The University of Santo Tomas (UST) formally marked the Solemn Blessing and Formal Inauguration of the UST-Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-Dr. WiTBIRIn) at the UST Manila Annex in Sta. Rosa, Laguna – signifying a milestone in the university’s commitment to advancing research and innovation.
The four-storey structure is the second building within the UST Sta. Rosa campus named in honor of its donor, Wilcon Depot Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Dr. William T. Belo. Construction of the institute began in January 2024.
UST–Dr. WiTBIRIn houses 25 laboratories that will serve as research workstations and collaborative spaces for scholars across six interdisciplinary research areas: food security and safety; health and wellbeing; clean energy; environmental sustainability; information, communications, and emerging intelligent systems and technologies; and advanced materials, engineering design, and product innovation.
Santa Rosa City Mayor Hon. Arlene B. Arcillas expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Dr. William T. Belo for believing in Santa Rosa, describing the institute not only as a gift to the University of Santo Tomas but also as a gift to the city itself. She noted that the city and the university share the same vision, emphasizing that world-class research does not have to remain confined within traditional academic spaces. Instead, she said, it can – and should – grow closer to the communities it seeks to serve.
UST Director of the Facilities Management Office, Rev. Fr. Dexter A. Austria, extended his sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the construction of the institute, especially Dr. Belo, whose generosity made the project possible. He recalled how Dr. Belo had spoken passionately about bringing professors and students together to work in synergy. Today, he said, that vision has come to life through the new institute, which now stands as a space built for collaboration, inquiry, and the pursuit of truth for the greater good of society.
Representing Dr. Belo at the ceremony, Wilcon Depot Chief Financial Officer Mark Belo delivered his father’s message, expressing deep gratitude to the University of Santo Tomas community. Dr Belo shared how meaningful it was for him to give back to the institution that has given so much throughout his life. He thanked UST administrators, partners, supporters, faculty members, his family, and his fellow alumni who joined the occasion, for their support in turning this vision into reality.
In his message, Dr. Belo underscored the importance of values-driven mission of what you want to become, the value of hard work, building meaningful relationships, and most importantly, the sense of fulfillment in service and giving back – all the traits he has way back from his student days up to the present, which he credits to UST.
He also encouraged students and future researchers to make full use of the institute, not only as a place for academic research, but as a platform to create solutions that can make a real and lasting impact on society.
Dr. Belo is an alumnus of the UST Faculty of Engineering, where he earned his degree in BS Electronics and Communications Engineering. Guided by his desire to serve the Filipino people, he began his entrepreneurial journey in 1977 with a small hardware store along Quezon Avenue. Through perseverance and commitment, this modest venture grew into Wilcon Depot, which reached its 100th store milestone in 2024.
True to its core values, Wilcon Depot continues to actively engage in philanthropic initiatives, including educational assistance programs, disaster relief operations, and community outreach. The company regularly partners with organizations such as the Bantay Kalikasan, Philippine Red Cross, Tzu Chi Foundation, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. to extend help to communities in need.
Through these initiatives, Wilcon remains committed to creating meaningful change – uplifting lives while fostering a culture of compassion, service, and shared progress among Filipinos.
For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.
