Written by: Kristine Padong and Japhet Perez, SBAA Interns | Photos by: Rey Pagarigan and Julien Wacat, SBAA Interns
On April 23, 2026, the University of Baguio (UB) Multi-level Parking Lot became a hub of empowerment and collaboration as the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) OJTs spearheaded a landmark outreach activity held there entitled “Organizational Development, Sustainability and Non-Profit Registration Dialogue.” The activity was co-organized with the UB Quality Assurance Office (QAO), and the UB School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA). A total of 92 guests, organizers, and participants (51 of whom are SBAA students) actively joined the initiative.
The activity with the theme “Dreams with Direction: A dialogue for Visually Impaired Persons for Positive and Progressive Dreamers’ (VIPPD) Sustainable Future,” convened a comprehensive dialogue aimed at transitioning the association into a formally registered, sustainable non-profit organization or cooperative, depending on the decision of the VIPPD group. The event featured a rigorous program flow that bridged academic expertise with regulatory guidance, ensuring that the visually impaired community in Baguio is equipped for long-term independence.
The session hosted by Ms. Katrine P. Dumling, QAO Staff, opened with Dr. Kareen B. Leon, QAO director, welcoming all the guests and participants. The focus then turned to the technicalities of institutional growth, facilitated by Mr. Franklin Jan L. Wayang, SBAA Community Outreach and Extension (COE) Coordinator, and Dr. Candido M. Perez (SBAA Program Chair for Master in Business Administration and Doctor in Business Administration). The exploration of potential funding sources and shared testimonials came from representatives of successful non-profits and cooperatives from the Irisan Persons with Disability Organisation (IPWDO), Youth-On-Point (YOP), Inc, National Commission of Senior Citizens-Cordillera Administrative Region (NCSC-CAR), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)- Baguio, and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Regional District Office (RDO) 8.
A pivotal moment of the dialogue featured Dr. Samuel Aquino, representing the Baguio City Mayor’s Office, and the leadership of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO)- Baguio City. His discussion centered on the current “ground-level” situation of VIPPD and how the city government and concerned organizations, as well as agencies, can transition from providing mere assistance to fostering true institutional independence. The representatives from the SEC and BIR clarified registration, regulation, and tax exemption requirements. Key topics also included: Compliance: Navigating the specific mandates of the SEC and BIR, and Accountability: Shifting the mindset “from income to impact” by preparing for audit requirements and financial statements.
The School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) then provided a major highlight with updates on their cutting machine project, a technological intervention designed to streamline VIPPD’s production processes. The group then discussed raw material procurement and capacity estimation to ensure the VIPPD can meet market demand.
The VIPPD is a community-based association registered with the Department of Labor and Employment – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) in May 2023 and adopted by UB.
This activity serves as a practical application of the UB’s commitment to the United Nations- Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), ensuring that no sector of society is left behind:
SDG 1: No Poverty, by providing the technical and legal roadmap for non-profit and livelihood organizations and cooperatives, the program empowers VIPPDs to access resources that alleviate poverty and build economic resilience. SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing specialized training on legal and financial processes, UB extends its educational mission beyond the classroom to empower marginalized groups with practical, high-value life skills. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, The dialogue equips participants with the knowledge to form recognized organizations, opening doors to formal entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and sustainable employment.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, this initiative focuses specifically on VIPPDs, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized sectors have equal access to institutional support and the “direction” needed to participate in the local economy. SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, the collaboration between UB, the Baguio LGU, and various national agencies (SEC, BIR, NCSC) exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnership essential for achieving sustainable community development.
The meeting ended with a powerful sense of hope and a clear plan for the future. By joining forces with the UB, cooperative, non-government and government leaders, the VIPPD is no longer just a small community group; they are becoming a professional, legally recognized organization. With new business skills, better equipment, and strong legal support, the members are ready to stand on their own feet. This partnership proves that when a city works together, everyone, regardless of their sight, has the opportunity to build a better life and contribute to a brighter Baguio.
