Developed by Thomasian engineers and researchers, the robots first garnered attention in April 2020 for aiding frontliners with physically distanced communication between a COVID-19 patient and the medical staff.

Equipped with a smart tablet mounted on a mobile base that can be controlled remotely from five to ten meters away, LISA enables communication via internet-based platforms. It also had a compartment box that allowed the delivery of medicines and documents and provided a helping hand in disinfection.

“Itong bagong version ng (LISA) robot, gumagamit kami ng tinatawag na simultaneous localization and mapping, wherein gumagamit kami ng LIDAR sensor para ma-map ng robot ang facility, and then ise-save niya sa memory niya iyon. With that concept, makakapag-navigate ang robot.” Project leader Assoc. Prof. Anthony James C. Bautista, PhD, PME, MBA said in the interview.

In 2021, the LISA robot was developed and enhanced through funding by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

Bautista is a researcher in the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences and a faculty member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The LISA robot team is composed of Engr. Ma. Madecheen Pangaliman, M.Sc. of ECE department, Ms. Alma Perol of ICS department with research assistants Mr. Sherwin Dignadice, Kendall Felicilda, Thaynnie Princes Enclonar, John Raven Red, Jose Gamaliel Gutierrez and Thomasian co-inventor, from Pasig Doctors Medical Center, Rodrigo Calalang Santos, MD. Special thanks to Dr. Antonio Etrata and Ms. Izza Arnaez of UST marketing department and Mr. Frederico Mendoza of UST industrial design department.

Watch the segment here:

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The study examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with healthcare, offering a unique perspective rooted in Catholic ethical principles, underscoring the need for AI to improve healthcare outcomes while safeguarding human dignity as well as the integrity and autonomy of medical practice.

In exploring how AI technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing are reshaping healthcare, the article tackles critical concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic biases, transparency, and the moral responsibilities of AI developers and healthcare practitioners. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving patient autonomy and informed consent. Drawing inspiration from Catholic teachings, the authors advocate for a patient-centered vision of care which can be applied in various areas of healthcare practice such as disease diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, robotic-assisted surgeries, and sophisticated health data management.

The article invites healthcare professionals, AI developers, and policymakers to collaborate on creating inclusive, equitable AI healthcare systems that respect the irreplaceable value of every individual person. The authors assert “The Catholic Church’s core tenet is that all people are endowed with intrinsic dignity by being born in God’s image and likeness. Therefore, healthcare AI should be developed and implemented in light of this notion. AI systems created with human dignity in mind would meet the demands placed by patients without treating them as less than data points or algorithms.”

The full article is available online in Journal of Religion & Health. To learn more, visit

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Asst. Prof. Ritzmond Loa, who serves as the College’s Internationalization Coordinator, was elected to the Board of Directors. Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Carina Rebueno was elected to the House of Delegates.

PNA was established in 1922. The Manila Chapter is the group of professionals residing or working in the capital. 

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Beginning with a discussion of a continuum of QA system implementation, i.e. compliance (doing to follow), commitment (doing to cooperate), and culture (doing to contribute), Carillo presented her “Preparing for C.H.A.N.G.E.” Framework which builds on the following elements: 1) clarity of purpose; 2) habit formation; 3) agility; 4) nurturing environment; 5) governance support; and 6) ethics-based principles. 

Carillo was invited by the conference organizers to join the panel “Strategies for Future-Proofing Quality Culture in ������Ƶapp Higher Education” along with Consulting Director Dr. Karen Treolar, Mahidol University’s Acting Vice-President for Quality Development and Social Engagement Assoc. Prof. Sompop Pathanturarug, and Institut Teknologi Bandung Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah.

Carillo, the immediate past Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, was instrumental in making quality assurance initiatives a common goal in UST. She led a university-wide push for units to subject themselves to external scrutiny by undergoing accreditation visits, eventually leading to the Institutional Accreditation of UST. She also initiated the AUN-QA assessment of academic programs and led the University-wide effort to secure an AUN-QA Institutional Assessment Certification in 2019. 

At present, Carillo serves as a  coach/trainer for the AUN-QA Tier 1 Training on assessment at programme level and as chief/lead assessor in assessments at programme level. She is also part of the Institutional Sustainability Assessment (ISA) team of the Commission on Higher Education.

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Within various technical panels are Thomasian academics and researchers, namely:

ACCOUNTANCY

1. Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, PhD

BIOLOGY, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology

1. Prof. Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz, Dr. rer. Nat.
2. Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD
3. Prof. John Donnie A. Ramos, PhD

CHEMISTRY

1. Academician Professor Emeritus Maribel G. Nonato, PhD
2. Assoc. Prof. Oliver B. Villaflores, PhD

FINE ARTS

1. Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo, PhD

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

1. Prof. Marilu R. Madrunio, PhD (Chair)
2. Prof. Camilla D.J. Vizconde, PhD

GRADUATE TEACHER EDUCATION

1. Prof. Camilla D.J. Vizconde, PhD

LITERATURE

1. Prof. John Jack G. Wigley, PhD

MARINE SCIENCE

1. Prof. Mary Beth B. Maningas, PhD

MATHEMATICS

1. Prof. Ma. Carlota B. Decena, PhD

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

1. Prof. Ma. Freida Z. Hapan, PhD

MEDICINE

1. Prof. Ma. Minerva P. Calimag, MD, PhD

MUSIC

1. Assoc. Prof. Dolores T. Andres, PhD

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

1. Asst. Prof. Kathlene Anne V. Hernandez, MHPEd

OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING

1. Assoc. Prof. Ma. Ninia I. Calaca, MA, MAPhl
2. Prof. Belen L. Tangco, PhD

PHARMACY

1. Prof. Aleth Therese L. Dacanay, PhD (Chair)

PHILOSOPHY

1. Prof. Robert A. Montaña, PhD

PHYSICAL THERAPY

1. Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH

PHYSICS

1. Assoc. Prof. Angelita Silverio, MS (ret.)

REAL ESTATE

1. Prof. Eduardo G. Ong, PhD

SOCIOLOGY

1. Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD
2. Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict R. Ignacio, PhD

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

1. Inst. Elinor Bautista
2. Asst. Prof. Judith S. Damian, MS (ret.)

The newly reconstituted technical panels will have a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2025 and ending on December 31, 2028.

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The study, co-authored by fr. Austriaco with Mary Chelsea E. Diego and Red Lazaro of the Department of Biological Sciences, Angus White of Providence College – USA, and Allan Paola L. Almajose of the Department of Chemical Engineering, adapted a susceptible-infected-recovered model to help vaccinators administer the needed COVID-19 deterrent and arrest the spread of the disease. The model targeted the National Capital Region as the main focus area of widespread vaccine distribution to mitigate viral transmission, which was high in the capital, while the rest of the archipelago can first focus on medical frontliners, senior citizens, and adults with comorbidities.

The study, entitled “,” was published in the Philippine Journal of Science and helped the Philippine government in distributing limited vaccine supply to the sectors who needed it most.

The NRCP Gabay Award is given annually to active NRCP members whose research works have resulted or translated to adopted technologies and policies; or have informed local and national policy-making.

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The MOA highlighted the implementation of Pagtanaw Echague, Isabela arising from the courses THM52016: Tourism Policy, Planning and Development, TOSM5263: Travel Agency Management and Operations, and THM52019: Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Event Management.

Through their requirements under THM52016, six (6) sections from third-year BS Tourism Management are tasked to develop sustainable tourist site development plans for six (6) sites in Echague, Isabela, namely, Calsa-Multipurpose Cooperative, Echague Public Market, Tercero Street, Echague East Central Elementary School – Gabaldon Building, Eatchague Banchetto, and Echague Rattan Industry in Barangay Affunan. The MOA provided both parties with assigned duties and responsibilities for planning, research fieldwork implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and turnover activities. The logistical requirements were assigned to students from class 3TOM3 under TOSM5263. At the same time, class 3TOM5 under THM52019 was assigned to conduct the Heritage Youth Forum for the Rattan Weaving Industry.

The Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela, was represented by its Mayor, Hon. Francis Faustino “Kiko” A. Dy, and Mr. Louie C. Simbe, the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Officer. For the ������Ƶapp, it was represented by a Member of the CTHM Dean’s Council, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang and Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS, Coordinator of the UST Sentro Turismo.

In the same event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the UST Simbahayan Community Development Office, CTHM, and the municipality was forged to conduct a dance workshop of Echagueño Youth, which CTHM Intenzyc facilitated.

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Central to the discussions was data gathering strategies in Junior and Senior High Schools (JHS and SHS) across Santa Rosa to directly involve learners and their families in making UStaR’s future offerings correspond to their educational aspirations and future plans.

Also present in the meeting were Dr. Seigfred V. Prado, Executive Assistant at UStaR, and Mr. Adolfo C. Ibayan, Planning Officer III of the School Governance and Operations Division.  Catangay and Ibayan expressed their support on the strategic plans of the University for UStaR and welcomed opportunities to collaborate with UST, most importantly, in responding to the urgent demand for quality teachers in the region, recommending that UST consider offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Education.

Beyond academic program planning, DepEd officials shared areas where UST could play a vital role in enhancing teacher training, particularly in Senior High Schools in the City of Santa Rosa. Considering the established strengths of the University as evidenced by the international and local accreditation of its academic programs as well as performance in various educational activities that measure student outcomes, DepEd officials suggested areas for collaboration, which include Values Education, Special Education, Sports Science, Guidance Counseling, Music and Fine Arts, and Technical-Vocational Programs. They also proposed sharing of UST’s best practice in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technology, and community development into teaching methods.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Partnerships

Following discussions of mutually beneficial opportunities in broad strokes, the officials agreed to identify specific opportunities in a follow-up meeting in January 2025 at the UST-Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center (UST-TTCIC) with an expanded group of officials from both sides. This meeting will explore immediate collaborative opportunities and lay the groundwork for long-term initiatives that address the City’s educational challenges and determine the wealth of bigger opportunities that can arise from such collaborations. Consistent with the University’s vision regarding its expansion plans, UStaR’s collaboration with DepEd Santa Rosa can help define the University’s role as a key player in the City’s educational landscape.

This engagement highlights UST’s commitment to aligning its future academic offerings with the needs of the Santa Rosa community, fostering meaningful partnerships, and delivering impactful educational programs that benefit both learners and educators with long-term benefits to the City and the CALBARZON Region.

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The award was conferred by JCI Sen. Dolph Saavedra. The panel of judges was chaired by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

The plum recognizes Filipinos aged 41 and above for advancing public welfare and national development. Balita, the entrepreneur behind the review centers bearing his name, was recognized for his contributions to education and for helping thousands of professionals acquire the necessary licenses to practice in their respective fields, such as nursing and teaching.

Recognized alongside Balita were Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino, Seagull Philippines Chairman Bing N. Carrion, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, geological sciences and forestry expert Juan M. Pulhin, and neurosurgeon Lynne Lucena.

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With a transdisciplinary approach, the project will advance heritage research, education programs and tourism promotion that will dramatically impact the Samar Province’s holistic development. These forgotten fortifications are value-added to Spark Samar’s program by promoting historically significant tourist destinations that provide opportunities for community-driven conservation.

To jumpstart the project, the US Embassy in the Philippines, Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear, joined by Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara, conducted an ocular inspection last November 21-22, 2024 in three (3) fortification sites in Samar Province. They were accompanied by the university’s composite team from USTGS-CCCPET, UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and UST College of Architecture. Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan expressed her sincere gratitude to the US Embassy of the Philippines and to the ������Ƶapp.

Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, MAEd, Officer-in-Charge of USTGS-CCCPET and Project Director, emphasizes that this initiative aligns with the university’s vision of preserving cultural heritage that will inspire future generations as responsible stewards. Through the AFCP grant, USTGS-CCCPET gets to continue its role as a prime mover of cultural heritage preservation, advocating  heritage utilization toward community development.

The project is set to launch on December 4, 2024, in Sta. Rita, Samar, in partnership with Samar Provincial Government and the Local Government of Sta. Rita.

The AFCP, established by the US Department of State, supports projects worldwide that preserve cultural heritage, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, collections, and intangible heritage such as traditional crafts and languages.

UST Team, Sta. Rita LGU team and

US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (middle, blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (middle, red shirt)

Ms. Beverly Bautista lead the ocular visit in Tinago Ruins in Tarangan with US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (red shirt)

UST Team, Gandara LGU Officials, Bangahon local community with

US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (middle, blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (middle, red shirt)

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