Vatican names ex-CHED chief as UST rector

The Vatican recently announced the appointment of a former Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman as the new rector of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST).

The CBCP News reported yesterday that the Vatican’s education department announced that Fr. Rolando de la Rosa as the new rector of the UST, considered as the oldest Catholic school in Asia.

Dela Rosa takes over the position from rector Fr. Ernesto Arceo, according to the school’s assistant registrar, Cesar Velasco Jr. He will be installed on June 10.

Last April 8, Arceo, Vice-Rector Fr. Juan Ponce and Fr. Edmund Nantes were asked to resign from their posts due to the UST Hospital development and expansion project controversy.

It was speculated that Dominican curia was reportedly displeased with the decision of three school officials for allegedly making a P3-billion loan to finance the expansion of the UST Hospital.

De la Rosa has a master’s degree in higher religious studies, and doctorate degrees in higher religious studies and sacred theology. He also previously served as UST rector from 1990 to 1998.

During his eight years as UST rector, he established the school’s center for campus ministry. It was also during his term that the UST archives, which houses historical manuscripts, scholastic records, books, and other artifacts, was renovated, and the Ed-Tech Center was established to integrate modern media into the academic programs of the university.       – Evelyn Macairan