History of the Career
and Alumni Connection Center (CACC)
In early 2020, recognizing the increasing need for comprehensive career guidance and support, the administration led by the President of the University, Dr. Nancy M. Flores, created the UC Career Center (currently known as Career Development Office). The goal was to create a centralized resource hub that would assist students in navigating the complex landscape of career planning, skill development, and job placement.
The center initially operated on a small scale, offering basic career counseling services, resume workshops, and job search assistance under the umbrella of the Guidance and Counseling Office, with Mr. Eldon Harris B. Soriano as the appointed officer of the center. It primarily served students and recent graduates (alumni).
As the demand for career services grew, UC Career Center expanded its reach and services. It formed strategic partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to enhance its offerings. The center collaborated with employers to organize job fairs, internship programs, and networking events, creating valuable opportunities for both job seekers and employers.
When the pandemic hit, the education sector came to a temporary stop. Thus, the center also embraced technology, launching an online platform to provide virtual career resources and webinars. This move helped the center extend its services beyond the physical confines of its location, reaching a broader audience.
Since its transition to a unit under the Student Affairs Services in September 2022, the Career Center has successfully expanded its career development initiatives under the stewardship of Mr. Engel M. Sabado, the newly appointed officer. This includes fostering meaningful collaborations with various organizations for internship opportunities, providing valuable insights through career orientation seminars, and creating platforms for students to connect with potential employers at career and job fairs. These enhancements signify the center’s commitment to offering comprehensive and proactive support to students in their pursuit of meaningful and rewarding career paths.
In November 2023, as part of the institutional strategic planning process, the administration implemented a significant change by updating the name of the office to the Career Development Center. The shift reflects a commitment to providing more than just traditional career services. It acknowledges the multifaceted nature of career growth, personal development, network & linkages, and alumni involvement. The updated name aligns with the center’s expanded mission, encompassing a holistic approach to support students not only in their immediate career goals but also in their long-term professional journey.
February 2025 marked a leadership transition as Ms. Lea Angelique Y. Tugano took office as the newly appointed officer. Under her leadership, the center continues to grow and improve as it embraces its evolving purpose and enhances its student- and alumni-focused initiatives.
By July 2025, the office was officially renamed the Career and Alumni Connection Center, a change that reflects a broader and more integrated direction. The new name underscores the center’s dual role; supporting students in their career development and cultivating meaningful, long-term connections with alumni. It also highlights the center’s commitment to bridging academic life with professional success and sustained alumni involvement.
Today, the Career and Alumni Connection Center stands as a dynamic and holistic resource-dedicated to empowering students and graduates through personalized assistance, strategic linkages, and innovative career development programs. Through its evolving services, it continues to play a vital role in shaping the professional journeys of UC students and alumni alike.
About Career and Alumni Connection Center
The Career and Alumni Connection Center at the University of the Cordilleras offers services tailored to the needs of both students and alumni. These services aim to align their interests, personalities, and skill sets, paving the way for them to emerge as confident professionals ready to thrive in the global industry.
Vision
- A center that serves as a primary catalyst for fostering career and professional development, empowering students, and alumni, and instilling a strong sense of values as they navigate their distinct career paths in dedicated service to humanity.
Mission
- To promote lifelong career success by creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere, providing comprehensive resources, personalized career guidance, and opportunities that empower students with the skills, knowledge, and linkages needed to navigate the ever-evolving global workforce.
Goals
- Strengthen student and alumni involvement in career and professional activities
- Enhance initiatives on career guidance, mentorship, and alumni-student networking
- Achieve high graduate traceability and engagement
- Leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance career and alumni services
Career and Alumni Connection Center’s Team
Meet the people behind the Humble Office of UC-CACC!
Lea Angelique Tugano
Officer, Career and Alumni Connection Center
Brenzel Mae Sitim
Technical Assistant, Career and Alumni Connection Center
Danielle Aubrey Mitchell
Technical Assistant, Career and Alumni Connection Center
The Career and Alumni Connection Center worked with some of the best companies.
Policy Statement on Non-Discrimination for the Career and Alumni Connection Center
Scope
The Career and Alumni Connection Center’s non-discrimination policy applies to all members of the University community who collaborate with the CACC, including the University students, alumni, employers, stakeholders, external guests, and industry partners. This is also including all activities, services, and programs carried out and headed by the office not limited to career advising and up-skill sessions, job fairs and recruitment events, internships and pre-employment assistance programs, workshops and training sessions, communication and campaign initiatives, and all interactions with students, alumni, employers, and other industry partners.
Policy Statement
This policy’s objective is to guidelines and policies fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful office environment by prohibiting all forms of discrimination based on age, civil status, color, ethnicity, race, body type, physical or mental disability, religious or political beliefs, biological characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, social class, or any other basis of unlawful discrimination, ensuring that the services are available to everyone, including University students, alumni, employers, stakeholders, external guests, and industry partners.
Guiding Principles
Based on:
- Fairness and Diversity: It works to break down barriers and provide equal opportunity to people of all backgrounds.
- Non-Retaliation: Individuals will not experience reprisals for voicing concerns or lodging complaints about discriminatory behaviours. All concerns of discrimination will be treated with professionalism and confidentiality.
- Accessibility: In accordance with RA 7277 (the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities), the CACC shall make appropriate accommodations for people with disabilities, guaranteeing complete access to services.
- Data Privacy: To protect people from discrimination resulting from breaches of sensitive data, the CACC maintains strict data privacy regulations.
Implementation
Working with university administrative bodies, the Career and Alumni Connection Center Officer will keep an eye on the CACC’s non-discrimination policy. Periodic evaluations will be carried out to guarantee adherence and enhance the application of the policy as needed.