UST OPENS CAMPUS IN MINDANAO

THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Thursday inaugurated its 82-hectare campus in General Santos City.

The UST main campus is located in Espana, Manila.

The new school grounds represent a major expansion for UST whose history spans over four centuries.

UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang O.P. said the opening is a significant milestone in the 413th foundation anniversary of the university, which is being celebrated this month.

Established in 1611, UST is recognized as the oldest university in the country and was declared the “Catholic University of the Philippines” by Pope Pius XII in 1947.

“True to our mission of spreading the light to dispel the darkness of ignorance, we, the University of Santo Tomas as one Dominican and Thomasian family invoking God’s unending grace, now formally open the UST General Santos campus,” Ang said.

He described the opening of a new campus as “an epic narrative, a journey fraught with challenges, triumphs, and a quest for greatness.”

The rector said the structure of the building represents not only bricks and mortars but embodies the university’s rich history, values, and aspirations.

Ang hopes the opening will be a beacon of hope in the region and the country.

He underscored that the campus will be a place for interreligious and interfaith dialogue, where both Catholics and Muslims are welcome.

“Our vision for the future is one of continued excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. We are committed to providing our students with knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in our ever-changing world,” he added.

The six-storey main building, patterned after nearly century-old UST Main Building in Manila known for its cross tower, has arches inspired by Mindanao architecture.

The UST General Santos City campus building houses 24 classrooms, 23 laboratories, a chapel, library, clinic, auditorium, cafeteria, organization rooms, and function halls.

It will open in Academic Year 2024-2025 as a branch campus to cater students in health sciences, business and accountancy, and engineering and information technology.

UST GenSan Main Building can accommodate 5,000 students.