NorthQuad eyes UC-Sitel partnership model

BAGUIO CITY—The North Luzon Growth Quadrangle (NorthQuad) project under the Office of the President last week expressed the desire to duplicate the University of the Cordilleras’ partnership with Sitel Philippines as a model for other schools north of the country.

This developed as the University graduated its first batch of 60 students under the Sitel program on Thursday (August 23), allowing them the opportunity to be hired directly by the leading call center company immediately after graduation.

Usec. Hermenegildo C. Dumlao, executive director of the NorthQuad project management office based in San Fernando, La Union, wrote UC President Jaime M. Buzar last August 13, commending the University for its “being responsive to the needs of the global market through your partnership with Sitel Philippines, with the aim of training students for English proficiency.”

“This endeavor would be most effective if done extensively in the universities in order to equip students with the right tools to compete globally,” he added. He requested for a sharing of information between the school and the agency, which he said, would be used as a benchmark to promote the importance of English proficiency training in other schools.

Dr. Leonarda R. Aguinalde, Dean of the College of Business Administration which implements the academic partnership, expressed elation over the development as she and Sitel ManComm Managers Irene Roa and Cynthia Maslian led the ceremonies for the first batch of graduating students at the UC Theater.

“After 300 hours of academic learning, the graduates are now in transition to full employment at Sitel Philippines, which directly enlists qualified students into their workforce under the program,” Aguinalde said.

The UC-Sitel partnership was finalized last June and entails the establishment of a fully equipped in-campus facility for students interested in the program.

UC launches photo exhibit to mark 98th Baguio Day

BAGUIO CITY—The University of the Cordilleras will be hosting an exhibit of photographs by Baguio-based journalists Harley Palangchao and Dave Leprozo Jr. to coincide with the 98^th

Charter Day Anniversary of Baguio City next month.

Around 45 pictures, all depicting various facets of Cordillera life, and entries in different local, national, and international competitions, will be on exhibit at the UC Theater Lobby from August 24 to September 10.

Palangchao and Leprozo said they wish to share their collection of Cordillera images to the community, especially the students and staff of the University in line with their advocacy to stir up public awareness on culture and environmental preservation.

The Baguio Day photo exhibit is being sponsored by the UC Corporate Communications Office and the Student Affairs Office under Dean Cecilio Gallardo, in cooperation with the College of Arts and Sciences under Dean Josefina Domingo.

UC Accounting students win in PICPA regional quiz

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 14) – Accountancy students from the University of the Cordilleras (UC) last week emerged as champions in the Regional Accounting Quiz Bee of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants held at San Fernando City.

Senior UC accounting students Cherry Lyn B. Sabawil and Willy P. Chavez beat other contestants from six other universities in Northern Luzon to bring home the cash prize of P1,500.00 each and an P8,000.00 worth of scholarship at the Philippine School of Business Administration.

The two students also brought home plaques of recognition certified by PICPA Northern Luzon Regional Director Nelson Chan, La Union chapter president Atty. Rodel Lopico, and quizmaster Ruel Addatu.

Sabawil and Chavez beat contestants from the University of Northern Philippines in Ilocos Sur, the Don Mariano Marcos State University in Ilocos Norte, Union Christian College of La Union, St. Louis University of Baguio City, University of Pangasinan, and the University of La Sallette in Santiago City.

UC College of Accountancy Dean Ramsay Colorado, who acted as team adviser, revealed that this is the second time UC has won the grand prize in a regional accountancy championship after winning the same title in 2003.

He added that UC will be preparing to defend its title in the upcoming national PICPA quiz bee scheduled in Baguio City by October.

The accounting quiz bee coincided with the 2007 PICPA Regional Conference held last August 8 at the Capitol Building of San Fernando City in La Union.