President's Corner

This is the season when the Gospel truth of God-with-us resounds once again. Truly, God has been with Union Christian College at every step of its journey—and generations of the UCC family can testify to this reality in their personal and professional lives. Amid the haste and noise of the pre-Christmas rush, may the remaining days of Advent grant us a moment to reflect on the claims of the Gospel in our lives, and to consider how prepared we are for the world we hope God will bring to birth—with our participation. As the year draws to a close, UCC is delighted to share the good news of our institution being world-ranked by the World University Rankings for Innovation, and recognized by CHED for this achievement. We also celebrate the outstanding performance of our graduates in the licensure examinations for nurses, teachers, and accountants; the flourishing of the UCC name in academic competitions at local and national levels; and the prominent presence of our students and faculty in public events, community endeavors, and professional gatherings. We are also emerging as an international center for research and continually strengthening our global network. All these affirm the quality of education that UCC provides—and even more, the quality of service and dedication offered daily by our faculty, staff, and leadership. Christmas is a season of self-giving, and we witness Christmas every day in the selflessness of our workforce. Like the Holy Family in the first Christmas story, we traverse deserts, search for inns, labor hard, face anxieties and hopes—and behold the glorious fruits of our journey. As the year ends, we are also nearing the completion of major repairs following the two super typhoons that struck in succession. While our buildings and facilities sustained substantial damage, we thank God for sparing all members of the UCC family from harm. I wish to express our deepest gratitude to those who immediately extended support: Ecumenical Theological Seminary, Florence Torres, CREATE UCCP, ACSCU, Brokenshire College, The College of Maasin, Pilgrim Christian College, St. Tonis College, Union Theological Seminary, St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary, North Highland Annual Conference, Sally and Dan Narr, and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. UCC commits itself to remaining worthy of your trust and generosity. The Capistrano Hall, home to our School of Health Sciences, is currently being repainted after roof repairs; corridor tiling on all floors is ongoing; and damaged windows have been replaced once again. After the second typhoon, Uwan, the Otterbein Guild Hall—housing our Senior High School and the School of Education, Arts, and Sciences—suffered the most severe impact. Its entire roofing system is now being fully replaced. At the Student Development Center, which houses the School of Business Sciences, the front reception area has been fully redeveloped, and repairs to the waiting shed roof damaged by the first typhoon are nearing completion. The Old High School Building, now derelict and structurally unsound, is scheduled for demolition early next year, with the sturdier portions to be rehabilitated, along with Phase 1 of the Covered Court repair and facelift. Meanwhile, the 647-sqm Bacalzo Lot has been cleared and leveled to serve as an interim creative space for students while long-term development studies continue. Alongside these efforts, UCC continues to reach out to communities through our Community Engagement program and other departmental initiatives. We are also active in cultural education among indigenous communities in the region through the Dap-ayan ti Nainsigudan a Kultura ken Kinasirib and the Abong theater program—efforts devoted to the empowerment of indigenous communities and climate action. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the UCC Board for its guidance, presence, steadfast support, and prayers for the flourishing of our educational ministry. The Advent and Christmas Seasons are about God’s coming into the world to usher in new life and a new age through Jesus Christ. We are participants in the life and work of Jesus Christ. We are heralds of the new heaven and the new earth through whole-person education. UCCians and friends? Be proud! Be blessed! We are integral to the Christmas story! A blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas to everyone in the entire UCC family! (𝐒𝐆𝐃) 𝐑𝐄𝐕. 𝐃𝐑. 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀. 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎 College President

Union Christian College has long prided itself on being a marketplace of ideas - especially on the burning issues of the day that challenge our personal convictions, professional and corporate perspectives, and ideological and political stances. We value the diversity of thought within our community and encourage open, respectful, and courageous conversations on matters that affect our nation and our people. In recent weeks, several academic institutions and their governing boards have issued official statements regarding the alarming levels of corruption in government and its detrimental impact on the quality of life of our citizens, the state of our environment, and our collective preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent and irregular disasters. To date, this matter has not yet been formally discussed by our Board or by the Administrative Council. Yet we must remember: UCC was founded more than a century ago precisely to help build a nation we can all be proud of—one rooted in truth, service, and moral courage. There was a time in our recent history when UCC became home to a movement that opposed authoritarian rule, even when such a stance was not yet popular. Yet UCC stood firm—anchored in its commitment to human rights, democracy and good governance, social justice and civil rights, the integrity of creation, and the pursuit of genuine and lasting peace. Today, as our nation faces a groundswell of public outcry against corruption in high offices, I call on all of us to stand in solidarity with those who demand accountability, transparency, and the genuine pursuit of truth and democracy. I invite everyone to pray—in the quiet of your rooms, within prayer cells, and even in public gatherings and mass mobilizations, where prayer becomes action, embodying our shared longing for justice, solidarity, and a renewed democratic life. At the same time, let us remain vigilant against demagogues who seek to divert our democratic energies toward their narrowly partisan and self-serving interests. May we be discerning in our political engagement, wise as serpents and gentle as doves. May the UCC Spirit burn within us: standing firm in faith, valuing integrity, living responsibly, always pursuing excellence, and remaining ever passionate in service—now and always. (𝐒𝐆𝐃) 𝐑𝐄𝐕. 𝐃𝐑. 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀. 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎 College President