Union of Financial Minds: UC Hosts the 24th Inter-Collegiate Finance Competition (ICFC)

by: JFINEX

Supporting Global Goals for Sustainable Development

The University of the Cordilleras proudly aligns this event with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 4: Quality Education (Indicator 4.4.1 – Increase youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship)
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (Indicator 8.6.1 – Reduce youth not in employment, education, or training)
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (Indicator 17.17.1 – Promote effective public-private and inter-institutional partnerships)

Baguio City, Philippines — November 22, 2024

The University of the Cordilleras (UC) proudly served as the Baguio hub for the 24th Inter-Collegiate Finance Competition (ICFC), a prestigious nationwide academic event that brought together the brightest minds in finance from across Luzon. In partnership with the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), the event celebrated academic excellence, strategic thinking, and collaboration among institutions.

A Showcase of Financial Brilliance

Held at the UC campus, the competition welcomed ten distinguished institutions:

University of the Cordilleras
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Kingfisher School of Business & Finance
Lorma Colleges
Mountain Province State University
Pangasinan State University – San Carlos City Campus
PHINMA University of Pangasinan
Saint Louis College – City of San Fernando
Saint Mary’s University
University of Luzon

Each team faced rigorous challenges in corporate finance, investment analysis, economics, and ethical business practices, demonstrating their mastery of financial concepts.

Guided by Excellence

UC’s student teams were mentored by esteemed faculty members from the College of Business Administration:

Mr. Joe-el S. Marcelo, MBA
Mr. John Carlo B. De Leon, MBA
Ms. Renee Rose B. Flores, MBA

Their guidance emphasized technical expertise and ethical leadership, preparing students for both competition and future careers in finance.

A National Platform for Regional Talent

With 97 schools competing simultaneously across the Philippines, the ICFC reaffirmed its role as a premier academic event promoting inclusivity and excellence. The multi-venue format allowed students from various regions to showcase their skills on a national stage.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Francia R. Santos highlighted the importance of collaboration and unity in shaping the future of finance. She emphasized that the ICFC is not just a competition, but a movement that connects institutions and empowers students to become catalysts of change in the financial industry.

More Than a Competition

The ICFC fosters:

Critical thinking and problem-solving
Teamwork and collaboration
Ethical decision-making
National pride and unity

Participants left with a deeper understanding of the financial world and a renewed commitment to excellence and integrity.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Financial Leaders

As the financial landscape evolves, events like ICFC are vital in preparing students to lead with confidence, innovation, and conscience. UC remains committed to supporting initiatives that develop globally competitive, socially responsible, and financially literate professionals.