February 16, 2026 – The University of Baguio (UB), aided by the Linkages Office, facilitated another MOA signing between one of its schools and an esteemed partner, further strengthening its collaborative efforts with the community.
The School of Dentistry (SD), led by the dean, Dr. Ian Steve Bandaay, and accompanied by Dr. Stephanie Charleine Hernandez and Dr. Irish Anthony Mascareñas, formally convened with the Rotary Club of Baguio – Summer Capital, represented by Mr. Paraiso Bautista, during the meeting to reinforce both organizations’ commitment to community service.
Also present at the meeting were Dr. Ruthgar Tecson (faculty, SD), Mr. Jumel Salva (faculty, SIHTM), and Atty. John Ray Libiran (dean, School of Law), who are active members of the Rotary Club of Baguio as well as members of the university’s workforce. Presiding over the flow of the program was Ms. Mae Janica Palkit (International Affairs Staff, Linkages Office)
Forging strong collaborations towards sustainable dental healthcare
This collaboration aimed to strengthen the university’s programs in allied medical services, particularly dental healthcare. As of recently, the School of Dentistry has been working tirelessly alongside the other health service fields in order to address the growing need for medical care, especially for underprivileged communities.
UB values these relationships with external partners as they further its agenda of contributing to the greater society in areas beyond just education. As a key community institution, the university continues to develop its outreach and extension activities and programs, targeting key needs for vulnerable areas and populations that constantly require resources, time, and dedication to address.
Through collaborations with organizations such as Rotary Baguio Summer Capital, the university continues to further its efforts to meaningfully support and contribute to the improvement of medical care and overall quality of life within the City of Baguio and its neighboring communities.
These initiatives also contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, it targets Goal No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as Rotary and SD make preparations to execute dental missions that will make dental healthcare more accessible to different parts of the community, and Goal No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals as it allows the university to join forces with other institutions and make a joint effort to address issues that affect the entire community as a whole.
