University News

UCCA, Otsuka Solar PH Ink Partnership for CaraBand

Ron Emil Sigua, News, University Center for Culture and the Arts

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), through the University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA), formally entered into a cultural partnership with Otsuka Solar PH during a virtual Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on July 24, 2025.

The partnership aims to foster artistic collaboration, talent development, and international engagement through the upcoming University CaraBand project.

Present at the signing were PUP President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Dr. Tomas Testor, UCCA Director Bely Ygot, UCCA Music Chief Hemmady Mora, and UCCA Dance and Drama Chief Alyssa Resurreccion. Representing Otsuka Solar PH were its President and official signatory, Ken Saito, along with his team.

The highlight of the collaboration is the CaraBand, a battle of the bands set for September, which will provide PUP student bands a platform to showcase their musical talent. Pocari Sweat, a product under Otsuka, will serve as the event’s official hydration partner.

The winning PUP band will advance to the Inter-University CaraBand competition. The overall champion will receive seven months of mentorship from a professional band coach or artist, an introduction to a music label, and an all-expense-paid concert experience in Japan in 2026.

President Muhi expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, reaffirming PUP’s commitment to producing well-rounded students through meaningful cultural engagements. This collaboration between UCCA and Otsuka Solar PH underscores the power of music to unite communities and promote artistic excellence beyond borders.

This initiative supports SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by empowering student talent, creating opportunities in the creative industries, and establishing global collaboration.