Written by: Handre Jones Tongbaban and Beatrix Ramirez
Contributor: Fawn Maday-a
On April 26, 2025, the Legacy Building of the University of Baguio became more than just a venue for sports, lectures and classes—it transformed into a space for empowerment, connection, and life-saving learning.
With an air of excitement and purpose, the University of Baguio rolled out a remarkable event titled “BLS to the Rescue: Save Lives, the Beat is on You,” designed for the first-year NSTPRO2 students of the School of Information Technology. The goal? To bridge the gap between health education and everyday readiness, proving that anyone—regardless of field—can be equipped to save lives. This activity is a collaboration between the School of Nursing under the S.A.L.U.N.- A.T. Program and the School of Information Technology under the initiative of Ms. Fawn Maday-a, SON ECOS Coordinator and Ms. Junamel Zamora, SIT ECOS Coordinator.
At the heart of the session was guest speaker Mr. Vince Paul Onato Andaya, RN, an Emergency Response Nurse of John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), Committee Chairperson- Red Cross Youth: Board of Directors ( Phil. Red Cross Baguio Chapter), CADRE and Emergency First Aid Instructor ( Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office) and an alumnus of the University of Baguio- School of Nursing, whose energy and expertise brought both inspiration and practical knowledge to the room. A strong advocate of public health and emergency preparedness, Sir Vince delivered an engaging talk that seamlessly transitioned into hands-on demonstrations. With calm clarity and encouraging guidance, he taught students how to respond to emergencies with confidence from performing CPR to applying bandages and safely packaging a patient for transport.
Each lesson was anchored in real-world application, with CPR compressions paced to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive,” helping students internalize the rhythm of a life-saving technique. What may have started as unfamiliar territory for the SIT students quickly turned into a shared sense of capability and responsibility.
Supporting Sir Vince were UB’s dedicated clinical instructors-Ms. Aissa Pater, Ms. Fawn Maday-a, Mr. Froilan Pelico, and Ms. Josephine Bacasen—whose presence ensured that every student felt guided and supported throughout the experience. The Level 4 nursing students in turn, stepped into leadership roles with poise and compassion, facilitating each station and patiently helping each participant practice the skills hands-on.
What stood out most was the visible transformation among the participants. Many of the SIT students had never encountered first aid training before, yet by the end of the session, they stood taller— more informed, more prepared, and more confident in their ability to respond in a crisis.
Beyond the technical skills and training, the event served as a profound testament to what it means to be part of the University of Baguio community, dedicated to service, education, and stepping up when it matters most. This achievement reflects the university’s steadfast commitment to shaping future responders while advancing Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)-training future responders directly contributes to improved healthcare and emergency response capabilities. SDG 4 (Quality Education)– It fosters a learning environment where students gain practical expertise, theoretical knowledge, and ethical foundations, preparing them to excel in their fields and serve society effectively. SDG 5 (Gender Equality)– Creating spaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can learn and contribute helps break barriers and ensure equal representation in emergency response and public service. And SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)-the university partners with local government units and health institutions, which fosters progress toward global development goals. Strengthening partnerships amplifies the impact of educational initiatives and emergency preparedness efforts.
The students both SON and SIT, thank you for proving that leadership and learning know no bounds. Because in the end, when lives are on the line, the beat is on all of us..
