Rector Ang begins 2nd term prioritizing research, innovation
Written by: Stephanie Andrea Vargas
Reappointed UST Rector, Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., PhD, started his second term by unveiling a six-point strategic plan for 2028, prioritizing research and innovation across all UST campuses.
First appointed in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ang initially focused on guiding the University through the health crisis. Now, with the global situation stabilized, he aims to enhance UST’s research and innovation initiatives.
In his acceptance address on September 9, Ang outlined his key priorities:
- Enhancing academic research and service quality
- Expanding research and innovation beyond the Manila campus
- Optimizing UST Hospital’s private and clinical divisions
- Improving student welfare services
- Strengthening government and industry collaborations
- Boosting UST’s public presence
Advancing technology and research
With UST maintaining a hybrid learning setup post-pandemic, Fr. Ang emphasized the continuous need to upgrade the University’s digital infrastructure.
“In the next four years, we will strongly encourage the academic units to review and update their respective programs and curricula incorporating emerging fields and technologies and looking into the possibility of interdisciplinary approaches,” he stated.
Fr. Ang also urged the community to increase publications aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the promise of exhorting research centers to secure diverse funding sources.
“We shall recruit more faculty members, preferably with [a] track record of research, as we gently convince and persuade our tenured faculty members to complete their PhDs,” Fr. Ang added.
Aiming to extend research initiatives beyond the Manila campus, Fr. Ang plans to complete the UST Sta. Rosa Research and Innovation Complex, the Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center, and UST General Santos’ Dr. Ricardo S. Po Sr. Integrated Innovation and Research Laboratories. He also envisions developing UST General Santos into an independent agricultural technology institution.
‘Symbiotic relationship between UST and the UST hospital’
As a leading university in health sciences, Fr. Ang underscored the importance of strengthening the relationship between UST and its hospital. He also highlighted the completion of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, which will house simulation and research facilities for the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the University.
“We also set our sights on having more indigent patients, interns, residents, and fellows,” Fr. Ang added.
Collaboration between administration and stakeholders
To achieve these goals, Fr. Ang stressed the importance of unity among the administration, government, and its stakeholders. In particular, he urged the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) to review their policies with student organizations and case investigations by the Student Welfare and Development Committees (SWDCs).
He also affirmed UST’s support for the Manila health certificate requirement for employees, emphasizing cooperation with the local government.
“We have to work harmoniously with our government. We cannot fight the Manila LGU (local government unit), but we will have to support the Manila health certification requirement.”
Fr. Ang also reiterated UST’s commitment to global collaborations by increasing international faculty and student numbers and maintaining global accreditations for transnational education and research.
“It is not sufficient and enough to be the oldest existing university in Asia. It should also be the most innovative, or one of the most innovative [universities in the world],” he declared. “Ang UST, kahit matanda na, hindi dapat siya tumatanda. Nanantili siyang bata, nananatili siyang sariwa, dahil palagi siyang nagkakaroon ng pagbabago.”
The investiture was attended by Dominican priests, Archbishop Charles Brown, the apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, and UST alumni benefactors. A Eucharistic Celebration preceded the installation rites.
