NAGA CITY, Philippines \u2014 The University of Nueva Caceres has formally broken ground on its new Learning and Innovation Center, a multi story academic facility designed to support technology enabled education, research collaboration, and industry aligned learning for students in the Bicol Region.<\/p>\n
Naga City, Camarines Sur – March 07, 2026 –\u00a0NAGA CITY, Philippines \u2014 February 12, 2026 \u2014\u00a0University of Nueva Caceres<\/a>\u00a0(UNC) held the groundbreaking and cornerstone-laying ceremony for its new Learning and Innovation Center (LINC), a multi-story academic facility designed to support technology-enabled, collaborative, and industry-aligned education in the Bicol Region.\u00a0<\/p>\n Scheduled for completion in 2027, the LINC Building is part of UNC\u2019s long-term academic infrastructure investment strategy to strengthen higher education in the Philippines and enhance learning environments for future generations of students.<\/p>\n Strategic Investment in Academic Infrastructure\u00a0University President\u00a0Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya<\/a>\u00a0said the project reflects the institution\u2019s response to evolving global education demands.<\/p>\n \u201cThe LINC Building represents our commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving and technology-driven world,\u201d Dr. Lauraya said. \u201cThis facility is not simply an expansion of space, but a strategic investment in the quality, relevance, and accessibility of higher education in our region.\u201d<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n The new center will feature:\u00a0<\/p>\n Technology-enabled classroomsFlexible and collaborative learning spacesResearch and innovation hubsInterdisciplinary engagement areasIndustry-aligned instructional facilities\u00a0<\/p>\n University officials said the building is designed to encourage experiential learning, research productivity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration among students and faculty.\u00a0<\/p>\n Institutional and Industry Support\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The ceremony was attended by members of the UNC Board of Trustees and executives from\u00a0iPeople Inc.<\/a>, the university\u2019s education management partner.\u00a0<\/p>\n Present during the event were:\u00a0<\/p>\n Mr. Alfredo I. Ayala, President of iPeople Inc., Chairman of the UNC Board of Trustees, and UNC\u2019s 3rd President\u00a0Ms. Gema O. Cheng, Executive Vice President and Chief Finance Officer of iPeopleMs. Yoda Buyco, Chief Marketing Officer of iPeopleMs. Shirley Q. Earnheart, Treasurer of iPeople\u00a0<\/p>\n Mr. Ayala emphasized the broader educational impact of the project.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cInvesting in academic infrastructure ensures that institutions like UNC remain responsive to industry needs and global standards,\u201d Ayala said. \u201cThe LINC Building strengthens the university\u2019s role in developing highly skilled graduates for regional and national growth.\u201d<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n Local Government and Community Engagement\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Also in attendance was UNC\u2019s Most Outstanding Alumni Awardee, Hon.\u00a0Maria Leonor G. Robredo<\/a>, Mayor of Naga City, along with representatives from local government, business sectors, and media organizations.<\/p>\n Mayor Robredo underscored the importance of institutional development within the city. \u201cUniversities play a vital role in regional progress,\u201d she said. \u201cProjects like the LINC Building contribute to economic activity, innovation, and opportunities for young people in Naga City and the wider Bicol Region.\u201d<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Cornerstone Ceremony and Blessing\u00a0<\/p>\n The event included a ceremonial blessing led by Rev. Fr. Danilo T. Imperial, followed by the laying of the cornerstone, symbolizing the formal commencement of construction.\u00a0<\/p>\n University officials noted that the ceremony marked both a structural milestone and a reaffirmation of the institution\u2019s mission-driven foundation.<\/p>\n Advancing Higher Education in the Philippines\u00a0<\/p>\n As higher education institutions adapt to digital transformation and interdisciplinary learning models, UNC stated that the LINC Building is intended to serve as a central hub for research development, entrepreneurship initiatives, and community engagement programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n The facility is expected to support expanded academic offerings and strengthen UNC\u2019s position as a key contributor to educational advancement in Southern Luzon.\u00a0<\/p>\n Construction is scheduled for phased development, with completion targeted for 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n About the University of Nueva Caceres\u00a0<\/p>\n