Written by Jelisa Valdez
BAGUIO CITY – The University of Baguio School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS), in collaboration with the SCJPS Student Body and the University of Baguio Graduate School, successfully conducted the “Be a Good Citizen” Interactive Workshop at Pinget Elementary School, Baguio City, on November 14, 2025. This half-day outreach program aimed to nurture civic responsibility, ethical behavior, and social awareness among Grade 5 pupils through interactive, learner-centered, and age-appropriate activities.
The workshop featured guided discussions, reflections, and situational exercises designed to introduce pupils to the principles of good citizenship, respect for rules, social responsibility, environmental awareness, and basic concepts of juvenile justice. By connecting lessons to real-life experiences, children were encouraged to understand how their daily actions influence their school, family, and community. This approach fostered accountability, cooperation, and peaceful interactions. The interactive nature of the program allowed learners to actively practice decision-making and conflict-resolution skills while internalizing key civic values.
The successful implementation of the activity was made possible through collaborative efforts among multiple academic units of the University of Baguio. The initiative was led by SCJPS with strong support from the University of Baguio School of Nursing (UB-SON). Faculty members facilitated sessions to ensure that lessons were both engaging and age-appropriate, while officers of the SCJPS Student Body assisted in mentoring pupils and leading activities. The workshop was further enriched by the participation of graduate students from the University of Baguio Graduate School, representing the Master of Crisis and Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology, and Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology programs. Their involvement ensured that the sessions were academically sound, research-based, and effectively delivered, reflecting the University’s strong commitment to service learning and community engagement.
The “Be a Good Citizen” Interactive Workshop is also strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributed most significantly to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by educating pupils about responsible citizenship, respect for rules, and the consequences of unlawful behavior. Through collaborative and interactive activities, children learned the importance of fairness, accountability, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. Early exposure to these civic values is an important preventive measure against youth involvement in risky or delinquent behavior while simultaneously strengthening the community’s foundation for peace and law-abiding practices.
The program further supported SDG 4: Quality Education by providing inclusive, holistic, and values-oriented learning experiences beyond the standard classroom curriculum. Pupils developed life skills such as empathy, self-discipline, decision-making, and respect for others, contributing to their overall character formation and competence. At the same time, SCJPS students benefited from experiential learning and community immersion, gaining practical experience in teaching, facilitation, and civic engagement.
Although not its primary focus, the workshop indirectly supported SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by promoting mental, emotional, and social well-being among children. Lessons included avoiding harmful behaviors, managing peer pressure, and making safe choices. The activity encouraged healthier lifestyles and reduced exposure to violence or unsafe practices. It also contributed to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by ensuring that civic education and youth development opportunities were accessible to all pupils, particularly those from marginalized communities who might otherwise have limited guidance. By empowering every child with essential knowledge and values, the workshop helped reduce social and developmental disparities.
Finally, the initiative demonstrated SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strong cooperation between SCJPS, Pinget Elementary School, and other community stakeholders. This collaboration highlighted the effectiveness of multi-sector engagement in delivering meaningful youth programs. The joint efforts of faculty, students, and partner institutions ensured that the workshop was not only well-organized and research-based but also responsive to the needs of the community.
Guided by the research of Dr. Charesma Grace K. Lud-ayen, the program underscored the importance of early intervention and preventive education in shaping ethical, responsible, and community-oriented young citizens. The “Be a Good Citizen” Interactive Workshop exemplifies SCJPS’ commitment to youth development, community engagement, and civic responsibility, reinforcing the University of Baguio’s mission to nurture socially aware, compassionate, and ethically responsible future leaders.
