UCU 57th Foundation 2023
Day 1: February 28, 2023
UCU marks its 57th anniversary in tribute and thanksgiving
It has been a tradition for Urdaneta City University to mark an academic milestone with gratitude. As UCU launched its 57th Founding Anniversary celebration on February 28, 2023, which lasted five days, a wreath-laying and tribute ceremony was held for the man whose vision changed it all, Dr. Pedro T. Orata, altogether attended by the officials, personnel, and students, at the University Quadrangle.
"It is indeed a privilege to walk along the pathway which has been established by our founder, Dr. Pedro T. Orata," expressed Dr. Amihan April C. Mella-Alcazar, the Acting University President, in her opening speech, reflected on the great sacrifice Orata made for UCU.
"He had a vision of country-wide development initiated through quality education available and accessible to those who would otherwise not in proximate to the centers of learning providing quality education," Dr. Alcazar added.
The Administration, Heads of Offices, and College Deans all paid their respect by offering flower wreaths to Dr. Orata’s bust, situated at Orata park. Chosen CCJE students lifted the University colors, as the UCU Drum and Bugle and La Casa productions entertained the crowd.
A Thanksgiving Mass was also held at the University Gymnasium, presided by Rev. Joel F. Inson. He emphasized the significance of prayer, and how the impact of being prayerful contributed to UCU's academic excellence. He urged the community to always pray, "I hope we always pray. God listens and hears our prayers."
Wrapping up the morning launch of the five-day celebration, a Solidarity Lunch was shared among all employees, each department and college bringing in food in form of “potlocks.” There were dancing and singing performances among personnel right after the lunch, evident that one of UCU’s identities is shown through harmonious relations with one another. Indeed, the greatest of all celebrations is the one we celebrate with one goal and one heart.
Lantern Parade, Street Dancing returns in UCU's 57th anniversary
A celebration is indeed worthy of festive lights and dances, as Urdaneta City University brought back its Lantern Parade and Street Dancing competition after a long time, in continuation of the opening of the 57th Founding Anniversary, held at the Urdaneta City Cultural and Sports Complex on February 28, 2023.
The parade of lanterns, presented by the different colleges of the University, and the various supporters from the officials, employees, and students, painted the streets of the city. Acting University President, Dr. Amihan April C. Mella-Alcazar, together with the two Vice-Presidents, Dr. Josephine S. Lambinicio of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Raquel D. Pascua of Administrative Affairs also joined the momentous walk.
Out of eight contestants, the Malangsi Festival of Bayambang, performed by the College of Engineering and Architecture, won the championship title. CEA's performance highlighted the primary product of the town, which is fish caught from Mangabul Lake, and the bountiful harvest it brings. What more entertained the crowd was the performer's "boodle fight" segment and the "Sayaw sa Bangko," which was perfectly executed despite the difficulty and danger of the dance.
The College of Criminal Justice Education's rendition of The Pandan Festival garnered second place. At the same time, the College of Health Sciences' version of the Pindang Festival secured the third spot.
There was a massive audience consisting of the UCUian community, mostly from student supporters rooting for their respective colleges, and some families and friends of the group contestants. The event has been a powerful comeback after the previous silent celebrations of the foundation due to the pandemic.
DAY 2: March 1, 2023
COP champions academic challenge in 57th anniversary
A battle for wit and grit has been the thread for the second day of Urdaneta City University’s 57th Founding Anniversary celebration, and the Academic Challenge on March 1, 2023, held at the University Gymnasium has been one of its highlights.
Out of fourteen groups from the different colleges and programs of the University, the College of Pharmacy won the challenge, one of the known veterans of past academic challenge endeavors. The College of Information Technology Education came first runner-up, and the College of Health Sciences was named second runner-up.
Hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, which also entered the Top Five finalists, all groups remarkably competed with one goal in mind: to win the ultimate quest for knowledge, proving that UCUians embody one of the core values of the University, the value of competence.
UCU screens six film entries
The much-anticipated Orata Film Festival 2023 came to a close screening and a spectacular awards ceremony that featured and honored six film entries on March 1-2, 2023.
The festival, which ran for 7 days, drew crowds of film enthusiasts to the university's cinema venues at the Audio-visual room and the Honasan Hall, exploring the themes of love, loss, and hope.
These documentary film entries include Anang - College of Human Science; Rising Together - College of Information and Technology Education; Kalinaw sa Laot - College of Arts and Sciences; Padayon - College of Criminal Justice Education; Huminga - College of Teacher Education; and Sumpa Kita "I Promise You" - College of Health and Sciences.
The final screening was graced by a panel of film experts and cinephiles namely Mr. Harvie C. Aquino, CEO and Director of HCA Production; Ms. Bernadette "Ayen" Infante, Information Officer at Office of Media Affairs; and Mr. Christian C. Mequin, a former multimedia instructor at UCU.
After the film viewing, critics gave their insights and commendation about the overall premier of the documentary film festival encouraging neophytes to continue improving their crafts as they are “potential masterpieces.”
Moreover, winners of different awards were officially revealed during the Mr. and Ms. UCU 2023 Coronation night on March 2. The CAS film entry titled “Kalinaw sa Laot,” a documentary that depicts the plight of an old fisher folk from Dagupan, was hailed as the Best Film and bagged Best Production Design and Best in Cinematography awards this year.
Notching the second-best film and most of the minor awards such as Box Office Documentary Film, Best Sound, Best in Original Screenplay, Best in Film Editing, Most Inspiring Story, and Best Director was the CCJE’s film titled “Padayon” — a story of a criminology student’s journey to her dreams.
A thought-provoking narrative of a main character named “Anang” of CHUMS won the third-best film entry this year, while the CHS film entry Sumpa Kita bagged the Best Poster award.
UCU celebrates Remarkable Athletes at SportsFest Awarding Ceremony
In a show of athletic prowess and school spirit, Urdaneta City University held its Sports Festival Awarding ceremony on March 1, 2023, at the University Gymnasium.
As part of the celebration of the 57th Founding Anniversary, students from different colleges competed in a wide variety of sporting events including basketball, volleyball, e-games, arnis, taekwondo, and many more.
The university was filled with a sense of camaraderie and teamwork despite the intense rivalry. The event brought students from different backgrounds together, fostering a sense of solidarity, admirable sportsmanship, discipline, and shared purpose.
Several individual athletes were recognized and awarded for their outstanding performances in their respective sports.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Sports Fest Champions, which went to the College of Criminal Justice Education for their overall performance in various sports competitions. The College of Teacher Education was the runner-up, with the College of Engineering and Architecture coming in third place.
Overall, the SportsFest Awarding Ceremony was a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of all the student-athletes and will continue to inspire and motivate students to excel in both academics and athletics.
Here are the winners of the Sports Festival in different categories:
Table Tennis (Mixed Category)
Gold - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Silver - College of Engineering and Architecture
Bronze - College of Teacher Education
Table Tennis (Women’s Doubles Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Teacher Education
Table Tennis (Men’s Doubles Category)
Gold - College of Teacher Education
Silver - College of Engineering and Architecture
Bronze - College of Criminal Justice Education
Table Tennis (Women’s Singles Category)
Gold - College of Teacher Education
Silver - College of Criminal Justice Education
Bronze - College of Engineering and Architecture
Table Tennis (Men’s Singles Category)
Gold - College of Business Management and Accountancy
Silver - College of Engineering and Architecture
Bronze - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Basketball (5V5 Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Engineering and Architecture
Bronze - College of Information and Technology Education
Basketball (5V5 Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Bronze - College of Information and Technology Education
Basketball (3V3 Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Bronze - College of Engineering and Architecture
Basketball (3V3 Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Silver - College of Criminal Justice Education
Bronze - College of Engineering and Architecture
Badminton (Mixed Doubles Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Arts and Sciences/College of Human Sciences
Bronze - College of Information and Technology Education
Badminton (Men’s Doubles Category)
Gold - College of Engineering and Architecture
Silver - College of Teacher Education
Bronze - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management/TECHVOC
Badminton (Women’s Doubles Category)
Gold - College of Engineering and Architecture
Silver - College of Pharmacy
Bronze - College of Information and Technology Education
Badminton (Men’s Singles Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Teacher Education
Bronze - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management/TECVOC
Badminton (Women’s Singles Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Teacher Education
Bronze - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management/TECVOC
Sepak takraw (Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Business Management and Accountancy
Bronze - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Sepak takraw (Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Business Management and Accountancy
Bronze - College of Teacher Education
Volleyball (Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Teacher Education
Silver - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Bronze - College of Criminal Justice Education
Athletics (Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Teacher Education
Bronze - College of Information and Technology Education
Athletics (Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Teacher Education
Bronze - College of Arts and Sciences/College of Human Sciences
Arnis (Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Engineering and Architecture
Bronze - College of Teacher Education
Arnis (Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Pharmacy
Silver - College of Criminal Justice Education
Bronze - College of Teacher Education/College of Engineering and Architecture/College of Business Management and Accountancy
Chess (Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Business Management and Accountancy
Silver - College of Engineering and Architecture
Bronze - College of Criminal Justice Education
Chess (Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Business Management and Accountancy
Silver - College of Engineering and Architecture
Bronze - College of Teacher Education
DanceSport Competition
Winner - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
1st Runner Up - College of Teacher Education
2nd Runner Up - College of Criminal Justice Education
3rd Runner Up - College of Engineering and Architecture
HipHop Competition
Winner - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
1st Runner Up - College of Engineering and Architecture
2nd Runner Up - College of Information and Technology Education
3rd Runner Up - College of Criminal Justice Education
Yells & Cheers Competition
Gold - College of Teacher Education
Silver - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Bronze - College of Arts and Sciences/College of Human Sciences
E-Games Competition
Gold - College of Engineering and Architecture
Silver - College of Criminal Justice Education
Bronze - College of Business Management and Accountancy
Taekwondo (Flyweight Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Teacher Education
Taekwondo (Bantamweight Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Pharmacy
Taekwondo (Finweight Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Criminal Justice Education
Taekwondo (Lightweight Men’s Category)
Gold - College of Criminal Justice Education
Silver - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Taekwondo (Flyweight Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Silver - College of Criminal Justice Education
Taekwondo (Bantamweight Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Silver - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Taekwondo (Finweight Women’s Category)
Gold - College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Silver - College of Teacher Education
Rockin' Rivalries —PasiklaBand comes to an epic showdown
In a clash of the musical titans, the PasiklaBand 2023 hailed its champions after the head-to-head in a no-holds-barred musical throwdown on March 2, 2023, at the University Gymnasium.
With an electrifying display of thunderous drum beats, and blistering guitar solos, each band exemplified their musical prowess bringing a huge cheering crowd.
Iustitia from the College of Criminal Justice Education set the fire on stage by giving their own rendition of the viral Mayonnaise song “Jopay.” The band stood out among eight performing bands and landed as the grand champion for this year’s battle of the bands.
With their soaring vocals, Didaskalos from the College of Teacher Education finished second in the competition and amazed the crowd and judges with their version of Lorde’s “Royals.”
Notes of Theory from the College of Human Sciences showed off incredible vocal calisthenics by bringing back the iconic “Liwanag sa Dilim” of the legendary Filipino band Rivermaya.
Sam Aquino (lead guitarist) of Nobita and Jonathan Agbanlog Jr. (drummer) of Insekto Pares joined Tawag ng Tanghalan contender Kingboy Eugenio and Urdaneta-born Jayson "Ipe" Benito of Insekto Pares to seat in the selection panel as judges.
Meanwhile, Tawag ng Tanghalan Semi-Finalist Marko Rudio and FIKA Band, guest performers, rendered a special number that had the crowd singing along.
The PasiklaBand 2023 was one of the most anticipated events in the Urdaneta City University’s 57th Founding Anniversary.
DAY 3: March 2, 2023
CCDES conducts the continuation of Project Namnama
In celebration of UCU’s 57th founding anniversary, the Center for Community Development and Extension Services in collaboration with the Psychological Assessment and Counseling Center led the Namnama: An Extension Program on March 2, 2023, at Cabaruan Elementary School.
Namnama is an Iloko term for hope. As UCU thrive in the current higher education landscape we envision today's youth as our future leaders, making them the embodiment of hope for our nation.
Dr. Jerry Dichoso, Director of the Center for Community Development and Extension Services (CCDES), stressed the role of our young learners in the future.
“In time, you will have the right consciousness and you will become a full-fledged teacher, doctor, nurse or whatever you want only if you have discipline, respect, and obedience”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Psychological Assessment and Counseling Center led the leadership skills training for the young learners to unleash and activate their infinite potential.
Ms. Monette Locquiao, the PACC Director, remarked on the importance of leadership and ways in becoming a better leader.
“Being a leader has value to us. First, leaders and group members can help us reach the goals or objectives we have in class. In addition, we are conscious of our rights and obligations as a leader. We are more conscious of how to properly perform our tasks. Furthermore, we learn how to work as a team and mentor our other classmates. Lastly, we get better with interacting with our classmates. With this, we can assist you in realizing the value of your role as a student by providing you with this leadership skills training”, Locquiao emphasized.
Further, Dr. Josephine Lambinicio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, stressed the qualities and vital skills in becoming a better person.
I will give you two things: the letters "S & T.” “S” stands for sipag which means hard work. Even if you are the greatest student in the class, but you lack diligence, you will achieve nothing. We need to practice becoming hard working students even if no one sees us. And “T” stands for tiyaga which means patience. We need to be patient in everything.
With continuous collaboration and support, UCU strives to set the tone for students to learn how to navigate themselves, improve their potential, and inspire their teams to produce excellent results as we build a bright future for all.
CHTM, CHUMS named new royalties of 57th foundation
The crowd has spoken, and so did the crown!
Out of 24 candidates evaluated by 5 pageant judges, female candidate #9 Lovely Joy M. Bravo, a CHTM representative, and male candidate #1 John Noel R. Baylon, a CHUMS representative were crowned as the 2023 Mr. and Ms. UCU, one of the most-anticipated events of Urdaneta City University's 57th Founding Anniversary, on March 2, held at the University Gymnasium.
When asked, "As a UCU student, what do you think should the University do in activating students' infinite potentials?" Bravo bravely pointed out, "Activating infinite potentials is the ability to know your strengths and recognize your weaknesses. We all know that education is the best element in nurturing our nation. Some people across the board would think that money is the main factor, but that is wrong. Because without education, you will not explore a new idea, you will not be able to develop the world. Without idea, there is no creativity; without creativity, there is no development. We should always remember that education is the most powerful weapon, which we can use to change the world," highlighting the importance of education in the center stage of self and nation-building.
Meanwhile, Baylon, when asked his question, "As an ambassador of UCU, can you contribute to the University's endeavor of activating infinite potentials?" he answered that becoming the best versions of ourselves, rooted in the core values of UCU, will be of great contribution,
"As a Psychology student, gagamitin ko po ang aking boses, gamit ang edukasyon na nakuha ko sa aking university, which is quality education talaga for all. Every time magsasalita ako, makikita nila sa akin ang core values which is integrity, teamwork, competence, and transcendence, and become the best versions of ourselves."
CEA’s Kyla Angeleene A. Tabugan and CHTM’s Angelo M. Francisco were chosen as first runner-ups, while Kayzel Joy B. Nacion, representing CCJE, and Jericson R. Macatiag, representing CAS, were named second runner-ups in the competition. Representatives of CHS and CTE were also among the Top 5 finalists.
Major awards such as Best in School Uniform, Best in Casual Wear, Best in Formal Wear, and The Mannix Awards were decided on during the coronation night. Minor awards were also given, which were the results of the pre-pageant a week before the event, such as Mr. and Ms. Character, Mr. and Ms. Congeniality, Mr. and Ms. Articulate, The Photographer's Choice Award, Mr. and Ms. Photogenic, Best in Production Number, Best in Talent, and the TNT Choice Award.
The night was alive, as students and faculty members of the different competing colleges resoundingly supported their candidates. Indeed, more than anything, the spirit of solidarity among UCUians has been the highlight of the event.
DAY 4: March 3, 2023
UCUians thrill in Zumba Camp
Students and faculty members of Urdaneta City University electrified the University Gymnasium with their Zumba moves in celebration of the 57th Founding Anniversary, March 3, 2023.
The Zumba Camp was organized by the Foundation Committee to provide a break from the stress of work and academics for the university's community.
With its high energy, upbeat music, and infectious moves, the Zumba dance workout provided a fun and engaging way for the participants to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the company of their colleagues and peers.
More than 100 people worked out for almost three hours to upbeat music and dancing movements instructed by Zumba professionals.
The gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant, colorful dance floor, with participants dressed in brightly colored workout clothes and comfortable sneakers, ready to sweat it out and groove to the music.
Participants at the Zumba Camp reported that the event relieved stress and energized them for the rest of the day. Many students and faculty members expressed gratitude to socialize with their classmates and colleagues outside of the classroom.
The Zumba Camp became a success, and it served as a reminder of how essential it is to stay healthy and active, especially in these challenging times.
UCU conducts fun run
On the early morning of March 3, the Diversion Road was packed with UCUian runners for the 3-kilometer fun run.
The event started at 5:30 in the morning.
Throughout the entire event, the students and staff members demonstrated their sportsmanship and passion by encouraging and supporting one another. Several people ran by themselves, while others organized teams and donned identical red shirts to demonstrate their support.
After the run, winners were awarded medals at the University Gymnasium. The top three finishers were Nesel Viloria, a BS Criminology student, who took first place, Jhon Calvin Banaag, a BS Hospitality Management student, who came in second place, and Raymond Piano, a Criminology student, who placed third.
The fun run ended on a high note, with participants exchanging high-fives and smiles, while some took pictures to commemorate the experience.
The said event was in line with the 57th Founding Anniversary of Urdaneta City University.
UCU loyalty awardees honored in Gawad Orata 2023
"As we think ahead, we move ahead; tonight will not be the same as the other," remarked Atty. Dar A. Diga, the Chief Operating Officer, as Urdaneta City University celebrated its employees for their dedication, commitment, and passion during the Gawad Pedro T. Orata Awards and Variety Show on March 3, 2023, at the University Gymnasium.
In continuing the five-day celebration of UCU's 57th Founding Anniversary, loyalty and service awards have been bestowed upon some of the deserving teaching and non-teaching personnel based on their years in the academe.
Five loyalty awardees were recognized for their 10 years of service, eleven loyalty awardees were recognized for being 15 years in service, and four loyalty awardees were recognized after serving for 20 years. To honor her 30 years of service in the academe, Dr. Princess Sarah M. Quintana, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences was recognized, together with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Josephine S. Lambinicio, for serving the UCU community for 35 years.
Four retirees were also honored at the event: Dr. Priscilla R. Baun, Dr. Maricel D. Erama, Prof. Rolando D. De Guzman, and Prof. Elaine B. Rondaris, for their invaluable contribution and sacrifice during their tenure at the University.
The Orata Chamber Singers, UCU Dance Troupe, and La Casa production serenaded the night, as they showcased their talents through "A Variety Show: UCUians around the world," entertaining the crowd with the various song and dance pieces from parts of the world.
UCUians employees truly shined, dazzling the evening, as they enjoyed the momentous event with their Hollywood-themed ensembles
DAY 5: March 4, 2023
UCU alumni return to campus for basketball exhibition, homecoming
Urdaneta City University Alumni Association Incorporated (UCUAAI) conducted a whole-day alumni celebration on March 5, 2023, concluding the 5-day 57th Founding Anniversary celebration.
UCU alumni and employees clashed in a basketball exhibition in the morning spearheaded by Dr. Jerry Dichoso, Center for Community Development and Extension Services director, and personnel from the Physical Education Department.
The festivities kicked off in the evening with UCU alumni reconnecting with their former colleagues and professors who made up their college years. The celebration continued with a retro-inspired gala and dance party where attendees brought back cherished memories and fostered new connections.
Hon. Dickerson Villar, Municipal Mayor of Santo Tomas, Pangasinan, graced the occasion as the guest of honor and speaker. In his speech, Mayor Villar recalled his college years at the University where he took civil engineering at the College of Engineering and Architecture.
Moreover, the electrifying performance of the guest band performer set the night ablaze, with alumni and employees dancing and singing along to some of the most iconic tunes of the last few decades.
The celebration concluded with the awarding ceremony of different activities and contests including a raffle draw, biggest alumni delegation, disco king and queen, and best in retro attire
