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The Independent Student Publication of the University of Nueva Caceres. The Independent Student Publication of the University of Nueva Caceres

18/07/2025

𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Classes at all levels are suspended today, July 18, from 1:00 p.m. onwards, pursuant to Memorandum No. 7 released by the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Auxiliary Services.

The suspension of classes is coordinated with PAG-ASA's Orange Rainfall Warning raised in the region and the announcement from the Office of the City Mayor of Naga.

Moreover, the deans and heads of offices are advised to take preparations aligned with UNC Guidelines for Weather Disturbances.

The resumption of classes will be announced until further notice.

Stay safe and dry, UNCeans!

|Franklin Kim Dolor

18/07/2025

𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗞 | Classes in all levels are still suspended according to the released memorandum by the Office of the City Mayor today Friday, July 18.

The suspension was issued late due to conflicting forecast.

However, working government employees shall resume as the weather condition continues to improve and advised to contact their suspervisors in case of emergencies in their areas.

In case of public emergencies, contact the Naga City Command Center through the following numbers:

Globe - 0967 417 7855
SMART - 0908 885 3000 | 0908 525 3000 | 0963 220 9700

|Dyna Raven Climaco

16/07/2025

𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | As of 11:00 a.m. today, the DOST-PAGASA has issued a Yellow Rainfall Warning over the entire Bicol Region for July 17 and July 18 due to Tropical Depression Crising.

The Weather Advisory No. 4 warns of moderate to heavy rainfall ranging from 50mm to 100mm, which may cause localized flooding in low-lying areas and landslides.

According to PAGASA, TD Crising was last located 780 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness of up to 50 kph.

TD Crising is the third tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this 2025 and the second for the month of July.

Words by Jay Vhie Abunda
Photos from DOST-PAGASA official page

14/07/2025

On a Wednesday afternoon, I stepped into my room and secured the door behind me. Settling at my study table, I grabbed my pen and opened my creative notebook, ready to weave another piece of academic literature. However, just as I reached the second paragraph discussing the youths, I paused.

A notification on my phone about an AI app grabbed my attention with the tagline "Your Future Fueled by AI: Redefining Intelligence, Redefining Us."

My gaze drifted to the wall ahead, where a collection of my academic certificates and medals hung neatly in an organizer. In that moment, the tick-tock of the clock became a drumbeat, each tick echoing the urgency of time slipping away, drowning out all other sounds that led me to a contemplative trance and an intriguing question popped in my mind.

"With a young mind full of creativity and a spirit of scholarly brilliance, I stand at the crossroads of uncertainty. What does the future hold for a youngster like me in the rapidly evolving world?"

Today, July 15th, marks the annual celebration of World Youth Skills Day. Established in 2014 by the United Nations General Assembly, this event aims to highlight the importance of equipping young people for employment, quality jobs, and entrepreneurship.

This year's theme, "Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills," highlights the significance of providing young people with essential skills in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, enabling them to succeed in an ever-changing global environment.

Moreover, the events and activities will focus on how AI and digital technologies can be leveraged to empower youth, drive innovation, and foster sustainable development which will be beneficial and help everyone succeed beyond the academic setting.

An impossibly deafening sound from the ticking of the clock woke me from zoning out. I came back to my senses and looked down at the paper where I was currently writing.

I've come to understand that while artificial intelligence is now an integral part of our lives, our focus should be on becoming knowledgeable about it and maximizing digital technologies to our advantage. However, I believe it's crucial that we ensure these tools enhance rather than overpower our natural intelligence and creativity, especially for the youths like myself.

This year's World Youth Skills Day is a crucial opportunity to open doors for young people. This collective effort to recognize the skills of the youths in connection with this year's theme will ensure that young people are well-equipped to thrive in the real world, exceeding expectations beyond academic settings.

Words by Shaira Molleda
Layout by Marc Andrei Pajabera

12/07/2025

𝗨𝗡𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗬 ‘𝟮𝟱-’𝟮𝟲

The Collegiate school calendar for academic year 2025–2026 has officially been released through the UNC official page.

The said calendar highlights the dates for academic, non-academic, and university-wide events.

The academic timeline was prepared by the Office of the Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs (DSAA) and approved by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA), the University Registrar, and the University President, Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya.

Following the released school calendar, the enrollment period will end on August 2, followed by the start of classes that will take place on August 4, 2025.

Words by Fia San Buenaventura
Layout by Franklin Kim Dolor

12/07/2025

𝐔𝐍𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 ‘𝐆𝐨-𝐓𝐨-𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞’

UNC emphasized the importance of wearing the prescribed school uniform through a ‘Go-To-Guide’ notice posted through the UNC official page.

In the said post, male students’ uniform must consist of a white polo with the UNC seal, school ID with the UNC lanyard, gray pants, and black shoes.

Meanwhile, female students are expected to wear a white blouse paired with a red necktie, school ID with the UNC lanyard, gray pants or a skirt that extends at least two inches below the knee, and closed black shoes.

The guide has been released to ensure that students wear their uniforms properly and neatly in accordance with the university standards.

Words by Fia San Buenaventura
Photo courtesy of UNC Official page

12/07/2025

𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 '𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱'

Former University Student Government (USG) SY 2020-2021 president and guest speaker Angella Averilla urged student leaders to lead with a vision that goes beyond their term during the State of the University Address (SUNA) and Mass Oath Taking Ceremony 2025 on July 11, at the UNC Sports Palace.

“I challenge you to lead with the future in mind. We live in a time when sustainability is no longer optional—it is essential. Think not only of the events that trend today, but of the programs that endure tomorrow. Champion efforts that empower, systems that reduce waste, campaigns that educate, spaces that heal,” she said.

Averilla underscored how the student leaders must be caretakers of the future and not just users to pave way for succeeding leadership.

“When your time comes to step down, may you leave behind not just a position—but a path. A path that others can follow, improve, and lead even better,” she stated.

She ended her speech with a reminder that the oath taken by the student leaders is not a promise but a calling.

“The oath you took today is not just a promise—it is a calling. Lead with courage. Serve with compassion. Act with purpose,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, outgoing USG President Alleah Jaucian gave an address to the student body delivered by Sofia Suzaine Jacinto, the USG Secretary to the President, due to the former’s absence in the event.

In Jaucian’s message, she expressed gratitude to the student body for the honor of serving them and hoped for the leaders to pursue purposeful leadership.

“Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about being the calm in the chaos, the hand behind the progress, and the heart that keeps choosing to serve even when no one is watching. May we continue to lead with courage, compassion, and purpose,” she said.

Further, newly appointed USG President Jan Marill Dominguez encouraged fellow student leaders to reject rigid expectations of leadership, emphasizing that true service stems from genuine and purposeful care.

“That’s the kind of student government president that I would be. The one that serves not just through systems, but with sincerity. One that measures success not in numbers, but in impact.” she stated.

The Mass Oath-Taking Ceremony with the theme “PAGPANGINOT: Leading with Integrity, Legacy Continued,” was attended by student leaders from the Basic Education Department, USG, College Councils, as well as accredited academic and non-academic organizations, including fraternities and sororities, for school year 2025–2026.

Words by Juvie Fortuno
Photos by Ghary Lance Bibe

12/07/2025

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀. 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆

In the wreath laying ceremony held at the Lolo Brown’s monument last July 11, University President Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya shared how the late founder touched generations of Bicolanos and left a lasting legacy, particularly through his scholars.

“Lolo Brown's thoughts are not just about quality. His thoughts was also about access; that farmers [and] fishers would be able to have equal access to the quality education that UNC offers,” she said.

President Lauraya recounted how a national general auditor delivered accessible and quality education to the Bicolanos and transformed a marshland into a monumental institution.

“Lolo Brown is not just envisioning an educational institution that would be at par in quality with Manila so that Bicolanos would no longer travel there but will have the comfort of their family support and still access quality education in UNC,” she said.

Further, she shared how thousands of scholars would honor the late president for his dedication to provide education to the community.

“When Lolo Brown founded this university, it’s not only 150 but thousands of generations this past 77 years have been praying thank you and in grateful heart, remember him. Thus, that is the spirit we are gathered here today,” she highlighted.

With the theme “Sowing the Seeds of Tomorrow: Dr. Jaime Hernandez Sr.’s Vision for a Future-Ready UNCeano”, the said commemoration marked the 133rd Birth Anniversary of the university’s founder.

Words by Julia Isabel Bismonte
Photos by Francine Mae Morana and Ghary Lance Bibe

12/07/2025

𝗨𝗡𝗖 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝟯-𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿, 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆

UNC E-Library conducted a three-day book fair from July 9 to 11, 2025, themed: Whispers of Pages, Echoes of Tomorrow, aimed at promoting reading culture, enhancing digital literacy, and encouraging active participation in the development of library resources among students and faculty.

On its first day, the fair started with a formal program that featured welcome remarks from university officials, the unveiling of the event theme, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially launched the Book Fair and Digital Delights.

Faculty and students explored a wide selection of print titles and digital platforms, including CE Logic and MyOn, while interactive book tasting stations and digital exhibits offered opportunities for independent exploration and discovery.

Further, the afternoon featured self-paced book tasting, where attendees reviewed selected titles and accessed e-resources, fostering deeper interaction with both printed and digital content.

Moreover, Day 2 focused on critical evaluation and book selection through a guided workshop, where faculty members applied standard criteria in reviewing materials for potential library acquisition.

Quiet reflection was encouraged through the “Sit with a Book” Zone, a dedicated space that promoted sustained reading and thoughtful engagement, while the book and digital exhibits remained open throughout the day.

On its last day, the book selection and evaluation process continued, wherein certificates of participation were awarded to 19 participating book exhibitors and partner companies.

Moreover, a raffle draw commenced with tokens as prizes that preceded the official closing ceremony.

The fair concluded with a renewed call to embrace both traditional and digital learning tools, affirming the University Library’s commitment to fostering a responsive, inclusive, and future-ready academic environment.

Words by Guian Hernandez
Photos by Francine Mae Moraña and Ghary Lance Bibe

11/07/2025

𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 | University president Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Dr. Jaime Hernandez Sr.'s Memorabilia Exhibit today, July 11, at the UNC Main Library.

Among the featured items is the ceremonial robe worn by Lolo Brown in March 1977, when he received the honorary degree Doctor of Philosophy in Education, honoris causa, from Aquinas University in Legazpi City.

Moreover, the memorabilia exhibit will remain on display until Orientation Seminar week on August, according to the UNC Museum management.

The exhibit stand as a tribute to the university's founder, marking his 133rd birth anniversary.

Words by Juvie Fortuno
Photos by Francine Moraña and Ghary Lance Bibe

11/07/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | Jay Vhie Abunda, one of the recipients of the President Jaime Hernandez Scholarship (PJHS), delivered a speech honoring the legacy of Dr. Jaime Hernandez and highlighting how the scholarship program helped ease the financial burden of having multiple siblings in school, during the Founder’s Day celebration held on July 11 at Lolo Brown’s Monument.

Further, Abunda called on fellow PJH Scholars to carry the founder’s name with purpose, urging them to live out the values that the scholarship represents.

“We are not just beneficiaries of his dream as we are its continuation. Let us be the scholars who give back. Let us be the voices for those still waiting for their chance. And let us become, in our own way, dreamers for the next generation,” he added.

PJHS is a scholarship program awarded to 20 incoming first-year students each year, selected through a competitive process involving an examination, essay writing, and an interview.

11/07/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | In celebration of the Founder's Day, University President Fay Lea Patria Lauraya delivered her message today, July 11, in front of Lolo Brown's monument.

In her speech, she highlighted the legacy of Dr. Jaime Hernandez, Sr. still standing strong in the academe.

"We honor the 133rd Birth Anniversary of our founder, Don Jaime Hernandez, Sr. whose dream of building an institution would shape lives and communities beyond his imagination," she said.

Photos by Francine Mae Moraña

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The Independent Student Publication of the University of Nueva Caceres. University of Nueva Caceres, J. Hernandez Avenue, Naga City

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We, the staff of The DEMOCRAT, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to adhere to the principle of a freer student media and student-centered publication responsive to the needs of the college departments of the University of Nueva Caceres shall uphold the values and ethics of journalism, function as a mean to promote the holistic development of the students by exposing them to the objective social realities and to the nationalist perspective of issues, defend and assert the students’ and the people’s right and welfare, and contribute to the development of responsible and committed student-leaders and journalists, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

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