Never Tired, Never WURIed: ACC embraces the FLAIR spirit
By Iris Anne Oliveron
In the pursuit of global visibility and innovation, Abuyog Community College (ACC) once again proves that small institutions can dream and achieve big.
With the theme “Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation (FLAIR),” ACC administrative council, unit heads and coordinators converged for its Re-Echo Session on The FLAIR Master Class on October 30, 2025, at the ACC Business Incubation Facility.
The event featured two dynamic resource speakers, Ms. Dulce Amor C. Cutura, International Affairs and Linkages Coordinator, and Mr. Ritche Deloria, Executive Assistant under the Office of the President—both proud members of the Maanyag Class of 2025.
Fresh from their participation in the first-ever FLAIR Master Class in Region VIII, held last October 21–23, 2025, at Ironwood Hotel, Tacloban City, the two shared their learning experiences and insights from the national initiative spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VIII).
From Guessing Logos to Guessing Greatness
Before the formal session began, participants were treated to a lively “Guess the Logo” game—a fun prelude to an otherwise technical master class. From known brands to commercial emblems, one logo stood out: a brand that wittily expressed being “tired.”
But in the spirit of wit and inspiration, the facilitator, Prof. Alvin Advincula turned that moment into a powerful message;
“At ACC, we may get tired, but we’ll never WURIed!”
The playful line became the unofficial theme of the day, echoing the participants’ growing excitement about the WURI Rankings (World’s Universities with Real Impact)—a global measure that values innovation, social responsibility, and real-world contribution over traditional academic metrics.
Understanding WURI: Innovation Beyond the Classroom
Unlike conventional university rankings that focus on research output and publications, WURI redefines excellence. It highlights how schools make tangible impacts on communities, industries, and learners.
WURI evaluates higher education institutions based on 13 innovation-driven categories, ranging from student mobility and engagement, industrial application, to crisis management and social responsibility. In essence, it asks: “How do schools make a difference in the real world?”
For institutions like ACC, this framework is a beacon—an invitation to celebrate what truly matters: innovation with purpose.
ACC’s Baby Steps Toward WURI Recognition
During the workshop segment, participants explored the methods and strategies of preparing for WURI entries. Through brainstorming sessions, simulated write-ups, and collaborative discussions, ACC’s faculty and staff began mapping out institutional innovations aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and WURI’s global criteria.
These early actions though described as “baby steps” reflected ACC’s growing commitment to build a culture of innovation.
As Ms. Cutura shared, “Every small step we take now will lead us closer to global visibility. We’re not competing; we’re contributing.”
Mr. Deloria added that being part of the FLAIR Master Class inspired them to bring back not just knowledge but a renewed sense of purpose:
“We learned that international reputation begins with local innovation. The world will know us when we know who we are.”
ACC’s journey toward WURI may have just begun, but its direction is clear: to transcend limitations, celebrate innovation, and embrace the FLAIR of local college excellence.
Because at Abuyog Community College, the mission continues; Never be tired. Never be WURIed. Always inspired.