Written by: Arren Joybless M. Candano | Photographed by: Geraldo Sayaan
On November 29, 2025, the University of Baguio’s School of Natural Sciences (SNS), in partnership with the La Trinidad Therapy Center for Children with Disabilities, successfully conducted its 7th annual community outreach program titled “Celebrating Exceptionalities.” Held at the La Trinidad Tourism Building, Km5 La Trinidad, Benguet, the activity brought together the spirit of service, compassion, and inclusivity for children with disabilities and their families.
This year’s outreach welcomed 80 child beneficiaries, each accompanied by their parents or guardians. The event aimed not only to provide basic health services but also to celebrate the uniqueness and strengths of every child. With the support of 20 dedicated faculty members from the UB School of Natural Sciences and one passionate alumna, the program was executed with efficiency and a shared sense of purpose. It is more than just a medical outreach; the event highlighted the power of partnership and shared advocacy, fulfilling the university’s mission for community engagement.
Commitment to Holistic Health
The outreach featured a warm and supportive environment where children and families received a variety of essential services, directly contributing to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Upon arrival, each child was welcomed with a thoughtfully prepared goody bag filled with snacks, a toy, and hygiene essentials. Such simple tokens helped set a joyful day. They also received important healthcare services.
MLS (Medical Laboratory Science) faculty members provided free urinalysis, hematocrit testing, and blood typing, giving parents valuable baseline information about their children’s health. Meanwhile, PT (Physical Therapy) faculty members conducted vital signs assessment and BMI monitoring, offering guidance on the children’s physical development and overall well-being. Complementing these was the medical consultation area, where the resident physician took time to listen to parents’ concerns, assess the children’s conditions, and provide free medicines and vitamins to support their immediate health needs. This cross-disciplinary approach ensured comprehensive care, reinforcing the quality of education and practical application of learning at UB.
Partnership for Sustainable Impact
The consistent, annual execution of this program, now in its seventh year, serves as a strong evidence document for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This sustained engagement between the University of Baguio (a Higher Education Institution) and the La Trinidad Therapy Center (an NGO/Local Partner) is a clear demonstration of effective cross-sectoral SDG dialogues and collaboration for social policy implementation. This program is a testament to UB’s institutional commitment to stewardship and outreach educational activities for the wider community. https://sdg.ubaguio.edu/serving-exceptionally-and-celebrating-exceptionalities-year-6/
In the end, “Celebrating Exceptionalities” became more than an outreach. It became a testament to the community’s enduring commitment to uplifting every child. As this annual tradition moves forward, it remains a bright reminder that every child’s exceptionalities are worth celebrating and nurturing year after year, solidifying the School of Natural Sciences’ reputation for health excellence and community service.
