City Government honors UCU’s national and global milestones

The City Government of Urdaneta recognized the latest achievements of Urdaneta City University (UCU) during the Flag Raising Ceremony held earlier today, June 8, 2026, at the Old Urdaneta City Hall, celebrating the University’s growing national and global impact.

Among the milestones presented was UCU’s recognition as an accredited institution by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The University was awarded a Certificate of Recognition as an NCCA Proponent under NCCA Board Resolution No. 2017-285 on May 11, 2026, in Intramuros, Manila.

Dr. Ryan Jayson Delos Reyes, Dean of the College of Teacher Education (CTE), also presented the college’s outstanding performance in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT). UCU produced another topnotcher through Jaslynn Garcia, who ranked 8th in the Secondary Level examination.

Further strengthening this achievement, UCU-CTE was named one of the Top Performing Schools in the March 2026 LEPT – Secondary Level, placing 8th nationwide with 293 passers and an impressive 85.92% institutional passing rate.

The University’s global recognition in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026 was also highlighted. UCU retained its distinction as the Most Innovative University in the Philippines for the second consecutive year and climbed to 28th place in the Global Top 500, a significant rise from its 44th-place ranking in 2025.

Mayor Julio “Rammy” Parayno III led the awarding of the Php 100,000 cash incentive to Garcia and expressed pride in the University’s accomplishments, underscoring UCU’s role in bringing honor to the city.

The ceremony was attended by UCU officials led by 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 Administration Atty. Michael Henry C. Sevilleja, together with city officials and members of the University community.

In her message, Dr. Alcazar emphasized that the recognitions are ultimately dedicated to the youth and to UCU’s mission of expanding access to quality education.

“Lahat pong parangal na ito ay para po sa ating mga kabataan, upang mabigyan po sila ng magandang kinabukasan. Ito po ang establishment at foundation na ibinigay sa atin ng ating founder, si Dr. Pedro T. Orata, dito po sa Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Ang kanya pong pangarap ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kabataan na magkaroon ng kalidad na edukasyon, hindi lamang sa mga sentro ng edukasyon na tinatamasa natin, kagaya sa Manila, kundi narito rin po sa siyudad ng Urdaneta, sa ating probinsya ng Pangasinan. Hindi na po kailangan lumayo ang ating mga mag-aaral upang magkaroon ng kalidad na edukasyon,” Dr. Alcazar said.

With the continued support of the City Government of Urdaneta under the leadership of Mayor Parayno and the guidance of the University administration, UCU continues to strengthen its standing as one of the country’s leading local universities while bringing pride and honor to the City of Urdaneta.#