NEWS

The organizers, together with the beneficiary representatives of 5 TODAs.

True to the Thomasian spirit of compassion and community outreach, the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), UST Alumni Association, Inc. (USTAAI), UST Museum, and College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM), officially concluded the Marian Exhibit 2026 last May 20, 2026, with a solemn closing ceremony held at the Lobby of Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) Building, UST Manila.

The weeklong event, which ran from May 14 to 20, was anchored on the theme "Queen of All Hearts: Finding Peace Through the Mother of God." It highlighted a central focus of turning devotion into action and moved beyond a traditional showcase of sacred Marian images to emphasize social responsibility. Through the fundraising efforts of various alumni associations, the event successfully raised a total of Php 50,000. The entire proceeds were converted directly into fuel vouchers to provide immediate economic relief to 100 tricycle drivers who ply the busy routes around the University.

Guests during the solemn recitation of the Holy Rosary.

The closing ceremony commenced with the solemn recitation of the Holy Rosary. Organizers, alumni, and guests gathered in front of the adorned Marian altars to offer prayers of gratitude and petition, setting a deeply spiritual tone that reflected the event's core mission.

Following the prayer, the program proceeded to the formal awarding of the fuel vouchers to the beneficiaries. Representatives from the organizing committees and alumni groups turned over the subsidies to the officers and members of five key Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) operating around the UST campus perimeter.

Organizers turn over fuel vouchers to the UMDAPTODA and PANTODA.

Drivers from LACMABLU and PMDF TODAs receive the fuel vouchers.

NAVADAPTODA welcomes the University delegation for the turnover of fuel vouchers.

The 100 transport beneficiaries were selected from UMDAPTODA (UTown Manila Dapitan TODA), NAVADAPTODA (Navarra Dapitan TODA), LACMABLU TODA (Lacson Margal Blumentritt TODA), PMDF TODA (Piy Margal Dela Fuente TODA), and PANTODA (Padre Noval TODA).

(Left photo) Dr. Rocamora during her speech. (Right photo) Dr. Timbang explains the event's core mission to the beneficiaries.

OAR Director Assoc. Prof. Joreen Rocamora, PhD and USTAAI President Assoc. Prof. Evangeline Timbang, PhD noted during the turnover that the initiative serves as a practical execution of this year's theme, directly supporting local transport workers heavily affected by fluctuating fuel costs. By bridging religious heritage with community welfare, the Marian Exhibit 2026 underscored the university's ongoing commitment to rendering meaningful, real-world service to its immediate stakeholders and neighbors.