It was established in 1967 as the cultural group of UST. It was the year when the former Philippine first lady Mrs. Imelda Marcos stirred the climate of the country for cultural rebirth. The formation of the dance troupe was spearheaded by Mrs. Emerita E. Basilio, an authority on the Philippine folk dance and a former directress of the women section of the Physical Education Department. Along with her in this task are other dance teachers namely: Mrs. Delly Nabong, Mrs. Carmen Cruz, Mrs. Arce Garcia and volunteered students. Other founders include Prof. Rod Escobar Cantiveros, faculty member of Artlets, Engineering and UST High School, and administrative assistant at the Office of Public and Alumni Affairs, who was in charge of publicity and promotion; and Prof. Ramon Dellosa of the School of Fine Arts and Architecture. Prof. Cantiveros did the research for the name SALINGAWI, to develop the brand of the new cultural dance troupe which would compete with Bayanihan, Barangay Dance Troupe and Folklorico. The 1st word: SALIN means transfer, mobility, and GAWI means way of life, our own culture. Salinggawi, transfer of customes and traditions thru the dances.Prof. Basilio and the rest of the founders approved the name. The transcribed researchers of dances were interpreted into steps and expression, thus, creating a stage presentation out of the repetitious classroom exercises.Since its founding in 1967, Salingawi Dence Troupe had been invited to welcome foreign tourists and became a regular cultural group at restaurant owned by the famous Reyes family and some out of town performances. Magazines and news features gave Salinggawi Dance Troupe as one of the major dance companies in the Philippines. From months of refining and polishing the group transformed it into a performance on December 16, 1968. Known for its class and grace, UST SDT is one of the most awarded, most popular and most sought-after cheering/dance troupe in UAAP and in the Philippines alongside its archrival yet closest team, the UP Pep Squad and N.U. Pep Squad.