Is the University of Nueva Caceres for Sale or Just a Rumor?

UNC. Façade of the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City.
UNC. Façade of the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City.

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Main entrance of the University of Nueva Caceres, photo courtesy by Michael V. Llaban.

The first and oldest university in southern Luzon is for sale. Local report confirmed the 65-year-old University of Nueva Caceres in Naga city is in the auction block. The buzz is that the majority owners, however, have already concluded negotiation with a buyer for an undisclosed value.

The buyer is said to be a prominent in the local business and education sectors. The De La Salle University has taken interest to buy into the school but failed after reportedly failing to meet certain conditions.

Occupying a five-hectare site in the city, the university was founded in 1948. It was initially known as the Nueva Caceres Colleges founded by Dr. Jaime Hernandez According to Mr. Freddie Bernal of the Commission on Higher Education-Bicol regional director, the report is still a rumor about the desire to sell.

Acting UNC Dean Lourdes Anonas cannot be contacted for comment but a grandson of the university founder, Eduardo “Bong” Sison, also among the top executives of UNC, meanwhile expressed UNC is not selling out.

Sison admitted UNC got foreign offers to buy from China, New Zealand and Australia even as the Phinma group of companies of Del Rosario has reportedly shown interest.

A source said that among the pre-conditions set to have the sale negotiation considered, aside from the undisclosed amount, is that the original name University of Nueva Caceres be retained and the statue of university founder Dr. Jaime Hernandez stay. The selling price is rumored pegged at P2Bn.

The university is partly embarking on a web-based enrollment, distance learning, establishment and operation of e-library, and sports as part of its modernization program.

Among the original incorporators including Hernandez were Ambassador Jose Fuentebella, Senator Edmundo Cea, Atty. Antonio M. Sison, Atty. Juan F. Trivinio and Dr. Manuel Abella. (From PNA report)

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