ANG, fr. Richard G., O.P. Archives - ��ϲ�ֱ��

Rector salutes Thomasians past and present, bares ��ϲ�ֱ��’s initiatives in PwC interview

Philippe Hernandez — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 03:08:59 +0000

In an interview with renowned accounting firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), ��ϲ�ֱ�� Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD paid homage to the members of the Thomasian community, including past leaders and stakeholders, as the reason for ��ϲ�ֱ��’s longevity and continued success after 412 years of existence.

In a nine-minute episode of The Centenarian: In the Mind of the CEO, published on PwC’s website, the Rector said he “stands on the shoulders of giants” as the 95th Rector of the University, which has, like before, hurdled enormous challenges like the pandemic. “My predecessors, all the persons involved in the University—contributed to what ��ϲ�ֱ�� is now today,” Fr. Ang.

Good synergy and capacity to reinvent

Asked about how the University stays strong and relevant, the Rector bared the University’s structure, whose various bodies, such as the Council of Regents and the Academic Senate, give rise to open discussions and arrive at a collective decision. “Success in the educational landscape is not the achievement of one person, but it is the work of a community,” the Rector said, talking about how ��ϲ�ֱ�� stakeholders collectively succeed in overcoming challenges. This was made apparent in the ability of the University to transition over 45,000 stakeholders to the enriched virtual mode of instruction, ��ϲ�ֱ��’s answer to the mobility restrictions during the pandemic. Such efforts did not go unnoticed, as this was hailed with the 2021 Gawad Edukampyon for Excellence in Flexible and Responsive Management by the Commission on Higher Education.

The Rector bared that these initiatives are coupled with stringent quality assurance mechanisms guided by the international standards of the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance, which has since granted ��ϲ�ֱ�� its Institutional Certification. ��ϲ�ֱ�� is only the 8th university in ASEAN and the 2nd in the Philippines to receive AUN-QA’s university-wide stamp of approval.

Reinventing oneself is also hinged on careful strategic planning and engagement in research, which “will propel ��ϲ�ֱ�� into the 21st century.” Curricular offerings in the University are subjected to regular review especially by industry practitioners, who partner with the University through partnerships forged mainly by the alumni networks.

Facing the country’s education crisis

The Rector highlighted the importance of having enough resources and competent educators to serve as the panacea to the ongoing crisis in education. As a private institution, ��ϲ�ֱ�� aims to help by also making education “equitable.” One group of beneficiaries of the University’s scholarship programs is the teacher education students of the College of Education: “We need teachers for the future. We need to help them.”

Responding to the question on ��ϲ�ֱ��’s initiatives against disinformation, the Rector highlighted the role of values formation and how several units in the University, such as the Communications Bureau, are tasked with disseminating accurate and verified information to help stakeholders sift through fact and fiction.

Finally, the Rector also shared how the Simbahayan Community Development Office is ��ϲ�ֱ��’s flagship for extension services. Through capacitating not just individuals but whole communities, people become able to stand on their own and not just depend on what is initially given.

The Rector’s feature, the 8th in The Centenarian series, is the first for an educational institution. Past episodes featured the Chief Executive Officers of Philippine stalwarts companies such as the Ayala Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Meralco, and the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

The full interview may be viewed here:

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��ϲ�ֱ��, College of Education ink MOA on teacher training with RCBNES

Hans Malgapu — Thu, 18 May 2023 06:45:54 +0000

The ��ϲ�ֱ�� (��ϲ�ֱ��) entered into an agreement with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Novaliches Educational System (RCBNES) to enhance teacher training, curriculum development, research, and learner formation through the College of Education.

��ϲ�ֱ�� Rector Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D. and RCBNES Superintendent-Director Rev. Fr. Albert N. Delvo, Ph.D. signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last March 14 at the Lourdes J. Custodio ICD Room, Albertus Magnus Building.
Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs Rev. Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P. and College of Education Dean Assoc. Prof. Pilar I. Romero, Ph.D. were among those who witnessed the event.
Beginning the partnership, the College started with a lecture series for the academic staff and students of the Good Shepherd Cathedral School, one of the six integral member schools of RCBNES, in Fairview, Quezon City.
Assistant Dean Asst. Prof. Louie B. Dasas, LPT, Ph.D. facilitated a session on “Creativity and Innovation: Secret Sauce to STEM Teaching” for the STEM academic officials and staff of the school.
Senior High School (SHS) students also participated in parallel sessions, including “Teaching Young Learners and the Power of Transforming Lives” by Elementary Education Chair Assoc. Prof. Carmina S. Vicente, Ph.D. and Elementary Education academic staff Asst. Prof. Eleanor Marie L. Bahrami-Hessari; “Dimensions of Leadership” by Secondary Education Chair Asst. Prof. John Christian C. Valeroso, Ph.D.; and “Careers in Food Technology: Expectations versus Reality” by Food Technology Chair Ms. Essence Jeanne L. Del Castillo

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GenSan Mayor Pacquiao welcomes ��ϲ�ֱ�� delegation

Philippe Hernandez — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 03:21:55 +0000

General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao warmly received the Father Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP, who paid her a courtesy visit last Feb. 6 at the City Hall.

Discussions in the meeting included the upcoming opening of the ��ϲ�ֱ�� General Santos City and the establishment of scholarship grants through a possible collaboration among��ϲ�ֱ��, the Bobslor Pacquiao Foundation, and the local government.

Joining Mayor Pacquiao were her City Administrator Shandee Llido-Pestaño, Chief of Staff Atty. Hajji Herrera, and Executive Assistants Atty. Criselle Herrera, Johnrex Galdo, and Joey John Concepcion.

The ��ϲ�ֱ�� delegation included Rev. Fr. Gerard Zabala, OP of the Dominican Filial House of San Martin de Porres, General Santos City; Academician Prof. Maribel Nonato, PhD, Assistant to the Rector for ��ϲ�ֱ�� General Santos Campus; ��ϲ�ֱ�� Facilities Management Office Director Rev. Fr. Dexter Austria, OP, and Assistant Director Engr. Albert Surla; Mr. Levine Andro Lao of the ��ϲ�ֱ�� Office for Grants, Endowments and Partnerships in Higher Education; Mr. Cristian Naval of the ��ϲ�ֱ�� Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc.; and ��ϲ�ֱ�� alumna Maria Carmela Royeca and husband Mr. Wilfredo Royeca, President of the Sarangani Bay Specialists Medical Center.

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��ϲ�ֱ�� Engineering receives scholarship donation from ZTE Philippines

Hans Malgapu — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 05:10:05 +0000

The 115-year-old ��ϲ�ֱ�� Faculty of Engineering received a scholarship grant from ZTE Philippines Inc., in a virtual Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony on August 17, 2022.

��ϲ�ֱ�� was represented by the Vice Rector for Finance and Faculty of Engineering Regent Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, O.P., SThD, DL., while ZTE Philippines Inc. was represented by its Vice President Mr. Jin Zhichao. The MoA signing was witnessed by the Faculty of Engineering Acting Dean Prof. Angelo R. dela Cruz, Ph.D., and ZTE Chief Human Resource Officer Mr. Wang Bin.

Three students in the last two years of their academic studies under Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology programs will be eligible to receive a fixed grant as part of the ZTE STAR (Skills, Talent, Attitude, Responsibility) Scholarship Program.

Vice Rector for Finance and Faculty of Engineering Regent Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, O.P., SThD, DL, in his opening remarks, said “For me this is a very important event as part of our partnership and collaboration between an industry and academic community. The scholarship will be helpful, particularly during this time of pandemic and economic crisis. We are very much thankful. Indeed, this kind endeavor is what we need to be more global and helpful to one another.”

ZTE PH Vice President Mr. Jin Zhichao said, “We hope this scholarship can cultivate emerging talents [in telecommunications] as they continue and finish their studies under ��ϲ�ֱ��.”

Faculty of Engineering Acting Dean Prof. Angelo R. dela Cruz, Ph.D.,, in his closing remarks, expressed gratitude toward the officials for “their generosity in providing our students with a brighter future through the STAR Scholarship program. It is timely, since in these trying times, many of our students face financial difficulties in continuing their education. In return, we guarantee to provide our students with industry-ready curricula and continue producing competent, committed, and compassionate graduates.”

The partnership began earlier in June 2022, when the ��ϲ�ֱ�� (��ϲ�ֱ��), represented by the Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ZTE PH, represented by Mr. Jin Zhichao, for their Industry Academe Linkage Program (IALP) where both parties agree to collaborate on different activities. These include, but are not limited to, faculty immersion programs, internship partnerships, career fairs, career talks, and research collaborations.

Attending the signing on August 17 were Assistant Project Director Mr. Ong Ken Wee, and HR Manager Ms. Joyce Te from ZTE PH.

From ��ϲ�ֱ��, the Faculty of Engineering Assistant Dean Engr. Anthony James Bautista, Ph.D., Faculty Secretary Asst. Prof. Ma. Luisa Asilo, Faculty of Engineering Industry, Government, Academe, and Alumni Relations Program (IGAARP) Officer-in-Charge Engr. Charlie Marquez, IGAARP Immersion Coordinator Engr. Sharlene Insigne-Cabal, Engineering Alumni Association Secretary Engr. Judelia Magahis, Asst. Prof. Mildred Antonio, and ��ϲ�ֱ�� Office of Public Affairs Director Asst. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, Ph.D., also joined the event.

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Rector challenges new Thomasians to excel, discover their identity

Philippe Hernandez — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 04:41:00 +0000

In a virtual Eucharistic Celebration to mark the start of their Thomasian journey, close to 11,000 freshmen of the ��ϲ�ֱ�� were challenged by the University Rector, Very Rev. fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, to make the most of the opportunities they will have and discover their identity while in ��ϲ�ֱ��.

“Be a first-rate version of yourself: your intelligence, emotions, talents, character are God’s precious gifts. Develop them,” said the Rector in his homily. The head of the University expressed joy at having the new batch of Thomasians, for their “presence gives fresh energy. We need young blood.”

Talking about University life, the Rector recalled the Latin word “Universitas,” which means “all together.” “We are a whole community of teachers and scholars all together. Entering a University is a life-changing event that is difficult at the start,” the Rector said.

The importance of learning and foresight

Education, according to fr. Ang, must not be taken for granted, especially at a time when access to it is challenged by the economic difficulties caused by the pandemic: “Education helps you get ahead in life. Seize this opportunity. Take advantage of it, for not everyone has a fair share of chances. You are most privileged to be given a chance to continue your education. The greatest calamity is the tragedy of missed opportunities. Don’t miss your opportunities.”

To guide the learners in their pursuit, the Rector asked them to reflect on what they actually envision themselves to be. “What you want in life and where you want to go? How do you want to be known? No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid. I want you to chase your dreams and catch them. I hope that the choice of your course or strand. The secret of success is loving what one does,” fr. Ang said.

By living the University experience, the students, according to fr. Ang, will be led to discover more about themselves: “I give you a freehand to discover slowly what people say about Thomasians. There is nothing ordinary about Thomasians. In order for you to figure it out for yourself, you have to experience living it. Off you go, happy strolling. Welcome to the Pontifical and Royal ��ϲ�ֱ��!”

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Fr. Ang installed as Rector, lays down 7-point agenda, ��ϲ�ֱ�� Vision 2024 and Beyond

Philippe Hernandez — Fri, 14 May 2021 01:33:18 +0000

The Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD was installed as the 97th Rector of the ��ϲ�ֱ�� on May 13, 2021 (Thursday), on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. In a simple ceremony in the Santísimo Rosario Parish Church, Fr. Ang made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity in front of the Very Rev. Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., O.P., Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines and Vice-Chancellor of the ��ϲ�ֱ��.

2024 and Beyond

In his Address of Acceptance, Fr. Ang unveiled ��ϲ�ֱ�� Vision 2024 and Beyond, which reads as follows: “By 2024 and the years to come, we would like to see ��ϲ�ֱ�� to be recognized as one of the leading Catholic institutions of learning in the ASEAN region with the fastest-growing reputation in education, research, and service.”

To achieve this, the newly installed Rector underscored the importance of a quality culture that highlights ��ϲ�ֱ��’s excellence. The vision likewise established the 7-point framework that will guide Fr. Ang’s leadership until 2024.

Fr. Ang laid down the seven priorities as follows: 1) Harnessing Technology in Preparation for Industry 4.0, 2) Advance Synergy among Disciplines, Units, and Institutions, 3) Enrich the research ecosystem of the University, 4) Optimize advances made in internationalization, 5) Foster a stronger industry-academe-alumni partnership, 6) Advocate wellness of being, and 7) Manage Resources for Strategic Expansion.

The Very Rev. Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, O.P., PhD is ��ϲ�ֱ��’s 97th Rector and will serve until 2024. After securing the approval of the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education in the Vatican, the Master of the Order of Preachers, the Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, O.P., Master of the Order of Preachers, appointed Fr. Ang on May 7, 2020.

A philosopher, Father Ang was once Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and was the University’s immediate past Vice-Rector. He earned his bachelor’s, licentiate, and doctorate degrees in ��ϲ�ֱ�� with honors and specialized in Chinese philosophy and Philosophical Psychology.

A renewed commitment to our students

The Rector shared his vision for Thomasians of the modern era: “We want to see our graduates as trailblazers, initiators, game-changers of society; taking the lead and not trailing behind.” Recognizing the uncertainty of the times, the Rector reflected on the question of how and what kind of Thomasians will be formed in the coming years? To this, the Rector gave “Thomasian Education 4.0,” outcomes- and competency-based learning that incorporates technology and Catholic formation.

While being formed in the University, the Rector assured the members of the Thomasian community of a sustained advocacy for their wellbeing through the “crafting of innovative programs that will cater to spiritual, moral, physical, and psychological wellness.” Reminding the Thomasian community that our most important resource is people and not material resource, the Rector reflected on how the pandemic has shown “us the importance of humanity and how to become better persons capable of self-sacrifice and benevolence.”

Making a mark through synergy in research, teaching, and internationalization

Fr. Ang emphasized the need to “balance the contemporary and the classical,” to highlight the “complementarity of the natural sciences and the humanities,” which is important to developing critical thinking. “Technology alone is not enough. Technology married with the liberal arts, with humanities. Humans, unlike machines, have spirituality,” Fr. Ang said. The emphasis on ethical research that solves real-world problems was made by the Rector as he expressed his vision for ��ϲ�ֱ�� to be “one of the rising research universities in the Asia-Pacific region.” This complementarity of the natural sciences and the humanities is key to the vision of the Rector for an enriched research ecosystem in Asia’s oldest existing University.

Translating this into instruction, the Rector exhorted the heads of academic units to explore ways to establish interdisciplinary ways of delivering instruction across the different units “to promote the sharing of expertise.” This experience lets itself to cooperation and collaboration, which are critical to achieving common goals in a “culture of support and rapport.” The invitation of more industry experts as adjunct faculty, as well as deeper immersions in the industry for students were also encouraged by the Rector, who saw the potential for students “to receive better input and produce greater output” from closer links between the academe and industry.

On internationalization, the Rector acknowledged that limitations in physical movement may make a dent on ongoing projects, such as student and faculty mobility, but called for creativity to sustain efforts to touch base with partner higher education institutions abroad. Fr. Ang also shared his vision of a diversified campus, which will be achieved by increasing the number of foreign students taking degree programs in ��ϲ�ֱ��. The diversification of students will also find parallels in the attempts to increase the international profile of faculty researcher.

Quoting Pope Francis in Veritatis Gaudium, the Rector made the commitment to “strongly support collaboration among DPPI [Dominican Province of the Philippines, Inc.] schools in line with the provision of the Acta of the 12th Provincial Chapter of the Dominican Province of the Philippines.” The differences in tradition among the schools, while real, are made easy to overcome by the shared Dominican roots. These collaborations are envisioned to be sustainable and mutually beneficial to help schools “swim and be saved together.”

The Rector likewise drew attention to the forthcoming campuses in Santa Rosa and General Santos, where the Thomasian brand of education will be brought. As the pandemic expectedly impacts on financial resources, the Rector said that the opening of these campuses will be done in “measured phases,” but while things “will start small,” efforts will be done to prepare the offering of academic programs in the said campuses.

Solidarity in uncertainty

Acknowledging that the current pandemic can make the responsibility of the Rector “a hundred times more challenging,” Fr. Ang, who began his work as Rector upon appointment on May 7, 2020, recalled how over the last year, way of life has been altered massively, but “despite the odds, we managed to stay afloat, and with God’s unending grace, we managed to create opportunities in the face of crisis.”

To navigate uncertain times, according to the Rector, requires the ability to change, which though despised at times, “is the same thing that will lead us to progress. At times, we need to swallow the bitter pill in order to get better.” In words of encouragement for Thomasians, the Rector said that he believes “that God has gifted the Thomasians with an internal mechanism not only designed for self-preservation but also for self-transformation. We continue to adapt to the changes no matter how disruptive they may be.” The Rector likewise highlighted the importance of our belief “in the power of prayer and in the capacity of people. With magnanimity, conquer all hurdles, we will!”

As the last year has shown, ��ϲ�ֱ�� made the emergency shift to remote instruction and operations and has since the start of the academic year been implementing the Enriched Virtual Mode of instruction offered mainly through the ��ϲ�ֱ�� CLOUD Campus. Reflecting on the continued use of distance education, the Rector said that “Distance education may be the present way to redefine boundaries and overcome limits. We have no other option but to embrace technology and innovate educational delivery,” Fr. Rector said. Believing in the value of solidarity, “When there is solidarity, there will be no reason to fail.”

Of gratitude and cooperation

Quoting 12th-century theologian John of Salisbury, the Rector likened ourselves to dwarves sitting on the shoulders of giants, whose height enables us to see more. Heaping praise on his predecessors, led by the immediate past Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., Fr. Ang, who served as Vice-Rector during the two-term Rectorship of Fr. Dagohoy, thanked his predecessors “for their indelible contributions to the University.” He likewise thanked the current roster of University officials, led by Vice-Rector Fr. Isaias D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD, for “keeping the faithful watch [over ��ϲ�ֱ��] while I was on medical leave.”

The Rector counted gratitude as very important in moving forward as a community, for it “makes sense of the past and creates a vision for the future.” This future, though uncertain especially in the short-term, is one he hopes to show the synergy of the different talents and treasures of the Thomasian community.

Father Ang highlighted the soon-to-rise ��ϲ�ֱ�� Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center in ��ϲ�ֱ�� Sta. Rosa as an example of the benefits of industry-academe-alumni partnerships and of Thomasians helping one another by sharing resources. This benevolence and beneficence of Thomasians and even non-Thomasians who “pay it forward and leave a lasting legacy for the future Thomasians we will be serving” are crucial to navigating through uncertain times and still achieve our vision, the Rector said.

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Installation of the Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. as the 97th Rector of the ��ϲ�ֱ��

Philippe Hernandez — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:54:24 +0000

On May 13, 2021 (Thursday), at 10:30 a.m., the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, the Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD will be installed as the 97th Rector of the ��ϲ�ֱ��, in a Solemn Investiture to be presided over by the Very Rev. Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., O.P., Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines.

The installation rites will follow after a Eucharistic Celebration to be presided over by Fr. dela Cruz. The event will be streamed live via the University’s official .

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Acting Rector reflects on Thomas’s hymns in University Mass

Hans Malgapu — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 02:24:00 +0000

On January 27, 2020, the ��ϲ�ֱ�� held a Eucharistic Celebration in honor of the Feast of its patron, Saint Thomas Aquinas. The Concelebrated Mass was led by , Acting Rector and concurrent Vice-Rector, and the Dominican community in the Priory of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

A collection of hymns and life lessons

In his homily, Acting Rector fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD recalled the contest of hymns that Thomas won, which earned him the symbol of the sun on his chest. “While today, Thomas Aquinas is associated with the highest form of scholastic thinking than lyric poetry, let us not forget that…he was an equally consummate creative composer of Eucharistic hymns whose momentum inspired several artist to set his lyrics into beautiful music,” said fr. Ang.

Thomas worked on five famous hymns, namely, Pange Lingua, Sacris Solemniis, Verbum Supernum, Lauda Sion, and Adoro Te Devote. According to fr. Ang, the ability of Thomas to compose such beautiful hymns because of his deep devotion to the Eucharist. Quoting a missionary, the hymns are considered “an enriching food for the thought.”

Gratitude

In the hymn Pange Lingua, the emphasis was on being thankful for the gift of presence. Emphasizing that thankfulness and gratitude go hand in hand, the Acting Rector called on the community to give heartfelt appreciation and affirmation when they are due. Gratitude, fr. Ang said, is an affirmation of blessings received, which when acknowledged more, will multiply even more.

Faith

The hymn Adoro Te Devote, meanwhile, talks about faith in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. “We can only be extravagant in our response to God if only we have enough faith.”

Relating the call to be faithful to the present times, fr. Ang, concurrently the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, acknowledged that: “Our time may be an age of disbelief. In the Western world, many people have lost their faith, in one way or another. In the country, some, including public figures and maybe some young people, have begun to question our beliefs, our values. Beliefs they find too good to be true, values they find too outdated to be relevant. This is nothing new, though.”

Faced with these vicissitudes, however, the Acting Rector asked: “If we stop standing for our beliefs, if we stop standing by our ideals, then we begin losing our Catholic identity. At kapag nawala na ang ating pagkakakilanlan, ano na tayo? Sino na tayo bilang isang komunidad?”

Need for a sense of wonder

Reiterating Thomas’s amazement at how an all-powerful lends Himself to become food for His followers, the hymn Sacris Solemniis echoes the author’s sense of wonder, which is an attitude found in many young people: “The Gospel tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are childlike. Then, let us not forget how to be one. By doing so, we are enabling ourselves to be lifelong learners.”

Spiritual food

The Acting Rector likewise mentioned that while food provides sustenance for the body, one’s faith sustains us spiritually. “The Eucharist is spiritual food for pilgrims like. In this hymn entitled ‘Lauda Sion,’ Thomas tells us that the Eucharist is the bread of life.” Partakig of the Eucharist on a regular basis changes people: “We become more like Christ in terms of feeling, thinking, and acting.”

Closing his homily, the Acting Rector expressed his wish for the Thomasian community: “Naway matuto tayong magpasalamat, kapasidad na mamangha, at magbago (May we learn how to express gratitude, have a sense of wonder, and transform).”

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��ϲ�ֱ�� awards Professorial Chair in Ecclesiastical Studies to Fr. Michael Mascari, O.P.

Hans Malgapu — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 01:58:00 +0000

The conference on Medieval Philosophy that was held at the Martyrs’ Hall at the Ecclesiastical Faculties, ��ϲ�ֱ�� on March 7 and 8, 2019 was significant in more ways than one. The conference, held in commemoration of the 475th Death Anniversary of Saint Thomas Aquinas, was the first conference organized by the Faculty of Philosophy Students’ Forum (FPSF) on the topic. It was also within this conference that the Gerardo Rocha- Universidad Santo Tomás Chile Professorial Chair in Ecclesiastical Studies and Bioethics for Academic Year 2018-2019 was awarded.

Fr. Michael Mascari, O.P., the former Socius to the Master of the Order of Preachers for the Intellectual Life and currently the Academic Dean of Aquinas Institute of Theology in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, received the award from ��ϲ�ֱ�� Vice-Rector and Dean , and ��ϲ�ֱ�� Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Jesús M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., Ph.D.

This was the first time that the Gerardo Rocha-��ϲ�ֱ�� Chile Professorial Chair in Ecclesiastical Studies was awarded in the University. The Gerardo Rocha-Universidad Santo Tomás Professorial Chair in Ecclesiastical Studies and Bioethics was endowed by Gerardo Rocha Vera in 2001 in the ��ϲ�ֱ�� Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc. The donor was Founder-President of the ��ϲ�ֱ�� Chile, and Co-Founder of the International Council of Universities of Saint Thomas Aquinas, which is now known as the IC��ϲ�ֱ��A.

The late Dr. Rocha, who was an honorary consul of the Philippines in Chile, had once served as Director of the Chile-Russia Chamber of Commerce. He was member of Spain’s Fraternity of Crusaders of Mary, and an active participant in international gatherings, such as the Catholic Congress on Public Life in Madrid and the Inter-Religious Encounters in Barcelona.

Meanwhile, his brainchild, the IC��ϲ�ֱ��A is an international association of Catholic institutions of higher learning that faithfully adhere to the ideals and teachings of the Angelic Doctor St. Thomas Aquinas. The main purpose of the international organization is to encourage cooperation and collaboration, and international understanding among its members.

Since 1995, after its convention at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, the IC��ϲ�ֱ��A has expanded its membership to 29 institutions from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Ethiopia, France, Ireland, Italy, Mozambique, South Sudan, Spain, Taiwan, the United States of America, Zimbabwe, and the Philippines.

It has had biennial meetings that had been held in host institutions across continents. To note, two international IC��ϲ�ֱ��A meetings have been held at the ��ϲ�ֱ��, Manila: first, in 1997, and second during the Quadricentennial celebration in 2011.

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Eng’g completes PTC Interim Visit for five programs

Hans Malgapu — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 13:47:20 +0000

The PTC is the umbrella organization of all the Engineering Professional organizations duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). It is the representative and signatory for the Philippines to the Washington Accord (WA) per Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 37 series of 2012; and was designated by CHED to accredit Engineering Programs for WA recognition. Presently, PTC is a provisional member of WA. When PTC becomes full member, the Programs it accredits will gain recognition in all the WA member countries in accordance with the understanding on mutual recognition and essential equivalence of accredited Programs between WA member countries.

The PTC Program Evaluation Team (PET) in the Interim Visit was led by the Chair, Engr. Lorena Ilagan of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP), and Deputy Chair, Engr. Maribel Songsong of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE). The other members of the PET were: Dr. Maria Cecilia Marcos of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Engr. Divina Gracia Ronquillo of IECEP, Dr. Florigo Varona of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEEP), Dr. Dennis Kilongkilong of the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE) and Engr. Orlando G. Perez of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME). The accreditation process was observed by the PTC President, Engr. Federico A. Monsada and Engr. Mel Dennis Ferrer (Deputy Executive Director), and the Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (ACBET) Chair, Dr. Lydia Tansinsin.

The top Administrators of the University showed support for the five Programs and the accreditation process by accommodating the PET in an interview to discuss the University’s efforts over the last two years towards successful implementation of Outcomes-Based education (OBE). The Team of Administrators were led by no less than the Rector of the University, , who received the PET and the PTC Team to his Office for the interview. Other members of the Administration Team who joined the Rector in the interview were the Vice-Rector, , Rev. Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., O.P., Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs, , , and Rev. Fr. Rolando M. Castro, O.P., SThL, Vice-Rector for Finance.

The five Programs were led into the accreditation process by , Dean of the g with support from the Regent, Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, Jr., O.P., Assistant Dean, Asst. Prof. Rhoderick D. Asis, and Faculty Secretary, Asst. Prof. Evangeline E. Deleña. The Programs were led by the Chairs: Asst. Prof. Rodelio A. Tiburcio (CE), Asst. Prof. Nelson M. Pasamonte (ME), Engr. Raymond A. Marquez (EE), (ECE) and Engr. Angelo O. Valte (IE).

The Interim Visit and other activities leading to the Visit were coordinated by the Engineering Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement Program (EACQuIP) Team led by Asst. Prof. Ma. Luisa T. Asilo. Members of the Team whose engagement and commitment were crucial to the favourable outcome of the Interim Visit were Engr. Ryan A. Ramirez and Engr. Rommel V. Roxas (CE), Engr. Christopher Isaac L. Razo, Engr. La Verne Ramir D. Certeza and Engr. Raymundo M. Melegrito (ME), Engr. John Toby A. Candelaria and Engr. Erica M. Ocampo (EE), Engr. Kanny Krizzy D. Serrano and Engr. Josyl Mariela B. Rocamora (ECE), and Engr. Charlie A. Marquez and Engr. Gabriel C. Bucu (IE).

The official result of the Interim Visit will be released by PTC in four to six months.

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