Since its foundation in 1611, the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas has been professing about liberal arts and philosophy. Then on in 1896, the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters was established and the College of Liberal Arts was founded in 1926. Subsequently in 1964, these two colleges were merged and were given the general name of Faculty of Arts and Letters. Courses offered then were Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Literature, and Bachelor of Philosophy. In the course of time, new majors were offered. In Academic Year 1971-1972, the Faculty of Arts and Letters started to offer the degree of Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science, together with eight other majors.

In 1972, martial law was declared in the country and all student organizations were abolished and banned thereon. In 1980, the UST Political Science Society was founded, and amendments were made in its Constitution. In the same year, a Political Science senior, Atty. Reynaldo 'Bong' G. Lopez, who was President of 'Pax Romana' (a religious student organization) spearheaded the founding of the Arts and Letters Student Council, despite the prohibitions set by the regime.

In the same year, TPSF published its first academic journal, 'The Political Science Journal', featuring scholarly works by political science practitioners from different universities (including members of Congress), TPSF members, and alumni.

12 years since its establishment, leaders of The Political Science Society convened and formed the 1992 Constitutional Commission which drafted the Articles of Association of an organization which we know today as The Political Science Forum. Since then, the Forum's Constitution saw several ratifications, most recent of which was on 2020.

The 1992 Constitution provided that officers are to serve from the beginning of the second semester of the academic year up to the end of the first semester of the next. Due to compelling reasons, the Policy Board, in 2007, issued Resolution No. 2007-07 and proposed an amendment to the Constitution, transferring the date of the regular elections from the end of the first semester to the second Friday of February (near the end of the academic year). In the 2021 Constitution, the election period is moved to the third week of April.

In 2012, The Political Science Forum launched its university-wide campaign for political education and awareness. Attended by not just Political Science students but also students from the different colleges, faculties, and institutes of the University. Students Welfare and Development Board (SWDB) director Atty. Antonio Chua delivered the opening remarks. Engineering Dean Josefin De Alban Jr. and Philippine Ambassador to Vatican City Henrietta De Villa were some of dignitaries present during the event. This initiative was fully supported by the UST-SOCC [Student Organizations Coordinating Council].

In 2013, the Forum launched TOMASINO PARA SA PILIPINO 2013, spearheading voter education in the University and beyond campus walls. Following this, the Forum launched Makiboto at Makialam (in 2017, 2018, and twice in 2021). In line with its advocacy, the Forum also produced several webinars, podcasts, discussion groups, and articles. Most notable of which is the Youth To Be Summit.

In 2017, the Forum launched the first Youth To Be Summit. Annually, this webinar/seminar recognizes the Filipino Youth sector as one of the largest sectors in the contemporary Philippines. Empowering the sector into turning their advocacies into a tangible reality by promoting applicable and practical steps in order to attain the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the local agencies, the government institutions, and the civil society.

For years that came and to come, The Political Science Forum of the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas proves to be a harbinger of empowerment — setting examples, pioneering initiatives, trailblazing the path. For years to come, prepare for glory!

1. Consuelo Eden Lagao
2. Annalyn C. Tayag
   
3. Ruby G. Vito
   
4. Dennis C. Coronacion
   
5. Michelle Ann A. Toledo
   
6. Maria Lourdes Nerissa D. Nery
   
7. Marc Daniel O. Nery
   
8. Mary Joyce L. Dahlen
   
9. Rea E. Uy
   
10. Lauren Rose R. Tayag
    
11. Marlon Lapuz
    
12. Wilfred John Ritona
    
13. Reinhard Sanchez
    
14. Lucky Angelo Aranas
    
15. Socorro Bulaong
    
16. Lyne Mae Sarmiento
    
17. Chester Diego
    
18. Mark Jaeson D. Mamorbor
    
19. Joe Vincent R. Aguila
    
20. Jeshamar C. Villasis
    
21. Cedrick C. Sagun
    
22. Patrick Dave Q. Bugarin
    
23. Mia Cielo Mendoza
    
24. Neil Kirby Ada
    
25. Juan Teodoro A. Martinez
26. Alma Angela L. Patricio
    
27. John Renze R. Gelua
    
28. Anne Frances B. Grande
    
29. Anne Frances B. Grande
    
30. Paul Derick A. Olorga
    
31. Ma. Shiela Mae A. Saavedra
    
32. James Clarence G. Egwaras
    

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2nd Sem AY 98/99 - 1st Sem AY 1999/2000

2nd Sem AY 1999-2000 - 1st Sem 00/01

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2nd Sem AY 2003-04 - 1st Sem 2004-05

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2nd Sem 2006-07 - 1st Sem 2007-08

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ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK

As a legally established college-based organization, The Political Science Forum is proud to be well integrated within the Thomasian system and society. Vested by its constitution, the Forum is led by the Executive Board, co-led by the Office of the Vice President, and is represented by the Policy Board. All of which shall serve in utmost diligence and are accountable to the Forum's constituency.

The President, as empowered by the constitution, shall be the Forum's top executive. The President shall appoint from its constituent base a set of officers who will act as the Forum's apparatus responsible for the organization's initiatives, interests, relationships, and bureaucracy — the Executive Board. This include the Forum's Thomasian Green Marshall and AB Alumni-In-Residence representative. The President also represents the Forum in the AB Board of Majors, the sole interpreter of the Artlets Student Council's constitution, the sole body presiding over impeachment proceedings of the Student Council, and sits as the panelist for the Council's Miting De Avance.

The Office of the Vice President, as a body answerable to the President yet independent from the Executive Board, has the liberty to launch its own initiatives and is granted the flexibility to perform in its own discretion.

The Policy Board, as bound by the constitution, shall produce the necessary legislations in line with the constitution's goals. It is empowered to publish stands and statements on behalf of the Forum's membership. It functions separately from the President's Executive Board and shall hold it accountable if needed in fulfillment of its purpose to serve as its checks-and-balances. It is the central administration answerable to the membership.

The TPSF Commission on Elections, as mandated by Spartan Law, shall enforce and facilitate the Forum's general elections, special elections, and classroom elections. It is The Political Science Forum's internal guard of democracy. Ensuring fairness and educated decision making is observed in internal electoral occasions.

ORGANIZATIONAL COLORS

ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATIONS

A testament to the Forum's leadership at the forefront and center of Thomasian Political Conscience and Awareness is its active participation and collaboration in advocacies and organizational works it has accomplished within and outside the four corners of the Royal and Pontifical University.

For years, the Forum has signed in unity statements, lead collaborations and associations, initiated community development projects with organizations, engaged with government works, forged partnerships, and ultimately, an active contributor in the field of political science and in nation-building.

Below are some of the organizations the Forum is/has affiliated with:

Partner with the leader in Thomasian Political Conscience and Awareness!

Contact us through tpsf.ab@ust.edu.ph!