Union Herald Publication-c. 2022

25/05/2026

The Union Herald Publication extends its sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the family of UCC College President Rev. Dr. Ferdinand A. Anno on the passing of his beloved father, Rev. Patricio Luquing Anno Sr., who was called to eternal rest on May 23, 2026, at the age of 96.

Rev. Patricio Luquing Anno Sr. lived a life of faith, wisdom, and dedication. As the family mourns this profound loss, we join them in prayer and remembrance, honoring a life well-lived.

May perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in God’s eternal peace.

22/05/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | 𝗨𝗖𝗖 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝟭𝟬𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀

Marking more than a century of academic excellence and spiritual foundation, Union Christian College celebrated its historic 106th Commencement Exercises on May 21, 2026. The milestone event took place at the Champions Community Convention Hall in Santiago Norte, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The ceremony, themed around a collective journey of faith, learning, and achievement, brought together graduating students, proud families, faculty, and administrative officials. The solemn event opened with a traditional baccalaureate mass and a moving processional, transitioning the graduates from years of rigorous study into their next chapters as global citizens.

Serving as the prestigious Guest of Honor and Speaker for the occasion was Atty. Cheryl Daytec-Yangot, the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Regional Director for the Department of Migrant Workers - Cordillera Administrative Region (DMW-CAR). In her address, Atty. Daytec-Yangot inspired the graduating class to carry forward the institution’s core values, emphasizing leadership, service, and resilience in an ever-changing world.

As an institution recognized globally by WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation) and ACSCU-ACI accredited, Union Christian College reaffirmed its long-standing reputation as "The Home of Whole Person Education." The 106th commencement concluded with a powerful Call to Gather and a prayerful litany, sending forth a new batch of graduates equipped not just with academic degrees, but with the moral compass to make a meaningful impact on society. #

Words by Rafael Feraren
Photos by Samantha Lagasca, Anika Pearl Dugayo, Khen Garcia

07/05/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲!┃𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗞 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴
Written by: Lynellah Bogais
Illustration: Cliff Jethro M. Opiaza
Photos: Mr. Marc Yvan Martinez

Students of the 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 (SEAS) at 𝖀𝖓𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖆𝖓 𝕮𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖌𝖊 took part in the seminar-workshop “Think, Write, Speak: Unlocking the Power of Research and Communication” held on May 5–6, 2026, at Otterbein Guild Hall.
The activity was conducted under SEAS’s REACH (Remediation Enrichment Activity through Collaboration for Higher Performance) Program in partnership with the SPEAK Program, both aimed at strengthening students’ research competence and public speaking skills.

The program opened with an invocation, followed by welcome remarks from Department Dean Dr. Cherrel G. Ignacio. REACH Focal Person Sir Marc Yvan P. Martinez delivered the statement of purpose.

The initial sessions focused on research title development, where Ma’am Hazel Anne B. Sobremonte discussed the fundamentals of crafting effective research titles and, with her guidance, assisted participants in formulating their own. Students later refined their outputs and prepared their research proposals for presentation.
The following day featured a public speaking session led by Ma’am Clarisse Madayag, emphasizing confidence-building through key preparation principles: Physically Ready (PR), Nurtured Mind (NM), and Controlled Emotions (CE), which together develop confidence. She further stressed that confidence, combined with consistent practice, leads to a successful presentation. In the afternoon, students utilized cue cards as they presented their research proposals.

Participants from different year levels shared studies, including topics on early childhood education and social media language use, with faculty members providing feedback for improvement. Third-year students presented their research findings in preparation for their final defense, during which panelists offered suggestions to enhance their presentations.

The seminar concluded with the awarding of certificates. Due to prior commitments, Dr. Ignacio was unable to deliver the closing remarks, which were instead given by Extension Focal Person Ma’am Kim A. Martinez.

07/05/2026

𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲

The School of Business Sciences marked another milestone in academic excellence as students successfully presented their research proposals and final paper during the Title Defense held on May 4, 2026, at the Student Development Center (SDC) Building.

The event highlighted the creativity, analytical skills, and community-centered mindset of the students, with nine groups successfully defending their proposed research titles and one group completing its final research defense. Faculty members, panelists, and students gathered to witness presentations that reflected both academic rigor and real-world relevance.

The research topics demonstrated the students’ strong awareness of current social and economic trends, particularly those affecting local industries and communities. Several groups focused on strengthening micro and family-run businesses, promoting local tourism, and preserving cultural products such as traditional ube wine making. Others examined the financial resiliency of street food vendors, the sustainability of tupig vendors’ livelihoods, the profitability of laundry shops, and the growing opportunities in surfboard entrepreneurship.

In addition to community-based studies, students also presented technology-oriented innovations designed to improve efficiency and accessibility. Among the projects introduced were a school facility booking system, an automated queuing system, and an AI-based mobile travel assistance application, showcasing how technology can address everyday challenges and enhance user experiences.

The presentations were carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of faculty members and industry-oriented evaluators. Serving as core panelists were Dr. Emma A. Ganuelas, Dean of the School of Business Sciences; Prof. Teofilo B. Damoco; Prof. Blendie V. Quiban Jr.; and Mr. Wynn Dave Esperon.

Program-specific panelists also contributed their expertise during the defense sessions. Mrs. Victoria Zambrano evaluated presentations from the BSA and BSBA programs, while Mr. Karl Aromin, Mr. Amor Canono, and Mr. Gideon Dela Cruz served as panelists for the BSCS and BSIS programs.

Throughout the event, panelists offered valuable insights, constructive critiques, and recommendations aimed at improving the quality and feasibility of the students’ research projects. Their guidance encouraged the students to refine their methodologies, strengthen their analyses, and further develop ideas that could contribute to local business innovation and technological advancement.

As the nine research groups move forward to the next stages of their studies and the final defense group celebrates the completion of its research journey, the School of Business Sciences continues to uphold its commitment to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and research-driven development.

Through initiatives like the Title Defense, the institution reinforces its mission of preparing future professionals and innovators capable of making meaningful contributions to business, technology, and society.

Photos by Joy Castro
Written by Francis Ducusin

07/05/2026

𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐔𝐂𝐂 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐖𝐔𝐑𝐈 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
Union Christian College is proud to announce its recognition in the 2026 WURI Global Top 500 Innovative Universities Rankings, placing #321 globally — a meaningful climb from #370 in 2025, among over 1,000 institutions worldwide.
This year, UCC also broke into two new distinguished categories:
• #75 — Representative Research Project (Top 100)
• #98 — Student Support & Engagement (Top 100)
These milestones reflect UCC's unwavering commitment to continuous development, whole-person education, and sustainable institutional growth — rooted in faith, driven by excellence, and anchored in service.





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03/05/2026

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗮𝘆

The Union Herald Publication proudly commemorates World Press Freedom Day by reaffirming our commitment to firm, free, and fearless journalism. In a time when misinformation, censorship, and intimidation threaten democracy, we stand firm in defending press freedom as a fundamental right that upholds transparency, holds power accountable, and gives voice to the people.

We strongly condemn all forms of violence, harassment, censorship, and systemic suppression directed at journalists, student publications, and media institutions across the globe. The entrenched culture of impunity surrounding attacks on truth-seekers must be dismantled, and all those who attempt to silence the press through violence, censorship, harassment, or intimidation must face immediate justice and full accountability. We stand in unbreakable solidarity with journalists, campus writers, and defenders of free expression worldwide who risk their safety and lives in pursuit of truth.

We refuse to acknowledge any authority that demands our silence, for a press that fears the truth is no press at all.

𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠 | 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 | 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦

01/05/2026

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝑪𝑪 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚!

UCC is proud to celebrate 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 as 𝖀𝕮𝕮 𝕾𝖚𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖒𝖊 𝕾𝖙𝖚𝖉𝖊𝖓𝖙 𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖎𝖑 shine in the City of San Fernando!

During the 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗕𝗢 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 held on April 30, 2026, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐳 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧, 𝐒𝐒𝐂 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟖 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, exemplifying dedication, passion, and true student-centered leadership. In the same light, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐧 𝐋. 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐒𝐂 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫, 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟑 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫, a testament to his unwavering commitment to mentoring and empowering future leaders.

These achievements reflect the 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 and its continuous pursuit of excellence.

27/04/2026

𝗨𝗖𝗖 𝗕𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗠 𝗣𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
by Nathaniel Ignacio

On April 26, 2026, the Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management (BS REM) program reached a defining moment as its pioneer batch took center stage for the presentation of their Project Feasibility Studies, the final requirement before they cross the finish line to graduation.

Launched in 2022, the program is now set to produce its first graduates in 2026. What began as a new academic track has now come full circle, with students demonstrating that they are ready to step beyond the classroom and into real-world practice.

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹

The presentations featured four proposed developments, each reflecting different sectors of the industry:

* DAYO Backpackers – a budget-friendly lodging in Bacnotan, La Union catering to tourists, surfers, and backpackers
* Wandernest Elyu – a pod-style accommodation designed for affordable stays in San Fernando City, La Union
* Ilocos Prime Residences and Commercial Center – a mixed-use development in Laoag City combining residential living and commercial spaces
* 95 MW Bacnotan Solar Power Project – a large-scale renewable energy proposal focused on solar power generation

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

The feasibility study presentation serves as the program’s final hurdle, a bridge between academic learning and real-world application. Here, students are not only tested on what they know but on how they think, analyze and defend their ideas.

One by one, each group stood before a panel of evaluators, fielding questions and refining their proposals based on professional insights and constructive critique.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲

The students extended their appreciation to Prof. Nasser Dugasan for his steady guidance throughout the process, as well as to School of Business Sciences Dean Dr. Emma A. Ganuelas for her leadership and full support of the program.

They also acknowledged the panel members, Ms. Krisha Lizelle Alcantara-Baladad and Ms. Jennifer G. Rosario, whose feedback helped sharpen and strengthen each study.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

As pioneers of the BS REM program, this batch has proven they can keep pace with a demanding and diverse field, handling projects that span from hospitality and residential development to renewable energy.

As the saying goes, “all journeys begin with a single step.” For this pioneer batch, this milestone is not just an ending but the opening of a wider horizon toward the real estate industry and beyond.

26/04/2026

𝗨𝗖𝗖 𝗕𝗦𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗣𝗔 𝗟𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆
by Joy Castro

The Junior Institute of Future Accountants (JIFA) - UCC Chapter warmly welcomed pioneers, officers, and members from JPIA-PCNL (Philippine College of Northern Luzon), JPIA-SLC (Saint Louis College), and PICPA La Union during the PICPA La Union Day celebration on April 26, 2026 at UCC Conference Hall, Capistrano Building.

The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) La Union Chapter hosted the event, with valuable support from Prof. Nellie M. Galvan, Union Christian College's Accountancy Program Head. It brought together institutions offering Accountancy programs across La Union under the theme “Action with I.M.P.A.C.T.”—standing for Integrity, Merit, Professionalism, Accountability, Competence, and Teamwork. Outgoing PICPA La Union President Atty. Rodel T. Lopico emphasized unity and the vital role of future CPAs in driving meaningful societal impact.

The peak excitement came from the fierce competition among five delegates from each institution in the 3rd- and 4th-year categories. They tackled challenging situational problems and analysis prepared by an expert outside quiz master. JIFA members proved their grit, with 4th-year Accountancy student Ms. Nicole Mae Catbagan landing in the top 5. UCC's 1st-year Accountancy students didn't stop there: They led a stellar performance that clinched 1st place.

The event exemplified the theme's I.M.P.A.C.T., showcasing how collaboration among La Union's Accountancy students boost excellence and prepares future CPAs to serve with integrity and teamwork.

Photos by Joy Castro and Francis Anne Ducusin, Junior Staff

23/04/2026

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 | 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 & 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Join us this April 24, 2026 at 8:30 AM for a virtual gathering of minds as we celebrate innovation, collaboration, and impact in research and service-learning.
🖥️ Venue: UCC Virtual Event via Zoom
*𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘡𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴’ 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘍𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴.
🎯 Theme: Advancing Research and Service-Learning for Institutional Culture and Sustainability
Let’s come together to share insights, inspire action, and strengthen our commitment to building sustainable and transformative academic communities.

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 | 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 & 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Join us this April 24, 2026 at 8:30 AM for a virtual gathering of minds as we celebrate innovation, collaboration, and impact in research and service-learning.

🖥️ Venue: UCC Virtual Event via Zoom
*𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘡𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴’ 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘍𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴.

🎯 Theme: Advancing Research and Service-Learning for Institutional Culture and Sustainability

Let’s come together to share insights, inspire action, and strengthen our commitment to building sustainable and transformative academic communities.