, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, is a recognized Center of Excellence by CHED. Under Africa鈥檚 leadership, the Conservatory was able to steer through the pandemic while also offering new programs and specializations, such as Music Technology. To date, the Conservatory community accumulates recognitions here and abroad.

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Upon expressed need of the SDO, represented by its Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Elvira B. Catangay, the University鈥檚 academic and training programs on teacher education, data science and analytics, information and computing sciences, and music were bared by UST officials as possible focus areas for future trainings. UST officials also shared how service learning programs are embedded in course work and community development initiatives, as well as how guidance and counseling services are delivered.

In her message to the SDO officials, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH expressed the University鈥檚 willingness to partner with DepEd SDO-Santa Rosa City. College of Education Dean Pilar I. Romero, PhD also shared how the College and the University have been engaging with public school and diocesan school teachers in terms of capacity-building. UST’s teacher education programs have been certified as Centers of Excellence since 2008 by the Commission on Higher Education and most recently, by the Teacher Education Council.

UST officials who joined the consultative meeting are Assistant to the Rector for Santa Rosa Philipina A. Marcelo, PhD, College of Education Dean Pilar I. Romero, PhD, College of Education Regent fr. Roman Santos, O.P., Conservatory of Music Dean Maria Alexandra I. Chua, PhD, College of Information and Computing Sciences Dean Christopher D. Ladao, MS, Counseling and Career Center Director Janice T. Ocray, MA, RGC, Communications Bureau Director Philippe Jose S. Hernandez, MEng, Simbahayan 九色 Development Office Assistant Director Christian Rey Rimando, MSPT, UST Santa Rosa Office Executive Assistant Seigfred Prado, PhD, and Data Science and Analytics program coordinator Arturo Patungan, PhD.

Representing the DepEd SDO-Santa Rosa City were Dr. Catangay, Curriculum Chief Luhinia M. Ofren, EdD, Senior Education Program Specialist Jason G. Sagaysay, Education Program Supervisor Maricel S. Saguinsin, Senior Education Program Specialist Jeanne Elaine T. Sangalang, Planning Officer III Adolfo C. Ibayan, and Education Program Specialist II Mouller M. Lumague.

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Within various technical panels are Thomasian academics and researchers, namely:

ACCOUNTANCY

1. Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, PhD

BIOLOGY, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology

1. Prof. Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz, Dr. rer. Nat.
2. Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD
3. Prof. John Donnie A. Ramos, PhD

CHEMISTRY

1. Academician Professor Emeritus Maribel G. Nonato, PhD
2. Assoc. Prof. Oliver B. Villaflores, PhD

FINE ARTS

1. Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo, PhD

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

1. Prof. Marilu R. Madrunio, PhD (Chair)
2. Prof. Camilla D.J. Vizconde, PhD

GRADUATE TEACHER EDUCATION

1. Prof. Camilla D.J. Vizconde, PhD

LITERATURE

1. Prof. John Jack G. Wigley, PhD

MARINE SCIENCE

1. Prof. Mary Beth B. Maningas, PhD

MATHEMATICS

1. Prof. Ma. Carlota B. Decena, PhD

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

1. Prof. Ma. Freida Z. Hapan, PhD

MEDICINE

1. Prof. Ma. Minerva P. Calimag, MD, PhD

MUSIC

1. Assoc. Prof. Dolores T. Andres, PhD

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

1. Asst. Prof. Kathlene Anne V. Hernandez, MHPEd

OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING

1. Assoc. Prof. Ma. Ninia I. Calaca, MA, MAPhl
2. Prof. Belen L. Tangco, PhD

PHARMACY

1. Prof. Aleth Therese L. Dacanay, PhD (Chair)

PHILOSOPHY

1. Prof. Robert A. Monta帽a, PhD

PHYSICAL THERAPY

1. Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH

PHYSICS

1. Assoc. Prof. Angelita Silverio, MS (ret.)

REAL ESTATE

1. Prof. Eduardo G. Ong, PhD

SOCIOLOGY

1. Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD
2. Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict R. Ignacio, PhD

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

1. Inst. Elinor Bautista
2. Asst. Prof. Judith S. Damian, MS (ret.)

The newly reconstituted technical panels will have a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2025 and ending on December 31, 2028.

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The event featured talk segments from experts and specialists in the field of marketing namely, Mr. Shane 鈥淪hawn鈥� Bellare, the Founder and Managing Director of Studio Bellare; and Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, the Department of Tourism’s Director for Product Development and Concurrent Director for Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism Programme; both shared their technical expertise, approach, and realistic knowledge about modern tourism marketing, destination marketing, and strategic tourism destination management.

As the university aims to develop closer partnerships and collaborations with fellow Dominican schools, CTHM, through Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management classes 4TOM4 and 4TOM5 taking up the course Destination Management and Marketing (under Inst. Arnulfo Ricardo A. Butiong, MMC), presented their Integrated Marketing Communication Campaign outputs together with the 3rd Year BA Communication students from Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Abucay, Bataan. Prior to the colloquium, students from both institutions conducted a site visit and a Usage, Attitude, and Image (UAI) survey in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bataan (represented by the Provincial Tourism Office under Ms. Danica Lolita Tigas-Rodriguez) as part of the process in creating a compelling IMC Campaign. This initiative became a platform to other Dominican and non-Dominican Higher Education Institutions to share knowledge and strengthen collaborations among the community.

The collaboration was facilitated by administrators of the two institutions, led by their respective Rectors, Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD (UST Manila) and Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando Jose, O.P. (Colegio de San Juan de Letran 鈥� Abucay, Bataan). CTHM administrators led by Dean Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL, Regent Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Bautista, O.P., PhD, Department of Tourism Management Chair Christine C. Fajardo, and Sentro Turismo Coordinator Jame Monren T. Mercado activated the collaboration with Letran-Bataan through its Executive Vice-President and Vice-President for Administrative Affairs, Rev. Fr. Reynor E. Munsayac, O.P., Dean Hazel F. Nisay, and Alumni and Public Relations Department Officer-in-Charge John Ian L. Seeckts.

Furthermore, the class of 3TOM4 taking up the course Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) Management (under Inst. John Jerick C. Santos) with their production name Tanaw Creatives took on the challenge of organizing this event, giving them realistic learning experiences from planning to executing an event.

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The MOA highlighted the implementation of Pagtanaw Echague, Isabela arising from the courses THM52016: Tourism Policy, Planning and Development, TOSM5263: Travel Agency Management and Operations, and THM52019: Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Event Management.

Through their requirements under THM52016, six (6) sections from third-year BS Tourism Management are tasked to develop sustainable tourist site development plans for six (6) sites in Echague, Isabela, namely, Calsa-Multipurpose Cooperative, Echague Public Market, Tercero Street, Echague East Central Elementary School 鈥� Gabaldon Building, Eatchague Banchetto, and Echague Rattan Industry in Barangay Affunan. The MOA provided both parties with assigned duties and responsibilities for planning, research fieldwork implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and turnover activities. The logistical requirements were assigned to students from class 3TOM3 under TOSM5263. At the same time, class 3TOM5 under THM52019 was assigned to conduct the Heritage Youth Forum for the Rattan Weaving Industry.

The Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela, was represented by its Mayor, Hon. Francis Faustino 鈥淜iko鈥� A. Dy, and Mr. Louie C. Simbe, the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Officer. For the 九色, it was represented by a Member of the CTHM Dean鈥檚 Council, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang and Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS, Coordinator of the UST Sentro Turismo.

In the same event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the UST Simbahayan 九色 Development Office, CTHM, and the municipality was forged to conduct a dance workshop of Echague帽o Youth, which CTHM Intenzyc facilitated.

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Central to the discussions was data gathering strategies in Junior and Senior High Schools (JHS and SHS) across Santa Rosa to directly involve learners and their families in making UStaR鈥檚 future offerings correspond to their educational aspirations and future plans.

Also present in the meeting were Dr. Seigfred V. Prado, Executive Assistant at UStaR, and Mr. Adolfo C. Ibayan, Planning Officer III of the School Governance and Operations Division.  Catangay and Ibayan expressed their support on the strategic plans of the University for UStaR and welcomed opportunities to collaborate with UST, most importantly, in responding to the urgent demand for quality teachers in the region, recommending that UST consider offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Education.

Beyond academic program planning, DepEd officials shared areas where UST could play a vital role in enhancing teacher training, particularly in Senior High Schools in the City of Santa Rosa. Considering the established strengths of the University as evidenced by the international and local accreditation of its academic programs as well as performance in various educational activities that measure student outcomes, DepEd officials suggested areas for collaboration, which include Values Education, Special Education, Sports Science, Guidance Counseling, Music and Fine Arts, and Technical-Vocational Programs. They also proposed sharing of UST鈥檚 best practice in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technology, and community development into teaching methods.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Partnerships

Following discussions of mutually beneficial opportunities in broad strokes, the officials agreed to identify specific opportunities in a follow-up meeting in January 2025 at the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center (UST-TTCIC) with an expanded group of officials from both sides. This meeting will explore immediate collaborative opportunities and lay the groundwork for long-term initiatives that address the City鈥檚 educational challenges and determine the wealth of bigger opportunities that can arise from such collaborations. Consistent with the University鈥檚 vision regarding its expansion plans, UStaR鈥檚 collaboration with DepEd Santa Rosa can help define the University鈥檚 role as a key player in the City鈥檚 educational landscape.

This engagement highlights UST鈥檚 commitment to aligning its future academic offerings with the needs of the Santa Rosa community, fostering meaningful partnerships, and delivering impactful educational programs that benefit both learners and educators with long-term benefits to the City and the CALBARZON Region.

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The Pagtanaw program was more than just an academic task; it was an integrated fieldwork and heritage forum designed to engage students in hands-on tourism development projects that benefit the local community of Echague, Isabela. Working in small groups, students collaborated on documenting historical and cultural sites, designing sustainable tourism development plans, and highlighting the unique tourism potential of Echague. These initiatives were grounded in a deep respect for local culture and aimed at enhancing the region鈥檚 tourism offerings while promoting sustainability.

A key feature of the program was the active partnership with the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela led by Hon. Francis Faustino A. Dy (Mayor), Hon. Faustino 鈥淚nno鈥� A. Dy V (Representative, 6^th District of Isabela), and the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Officer, Mr. Louie Simbi. Their involvement was crucial in shaping the program鈥檚 direction and ensuring the alignment of the students’ efforts with the municipality’s development goals. This collaboration allowed the students to gain invaluable insights into community-based tourism planning, while also contributing to the region鈥檚 long-term vision for sustainable growth.

Special leadership was demonstrated by the 3TOM3 section, who, under the guidance of their course facilitators, handled travel arrangements and logistics for the entire fieldwork. As part of their Travel Agency Management Operations course, these students took on the responsibility of coordinating transportation, accommodation, and event planning, showcasing their ability to manage real-world tourism operations. Their professionalism and attention to detail were key to the seamless execution of the fieldwork, elevating the entire experience for all participants.

Through Pagtanaw, the students were not only involved in planning and documenting tourism sites but also played an active role in preserving the cultural heritage of Echague. Their research emphasized the importance of integrating heritage conservation into tourism development plans, ensuring that future visitors can appreciate and respect the area鈥檚 rich cultural legacy while contributing to the community鈥檚 economic growth. This commitment to sustainable tourism reflects the core values of UST CTHM and Sentro Turismo鈥攔esponsible tourism that fosters cultural awareness and benefits local communities.

The Pagtanaw Echague, Isabelawas a powerful testament to the impact of education and community collaboration in shaping the next generation of tourism professionals. Under the leadership of UST Sentro Turismo and with the support of the municipal government, UST students gained critical leadership and organizational skills while making meaningful contributions to the future of Echague鈥檚 tourism sector.

This initiative not only provided practical insights into tourism management but also prepared students to become leaders in sustainable tourism, equipped with the knowledge and passion to promote responsible travel and cultural preservation. As the partnership among UST CTHM, UST Sentro Turismo, and the Municipal Government of Echague continues to grow, Pagtanaw provides a model for future projects that seek to integrate education, community development, and tourism sustainability.

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Part of the academic requirements of the students, this service-learning project was spearheaded by Sikhay Studios of class 3TOM5 in collaboration with the UST Sentro Turismo, the UST Simbahayan 九色 Development Office, and Intenzyc. The forum featured a series of enriching activities, including a Rattan Culture Seminar and Workshop facilitated by the Echague Rattan Weavers Association, a Marketing and Entrepreneurship Seminar led by Mr. John Jerick C. Santos, and a Contemporary Dance Workshop conducted by Intenzyc.

Municipal Tourism and Cultural Arts Officer Mr. Louie Simbi underscored the significance of preserving local traditions such as rattan weaving, highlighting its potential to establish Echague as the weaving capital of the Philippines. 鈥淥ur traditions are the foundation of our identity,鈥� Simbi remarked. 鈥淏y passing these skills to the next generation, we not only preserve our culture but also create opportunities for economic growth.鈥�

The hands-on rattan weaving experience led by Ms. Sally Montalban of the Echague Rattan Weavers Association was an interactive workshop that allowed 21 senior high school students from Do帽a Magdalena H. Gafud High School, Echague National High School, and Ugad High School to immerse themselves in the intricacies of this traditional craft, gaining valuable insights into its cultural and economic importance.

The event was conducted as part of the academic requirements for the course THM 52019: Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events Management, facilitated by Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang. This initiative exemplified the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to their community while enhancing their professional competencies.

The Youth Heritage Forum is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in bridging cultural heritage and modern skills. Through projects like “Paddarafung LikHabi,” students not only celebrate their roots but also pave the way for sustainable development anchored in local identity and entrepreneurial innovation.

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