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The Union Herald Publication, the official tertiary student publication of Union Christian College, delivered a strong performance at the 24th Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC) held on February 4–6 at J&V Hotel, earning 29 awards across individual, broadcasting, and publication categories. The event gathered 484 delegates from 26 higher education institutions, spotlighting the region’s finest student journalists. 𝐋𝐇𝐄𝐏𝐂 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 Standout individual category winners advancing to the Luzon Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC): 𝐂𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐳𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐨𝐥𝐚 (3rd, News Writing - Filipino) 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐲𝐚𝐛 (4th, Opinion Writing - English; 10th, Editorial Writing - English) 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐃𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧 (4th, Poetry Writing - Filipino) 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐆. 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨 (4th, Photojournalism - English) 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐉𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐳𝐚 (5th, Infographics) 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐳𝐨 (7th, Opinion - Filipino; 7th, Copyreading and Headline Writing - Filipino) 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐃𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐨 (8th, Developmental Communication Writing - Filipino) 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧 (7th, Traditional Comic Strip - English) 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐠 (9th, Traditional Editorial Cartoon - English) 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨 (10th, Opening Billboard) 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 9th, Best Scriptwriting 10th, Infomercial 6th, Overall Production 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚 (5th, Best News Anchor) 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨 (5th, Best Technical Application) 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 5th, Best News Page 5th, Best Feature and Literary Page 4th, Best Devcomm Page 4th, Best Editorial and Opinion Page 9th, Best Page Design 10th, Best Sports Page 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐝 8th, Best Page Design 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 (𝐊𝐮𝐫-𝐢𝐭) 6th, Best Theme 10th, Best Cover Design 10th, Best Graphic Arts Magazine 10th, Best Features and Literary Page This sUCCess reflects the publication’s mission to uphold firm, free, and fearless campus journalism, as well as the institution’s resolute commitment to producing responsible, excellent, and competitive individuals.

Union Christian College (UCC) is proud to announce the upcoming 8th Joint Multidisciplinary Research Conference Plus, scheduled for November 29, 2025. This landmark hybrid event is co-organized with the Singapore Institute of Multidisciplinary Professions and Ascendens Asia International Research Institute, continuing a tradition of fostering global synergy in research excellence. Guided by the theme, “Global Synergy in Research and Innovation: Advancing Knowledge, Leadership, and Sustainable Development,” the conference will convene renowned scholars, thought leaders, and practitioners to advance multidisciplinary collaboration and innovative research across diverse fields. The event will be held on-site at UCC and concurrently online, welcoming participants from around the world to share insights and discover new pathways for sustainable development and leadership. Key Dates: Abstract Submission Deadline: October 30, 2025 Notice of Abstract Acceptance: November 10, 2025 Registration Deadline: Refer to conference website Early Bird Registration: Until October 30, 2025 Late Registration: Until November 15, 2025 Participants are encouraged to register early and submit their research abstracts to engage in a collaborative, future-focused environment. The event will feature plenary sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions aimed at catalyzing impactful research and actionable knowledge for a changing world. Contact Information: Mobile & WhatsApp: +63 968 7609 584 / +65 8413 7706 Email: ucc-credmaa@ucc.edu.ph / connect@aairi.org Registration Website: online.ascendensasia.com Scan the QR code on the official poster or visit the registration website to secure your place. Join us in shaping the future of research and education through global synergy!

In a dynamic celebration marking its 115th founding anniversary, Union Christian College (UCC) proudly announces the 3rd Global Forum on Education, a hybrid global conference to be held on November 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM at the UCC Conference Hall and via Zoom. This year's theme, “Heralding the New Heaven and the New Earth through Whole Person Education,” demonstrates UCC's commitment to transformative educational practices and global academic collaboration. International experts will lead discussions at the forum to empower educators and shape holistic learning environments for the future. Featured plenary speakers include Asst. Prof. Wanwisa Suebnsorn Klaijumlang, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Master and Doctoral Degree Programs in Educational Administration at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand; and Dr. Hope Antone, Director of Faculty Development, United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, headquartered at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin. Prof. Klaijumlang will present “Socio-Ecological Transformation: Systems Thinking and Regenerative Futures,” exploring innovative frameworks for educational sustainability and resilience. Dr. Antone’s address, “Teaching and Support Staff as Whole Person Educators in the Dynamically Evolving World,” highlights the critical role of educators and support staff in holistic development amid educational shifts. The conference is made possible in partnership with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia and TIIKM, bringing together thought leaders and practitioners for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and community building. The event is open to public participation, as it will be livestreamed via UCC's Facebook page. This celebration triumphed SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals).

Committed to its thrust of promoting indigenous knowledge and cultural advancements, Union Christian College is set to produce a theater play titled "The People Called Bago" through the Abong Collective. This theater production aims to spark public reflection on the origins of the Bago as a distinct ethnolinguistic cultural group, as posited by the third space theory, which debates the veracity of the migration theory in the peopling of the Philippines. Being an offshoot of the ongoing project with Duplas, Sudipen, La Union as a Bago community with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Region 1 under the UCC DANAKK, the theater production is not simply a form of entertainment but an invitation for deeper restropection on the birth of the Bago culture. To date, the Abong Collective is under an intensive workshop for the production under the direction of Dr. Rommel "Popoy" Linatoc as co-producer, writer and director with the supervision of the advisers Ms. Omega Camacho and Remberto Tarlit. #homeofwholepersoneducation #longlivetheUCCspirit #SDG17partnership for goals #sustainablecitiesandcommunities #artsandculture

Learn with the Bago Indigenous Peoples of La Union by joining the Dayday-eng ti Amburayana Cultural Exchange and Heritage Immersion in Duplas, Sudipen, La Union. This unique program offers participants an authentic opportunity to engage directly with the Bago community—experiencing their rich traditions, vibrant customs, and deep history rooted in the Amburayan River valley. Through hands-on cultural activities, heritage storytelling, and dialogues with community elders, participants will gain insights into the Bago way of life, their resilience, and the enduring importance of cultural preservation. The initiative is made possible through a meaningful partnership between Union Christian College (UCC), Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines (PIKP), and Barangay Duplas, highlighting a shared commitment to intercultural learning, solidarity, and the celebration of indigenous identity. This collaboration highlights the importance of bridging academic communities and grassroots cultural bearers to foster mutual respect, understanding, and the preservation of heritage for future generations.

The Abong Collective members served as resource persons at the Union Christian Workers Organization (UCWO) In-Service Training hosted at UCCP San Gabriel, La Union, offering in-depth discussions centered on Indigenous Peoples, their identity, culture, and the complex tapestry of everyday and existential struggles they face. Through their engagement, the Abong Collective is spotlighting the rich heritage and lived experiences of local IP communities while bridging these narratives with theological reflection. The sessions explore how Christian theology can dialogue meaningfully with indigenous cultural frameworks, affirming dignity, resilience, and spiritual depth rooted in ancestral traditions. By examining intersections of faith and culture, participants are invited to critically engage with issues of social justice, cultural preservation, and the pastoral responsibility of affirming indigenous selfhood within the broader mission of the church. This approach not only fosters cultural sensitivity and solidarity but also deepens understanding of how theological praxis can honor and integrate indigenous worldviews in the pursuit of holistic community transformation.

Union Christian College (UCC) stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff, evacuated the campus buildings calmly following a 3.0-magnitude earthquake that struck San Fernando City, La Union, on October 9, 2025. The incident prompted the immediate implementation of the college’s emergency protocols, ensuring a safe and orderly exit from classrooms and offices. UCC’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee commended the community’s quick and composed response, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and cooperation during such occurrences. No injuries or major damages were reported, and classes and operations are expected to resume once safety inspections are completed.

Union Christian College sent Prof. Teofilo B. Damoco to Universitas Kristen Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, for a week-long faculty exchange program from October 6 to 11, 2025. Prof. Damoco is expected to discuss with UKPR administrators opportunities to expand the UCC-UKPR partnership for instruction, research, and extension. In the reception ceremony, Prof. Dr. Joni Bungai, UKPR Rector, extends gratitude to UCC for sending Prof. Damoco to their university, as it provides a more concrete realization of the UCC-UKPR partnership. "Your coming to UKPR surely provides more opportunities where we can work together. Please extend my gratitude to UCC, especially to Dr. Anno and to your leaders," remarked Dr. Bungai. Responding to UKPR's remark, Prof. Damoco expressed UCC's commitment to the partnership, which benefits both institutions. "Personally and on behalf of my beloved UCC, I express my gratitude for the opportunity to be engaged in your university. I affirm UCC's commitment to work with you for more sustainable programs in pursuit of our vision of providing holistic quality education to our constituents," responded Mr. Damoco. Mr. Damoco conducts meetings with UKPR administrators, observes classes, and holds demonstration teaching sessions with students as a benchmark for the planned online teaching internship for education students, which is expected to roll out from February to April 2026. #longlivetheUCCspirit #homeofwholepersoneducation #SDG4QualityEducation #SDG17partnershipforgoals #culturalintegration

Union Christian College (UCC) formalized another international partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tongmyung University, Busan, South Korea. The signing was witnessed by Academic Committee members of the UCC Board, Dr. Virgilio Boado and Dr. Aidena Nuesca, along with Dr. Deborrah Reyes-Anno, newly appointed convenor for the Culture and Arts Program, and Prof. Teofilo Damoco, Director for Research. This collaboration strengthens UCC’s global academic linkages and cultural exchange initiatives. Photo taken from: Rev. Dr. Ferdinand Anno's post ✍️ Daniel Ignacio #SDG4QualityEducation #SDG17partnershipsforthegoals #ucchomeofwholepersoneducation #LongLiveTheUCCSpirit

Union Christian College (UCC) held a consultative meeting with Ascendens Asia to finalize preparations for the upcoming 8th International Research Conference on November 29, 2025. Discussions centered on research review processes, Learning Management System (LMS), and School Management System (SMS) improvements, as well as key arrangements for the international event. Carrying the theme “Global Synergy in Research and Innovation: Advancing Knowledge, Leadership, and Sustainable Development,” the conference will feature breakout sessions, plenary talks, and live-streamed presentations across Humanities and Social Sciences, Applied Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through this partnership, UCC and Ascendens Asia reaffirm their commitment to strengthening academic collaboration and advancing research visibility on a global scale. ✍️ Daniel Ignacio 📸 Israel Lagon #SDG4QualityEducation #SDG17partnershipsforthegoals #ucchomeofwholepersoneducation #LongLiveTheUCCSpirit

Lead. Launch. Level Up Unlock your potential as a researcher with Prof. Olanrewaju Oladimeji, Head of Doctoral Programmes at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, South Africa. 🌍 Webinar Topic—𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 Join us for the third inspiring session of our 6-month Lead. Launch. Level Up webinar series—a transformative journey into leadership, research, and career growth, proudly presented by TIIKM & TIIKM Campus. This is your chance to discover how curiosity can be transformed into meaningful research that creates real-world impact. 📅 Date: 20 September 2025 ⏰ Time: 10 AM – 11 AM (IST) 🔗 Register now: https://tiikm.zoom.us/.../register/WN_laakuBA5RH-ODnGlQ6eXQg Don’t just learn—research, transform, and impact. #LongLiveTheUCCSpirit #SDG4QualityEducation #ucchomeofwholepersoneducation #SDG17partnershipsforthegoals #QualityEducationMatters

Union Christian College (UCC), through its Community Extension Office, Graduate School, Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and UCC School of Health Sciences, partnered with the Pangasinan Eye Center Urdaneta to hold an eye care outreach program titled “Eye Care for Every Vision” at the UCC Worshipping Congregation Chapel last September 3, 2025. The venue was equipped with eye test charts and diagnostic tools while doctors and specialists from the Pangasinan Eye Center conducted free consultations and screenings. This initiative reflects UCC’s commitment to community health and service, extending accessible medical care to those in need while promoting awareness of eye health and wellness. ✍️ Daniel Ignacio 📸 Israel Lagon

Turku, Finland, August 31, 2025—Union Christian College (UCC) marked a significant milestone as three of its esteemed administrators and professors represented the institution at the prestigious 25th International Nursing Ethics Conference, held at Turku University, Finland. The distinguished delegates were Dr. Marilou L. Agustin, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Graduate School Dean; Dr. Marites B. Cadam-us, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and MAN Program Head; and Dr. Fatima A. Carsola, BSN Level 4 Chairperson and Graduate School Professor. This historic conference, hosted by the University of Turku’s Department of Nursing Science, convened leading minds from across continents to discuss ethical challenges and advances in nursing. The UCC delegation [the only Philippine delegation at the conference] actively participated in dialogue and sessions exploring the evolving roles of ethics in nursing scholarship, patient care, technological innovation, and global health. Beyond their involvement in the conference, the delegation conducted a targeted benchmarking visit to the Turku University nursing department. This strategic engagement allowed for a firsthand study of best practices in curriculum design, clinical training, and research methodologies, with the goal of further aligning UCC’s own programs to the highest international standards. The event also fostered robust networking among fellow academics and healthcare leaders, paving the way for new partnerships and collaborative initiatives. These connections underscore UCC’s commitment to global engagement and elevate its role as a thought leader in health sciences education.

On August 14, 2025, Union Christian College hosted an Inbound Internationalization Meeting with Prof. Dr. Justice Appiah-Kubi, Dean of Students at Dominion University, Ghana. Held in the morning with selected Council of Leaders, the session served as a personal meet-and-greet where Prof. Appiah-Kubi shared about his life background, his experiences, and the purpose of his travels. It was a meaningful exchange that allowed UCC’s student leaders to know him beyond his academic role, while also giving him a glimpse of UCC’s identity and community spirit. Later in the same afternoon, he delivered his talk on the topic "Embracing Internationalization for 21st Century Relevance." ✍️ Daniel Ignacio 📸 Israel Lagon

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), through Ms. Fely Baday, PNVSCA Region 1 Coordinator, conducted an Orientation on Mainstreaming Volunteerism at Union Christian College last August 15, 2025. The session provided an overview of how volunteerism can be integrated into the academe. Following the orientation, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)—initially signed on March 28, 2025—was formally turned over for ceremonial signing. Discussions covered the legal basis of volunteerism under RA 9418 (Volunteer Act of 2007), its core values (Kusa, Kapwa, and Kapalit na Bayad hindi hangad), and the “3Ts” of volunteering: talent, treasure, and time. Dr. Cherrel Ignacio, SEAS Dean, highlighted that UCC has long embraced volunteerism in its programs, describing it as a prophetic presence anchored in extension initiatives under the CCEAA and aligned with CHED’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028 on Social Responsibility. Ms. Baday affirmed that volunteerism is already deeply embedded in UCC’s organizational culture and challenged the community to further enrich and strengthen this commitment as a sustainable strategy for development. She also encouraged the pursuit of research initiatives that spotlight the growth of volunteerism programs already in place, alongside gender and development-related studies. ✍️ Daniel Ignacio 📸 Israel Lagon

The Center for Student Affairs and Services (CSDAS) holds a three-day Student Leaders' Convergence on July 17-19, 2025, at the UCC Conference Hall, with the theme "𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆: 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆." The event is being attended by student leaders from the Basic Education Schools, School of Education, Arts and Sciences, School of Business Sciences, and School of Health Sciences. The event will feature team-building activities and workshops designed to enhance leadership skills, promote accountability, and encourage faith-driven and meaningful service.

Union Christian College (UCC) gained international recognition after securing three distinctions in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025. UCC ranked #21 in ESG Trend, reflecting its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles; #26 in Empowerment-based Management, showcasing progressive leadership; and #36 in Student Support and Engagement, highlighting its dedication to a supportive learning environment. The awards were formally received during the WURI 2025 ceremony from Jin-Suk Kim (Chair of the WURI Global Conference), Jung-Wan Cu (Vice Chair), and Kung-Sung Kim (Chair of WURI 2025). Representing UCC were Academic Committee members Dr. Virgilio Boado and Dr. Aidena Nuesca, Culture and Arts Program Convenor Dr. Deborrah Reyes-Anno, and Director for Research Prof. Teofilo Damoco, who accepted the honors on behalf of the institution. Although UCC missed the opening day due to Typhoon Nandong, this achievement remains a strong testament to the institution’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to shaping globally competitive graduates rooted in service and faith. Photo taken from: Rev. Dr. Ferdinand Anno's post and previous announcement post edited by Blessy Gloria ✍️ Daniel Ignacio #LongLiveTheUCCSpirit #homeofwholepersoneducation #SDG4QualityEducation #SDG17partnershipsforthegoals