University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
By Wyslly S. Ala & Ma. Fe C. Malagueño
Photo: Emmanuel B. Ricalde
For the longest time, the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi has been exerting efforts for it to be known internationally – this is through UST-Legazpi’s internationalization program through the promotion of the university’s cultural advocacy for a genuine appreciation of Catholic, Filipino, and Bikol identity.
Rev. Fr. Ernesto M. Arceo, OP, STL, Ph.D., Rector and President of UST-Legazpi stands in the middle of Atty. Septon Dela Cruz, CESO III, CHED Bicol’s Regional Director, and Dr. Pamela C. Viñas, CHED Bicol’s Focal Person during the awarding of plaque to the university from the said commission
Over the years, UST-Legazpi has partners in several fields of practice including but not limited to academic institutions, government offices and agencies, industry partners, religious sectors, and national and international regulating bodies.
Last September 6, 2022, the university was given a chance to publicly showcase its best practices on internationalization initiatives and engagements during a webinar entitled “Internationalization of Higher Education: Perspectives, Initiatives and Best Practices on Expanding Collaborative Networks.” The said webinar was hosted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with the theme “ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together. The said activity was streamed live via Facebook and Zoom, thus, a plaque of recognition was given after.
Ma. Fe C. Malagueño, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of Media, Alumni, and Public Affairs (MAPA), said that she did not expect this recognition due to the time constraint she and her office faced to consolidate the documentation of the university’s initiatives and engagement covering the last five to seven years.
“For me, this recognition also signals a challenge to the university on how to sustain what has been established over the years – to be recognized internationally,” she said.
Malagueño also added that “as the university continues to work on becoming a deregulated university by 2025, this kind of recognition is a clear indication that UST-Legazpi is doing a great job,” she added.