The Legazpi Thomasian Community gathered once again last August 22, 2023 to formally witness another historical moment at the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi– the Installation of Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, MM, DBA, as the University’s 9th Rector and President. Priests from the Dominican Province of the Philippines, distinguished guests from the different stakeholder sectors of the institution, representatives from academic institutions, administrators, supervisors, faculty, support personnel, students, parents, and the new leader’s family and friends came to take part in this momentous occasion.
From Iloilo to Legazpi
Born on June 9, 1956, Fr. Edwin, as he is fondly called, carries the legacy of Pedro Lao Sr. and Lucila Lao.
He started his educational career at Dueñas Elementary School in Iloilo in 1968 to Mary Immaculate Academy in Calinog, Iloilo in 1972. He took his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the Philippine Dominican Center for Institutional Studies at the Santo Domingo Convent, Quezon City in 1978. He furthered his studies at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila obtaining a Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1982. In 1996, he finished his Master in Management at the Asian Institute of Management which later led him to complete his Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi in 2023.
Before stepping into his presidency at UST-Legazpi, he served as the Rector and President of Colegio de San Juan de Letran from 1999 to 2007. Leaning more on administration and finance, Fr. Edwin also took the role of Vice-President for Administration and Finance in UST-Legazpi from 2011 to 2023 which showcased his strategic acumen while remaining firmly grounded.
Becoming the 9th Rector and President
Last June 30, 2023, the University’s Board of Trustees convened to elect the new leader of the institution. After a unanimous decision, Fr. Edwin was elected as the 9th Rector and President, confirmed by Rev. Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz Jr., OP, SThL, MA Theo, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines.
An autonomous University with Transformative Education
The big day started with an exclusive press conference with the University’s media partners. In his opening statement, Rev. Fr. Lao highlighted his utmost intention to connect with the community through the media where he banks his trust in terms of information dissemination in this digital era.
When asked about his visions for global competitiveness, Fr. Edwin said that he sees the institution as a University of transformative education anchored on the thrusts of excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, integrity, good character, and right conduct. “Transformative education should be systematic and sustainable. Marami na tayong naumpisahan and the challenge now is to sustain,” he added.
As an educational institution, the new leader aims for academic excellence in the University’s programs. He intends for the graduates of UST-Legazpi to be number one in their chosen fields propelled by the quality of education the University has been striving to provide the entire student body.
In terms of competitiveness in the market, the 9th Rector and President bravely stated that he wants the University to be at par with UST-Manila so that the “Bicolanos will get the same kind of education with what UST-Manila offers and spend less on expenses such as boarding and lodging.”
Rev. Fr. Lao also proudly showcased the University’s academic performance from the last decade: Top 7 in the 2012 Bar Examinations, Top 1 and 3 in the 2019 Bar Examinations, Top 6 in the 2023 Medical Technologists Licensure Examination, and just recently, Top 8 in the Psychometrician Licensure Examination.
On the other hand, regarding global ranking, Fr. Edwin blatantly admitted that UST-Legazpi is not yet among the 100 universities in the Philippines. He stated that he is taking this as a challenge to develop further a culture of excellence at all levels which must be facilitated intensely, for continuous improvement.
Apart from enjoining a culture of excellence, the Chief Official also vies to implement a culture of innovation– an act of adding more value to what has already been done and the things to be done in the future. Thus, developing a road map for UST-Legazpi to be an autonomous university in the near future.
To attain this big goal, the University, according to Rev. Fr. Lao, “needs to be industrious in research, perform well in licensure examinations, come up with a strong roster of faculty, establish centers for development and excellence, and produce strong curricular programs.” He also calls for strong support from the student body. Fr. Edwin calls for the Legazpi Thomasians “to watch the professors and their performance to get their money’s worth.” He continued, “Each and everyone in the academic community has a role to do in order to get autonomous status.”
Blessing the new Rector
The University was graced by the presence of the members of the Dominican Province of the Philippines especially during the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration and Installation Ceremonies. The country’s Prior Provincial, Rev. Fr. Filemon I. Dela Cruz Jr., OP, SThL, MA Theo led the concelebrated mass together with the other Dominican Fathers, Priests from the Diocese of Legazpi, and other esteemed friars.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Filemon retold the significance of the Queenship of Mary especially that the Installation Ceremony was slated on the same day. “Thinking of the significance of this date is beautiful not only that we have a date to remember where Fr. Edwin was installed on this day but moreover, this memorial day is the Queenship of Mary– her coronation as queen of heaven and earth,” he said.
As the University entered another beginning under a new leadership, the Prior Provincial requested the Legazpi Thomasian community to ask God for His blessing. “Ask the Lord to bless the new Rector as he has chosen a big responsibility. Let us extend our prayers to bless those who will assume new office and ministry in the University. Ask Him to bless the students, those who struggle. Ask the Lord to bless us through the intercession of our mother, the Queen Mary,” Rev. Fr. Filemon said.
The full article can be read here.
The future of Bicol’s Premier Dominican University
By nurturing the mind, forming the heart, and enriching the spirit, in a life of truth and of love out of gratitude, Fr. Edwin’s leadership will empower members of the Legazpi Thomasian community to be dependable, credible, and veritable agents of transformative education and sustainability. Finally, he is forward-looking to UST-Legazpi as an institution that prepares individuals for the challenges of today as well as of tomorrow.
“Together as one community, we are and will be the guardians of our University’s resources and legacy– industrious, united, dedicated, and committed. We built the University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi, a premier Dominican University of Bicol, a University of transformative culture and sustainability.”
With reports from Emanuel A. Miranda of UST-Legazpi Talastas.
Source: UST Legazpi

Marching to a new UST-Legazpi, Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, MM, DBA, walks toward a stage prepared for his momentous Installation Ceremonies on August 22, 2023

(L-R) Rev. Fr. Boyd R. Sulpico, OP, MA, Provincial Syndic; Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, MM, DBA, 9th Rector and President; Rev. Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz Jr., OP, SThL, MA Theo, Prior Provincial, and; Rev. Fr. Jose Martin L. Sibug, OP, pose for a quick photo remembrance after Fr. Edwin’s signing of the charge

To a new and better UST-Legazpi, Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, MM, DBA, raises the University Mace as a symbol of his authority and leadership as UST-Legazpi’s 9th Rector and President

UST-Legazpi’s 9th Rector and President sits with his new set of administrators as the University walks toward a new era