An Advent and Christmas Season Greeting from the Office of the President

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