Written by Nina Yzabel Salas, Jenelyn Gene Junio, and Jelisa Valdez | Photographed by Jelisa Valdez, Voughn Liam Laruan and Vergel Angelo Gaygay
BAGUIO CITY – The University of Baguio (UB) opened the Christmas season through the annual Paskua’t Pino celebration organized by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) on November 13 to 14, 2025, at the UB Cardinal’s Gym on General Luna Road. The event, known as UB G.I.F.T.S., brought together students from various departments and supported UB’s ongoing commitment to SDG 4 on Quality Education by offering students meaningful and skill-building extracurricular experiences.
The School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) distinguished itself by joining all competition categories, a participation that reflected the school’s dedication to comprehensive learning and capacity building. Their involvement supported SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, since the school worked closely with OSA and other departments to contribute actively to the university-wide celebration.
Full Participation in All Competitions
Paskua’t Pino featured several creative contests, including the Christmas Booth Fair Market, Christmas Decoration Making, Gingerbread House Making, Interschool Christmas Choral Showdown, Christmas Parol Making Competition, and Christmas Fashion Runway. SCJPS entered each of these events, demonstrating a wide range of skills that aligned with SDG 4 by encouraging practical application of classroom knowledge through hands-on activities and interdisciplinary teamwork.
In the Christmas Booth Fair Market, SCJPS students designed and managed a “resting booth” that invited visitors to take photos or relax, demonstrating thoughtful engagement with the community. The booth highlighted sustainable practices, as it was constructed primarily from bamboo salvaged after a recent typhoon, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. SCJPS’ participation in other creative competitions, including the parol-making, decoration, and gingerbread house contests, further exemplified SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by encouraging students to apply innovative thinking and craftsmanship in the design and execution of their entries.
SCJPS delivered an engaging performance in the Interschool Christmas Choral Showdown. Their preparation process strengthened collaboration, communication, and time management, which are competencies aligned with SDG 4 and its emphasis on inclusive and equitable quality education. Their participation in the Christmas Fashion Runway further supported SDG 9 by highlighting innovation in costume design and resourceful use of materials.
Building Camaraderie and School Spirit
Beyond the competitive aspect, SCJPS used the event as a platform to strengthen camaraderie and community engagement. Faculty members and student leaders provided guidance, ensuring a smooth preparation process for all entries. This cooperative environment aligned with SDG 17 by highlighting the value of partnership within academic institutions and emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in achieving successful outcomes.
A Celebration of Talent, Purpose, and Community
Paskua’t Pino became a meaningful avenue for SCJPS to combine creativity, academic growth, and advocacy for sustainable practices. By participating in every event category, the school demonstrated its commitment to SDG-driven learning and its enthusiasm for contributing to the university’s culture of community involvement. Their performance made a significant impact on the celebration and showcased the strength of the SCJPS student community.
