Written By Dr. Roselle G. Aniceto
The University of Baguio Science High School (UBSHS) successfully concluded its 2026 Immersion Camp held on January 28–30, 2026, at Francia Sur Elementary School, Tubao, La Union. The program stood as a flagship initiative that demonstrated how community immersion can serve as an innovative platform for leadership development through strong multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The immersion camp extended learning beyond the classroom by engaging students in authentic community experiences that fostered social awareness, responsibility, and service-oriented leadership. Through carefully planned activities and meaningful interaction with the host community, students were able to apply leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of real-world community contexts.
As part of its commitment to community empowerment and sustainability, the immersion camp actively supported the fundraising initiatives led by the teachers of Francia Sur Elementary School. Instead of purchasing food and refreshments from outside commercial establishments, students were encouraged to buy drinks and snacks prepared and sold by the teachers as part of the school’s fundraising activities. In addition, locally produced goods from Francia Sur parents—such as eggs, mushrooms, and plantains—were given priority for purchase to meet the needs of the immersion camp. This intentional approach directly supported the school, helped sustain parents’ livelihoods, and strengthened community participation and shared responsibility.
In addition to outreach and fundraising support, the University of Baguio Science High School formally turned over a pressure tank and a water pressure pump to Francia Sur Elementary School during the 2026 Immersion Camp. These donations aim to improve the school’s water system, providing a safer and more reliable supply of water for pupils and staff. The turnover reflects the University’s commitment to sustainable, needs-based community support that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
Central to the success of the program was the school–PTA–initiated donation drive of the University of Baguio Science High School, which mobilized support from a diverse network of stakeholders. Generous individuals, alumni, partner enterprises, parents, teachers, and community leaders contributed resources in support of the outreach activities. These donations included educational materials, school supplies, food items, hygiene kits, and other essential resources that were distributed to the pupils and community members of Francia Sur Elementary School.
The University of Baguio Science High School and its Parent–Teacher Association gratefully acknowledge the generosity and support of the following donors, whose contributions significantly strengthened the outreach component of the immersion camp: Gift of Grace Food Manufacturing Corporation; Hotel 45; Edwin Ana Tan; Santos Law Office; Myra Esnara; Elon Monang; Fe Padong; Engr. Noel Bombarda (CNC Consultant MGT); Kgd. Angie Doble (Barangay Fort del Pilar); Rufina Ruebe; Michael Dan Lee & Vanely Lee; Kgd. Rolando Martos (Barangay Fort del Pilar); Kgd. Karen Figueroa (Barangay Fort del Pilar); Kgd. Rocelle Abenoja (Barangay Fort del Pilar); Pang-hoi; Ferdinand B.; Liberty Cabalar; Celine Kiat-Ong; Reanne Kay Tadeo; Leanne Mamitag; FormoCha; Bono Lao; and other contributors whose generosity may not be mentioned specifically but whose support was invaluable, greatly appreciated, and duly recognized.
The immersion camp was further enriched by the active participation and warm support of the administrators, teachers, parents, and learners of Francia Sur Elementary School, as well as the Francia Sur community, who welcomed the UBSHS community with openness and cooperation. The assistance of the Local Government Unit and barangay officials of Tubao, La Union also ensured the smooth, safe, and meaningful implementation of the program. Under the guidance of their teachers and facilitators, UBSHS students actively participated in the planning and implementation of various immersion activities, including Academic Outreach through the “Teacher for a Day” program, the Foster a Child (Ading–Manong–Manang) Activity, the Foster a Family (Household Immersion), and the Community Cultural Exchange Program, which featured livelihood and cultural demonstrations led by community members.
Through these hands-on experiences, students were able to practice leadership grounded in empathy,
collaboration, and service—core values consistently upheld by the school. More than an outreach initiative, the 2026 Immersion Camp served as a shared learning journey that highlighted the power of partnerships and collective action. By integrating leadership formation, community-based fundraising support, and sustainable infrastructure assistance, the program demonstrated how education can serve as a catalyst for community development and social innovation.
The successful completion of the immersion camp strengthened institutional and community ties and reaffirmed the University of Baguio Science High School’s commitment to shaping learners who are not only academically competent but also socially responsible and community-oriented leaders. This program also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by enhancing learning environments and supporting school initiatives; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, through the donation of a pressure tank and water pressure pump; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering collaboration among students, parents, schools, and community stakeholders.
