VOLUME XCVII / NO. 8 · JUNE 30, 2026 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines
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DESPITE RECORD HEAT, A WARM, VIBRANT GODSPEED TO GRADS Over 7,000 Thomasians exit Arch in the 2026 send-off rites BY SYDNEY VENICE V. BERBA INSTEAD OF last year’s rain-soaked sendoff, more than 7,000 graduating Thomasians marked the end of their stay in the University under scorching heat during the 2026 Baccalaureate Mass and send-off rites on Friday, May 29. Metro Manila experienced a danger-level heat index, ranging from 42 to 47 degrees Celsius during the ceremonies, as forecasted by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Based on a partial record, the University announced 7,329 graduates from higher education and 3,634 graduates from the basic education departments. UST Education High School recorded 77 graduates, while the Junior High School tallied 389 graduates. The Senior High School recorded a total of 3,168 graduates. The number of Class of 2026 graduates from the tertiary programs was 5.26% higher than the 6,963 graduates in AY 2024-2025.
Graduating students participated in the Baccalaureate Mass, which was divided into morning and afternoon batches, both held in the Quadricentennial Pavilion for the second consecutive year as a precautionary measure from last year’s postponement due to heavy rains. The send-off rites for the graduating students were capped by an eight-minute pyromusical display featuring pop songs such as “Beauty and a Beat,” “Never Say Never,” and “Karera.” Bittersweet farewells from seniors
For many graduating students, the send-off rites carried mixed emotions as they prepared to officially mark the culmination of their years in the University. “Parehong masaya at malungkot. Masaya kasi alam mong lahat ng ginawa mong hard work is nag-pay off na,” Shawn Guevara, a graduating student of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, told the Varsitarian. “Kaya siya malungkot din is syempre, mawala na rin ‘yung nagpapasaya sa school life mo,” he added. GODSPEED PAGE 3
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The tally of graduates per academic unit (as of June 2026) of Music 58 Conservatory of Nursing 140 College
Faculties 87 Ecclesiastical
97
Institute of Physical Education and Athletics
260
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
of Civil Law 110 Faculty
247
UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy
School 256 Graduate
392
College of Fine Arts and Design
of Education 254 College
522
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
of Architecture 219 College
583
College of Commerce and Business Administration
413
592
College of Information and Computing Sciences
of Science 547 College
Faculty of Arts and Letters
of Engineering 650 Faculty
762
School of Law 16 Graduate
► Graduating Thomasians bask beneath
College of Tourism and Hospitality Management
of Pharmacy 707 Faculty
UST BIDS ADIOS TO THE CLASS OF 2026
pink-tinted skies as they gather at the UST Open Field for the culminating send-off rites of this year’s Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, May 29. — PHOTOS BY CHLOE ELYSSE B. IBAÑEZ, JAMES MICHAEL M. MAGBOO,
► LENSPEAK ON PAGE 6
AND DJENHARD YRENEO RAPHAEL Y. SAPANHILA
EDITORIAL ► PAGE 4
Save the trees of Manila, save the Pasig River The disappearance of trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila is more than just another construction project. It is a reflection of a larger question that cities must confront: What kind of development do we want, and who pays the price for it?
NEWS ► PAGE 3
Fight graft and corruption, Rector tells graduates
ONLINE SPORTS ► PAGE 11
How UST delivered a gold-standard UAAP Season 88
Go forth and conquer, class of 2026! Catch the highlights of this year’s Baccalaureate Mass by scanning this QR code: