Written by Faith Pae Javier and Jereign Francis Mejia
The University of Baguio (UB) continues to demonstrate its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by translating its academic and institutional initiatives into concrete, community-level impact. On March 6, 2026, UB was honored at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) 75th Anniversary held at Newtown Plaza Hotel.
Themed “Henerasyon Ngayon Para sa Henerasyon ng Kinabukasan,” the event underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies, advancing SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which focuses on fostering effective partnerships to achieve sustainable development. UB’s recognition reflects the university’s holistic approach to embedding SDGs into institutional strategy, community engagement, and measurable outcomes.
During the ceremony, UB received the prestigious Iyaman Award, which acknowledges outstanding volunteer partners and organizational collaborators. DSWD Assistant Regional Director Cecile A. Basawil emphasized the critical role of such partnerships in delivering “extraordinary service” to local communities. UB was represented by Faith Pae Javier and Jereign Francis Mejia from the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS), highlighting the university’s strategic role as a catalyst for social welfare development in the Cordillera Administrative Region. The recognition validates UB’s commitment to operationalizing SDGs through systematic collaboration, evidence-based programs, and capacity-building efforts.
UB’s strategic contributions span several academic units, each aligning with specific SDGs and demonstrating measurable impact:
The School of Dentistry (SOD) advanced SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by conducting dental outreach programs across five barangays in Quezon Hill, providing dental check-ups and fluoride applications to Day Care students, thereby promoting lifelong oral hygiene practices and contributing to long-term public health improvements.
In alignment with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace and Justice, UB High School implemented tutorial services for out-of-school youth (OSY) at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth, supporting SDG 4 by delivering education for sustainable development and facilitating the reintegration of vulnerable adolescents into formal schooling.
The School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) furthered SDG 16 by offering scholarships to DSWD personnel, strategically investing in human capital to strengthen the operational capacity and effectiveness of public institutions. Central to the recognition of the University of Baguio (UB) is its strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This commitment is exemplified through a formalized Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the university and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR), which establishes a three-year collaborative framework.
Under this agreement, UB implements specialized scholarship programs collectively known as Project ISKOLAR TI UB for DSWD personnel. These include full scholarships granted annually to two permanent employees, covering tuition and miscellaneous fees for graduate studies, as well as partial scholarships that provide a tuition discount to other DSWD staff enrolling in graduate programs. The initiative prioritizes key degree programs such as the Master in Crisis and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (MCDRRM) and the Master in Public Administration (MPA), thereby contributing to the strengthening of public service leadership and capacity in the Cordillera region.
Additionally, the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) addressed SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through its partnership with the Visually Impaired for Positive and Progressive Dreamers (VIPPD), promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, capacity-building, and economic empowerment for marginalized sectors. These programs reflect UB’s evidence-based approach, emphasizing quantifiable impact, inclusivity, and sustainable outcomes.
Through these initiatives, the University of Baguio demonstrates its ability to integrate education, social responsibility, and research into actionable strategies that contribute to sustainable development. By linking institutional efforts to measurable SDGs—from healthcare interventions and education programs to scholarships and inclusive partnerships—UB not only enhances the welfare of communities but also strengthens its own organizational capacity in line with standards on program relevance, societal impact, and partnership engagement. The university’s continued commitment ensures that today’s work lays a resilient, equitable, and sustainable foundation for future generations.
