The University of Santo Tomas (UST) held the blessing and formal inauguration of the UST-Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center (UST-TTCIC) at its campus in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, coinciding with UST's 412th foundation anniversary on April 28, 2023.

The center is named after Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong, Chairman and Founder of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), who graduated from UST in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He also received a Doctorate in Business Administration, honoris causa, from UST in 2018.

Tan Caktiong expressed his joy over the inauguration and emphasized the significance of the center for the UST community and the future of the Philippines.

“This state-of-the-art innovation center is intended to champion innovation and entrepreneurship to benefit not only the University but also the country and society as a whole,” he said. “This center can serve as a catalyst for promoting innovation that fosters connection, empathy, and compassion, and I am excited to see the impact it can have on many people’s lives and well-being.”

Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong underscored the importance of innovation for economic growth and social transformation.

Innovation for a better future

Tan Caktiong has always been passionate about innovation and continuous learning, which has fueled his leadership in transforming JFC into one of the world’s largest restaurant companies, with over 6,500 stores across 34 countries.

“I am thrilled that this Center aligns with my belief in the need for continuous learning and dreaming big, especially as the pace of change in the world accelerates,” he said. “Being unable to adapt can make one's knowledge and skills obsolete.”

Tan Caktiong added, “Innovation is not only an engine for economic growth but also a tool for social transformation. As we build back better from the pandemic, this center is in a position to harness science and entrepreneurship to promote food security and improve livelihoods, especially in rural areas.”

L-R: JP Morgan Executive Director Miranda Chan, JGF Chairperson Grace Tan Caktiong, UST Vice-Chancellor Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., O.P., UST Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., and JFC Founder and Chairman Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong.

Partnership for nation-building

UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., shared that the UST-TTCIC is designed to foster creativity and collaboration. “It will be a place for researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and work together towards a common goal of creating a better future,” he said.

“The center’s various laboratories, workshops, and workspaces have been planned to support a wide range of research and innovation activities. Whether you’re a scientist working on a breakthrough, an engineer developing new technology, or an entrepreneur launching a startup, this center will provide the resources and support you need to succeed,” Rev. Fr. Ang added.

UST held the groundbreaking ceremony for the center in December 2020. In September 2022, UST laid down its 15-year road map for the center. Prof. Philipina Marcelo, Ph.D., presented the three phases of UST Santa Rosa’s operational and sustainability plan, targeting health and well-being, food security and safety, environmental sustainability, energy, information and communications, and material sciences as interdisciplinary research areas.

“The Innovation Center is a manifestation of our shared commitment, values, and vision. It provides an opportunity to nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs, continuing to shape the future of our country,” Tan Caktiong said of the partnership with UST.