GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Two years ago, this bustling tuna capital welcomed Asia’s oldest university with open arms. Today, the University of Santo Tomas General Santos (UST GenSan) is not just standing — it is growing, thriving, and quietly reshaping the educational and economic landscape of the SOCSKSARGEN region. With new academic programs approved, enrollment steadily rising, and a 2026–2027 school calendar now in place, the sprawling Mindanao campus is evolving from a pioneering experiment into a mature, indispensable pillar of higher education in the South.
The Largest Campus in the UST System
Many are surprised to learn that UST GenSan is not a satellite campus tucked into a corner. At 82.2 hectares, it is the largest campus in the entire UST system — four times the size of the 21‑hectare main campus in Manila. Located in Barangay Ligaya, about 15 kilometers northeast of downtown General Santos, the property was originally acquired by UST Manila in 1997 but remained classified as agricultural land for over a decade. It was only in 2013 that the site was officially reassigned as institutional land, finally clearing the path for development.
The journey from acquisition to inauguration was long and arduous. Groundbreaking took place in April 2018, foundation laying began in November 2020, and a topping‑off ceremony was held in December 2021. The campus finally opened its doors on April 11, 2024 — coinciding with UST’s 413th founding anniversary.
A Building That Bridges Two Worlds
At the heart of the campus stands a seven‑storey Main Building capable of accommodating up to 15,000 students. Its design pays homage to the historic Main Building in Manila, mirroring the symmetrical form, central cross tower, entrance canopy, and kumimono bracket‑style column capitals originally conceived by friar‑engineer Fr. Roque Ruaño in 1927.
But the GenSan structure is not a mere replica. Arches inspired by Mindanaonon cultural diversity have been incorporated into the facade, creating a deliberate visual dialogue between Manila’s 400‑year heritage and the vibrant spirit of the South. The building houses 24 classrooms, 23 laboratories, a chapel, library, clinic, auditorium, cafeteria, organization rooms, and function halls.
Enrollment Growth and Expanding Programs
The campus welcomed its pioneering batch of 126 students in Academic Year 2024‑2025. By Term 1 of AY 2025‑2026, enrollment had climbed to 317 students — a nearly 150‑percent increase in just one year. Medical Technology emerged as the most popular program, drawing 99 freshmen alone.
That growth is set to accelerate further. On February 4, 2026, UST GenSan announced that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 12 had issued permits for three new degree programs for AY 2026‑2027: BS Accountancy, BS Civil Engineering (major in Structural Engineering), and BS Biology (major in Medical Biology). CHED Region 12 also granted formal recognition to the five existing programs — Accounting Information System, Entrepreneurship, Industrial Engineering, Medical Technology, and Pharmacy — following a rigorous quality assurance process.
An Inclusive Vision for Mindanao
During the 2024 inauguration, UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, made a point that resonated deeply with local communities. “Nangangako po kami, hindi lang po para sa Katoliko ang eskwelahang ito. Kahit po hindi Katoliko ay tatanggapin namin because this is a place for interreligious and interfaith dialogue,” he said. In a region with a significant Muslim population, that promise of inclusivity is not merely symbolic — it is foundational to the campus’s mission
.
The rector described the opening of UST GenSan as “an epic narrative, a journey fraught with challenges, triumphs, and a quest for greatness”. Reflecting on the construction process, he noted, “Though they are not epic battles in the traditional sense, the construction process was filled with symbolic battles against nature or the natural course of events, logistical challenges and unforeseen obstacles”.
A Hub for Academic Excellence
The campus currently operates under three pioneering schools: the School of Health Sciences, the School of Business and Accountancy, and the School of Engineering and Information Technology. The initial five pioneer programs — Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Entrepreneurship, Accounting Information Systems, and Industrial Engineering — were carefully selected to align with the region’s economic strengths, particularly in agriculture, trade, and healthcare.
CHED Regional Director Dr. Nelia Alibin, speaking at the 2024 inauguration, called Region XII “very blessed that the very first UST campus in Mindanao is in General Santos City”. She expressed hope that UST would replicate its enrollment success in the South, noting that UST Manila is recognized as one of the largest Catholic universities in the world in terms of student population on a single campus.
Local Government Support
The city government has been a steadfast partner. In 2013, then‑Mayor Ronnel Rivera played a crucial role in having the property reclassified as institutional land, a decision that finally unlocked the campus’s development. Rivera, who was re‑elected to a fresh term in 2026, has vowed to continue supporting the construction of UST’s satellite campus in the city. Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao also attended the 2024 inauguration, signaling continuity in local government backing
.
Looking Ahead: AY 2026‑2027
For prospective students and their families, the calendar is now set. Both UST Manila and UST GenSan will open Academic Year 2026‑2027 on August 7, 2026. Freshmen onboarding activities will begin on August 3 with the UST Cloud Campus orientation, followed by the virtual “ROARientation” on August 4. The Misa y Discurso de Apertura, or Mass of the Holy Spirit, will officially inaugurate the academic year.
The 82.2‑hectare campus has ample room for expansion. While only the Main Building has been completed, the master plan envisions additional structures that could eventually accommodate up to 15,000 students. With its strong enrollment growth, expanding program offerings, and deep community roots, UST GenSan is well on its way to fulfilling that vision.
A New Chapter for Mindanao
As UST GenSan prepares to welcome its third batch of freshmen this August, the campus stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a 400‑year‑old institution plants its flag in new soil — not with a sense of conquest, but with a commitment to service, dialogue, and excellence. For the young Thomasians of the South, the journey has only just begun.
