Tycoon is the official student publication of the School of Business and Accountancy (SBA) at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) in Naga City, Philippines.1 As a college-specific media organization, its primary mandate is to serve the students, faculty, and administration of the SBA by focusing on topics relevant to business, finance, entrepreneurship, and accountancy.
The publication operates within the institutional framework of the University of Nueva Caceres, a pioneering private, non-sectarian university founded on June 1, 1948, by Dr. Jaime Hernandez.1 UNC holds the distinction of being the first university established in Southern Luzon and has since become one of the largest higher education institutions in the Bicol Region.1 The university is currently managed by iPeople, Inc., a joint venture between two of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, Ayala Corporation and the Yuchengco Group of Companies.1 This corporate stewardship has significantly shaped UNC’s modern strategic direction, emphasizing the development of “purposeful, productive, and future-ready human beings” who can contribute to national economic development.2
The publication’s name, Tycoon, is thematically aligned with the aspirational mission of its parent college. The School of Business and Accountancy is dedicated to cultivating future business leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals, and the name reflects this focus on industry leadership and economic success.6
Overview and Identity
As the official voice of the School of Business and Accountancy, Tycoon‘s identity is shaped by its specific role within the university, its deliberate nomenclature, and its classification as a pre-professional student organization.
Role and Mandate as an Official College Publication
Tycoon is explicitly identified as the “official publication of the College of Business and Accountancy”.1 This designation is significant as it distinguishes it from independent, university-wide publications such as
The Democrat.1 As an “official” publication, its editorial direction and content are intrinsically linked to the strategic goals and academic mission of its parent college. Its primary mandate is to function as the main communication channel for the SBA community. This involves reporting on college-specific news, faculty research, curriculum updates, student achievements, and alumni success stories.
Furthermore, its role extends beyond simple news dissemination. The publication serves as an academic and professional resource, providing analysis, commentary, and feature articles on subjects directly aligned with the business and accountancy curriculum. Topics likely covered include market trends, financial analysis, marketing strategies, corporate governance, and profiles of industry leaders. In this capacity, Tycoon supports the college’s educational objectives by reinforcing classroom learning with relevant, real-world content and fostering a strong sense of professional identity among its student readership.6 Its operations are expected to be collaborative with the college administration, reflecting and promoting the vision, mission, and core values of the School of Business and Accountancy.6
Nomenclature and Thematic Alignment
The name “Tycoon” is a deliberate and thematically potent choice that encapsulates the ethos of the School of Business and Accountancy. The term, which entered the English lexicon from the Japanese word taikun (meaning “great lord” or “shogun”), was popularized in the United States during the Gilded Age to describe powerful industrialists and financiers who “swung deals, not swords, and changed the business landscape forever”.7 Figures such as steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, oil baron J.D. Rockefeller, and automotive pioneer Henry Ford came to define the archetype of the American tycoon—an individual of immense power, influence, and wealth built through innovation, strategic vision, and a relentless work ethic.7
This nomenclature directly mirrors the stated vision of the UNC School of Business and Accountancy, which aims for its graduates to become “leaders and active agents in nation-building by entrepreneurship and by honest, dedicated service”.6 The name implies an aspirational focus for its content, centering on narratives of success, leadership, economic growth, and wealth creation. It suggests an editorial philosophy that is inherently pro-business and geared toward inspiring students to achieve significant influence in the corporate world. By adopting this name, the publication brands itself as a platform for future captains of industry, aligning perfectly with the college’s mission to transform students into “competent professionals, proactive managers and entrepreneurs”.8 The name functions not merely as a title but as a constant declaration of the college’s purpose, framed within its core values of excellence, leadership, and integrity.6
Classification as a Student Organization
Within the broader context of university life, student publications are a distinct category of student organization, typically classified under media or publications groups.10 More specifically,
Tycoon fits the description of an “Academic/Pre-Professional” organization.10 This classification applies to student groups designed for those interested in a particular career or academic field, with a focus on establishing professional networks and developing discipline-specific skills.10
At the University of Nueva Caceres, this role is formalized and integrated into the institution’s educational philosophy. Student organizations are described as a “second curriculum,” intended to provide students with experiential training in leadership, civic participation, and applied learning within their chosen discipline.12 Participation in organizations like
Tycoon is therefore not viewed as a purely extracurricular pursuit but as a vital component of a student’s holistic development. This framework connects student involvement directly to career readiness, a link that is further emphasized by the university’s Career Services and Placement Office and its Professional Employment Program (PEP).12 Thus, working for
Tycoon offers students a structured opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, developing valuable skills in writing, editing, management, and marketing that contribute to their overall employability.
Institutional Context: University of Nueva Caceres
The character, purpose, and operational environment of Tycoon are profoundly influenced by the history, governance, and strategic direction of its parent institution, the University of Nueva Caceres.
History and Heritage
The University of Nueva Caceres was founded on June 1, 1948, by Dr. Jaime Hernandez, a distinguished Bicolano who had served as the Philippines’ Secretary of Finance.1 Initially established as Nueva Caceres Colleges, it was the first university in Southern Luzon outside of Manila, cementing its status as a pioneering and leading institution of higher learning in the Bicol Region.1
The university’s guiding philosophy is encapsulated in its Latin motto, Non Scholæ Sed Vitæ, which translates to “Not of School, but of Life”.1 This motto reflects a commitment to an educational model that prioritizes practical, real-world application and lifelong learning over purely theoretical knowledge. This foundational principle of experiential education provides a philosophical underpinning for co-curricular activities like student publications, which are seen as essential platforms for students to apply their learning in tangible ways.
The Ayala Corporation Era and Strategic Vision
A pivotal moment in the university’s modern history occurred on July 28, 2015, when Ayala Education, Inc., the education investment arm of the Ayala Corporation, acquired a 60% majority stake in UNC through a ₱450 million investment.1 This acquisition marked a fundamental shift in the university’s governance, infusing it with a corporate-driven strategic vision. The Ayala Group’s stated goal was to “deliver high quality, affordable education that can significantly enhance the employability of graduates” by closely aligning academic programs with the needs of industry.13
This corporate influence has reshaped UNC’s institutional identity. The university adopted a new vision “To be the top University of Choice for Bicolanos everywhere” and a mission centered on producing “purposeful, productive, and future-ready human beings” who will contribute to sustainable development.2 This has created a highly corporatized academic environment where metrics such as employability, industry partnership, and economic impact are paramount. This environment provides the ideological foundation for a publication like
Tycoon. The publication’s thematic focus on business leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic success is perfectly aligned with the university’s top-down strategic goals, which are a direct result of its corporate ownership. Tycoon thus operates in a context where its mission is not only supported but actively encouraged by the university’s highest strategic priorities.
Academic Standing and Recognition
The University of Nueva Caceres is consistently recognized as a premier seat of learning in the Bicol region, with one of the largest student populations and a comprehensive range of academic programs from pre-school to the graduate level.3 The quality of its programs is validated by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACU-COA).15 Specifically, the School of Business and Accountancy’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program holds a Level 3 accreditation, while its Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) program has achieved Level 1 accreditation.8
In 2025, UNC’s growing reputation was further solidified by its inclusion in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, making it the only private university in the Bicol Region to receive this distinction.5 The rankings assess universities globally on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNC was notably ranked for its work toward SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).5 This international recognition underscores the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only professionally competent but are also prepared to contribute to economic progress and social well-being, a mission that publications like
Tycoon are well-positioned to champion.
Parent College: The School of Business and Accountancy (SBA)
Tycoon is a direct extension of the School of Business and Accountancy and is governed by its specific academic and philosophical framework. The college’s mission, curriculum, and educational strategies provide the immediate context for the publication’s content and purpose.
Vision, Mission, and Core Values
The School of Business and Accountancy operates with a clearly defined strategic direction that shapes its academic and co-curricular activities.
- Vision: The SBA “envisions its graduates as leaders and active agents in nation-building by entrepreneurship and by honest, dedicated service in government and private entities, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of the Filipino, and responsive to the demands of a global business environment”.6 This vision places a strong emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility.
- Mission: The college’s mission is to make “quality and excellent business and accountancy education” accessible in order to transform individuals into “competent professionals, empowered leaders and proactive managers and entrepreneurs possessing the ideals of competence, integrity and moral and social responsibility”.6
- Core Values: To achieve its vision and mission, the SBA is guided by three core values: Excellence, which reflects a commitment to high academic standards and continuous improvement; Leadership, which focuses on nurturing students to drive positive change; and Integrity, which emphasizes ethical conduct and trustworthiness in all professional endeavors.6
These guiding principles form the editorial and ethical foundation for Tycoon. The publication is expected to embody these values, promoting excellence in its journalism, highlighting stories of leadership, and upholding a standard of integrity in its reporting.
Academic Programs and Curricular Focus
As a “top college of business in Bicol,” the SBA offers a range of degree programs designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the modern economy.6 The primary undergraduate programs are:
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA): This program is designed to prepare students for professional careers in accounting and for the demanding Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure examination. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical skills, objectivity, and a strong foundation in professional ethics and standards.8
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA): This program provides students with a broad foundation in business knowledge and leadership skills. It offers specializations in:
- Marketing Management (MM): Prepares students with technical skills and competencies in various areas of marketing.
- Financial Management (FM): Aims to give students a strong foundation in the theories, principles, and analytical tools necessary for sound financial decision-making.8
The students and faculty of these programs constitute the core readership, talent pool, and subject matter experts for Tycoon. The publication’s content is logically derived from these academic disciplines, focusing on topics such as financial markets, corporate accounting, marketing campaigns, and management strategies.
Student Capability Building and Co-Curricular Integration
A key objective of the School of Business and Accountancy is “Student Capability Building”.6 This initiative is focused on preparing students for “gainful employment,” equipping them with leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and ensuring accountancy students are ready to become CPAs.6 The college views student organizations as an essential tool in achieving this objective.
This approach aligns with the university-wide policy of treating student organizations as a “second curriculum” that provides “experiential training” and develops critical transferable skills.12 Consequently, participation in
Tycoon is structured as more than just an extracurricular activity; it is an applied learning platform. The publication functions as a practical laboratory where the theories and principles taught in the SBA classroom are put into practice. For instance, students majoring in Marketing Management can develop and execute promotional strategies to grow the publication’s readership. Financial Management majors can be tasked with managing the publication’s budget and financial planning. Students across all disciplines can develop their leadership and management skills by taking on editorial and operational roles. This hands-on experience directly fulfills the college’s “Student Capability Building” objective and embodies the university’s motto of Non Scholæ Sed Vitæ (“Not of School, but of Life”).1
Role in UNC’s Student Media Landscape
Tycoon operates within a diverse and highly structured ecosystem of student media at the University of Nueva Caceres. Its specific role is best understood by examining this broader landscape and by contrasting it with the university’s independent, flagship student newspaper.
A Structured System of College-Specific Publications
The University of Nueva Caceres maintains a decentralized system of student media, in which numerous colleges, departments, and academic levels host their own “official” publications.1 This structure allows for the creation of highly specialized, discipline-specific content tailored to the interests and academic needs of distinct communities within the university. Rather than relying on a single, monolithic student publication to cover all facets of campus life, this model fosters a rich environment of targeted discourse.
Tycoon‘s existence is a direct product of this institutional policy. It stands alongside a dozen other publications, each serving a specific constituency. This structure demonstrates a deliberate institutional commitment to providing students with multiple platforms for expression and professional development.
The following table, compiled from official university listings, illustrates the comprehensive nature of UNC’s student media system and situates Tycoon within it.1
| Publication Name | Affiliated College / Department / Level | Status |
| The Democrat | University-wide | Independent |
| Tycoon | College of Business and Accountancy | Official |
| Citrus | The College (unspecified) | Official |
| Literati | College of Arts and Sciences | Official |
| The Torch | College of Education | Official |
| The Perspective | College of Engineering and Architecture | Official |
| The Pantograph | Senior High School Department | Official |
| The Trailblazer | Junior High School Department | Official |
| The Children’s World | Elementary Department | Official |
| The A-Venue | UNC GS (Graduate School) | Student-Faculty |
| Sed Vitae | Research Center | Annual |
| Red and Gray | Graduating Students | Annual Pictorial Review |
Distinction from The Democrat
The most critical distinction within UNC’s media landscape is between the network of “official” publications and the university’s “independent” student publication, The Democrat.1 This distinction highlights a sophisticated institutional approach to managing student journalism.
The Democrat functions as a traditional campus newspaper with a university-wide scope and, crucially, editorial independence. This independence allows it to assume a watchdog role, covering topics that may be sensitive or critical of authority. For example, The Democrat has reported on incidents where its student journalists were allegedly subjected to intimidation and surveillance by members of the Philippine Army during their coverage of political rallies.18 This type of adversarial journalism, which champions press freedom and holds power to account, is a hallmark of an independent student press.
In contrast, Tycoon‘s status as an “official” publication of the School of Business and Accountancy suggests a fundamentally different mandate and relationship with the administration. Its role is likely more collaborative than adversarial, focused on promoting the college’s programs, celebrating its successes, and building a sense of community and professional identity among its students. While The Democrat engages with broad socio-political issues affecting the entire university community, Tycoon‘s focus remains tightly aligned with the specific academic and career-oriented goals of the SBA.
This bifurcated media landscape represents a strategic institutional design. It allows the university to simultaneously foster an environment of free expression through an independent, critical publication like The Democrat, while also ensuring that each academic college has a dedicated and aligned communication channel like Tycoon to promote its unique brand, curriculum, and industry partnerships. This dual structure effectively balances the ideals of a free campus press with the pragmatic communication and branding needs of a modern, corporatized university.
See Also
The Democrat (student publication)
List of student newspapers in the Philippines
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