Oct 06, 2026

UCU-COMM bags 3 awards at DAR PelikulAgraryo 2026 – Ilocos Region

The Urdaneta City University – College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), BA Communication Department brought home three distinctions at the DAR PelikulAgraryo 2026 – Ilocos Region under the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) Category: SECOND BEST FILM, BEST EDITING, and BEST POSTER. Its entry, “Ti Baro a Namnama,” follows Violeta, Margie, Rosemarie, and other women as they take the risk of building a cooperative amid poverty, discrimination, conflict, and persistent doubts about their capabilities. Its award-winning poster introduces the same women-centered narrative of struggle, collective action, and hope at the heart of the film. The film also earned nominations for Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Teaser. Organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Ilocos Region, PelikulAgraryo 2026 gives tertiary students across Region I a platform to translate the stories of agrarian reform beneficiaries and organizations into short films. This year’s regional screening featured 14 entries—five under the ARBO Category and nine under the ARB Category—from colleges and universities across the region. The festival carries the theme “Tinig ng Lupang Malaya: Kwento at Aral-Agraryo, Butil na Pamana sa Kabataan,” highlighting the experiences and success stories of agrarian reform beneficiaries through student filmmaking. The film was produced by a team of BA Communication students, with Jethro Lorenzo serving as Team Leader, Director, Cinematographer, and Editor; Orlando Jay Corpuz III as Producer, Researcher, and Actor; and Almira Bien as Assistant Producer, Researcher, and Actress. Arianne Faith Caras, Aubrey Mae Jacob, and Jade Adriane Baltazar served as Screenwriters and Actresses, while Joelyn Lanzuela, Marlon Mari, Ryza Grace Juaneza, and Stephanie Cristobal were part of the cast. The production was guided by Film Adviser Ms. Micah Tarlit, with the supervision of Program Coordinator Ms. Mae S. Calizo and College Dean Dr. Princess Sarah M. Quintana. This reflects UCU’s continuing support for student creativity, storytelling, and community-centered work under the leadership of Hon. Julio “Rammy” F. Parayno III, Chairman of the UCU Board of Regents and City Mayor of Urdaneta.#

Oct 06, 2026

UCU Bags Six Best Presenter Awards at 6th BICMHS 2026 Indonesia

Urdaneta City University strengthened its international research presence after faculty members and students earned six (6) Best Presenter awards at the 6th Bandung International Conference on Medical and Health Sciences (BICMHS 2026), held on October 3, 2026, at Oakwood Hotel Merdeka Bandung, Indonesia. Organized by the Faculty of Medicine of Universitas Islam Bandung, the conference brought together researchers, educators, students, and health professionals from different countries, with guest speakers from Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. It carried the theme, “Academic Synergy for Sustainable Health: Bridging Social Impact, Environmental Awareness, and Scientific Progress.” UCU representatives received the following recognitions:Room 1: Regine Chris Yadao, RM, MPH (Program Head, Midwifery) — 2nd Best PresenterRoom 2: Regine Lopez (College of Pharmacy) — 1st Best Presenter; Prof. Rogelio Villena Jr. (College of Health Sciences) — 2nd Best Presenter; Richee Arapoc (College of Pharmacy) — 3rd Best PresenterRoom 3: Mark Renzo Dela Cruz (College of Pharmacy) — 1st Best Presenter; Dr. Alysa Ashley Diego (Dean, College of Health Sciences) — 3rd Best Presenter The achievement highlights the university’s commitment to research excellence, international collaboration, and the development of globally competitive faculty members and students, with the support of UCU Chairman of the Board of Regents and Urdaneta City Mayor Julio “Rammy F. Parayno III. The event also supports the university’s contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).#

Oct 06, 2026

CTE Reps crowned Mr. and Ms. SportsFest 2026; CCJE hailed SportsFest 2026 overall champion

Urdaneta City University (UCU) formally concluded SportsFest 2026 with an awarding ceremony honoring student-athletes and winning teams, followed by the Mr. and Ms. SportsFest 2026 pageant on October 5 at the University Gymnasium. The awarding ceremony recognized students and teams who competed in various athletic events throughout the sports festival, marking the culmination of their efforts, teamwork, and determination. The College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) secured the overall championship with 24 gold, 21 silver, and 13 bronze medals, followed by the College of Information and Technology Education (CITE) with 9 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze medals. College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA) 9 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals. The Mr. and Ms. SportsFest 2026 pageant brought together representatives from participating colleges, with students, faculty, and members of the university community gathering to support the candidates. Representatives from the College of Teacher Education (CTE) were crowned Mr. and Ms. SportsFest 2026, while candidates from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) secured the first runner-up titles. CITE and CCJE representatives placed second runner-up. Special awards were also presented, with the Mr. Body Fitness title going to the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) and the Ms. Body Fitness title to CHS. CITE and CTE received the Best in Sportswear awards, while CTE and CHS were recognized for Best in Fitness Attire and Best in Production Number. CHS also received the Best in Casual Wear award. The annual sports festival underscored UCU’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The event reflected UCU’s continuing support for student development through activities that promote well-being, participation, teamwork, and sportsmanship under the leadership of Hon. Julio “Rammy” F. Parayno III, Chairman of the UCU Board of Regents and City Mayor of Urdaneta, with Acting University President Dr. Amihan April C. Mella-Alcazar, Chief Operating Officer Atty. Dar A. Diga, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Josephine S. Lambinicio, and Vice President for Administrative Affairs Atty. Michael Henry C. Sevilleja.

Oct 02, 2026

UCU advances peacebuilding initiatives through PNVSCA Online TV

Urdaneta City University advanced volunteerism, civic engagement, and peacebuilding as Partner Host of the 17th Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) Online TV episode on September 26, 2026, featuring “Volunteerism for Peace and Social Cohesion.” The engagement brought together the efforts of the Office of the Acting University President (AUP), Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO), College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), External Affairs and Linkages (EAL), Management Information Systems (MIS), and Committee on Publications and Communication Affairs (CPCA) in coordinating the program, technical requirements, facilitation, and communications. UCU representatives Mr. Mark Harris Rubang and Ms. Cheska Junatas hosted the online program. The roundtable discussion explored youth participation, grassroots volunteerism, and everyday acts of service as pathways to stronger and more peaceful communities. PNVSCA Online TV, launched in 2024, features higher education institutions in promoting volunteerism and mobilizing students for nation-building. This partnership highlights SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. #