The University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) has officially broken ground on its Learning and Innovation Center (LINC) in Naga City. The multi-story academic hub is set to become the cornerstone of the university’s mission to modernize higher education in the Bicol Region, with a targeted completion date in 2027.
Designed to move beyond traditional classroom boundaries, the LINC facility will serve as a high-tech environment for research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry-aligned training.
Investing in the future of Bicol
The project is a key pillar of UNC’s long-term infrastructure strategy. According to university president Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, the center is a direct response to the digital transformation sweeping through global industries.
“The LINC Building represents our commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving and technology-driven world,” Lauraya said. “This facility is not simply an expansion of space, but a strategic investment in the quality, relevance, and accessibility of higher education in our region.”
Hub for modern learning
Once completed, the center will house:
o Tech-enabled classrooms: Integrated with the latest digital learning tools;
o Innovation and research hubs: Dedicated spaces for student-led entrepreneurship and scientific inquiry, and;
o Collaborative zones: Flexible areas designed to encourage cross-disciplinary engagement between faculty and students.
Industry and civic support
The cornerstone-laying ceremony drew top executives from iPeople Inc, UNC’s education management partner, as well as local government leaders. iPeople Inc president and UNC board of trustees chairman Alfredo I. Ayala highlighted how the facility bridges the gap between the classroom and the workforce.
“Investing in academic infrastructure ensures that institutions like UNC remain responsive to industry needs and global standards,” Ayala said. “The LINC Building strengthens the university’s role in developing highly skilled graduates for regional and national growth.”
Representing the city’s leadership, Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor G. Robredo—a distinguished UNC alumna—emphasized the role of the university in fueling the local economy.
“Universities play a vital role in regional progress,” Robredo said. “Projects like the LINC Building contribute to economic activity, innovation, and opportunities for young people in Naga City and the wider Bicol Region.”
Milestone for southern Luzon
The event featured a ceremonial blessing led by Rev. Fr. Danilo T. Imperial, marking the formal start of a project that UNC officials believe will redefine the academic landscape of southern Luzon. By focusing on experiential learning and digital literacy, the LINC Building is poised to turn the 78-year-old institution into a central hub for Bicolano innovation.
This article was adapted from a news release by VRITimes Philippines, with sources from University of Nueva Caceres. For the original article and further details, click here: https://www.vritimes.com/ph/articles/5b3f9f17-47c3-4911-a8a3-8d2391a9d095/fdb5f642-7cf7-451e-9b99-9d93b792b588.