Wilcon Depot, UST, Signed an Agreement to Establish a Research Institute

Wilcon Depot, the Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, has taken another step forward by formally signing an agreement with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to establish a research institute at UST Santa Rosa to advance academic innovation and multidisciplinary research.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST), led by Rector Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., and Wilcon Depot Inc., led by its founder and Chairman Emeritus William T. Belo, a proud Thomasian from class 1973, and Ms. Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, President and CEO of Wilcon Depot, have formally signed an agreement to establish the UST Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-WiTBIRIn).

On September 28, 2023, Mr. Belo received an honoris causa degree from the University of Santo Tomas, acknowledging his outstanding achievements in his field and his lasting impact on society. This renowned award demonstrates his commitment to developing both industry and community.

In January 2024, Mr. Belo attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the UST Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute. The occasion included a ceremonial capsule laying and earth churning, signaling the formal start of construction and a crucial milestone in the execution of this ambitious project. His attendance demonstrated his commitment to promoting innovation and collaboration in education and research.

With an initial budget of P300 million, the inaugural institute will house 25 cutting-edge laboratories dispersed throughout a four-story, 8,311-square-meter complex. This project is a crucial step toward supporting academic innovation and transdisciplinary research in the Philippines.

Once operational, the UST-WiTBIRIn will cater to a wide range of research disciplines, encouraging cooperation among scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers to create technical improvements and community-centric solutions.

For the company, this partnership represents UST and Wilcon Depot's shared commitment to promoting innovation, academic achievement, and social growth, therefore ensuring a brighter future for future generations.