Opening of School Year 2007-2008

Today the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, begins its academic year 2007-2008 with a Mass of the Holy Spirit, with Very Rev. Fr. Edmund C. Nantes OP, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, and Vice Grand Chancellor of the University, as the main celebrant and homilist. In his homily, Fr. Nantes focused on "seeing things in a new way, and exploring possibilities that will further enrich the teaching profession as a dynamic yet sublime vocation". In effect, he encouraged albeit challenged all admin officials, faculty members, non-academic personnel and students in embarking on a journey of "discovering things not yet known" while at the same time enhancing what is "already given", in line with the vision-mission statement of the University. One lady professor from the Faculty of Engineering, in fact texted me after the mass, saying that the homily had great content, intent, relevance, balance of mind and heart, mission and spirit.

Before the final blessing, Fr. Ernesto Arceo OP, the incumbent Rector of the University, gave his welcome message, exhorting everyone towards sustained efforts, both individual and collective, in practising professionalism for justice and honesty, specifically citing the "urgent need" to regulate if not totally obliterate cheating, inside as well as outside the office and classroom. For this reason, he created a university-wide Commission for Advocacy on Justice and Honesty, with Fr. Gerard Timoner III OP, the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs, as its chairman. At least, he said, "if ever our alumni become politicians later on, with what they have learned and practised when they were students of the University, they could be agents and promoters of moral uprightness, justice and honesty, and renewal in our government and society".

After the eucharistic celebration, the next activity was the traditional "Discurso de Apertura" (since 1886) given for this year by Asst. Professor Jose Ireneo, Dean of the UST-AMV College of Accountancy, with the topic on "Corporate Governance and Internal Control in the midst of Contemporary Accounting Scandals". The discourse was lengthily technical, but in the end, Dean Ireneo stressed the need to define clearly and highlight the fervent practice of professional ethics in the field of accountancy, finance, and business administration in general.

In the afternoon, like the other colleges and faculties of the University, the AMV College of Accountancy had its general faculty assembly. After the invocation prayer, welcome remarks and introduction of new faculty members by the coordinators, Dean Ireneo as well as Assoc. Professor Josephine Relis, Secretary of the College, gave a couple of reminders to all, discussed certain concerns and entertained some questions. The guidance and counsellors of the College were also given time to present an enlightening profile of last year's students by year level. Afterwards, we had fraternal agape....

A day full of enriching activities... not bad!...