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“Was UST all about prayers and saints, or did they teach anything else back in the day?” I get this question a lot. Many Filipinos picture the University of Santo Tomas (UST) as this centuries-old institution steeped in religious tradition. And hey, they’re not wrong! But to think that’s all there was to UST is like assuming adobo only has soy sauce – there’s a whole world of flavor waiting to be discovered!
Let’s dive into the lesser-known corners of UST’s history and uncover the surprisingly diverse range of secular subjects that flourished within its hallowed halls.
More Than Just Catechism: The Scope of UST’s Secular Education
Forget the image of friars huddled over scriptures all day. While religious instruction was a cornerstone (it was founded by Dominican friars, after all), UST was envisioned as a beacon of knowledge in the broadest sense. We’re talking a comprehensive curriculum that rivaled many European universities of the time.
So, what else were they teaching beyond prayers and scriptures? Buckle up, history buffs, here’s a glimpse:
- Law: This was a biggie! UST was the place to study law in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. We’re talking Civil Law, Canon Law, and even Roman Law – basically, the legal dream team of the era. Graduates often went on to become prominent lawyers, judges, and even politicians.
- Medicine: Forget fancy hospitals; UST was where aspiring doctors cut their teeth (sometimes literally, I imagine!). They had a whole program dedicated to medicine, surgery, and pharmacy. They even had a teaching hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, for hands-on experience.
- Pharmacy: Before drugstores were a thing, you went to a botica, and who ran those? You guessed it – UST-trained pharmacists! They were whipping up remedies and concoctions long before modern medicine took center stage.
- Philosophy and Letters: Think of this as the liberal arts program of the day. Logic, ethics, metaphysics – you name it, they probably debated it in those classrooms. This was where students honed their critical thinking skills and explored the big, existential questions.
- Engineering and Arts: Yes, even back then, they needed folks who could build bridges (literally) and create beautiful things. UST offered courses in engineering, architecture, painting, sculpture, and music. Talk about a well-rounded education!
Who Got to Enjoy this Academic Feast?
Now, here’s the catch – education back then wasn’t exactly as accessible as grabbing a pan de sal from the bakery.
- Initially, enrollment was primarily for men from elite Spanish families. These were the sons of high-ranking officials, wealthy landowners – basically, the who’s who of colonial society.
- Over time, UST opened its doors to Filipino ilustrados. These were the educated, affluent Filipinos who often went on to become leaders and revolutionaries (think Jose Rizal, our national hero – yep, he studied at UST!).
- Sadly, women had to wait a while longer. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that they were finally allowed to enroll in certain programs, mainly Pharmacy and Education.
UST’s Secular Legacy: Shaping Minds and a Nation
While we can’t deny the significant role of religious instruction at UST, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of its secular education.
- Think of UST as a breeding ground for professionals. The lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, and engineers it produced went on to shape Philippine society.
- But it wasn’t just about careers. The secular subjects also nurtured critical thinking, sparking dialogues and ideas that eventually fueled the movement for independence.
So, there you have it – UST wasn’t just about churning out pious devotees. It was a dynamic institution that provided a well-rounded education, shaping not just careers but the future of the Philippines itself.