ON February l5, 2008, the illustrious University of Nueva Caceres celebrates her Diamond Jubilee Anniversary since her birth in June, l948, which time witnessed as well the installation of Naga as a chartered city.

       &nbsThe Nueva Caceres Colleges, forerunner of the UNC, humbly housed in the wooden Flordeliza building fronting the Quezon Square, never had it so invigorating when she transferred to the present Igualdad location after four years. There, she labored in want and hope with folks to revitalize the efforts of hopeful residents in the city during the postwar years. It was one moment of glory.

       &nbsShe knew in those days she had to act fast, in candor though. So the full secondary course, education, and two-year liberal arts, law were needed. Other curricula had to be added later. Now, the university remains robust with graduate studies, law, engineering and architecture, commerce and accountancy, arts and sciences, education, computer studies, and nursing.

       &nbsThe unprecedented growth was irreversible, given the moral integrity of the founder of the school. Its magnanimity was impressively strong that firmness of character became a distinctive characteristic of Dr. Jaime Hernandez.

       &nbsAt one instance in a critical situation in our country, when the late Hernandez was auditor general of the Philippine Commonwealth, former Pres. Manuel Quezon, being consumed by tuberculosis that eventually took his life, asked his cabinet members to pass a resolution to urge the American government to extend his term as president. The expiration of the term was on November l5, l943. Nonetheless, he wanted to die as president.

       &nbsSergio Osmena, Andres Soriano, Joaquin Elizalde, Basilio Valdez contemplated agreement for Quezon was a brilliant leader; Hernandez dissented on account of the Philippine Constitution. Quezon died in Saranak Lake Resort, New york, in l944.

       &nbsThat unblemished passion for justice, truth in extraordinary times flamed the same glowing prudence creating the Nueva Caceres Colleges’ philosophy, “Non Scholae Sed Vitae” (Not a School but of Life). Hernandez was then the Secretary of Finance.

       &nbsThe emphasis of the sciences on the child, on individuality during those years as they dovetailed education more than made tenable the institution’s direction already pressed resolute by rehabilitation.

       &nbsAt no time late with the founder at the helm, the colleges earned the university status, the first in Bicol. Students from every nook and cranny throughout the region came in droves to find extra-fascination fulfillment in their training among mentors whose equals were only found in Manila. Writer Bienvenido Santos, an icon of a scholar and a very gentle soul, rode its tide. But that was simply a side of the coin, generosity was stamped on each office door so that parents and students were not half-hearted when soliciting extension in payment of dues, even though the fees were relatively low.

       &nbsIt was no wonder that two years past, today, to be listed in the ledger of the school were some ll0 national topnotchers from the different disciplines taken at the university and a sizeable number as heads of offices in government and in the private sector. And a lot more appealing were the UNC graduates manning the base of economy and service agencies.

       &nbsMany have left the country and settled elsewhere, but when they do return for a visit, they never fail to come to the campus and reminisce the old days in some corner, most getting the feel of association’s familiarity. The dignity of indebtedness, you may say to an alma mater that gave them an incomparable option.

       &nbsThis Foundation day, a select group of achievers, would be drawn from the UNC alumni. Also, the historical marker of the school shall be unveiled by the National Historical Institute with gallery and musical honoring Dr. Jaime Hernandez for the legacy he left behind that is a living heritage to his family, his friends, his students, and to all Bicolanos.

       &nbsWhen the fete ends or even before the noise simmers down, detractors of the university, envious of her becoming, so spreading lies of every sort that the UNC would be sold out, would have their misgivings leaving imprints only to themselves. How can you sell an inheritance that is alive, no sir, no way, you have to hold on it till your last breath, amigo.