Read the University’s primer on the ongoing negotiations.

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The post Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Academic Staff 2021-2026 appeared first on 九色.

UST Truly Invests in Its People

UST鈥檚 Quality Policy highlights its commitment to lifelong learning and professional development for all University staff. The University invests in institutional, unit-level, and individual training programs, offering regular in-house training programs and full or partial support for external training and graduate studies.

Academic staff complete graduate studies with subsidized tuition and other fees at the UST Graduate School. UST supports enrollment even at external institutions through its Grants-in-Aid program, while its Degree Acceleration program provides study leave with pay for academic staff pursuing doctoral degrees. Over the past quarter century, UST has supported more than 600 academic staff in completing graduate studies in widely recognized local and international institutions of higher learning in the Philippines and abroad鈥攁 unique benefit that sets it apart from other institutions. The academic staff who completed their degrees have since returned and contributed to furthering our mission of providing quality education and engaging in scholarly pursuits.

UST also fosters research excellence by giving qualified academic staff dedicated research loads and grants, mentoring up-and-coming researchers from higher education and basic education levels, facilitating access to external funding, supporting innovation and patenting, and promoting local and international collaborations. Over 200 researchers are affiliated with UST鈥檚 research centers this year alone, with more doing research at the academic unit level. Research productivity is recognized through awards and incentives like the Ceferino Gonzalez Award for Indexed Publications and the biennial Gold and Silver Series Awards, with more than a hundred academic researchers honored in recent cycles. Engagement in research is also given a premium in the reclassification and promotion of academic staff.

Completing training, graduate degrees, and research initiatives not only advances academic ranks and compensation but also unlocks new growth opportunities. UST empowers its staff to deepen their expertise, contribute to their disciplines, and take on leadership roles, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence in academia and society, widening the academic staff鈥檚 and University鈥檚 sphere of influence at the local and international levels.

Steadfast Support Amidst Transitions and Disruptions

UST鈥檚 unwavering support for its academic staff has been a cornerstone during periods of significant transitions and disruptions in the educational landscape.

The University successfully navigated the K-to-12 transition without displacing a single tenured academic staff, offering Senior High School programs to retain tertiary faculty despite enrollment gaps in higher education. These tertiary academic staff did not experience any salary diminution even though the Senior High School offers a different rate for its teachers.

Similarly, UST adapted swiftly to the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning over 42,000 students and 2,500 academic staff to its Enriched Virtual Mode (EVM) of instruction, leveraging its robust technological infrastructure and existing manpower support. Despite uncertainties in enrollment, delayed tuition fee collections, and fee refunds, UST ensured no disruptions or delays in staff salaries and benefits.

While other institutions resorted to reduced compensation or 鈥渘o work, no pay鈥� schemes, UST maintained regular salaries and benefits, even conducting and completing CBA negotiations for the 2016-2021 cycle online to secure better terms for staff. While layoffs were seen in other institutions, the University was distributing goodwill bonuses, pandemic assistance, and technology allowances to help academic staff navigate the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, reinforcing its commitment to their well-being and professional stability. Salary increases from the 2016-2021 cycle have also helped academic staff cope with economic challenges in past years.

Continuous Effort to Attract, Develop, and Retain the Best Talent

UST remains committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent to sustain its tradition of excellence. Policies, compensation, and benefits are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they align with the needs and expectations of every sector within the University.

Recent policy developments allow academic staff to upgrade to minimum ranks for Master鈥檚 and Doctoral degree holders after completion. Additionally, doctoral degree holders with significant research productivity may qualify for further rank upgrades to a maximum level set by policy. These measures balance academic achievement with institutional longevity, recognizing both as vital to career progression.

UST has drafted proposals for salary restructuring to address the unique qualifications and roles of Senior High School (SHS) academic staff. These aim to introduce a midway compensation package between Junior High School and tertiary, ensuring competitive pay to attract and retain highly qualified academic staff capable of delivering the University鈥檚 pre-baccalaureate SHS program.

Such initiatives reflect UST鈥檚 dedication to fostering a highly skilled and motivated academic workforce.

Commitment to Supporting Prioritized Needs

UST approaches CBA negotiations as a collaborative platform for meaningful dialogue with the UST Faculty Union (USTFU), aimed at identifying and addressing the needs of academic staff. Central to this process is the distinction between needs鈥攅ssential for professional growth and institutional stability鈥攁nd wants, which, while valuable, may require careful evaluation and prioritization as the management addresses the concerns of our academic staff along with other equally important stakeholders.

Through this partnership, UST and USTFU work to align solutions with institutional goals and academic staff’s personal aspirations. Prioritization ensures that resources are allocated to initiatives that foster professional advancement while maintaining the University鈥檚 ability to address the needs of other stakeholders, maintain financial stability, and ensure its long-term sustainability.

While immediate needs are addressed within the current CBA cycle, others may be deferred for future cycles or re-evaluated based on their urgency and alignment with shared goals. This balanced approach strengthens the University鈥檚 capacity to support its faculty and builds a foundation of trust and mutual progress, ensuring that academic staff and the institution thrive together.

Investing in Employees鈥� Health and Wellness

Health is a top priority during the 2021-2026 CBA negotiations between UST and the UST Faculty Union (USTFU). The University鈥檚 existing health and wellness benefits for academic staff already include wellness allowances, medical allowances for dependents, sick leave convertible to cash if unused, annual hospitalization coverage, and as-needed diagnostic and medical consultations.

In response to USTFU鈥檚 initial proposal for HMO coverage for all academic staff and a subsequent suggestion for 100% hospitalization coverage similar to UST Hospital employees, the Management Panel proposed a balanced approach, considering contextual differences and available resources. Management proposed increasing base hospitalization coverage and introducing a critical illness benefit to assist academic staff in coping with higher medical expenses. Data analysis of actual hospitalization fund utilization by academic staff informed the recommended limits for these improvements, ensuring a careful balance between risk mitigation and employee benefits.

To sustain these enhancements, both parties agreed to allocate a portion of the academic staff鈥檚 TFI share to replenish the hospitalization fund regularly, with additional support from the University beyond TFI allocations.

Recognizing the importance of preventive care, UST, on its own initiative, expanded its health program by transitioning from request-based diagnostic and medical consultations to annual wellness check-ups tailored to age-specific needs. The recurring cost of this preventive measure is fully funded by the University, independent of TFI shares, underscoring its commitment to early detection, improved health outcomes, and long-term productivity while minimizing healthcare expenses.

Sustainable and Equitable Approach to Resource Utilization

The 九色 (UST) deeply values the trust and confidence of its learners and their families in providing affordable, quality education. Tuition fee increases (TFI), implemented with stakeholder concurrence and in compliance with government regulations, serve as a sustainable funding source to enhance staff salaries and benefits, improve operations, and upgrade facilities.

UST recognizes the finite nature of resources and adheres to specific policies and parameters in their allocation. Through the CBA negotiations, the University engages in meaningful conversations with USTFU on the equitable distribution of TFI shares, prioritizing situational needs while maintaining institutional sustainability. UST is committed to completely distributing TFI shares, including accrued interests, compliant with regulatory policies. Beyond legal mandates, the University provides additional benefits tailored to prioritized needs, ensuring long-term stability for the institution while fostering the well-being and professional growth of its academic staff.

Prayers for a Swift Resolution to the CBA Deadlock and Completion of the Negotiation

Despite the impasse, the University remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness, transparency, and full compliance with the law.      The University will continue to engage in good-faith discussions with USTFU to finalize a just and sustainable CBA. We enjoin the Thomasian community in praying for a swift resolution to the CBA deadlock and the completion of the negotiations.

Note:

Perplexity was used to refine the text, shorten the narrative, and enhance readers鈥� understanding without modifying its intended meaning. The original text can be found at this .

The post UST鈥橲 COMMITMENT TO BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS AND ACADEMICS appeared first on 九色.

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.

The post Women in Tourism Forum hosted by DOT, CTHM appeared first on 九色.

The research entitled 鈥淪ustainable 九色-based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela鈥� assessed the potential of Barangay San Miguel in Echague, Isabela for sustainable community-based tourism in the post-COVID-19 era. It examined the barangay鈥檚 current tourism development, identified challenges and opportunities, and gathered stakeholder perspectives on sustainability in tourism. The study recommends a Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development Plan, integrating community contributions to economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and political priorities. This plan aims to guide future tourism development and ensure sustainability in Barangay San Miguel鈥檚 tourism industry.

The project is part of the first batch of the NRCP Policy-funded Research in 2021. #TeamKomunidad is headed by Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado with its members, Asst. Prof. Dr. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado. The project is in partnership with the House of Representatives Office of Hon. Faustino 鈥淚nno鈥� A. Dy V of the 6th District of Isabela and the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela.

The participation of the project team aligned with the SDGs 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), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), 15 (Life on Land), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The post UST study on sustainable community-based tourism potential of Isabela town wins 3rd place in DOST NRCP poster contest appeared first on 九色.

Barby Dajao was crowned this season’s Most Valuable Player, while Rhianne Perez was named the Rookie of the Year plum.

Arsenio “Sen” Dysangco coached the Junior Tigresses.

The post Junior Growling Tigresses win UAAP season 87 basketball title appeared first on 九色.

Will commuters continue to patronize ride-hailing services that can be booked through apps, licensed as part of the country鈥檚 transport network vehicle service (TNVS)? College of Commerce and Business Administration academic researcher Agnes Jocelyn P. Bandojo, PhD investigated this to uncover reuse intentions among Metro Manila commuters who are confronted with a provider鈥檚 continued dominance.

In the article 鈥淐ultivating Sustainable Urban Mobility: Investigating Commuters鈥� Reuse Intentions for Transport Network Vehicle Services to Metro Manila,鈥� Bandojo relied on the Utility Maximizing Theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Activity-Based Approach to conduct the descriptive-correlational quantitative study. The study aimed to assess participants鈥� perceptions of TNVS, in terms of 鈥渆conomic benefit, perceived usefulness, trust, safety, and security, as well as their assessment of service quality, satisfaction, attitude toward TNVS, and reuse intention.鈥�

The 563 respondents indicated that factors such as perceived utility, trust, contentment, and economic rewards are drivers for commuters to reuse TNVS. In increasingly urban environments such as Metro Manila, 鈥渃ost-effectiveness and safety鈥� are very important.

Bandojo provided practical implications arising from the commuter survey, such as variable pricing and economic rewards, collaboration with local authorities for sustainability of the transport system, and continued efforts to maintain service excellence and maintain consumer satisfaction.

Bandojo is an academic researcher of the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education and teaches at the Department of Marketing Management.

The post Commuter intentions for continued use of ride-hailing services in Metro Manila provide insights for continued public transport modernization appeared first on 九色.

Caliwan delivered the lecture entitled The Teachers鈥� Roles in Addressing the Competency Gap Between the Classroom and the Workplace. He emphasized the vital roles of accounting teachers in preparing students for success in the workplace. He discussed that while the university prepares the individual for the initial professional development needed in the workplace, the workplace should further develop the individual through continuing professional development. He also shared some of the competency gaps identified by the industry partners and provided possible solutions to address them. In the end, Caliwan explained that the University and the workforce each play significant roles in individuals’ personal and professional development.

Meanwhile, Marasigan shared his expertise in Advanced Excel Techniques tailored for accounting teachers. He provided in-depth discussion on powerful tools and functions that enhance data analysis, automate calculations, and streamline grade computations鈥攅quipping educators with the skills to improve their teaching efficiency and elevate student learning. These Excel techniques are essential for modern accounting instruction, ensuring accuracy, productivity, and a deeper understanding of financial data.

The Western Visayas Regional Forum is the last leg of the provincial fora organized by NACPAE. In June 2025, NACPAE will close the current fiscal year with a national conference in Baguio City.

The post Caliwan, Marasigan of Accountancy capacitate Western Visayas accounting teachers on bridging competency gap, tech tools appeared first on 九色.

The UST Graduate School of Law (GS Law) met with the officials of the Philippine Embassy in Thailand to forge collaborations on March 10, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The two groups plan to partner with Thailand’s academic institutions to stage webinars and conferences to examine and produce insights from tourism law.

The topic they will explore is aligned with their International Tourism Law course, currently offered in their DCL program, which focuses on the rudiments of laws and regulations in travel and tourism.

GS Law Dean Atty. Jacqueline O. Lopez-Kaw, DCL, Regent Rev. Fr. Dexter A. Austria, O.P., SThD, and Faculty Secretary Ms. Leidy May G. Alnajes, LPT, MA, met with the Third Secretary and Vice Consul Susan Phoebe R. Sabado and Commercial Counsellor Maria Emmanuelle S. Burgos.

The post GS Law meets with PH embassy in Thailand to stage potential collaboration on discussing tourism laws appeared first on 九色.

A team led by Biological Sciences Professor Cecilia I. Banag-Moran, Dr. rer. nat. developed digital and print learning materials for children, whose schools now adopt the tools. In an announcement by the NRCP, the funding agency announced that the Department of Education – Schools Division of Siargao approved the use of the materials to 鈥渟trengthen literacy and promote environmental education for young learners.鈥�

The materials include a printed workbook, the Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle mobile game, and twenty-one (21) animated videos focusing on what comprise Siargao鈥檚 famed biodiversity. The materials have a focus on mangrove research areas.

Banag-Moran鈥檚 team is composed of the following academic staff: Inst. Jorge Anton D. Ordas, MSc, Inst. Genea Nichole Cortez (content writer for the workbook), MSc, Asst. Prof. Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, MSc, Academician Mudjekeewis Santos, PhD (Graduate School), and Academician Arvin Diesmos, PhD.

The project was based on a 2019-2020 study entitled 鈥淎ssessment, Inventory, and Biological Field Survey of Flora and Fauna of the Mangrove Forests in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.鈥� The team worked closely with Del Carmen Mayor Hon. Alfredo Coro, Jr. and his team for the endeavor.

The post Siargao鈥檚 biodiversity taught to kids through Thomasian researchers鈥� learning materials appeared first on 九色.

In a statement on social media, the Faculty of Pharmacy acknowledged the recognition, which 鈥渞eflects the enduring legacy and pioneering spirit that have shaped our institution and contributed significantly to the development of pharmacy education in our nation.鈥�

UST鈥檚 Faculty of Pharmacy is home to five programs, the BS Pharmacy, BS Pharmacy, major in Clinical Pharmacy, the Doctor of Pharmacy, the BS Medical Technology, and the BS Biochemistry programs. Three of these programs enjoy the certifications from the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance, and the BS Pharmacy and BS Medical Technology programs are accredited Level IV by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA), while the BS Biochemistry program enjoys Level III status.

A leader in academic excellence, research, and professional engagement, the Faculty of Pharmacy is home to decorated academics and leaders. Currently serving as President of the Philippine Pharmacists鈥� Association is the Dean Dacanay, alongside alumna Ma. Lourdes S. Garganera, RPh (Assistant Treasurer). Recently, Prof. Agnes Llamasares-Castillo, PhD was named as the 2024 National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Awardee for Pharmaceutical Sciences. Among the Faculty鈥檚 most prominent graduates are Ms. Vivian Que-Azcona, President of Mercury Drug Corporation, the country鈥檚 leading drugstore chain.

The post Faculty of Pharmacy recognized by nat鈥檒 association of pharmacy colleges appeared first on 九色.