Written by MICHELLE P. RANGES & JESSA MAE G. BUSTILLO | Photos courtesy of Chanel Palangdao
BAGUIO CITY, June 20, 2026 — Demonstrating its commitment to volunteerism, community engagement, and quality education, the University of Baguio School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (UB STELA) joined this year’s Brigada Eskwela at Kias Elementary School on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Faculty members, students, alumni, and volunteers from the Bachelor of Arts in English (BAEL), Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPS), Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), and BAPS alumni worked together to help prepare the school for the opening of classes. The initiative aimed to create a cleaner, safer, healthier, and more welcoming learning environment for learners returning for the new academic year.
Throughout the day, volunteers worked hand in hand on various school improvement initiatives. Activities included repainting classroom walls and doors, decorating and painting plant pots, and installing protective materials such as mosquito nets in selected areas of the campus. These improvements not only enhanced the physical appearance of the school but also contributed to a more conducive and secure atmosphere for learning.
The outreach activity reflects UB STELA’s support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by helping improve learning spaces for students; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through initiatives that promote a healthier school environment; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the strong collaboration between the university and Kias Elementary School.
Kias Elementary School Principal Mr. Nickcarter Cojpag Gonzalo Jr. expressed his appreciation to the UB STELA volunteers and partners for their valuable contributions. He emphasized that collaborative efforts such as Brigada Eskwela play a significant role in ensuring school readiness and fostering an environment where learners can thrive. He also highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in advancing the school’s mission of delivering quality basic education.
The success of the activity was made possible through the dedication and leadership of the outgoing STELA Outreach Coordinator, Mr. Norman Patiang, whose tireless efforts in planning and organizing the initiative helped bring the project to fruition. UB STELA also acknowledged the steadfast support and guidance of Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, Dean of STELA, whose active involvement contributed significantly to the activity’s success.
Beyond the visible improvements across the campus, the Brigada Eskwela engagement fostered a deeper sense of volunteerism, unity, and shared responsibility among participants. It also provided students, faculty members, and alumni with a meaningful opportunity to apply the values of service, teamwork, and civic engagement beyond the classroom setting.
As UB STELA continues to strengthen its outreach programs, partnerships such as this reinforce its mission of developing socially responsible individuals committed to community development and nation-building. Through initiatives like Brigada Eskwela, the college reaffirms its dedication to creating positive and lasting impacts both within and beyond the academic community.
