The non-profit organization of U.S.T. Medicine Class of 1967
  

 
 
 
  
REVISITING THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE INCORPORATION OF THE USTH
As written in the December, 2006 Newsletter by Zinnia B. Giron, MD, Editor
The main issues pointed out by Dr. Carmelita Co-Casquejo, president of the USTMAASC, in the the Philippine Star interview and article by Sandy Araneta  dated October 14, 2006 are as follows:

  • USTH Inc., is now a private corporation that is distinct and separate from the UST and the Dominican Order of Preachers.
  • Father Tamerlane Lana, a UST rector, signed a long-term lease of all clinical facilities and equipment of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in favor of USTH, Inc.
  • The rector himself is also the chairman of the board of trustees.
  • The ownership of the hospital has been changed and transferred to private individuals without the mandate of the Dominican Master General under very questionable circumstances.
  • The medical school of UST will then become a profit institution rather tha a training center for medical specialists which was the original intention of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery when it was organized more than 50 years ago.
  • Responses by UST Med Class '67 Foundation members:

Foundation President Cora Gemil (10/26/2006)

"Many thanks for forwarding the article to me. I have communicated with Willie Lagdameo who is taking care of our concerns.

We have definite stipulations in our legacy letter to Dean Rolando Lopez. Accountability of our donation will be ongoing. In our dialogue with the outgoing Dean, a committee which will include one or two representatives of our class will provide oversight to the legacy. When the incoming Dean takes over in December, I will write another letter stating essentially the same thing. There  will be no distribution of money until concrete plans and timetable for construction of the class-approved facilities have been submitted to us."

"The new Dean is Grace Garayblas-Gonzaga and she is to start today. I will be asking Erwins's help again in composing a letter of congratulations and at the same time provide her with a narrative of the whole process that we went through in choosing and funding the legacy, We need to emphasize that our goal is academic excellence. Revenue generation and accountability are the stipulations of the grant. Our grant is very specific. The money will be advanced upon presentation of definite structural plans and a time line. The legacy should not affect nor be affected by how the Dominicans spend their money."

 Leonor Testa-Feliciano, Legacy Committee Chairman
(10/27/2006 and 11/02/2006)

" There is a lot of anxiety over any change. I would like to continue believing in the abilities of our Thomasian Leaders to lead with moral and ethical convictions. Therefore I urge everybody to stay focused regarding our Legacy goals. We shall strive to protect the integrity of our intentions to help promote academic excellence in our ALMA MATER and provide you all with updates. We do not foresee any impediments to our Legacy pursuance. Let us not punish those for whom the Legacy was intended for. They have nothing to do about the change. Change also brings new opportunities."

Tony Penilla, Foundation Board Member ( 10/31/2006)

"The recent article has quite profound implications. We do not know the reliability or truth of the alleged manipulation or "takeover." Without knowing the facts behind it we should not start another round of hysterical discussions, accusations nor inuendos.

For now, let us focus on our Legacy Project. Whatever happens to USTH, the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery will be there. Perhaps, the separation can even make it a stronger institution-free from the reponsibilities of the hospital especially the Clinical Division, yet can continue to use it for its medical students and graduates' clinical need. That said, our legacy will remain safe and intact and will continue to provide the purpose for which it was conceived by the Class 67 Foundation Board.

There is a new Rector Magnificus, Fr. Ernesto Arceo,O.P., to be installed, I believe, this coming week. Perhaps, we should inquire if there are also changes in the FMS administrative lineup. At least, we whould have a handle on their strategic thinking and philosophy before starting to release the funds for the legacy. We should be sure that our project will still be included in any "new" administration, if that is the case."

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