The UST Wild

28/07/2026

Rainbow Eucalyptus (𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘨𝘭𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘢) and Philippine Teak ( 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘢 𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴) in celebration of the 100 years of the UST College of Science!

This momentous event started with the opening prayer lead by one of our student leaders, followed by the opening remarks of Dr. Agnes, Asst.Dean of the College of Science. A 1 hr Tree walk was conducted followed by the Tree planting. Closing remarks was given by Dr. Aguilar, College Secretary of the College of Science. Morning snacks was served afterwards.

Special thanks to the team who made this event possible, Dr. Papa, Dean of the College of Science; Dr. Bennett; Asst. Prof. Peralta; Asst. Prof. Arbias; Department of Biological Sciences faculty and non academic staff; Mr. Anthony Arbias, President of PNPCSI, Engr. Gunting of FMO; BioSoc / UST College of Science Student Council officers and members; Galing Science Alumni members; faculty member participants and our dear Thomasian students!

May this event be a constant reminder that Thomasians walk the talk, and we put our commitment into actions. Congratulations Team Science!

15/07/2026

🌈 Rainbow Tree at UST? YES!

REGISTRATION IS AGAIN OPEN! JOIN US ON THE 28TH OF JULY!

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the UST College of Science, we will be planting native tree species at UST Plaza Benavides!

As part of our campus species enrichment initiatives, we will be planting the iconic Mindanao Rainbow Gum, locally known as Bagras (Eucalyptus deglupta). Bagras is the only native Eucalyptus species found in the Philippines.

Another exciting addition is the endangered Philippine teak (Tectona philippinensis), an endemic species and the Philippines' only native teak.

A Tree Walk will be conducted before the tree planting activity.

📅 Join us on July 28, 2026 (Tuesday), at 7:00 AM!

Limited slots are available. Kindly register through the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBYlC__Pg_H61_NEZVn2eNKaJJkw7JFNYZyTVyLMYoKUFdRg/viewform

⏰ Program
7:00–7:30 AM – Registration
7:30–8:30 AM – Tree Walk
8:30–9:30 AM – Tree Planting
9:30 AM – Morning Snacks

Registration Form-Future Heritage Tree Planting
July 28, 2026, 7 :00 AM, UST Plaza Benavides

23/05/2026

The University of Santo Tomas, Manila is one the remaining lungs of the City of Manila. The campus houses 2 166 individual trees; 37 native and endemic species plus 53 introduced species.

Including the two species of Pterocarpus indicus, smooth and prickly narra. The oldest and biggest tree in the campus, Alstonia scholaris or dita inside the UST Botanical Garden. Native species of Diospyros. And a Dipterocarp as shown in the photo.

The 1987 Constitution mentioned as one of the governing state policies “to protect and advance the right of the people to a balance and healthful ecology”.

Currently, at the Quirino highway, Manila, 225 trees were already removed including a 50-year old narra tree. A total of 617 trees will be toppled down to complete a nearly 4-km Southern Access Link Expressway Project (SALEX). DENR granted a valid permit for this operation.

With this, we would like to request the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and LGUs to revisit your implementation guidelines and consider more sustainable and innovative ways in creating manmade structures like expressways. Sustainable strategies that will still maintain the trees that provide ecological services, heritage and history at this concrete jungle that we consider home.

24/04/2026

Narra showers
Flowers of Pterocarpus indicus

Shown are the narra flowers at the Plaza Benavides. In the Philippines, two varieties are naturally growing, prickly narra and smooth narra. If you want to see the fruits of both species look for narra trees near the Santisimo Rosario Parish and Central Seminary Building.

25/03/2026

Congratulations to The UST Wild for being one of the poster exhibitors at the ongoing STS (Science, Technology and Society) Summit at the UST BGPOP Grand ballroom!

STS Summit is organized by the UST College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences in celebration of the College of Science 100 years anchored in faith and excellence.

18/03/2026

Campus Blooms Alert

Our Siar trees are back and in full bloom once again! Most of the currently blooming Siar trees are located in front of our main building. On our campus tree tags, Yellow flame tree was adapted as its common name in addition to that it is also called Copperpod tree.

Siar or Peltophorum pterocarpum, is a native tree belonging to the Fabaceae or legume family. Both Siar and Narra our national tree are members of the Fabaceae family. Both trees have "winged fruit" or "winged pod" thus their specific epithet is derived from the Greek word "pteron" meaning "wings" or "feather".

Both trees are currently in bloom around the campus. Siar is a popular ornamental native tree used on gardens, parks and streetscapes. It is also native to other Asian countries.

03/03/2026

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Treewalk @ UST

Last February 28, 2026, Saturday, the UST College of Science and Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society Inc. (PNPCSI) conducted a Treewalk at the UST Manila Campus.

A total of 72 participants joined the Treewalk, consisting of Thomasian faculty members, students and PNPCSI members. Treewalk guides were Asst. Prof. Melanie Arbias, faculty member, from the UST College of Science, Biological Sciences Department and PNPCSI Secretary, Mr. Anthony Arbias, PNPCSI President, and Mr. Ronald Achacoso, PNPCSI PRO and former President.

During the walk around 30 plus species of native and introduced species were identified and described. In this activity, the ethno- botanical uses and ecological roles of plants were highlighted.

We are hopeful that more Thomasians will join the next treewalks. So that more will get to know native plant species outside the corners of the classroom too.

26/02/2026

𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬.

We are calling on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to withdraw or substantially revise its Memorandum dated October 8, 2025, titled “Interim Operational Guidance and Conditions on the Earth-Balling and Relocation of Mangroves in Exceptional Circumstances.”

While the memorandum claims that mangroves should not be removed or disturbed, it introduces a dangerous loophole: it allows the earth-balling and relocation of mangroves for infrastructure “flagship projects” endorsed by government authorities, once proponents claim that all other mitigation measures have been exhausted.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Mangroves are not movable infrastructure. They are complex, living ecosystems that serve as natural storm barriers, prevent coastal erosion, support fisheries, store vast amounts of blue carbon, and sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities. Scientific evidence consistently shows that earth-balling and relocation of mangroves result in extremely low survival rates, irreversible damage to root systems, biodiversity loss, and permanent degradation of ecosystem services. Removing mangroves, even temporarily, can trigger long-term ecological and economic harm.

The memorandum’s definition of “exceptional circumstances” is dangerously broad. Allowing exemptions for infrastructure projects creates a clear pathway for mangrove removal across the country, particularly in ecologically sensitive coastal areas. If left unchallenged, this interim guidance risks becoming standard operating procedure across DENR regional offices, effectively rolling back decades of mangrove protection policy in the Philippines.

Renowned mangrove scientist Dr. Jurgenne Primavera has publicly called for the repeal of this memorandum, citing its lack of scientific basis and the grave ecological risks it poses. Her call reflects the consensus of mangrove researchers and conservation practitioners who have dedicated decades to protecting these vital ecosystems.

Mangroves are not obstacles to development. They are frontline defenses against climate change, irreplaceable natural infrastructure for disaster risk reduction, and essential to food security and community resilience. Allowing their relocation for short-term economic gain contradicts the principles of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

We therefore urge the DENR to:
1. Withdraw or substantially revise the October 8, 2025 memorandum
2. Remove the infrastructure project exemption that allows mangrove earth-balling and relocation
3. Uphold the strongest possible, science-based protections for mangrove ecosystems under the precautionary principle

This petition is supported by members and friends of the Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines, alongside scientists, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens.

Every signature is a call to protect our mangroves, and the communities that depend on them. Together, we can safeguard the Philippines’ coasts for present and future generations.