UC marks 20th Cordillera Anniversary

BAGUIO CITY (July 27, 2007)--The University of the Cordilleras (UC) this week marked the 20^th observance of the establishment of the Cordillera Administrative Region with various campus activities underlying the theme “Claiming the Best for the Cordilleras.”

Spearheaded by the Student Affairs Office under Director Cecilio D. Gallardo in cooperation with various student organizations, the observance took off with tribal rituals, music and dances, exhibits and a mini trade fair at the UC covered court last July 26, 2007.

True to form, UC cultural dancers performed an ethnic solidarity dance in full ethnic costume after an uggayam (prayer) delivered by a native student performer. The opening activities were attended by members of the administrative and academic councils of the school and the student population.

Students were then treated to the sights and sounds of the Cordillera region through photo exhibits and video presentations amid the sounds of gangsas and solibaos. Even foreign students were awed by the showcase of Cordillera culture, music, and products on display.

Other events coinciding with the observance are a live mannequin show, concerts and performances, and a student forum with established resource persons about the Cordillera culture and way of life.

Gallardo said the event, which the University launches annually, is aimed at deepening student appreciation and pride of the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines’ highland region.

The Cordillera Administrative Region was established in 1997 by Pres. Corazon Aquino to pave the way for the establishment of a Cordillera Autonomous Region in response to public clamor at that time. However, the conversion of the region into an autonomous unit was twice rejected by the region in two separate plebiscites held for that purpose.

University to strengthen expanded college program

BAGUIO CITY (July 27, 2007)--The University of the Cordilleras (UC) this week vowed to intensify its recruitment of potential students availing of the employment-for-grades program called the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

UC President Dr. Jaime M. Buzar said the implementation of ETEEAP is a social responsibility of the University to empower undergraduate yet qualified professionals to acquire academic credentials and diplomas without neglecting their present employment.

He said the program provides an opportunity to undergraduate professionals to complete their college education by converting their experience in their areas of expertise into academic units, thus allowing them greater chances of career advancement and promotion.

ETEEAP is an educational assessment scheme which recognizes knowledge, skills, and prior learning obtained by individuals from non-formal and informal experiences and converts the same into academic units. An individual may be granted a diploma after passing competency-based evaluations and comprehensive assessment systems using written tests, interviews, skills demonstration, and other creative assessment methodologies.

UC Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Cleofas Basaen, explained that aside from accrediting and assessing prior non-formal or informal learning, the program also aims to provide flexible entry and exchange between non-formal education and formal systems of higher learning.

She said the program is open to candidates who are at least 22 years old at the time of application, at least a High School graduate, of good moral character, employed for at least five years in the field or industry related to the course being applied for, and is willing to show evidence of capability and thorough knowledge in his or her chosen field.

The University of the Cordilleras started implementing its ETEEAP program in 2003, graduating self-employed professionals and practitioners in the fields of media, business, police, and government service.