(L-R) OAR Web and Data Management Officer Marlot Ngo, OAR Alumni Engagement and Linkages Officer Carla Ricarte, OAR Director Dr. Joreen Rocamora, UST-Legazpi VP for Administration and Finance Rev. Fr. Junel Pedroso, UST-Legazpi Office of Media, Alumni, and Public Affairs Director Rev. Fr. Siddharta Chiong, OAR Secretary and Quality Management Officer Ellaine Cruz, and OAR Graphics and Office Clerk Julia Benigay.
The University of Santo Tomas-Legaspi paid a benchmarking visit to the UST Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) to deepen inter-campus collaboration on alumni engagement, data management, and program development last September 25, 2025 at the Thomasian Alumni Center, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building. The UST-Legaspi delegation was led by Director of the Office of Media, Alumni, and Public Affairs Rev. Fr. Siddharta B. Chiong, O.P., LPT, PhL, MA, and Vice President for Administration and Finance Rev. Fr. Junel C. Pedroso, O.P., LPT, STHL/MA.
During the session, OAR presented its flagship processes and platforms that sustain the Thomasian alumni ecosystem, beginning with the Thomasian Alumni Portal (TAP), which is the primary hub for online services and communication. A segment on alumni engagement strategies and best practices detailed how OAR nurtures participation across local-based and international alumni communities. The delegation also reviewed OAR's governance of The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Awards from nomination and screening to evaluation structures across different categories. To round out the operational picture, OAR shared its yearbook distribution and archival framework.
Discussion during the benchmarking activity.
Throughout the benchmarking, both institutions exchanged insights on scaling alumni participation, professionalizing association recognition, and integrating communications and data systems to strengthen the lifelong Thomasian journey. The visit underscored a shared commitment to responsible data stewardship, mission-aligned programming, and the celebration of alumni who exemplify competence, compassion, and commitment in their fields.
The benchmarking activity affirmed the value of collaboration among Dominican institutions, united in service to Thomasians everywhere. Moving forward, UST Manila's OAR and UST-Legazpi signaled their intent to continue the dialogue and explore joint efforts that uplift alumni and amplify their impact in society.
