‘You are pioneers of a new era’: Rector lauds ‘pandemic batch’ in Bacc Mass 2024
By: Stephanie Vargas
UST Acting Rector Fr. Isaias Tiongco, O.P. honored this year’s graduating batch who are the first ones to experience the pandemic in the University, navigating all of UST’s learning mode transitions along with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), during the Baccalaureate Mass held this May 31 at the UST Grandstand and Open Field.
Fr. Tiongco reflected on the unique and unprecedented academic journey of the graduating batch since 2020, noting the challenges and uncertainties posed by the global pandemic.
“The sudden shift to online learning, the absence of traditional campus life, and the need for constant adaptation tested your limits. Yet, you rose to the occasion,” he added.
Fr. Tiongco reassured the graduating students that despite future uncertainties, including the challenges from the use of AI and the shifting ethical tendencies in this present age, they will succeed in these with the lessons and ‘unique strength’ they have developed.
“You are pioneers of a new era, you have demonstrated that education transcends physical boundaries and that the spirit of Thomasian excellence can thrive in any circumstance.”
The Baccalaureate Mass coincides with the celebration of the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, to which Fr. Tiongco had also enjoined the graduating students to be like our Mother Mary in fulfilling their calling as they leave their campus.
“Mary, carrying the Savior of the World within her, sets out with haste to serve her cousin [Elizabeth], who was likewise pregnant and about to give birth. This act of selflessness driven by a profound sense of mission underscores the essence of our calling, and more specifically, as eventual graduates of the University of Santo Tomas.”
“Service to others, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized, should remain at the forefront of your endeavors,” Fr. Tiongco added.
Outgoing Central Student Council (CSC) President, Ierathel Tabuno, also delivered her graduation message after the mass, addressing the doubts about the achievements of the current batch who have undergone online, hybrid, and onsite learning transitions. She shared how some claim that their group “had it easy” compared to prior batches.
Tabuno, however, affirmed that the graduates are capable of much more than what some may believe.
“Should anyone cast doubts your way, remember the afternoon that we finally [came] to reach this part of our journey,” she added.
Tabuno’s graduation message was immediately followed by the imposition of the Thomasian Mission Cross, the Ceremony of Light, and the singing of the UST Hymn.
The imposition of the Mission Crosses symbolizes the graduating students’ lifelong mission to put their Thomasian education to good use when they finally leave the campus. The Ceremony of Light, on the other hand, signifies their mission to spread the light of the Christian faith.
The event concluded with a pyro-musical display featuring P-pop tracks from BINI and SB19, followed by the symbolic exit through the Arch of the Centuries.
The University sent off 7,795 Thomasian graduating students, including 650 students from the College of Science. The solemn investiture rites for College of Science seniors will take place on June 15.
