Written by Dixie Lidawan
Photos courtesy of Caleb Krysstofer Lozares
The University of Baguio’s School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) successfully conducted a community outreach activity titled “Baking Bridges: A Skill-Building Session” in partnership with Barangay Pinsao Proper. This initiative aimed to empower residents by providing them with fundamental baking knowledge and essential kitchen and food safety practices, adding to the livelihood program planned for them.
Held at the University of Baguio on July 26, 2025, the session was attended by ten selected participants from the Barangay Pinsao Proper community. The activity commenced with an opening prayer by SIHTM Faculty, Mr. Chris Evan Amansec, and welcome remarks delivered by Ms. Joanna Marie V. Villavicencio, Program Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM-IT). In her message, she emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and the significance of providing individuals with opportunities for a sustainable livelihood.
The program’s first session, “Hygiene and Sanitation: What to Practice?”, was facilitated by esteemed trainer Chef Eulynette Sweet Garcia. This session emphasized proper food handling, kitchen cleanliness, and standard sanitation protocols, setting the foundation for safe and effective baking practices.
Participants then engaged in two interactive baking sessions headed by Chef Aileen Manecla, where they applied their newly acquired knowledge through hands-on activities. Guided step-by-step by the resource trainers, attendees enthusiastically prepared and baked a variety of goods, including baked chocolate chip cookies & no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies, gaining practical skills that could be applied both in household settings and potential entrepreneurial ventures.
The session concluded with a heartfelt documentation, featuring the proudly presented baked products, a testament to the participants’ hard work and learning throughout the session. Ms. Kresdale May Pacalso, Program Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM), delivered the closing message, expressing her appreciation for the participants’ involvement and reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering strong community relationships.
This activity forms part of SIHTM’s continuing mission to advance community engagement by bridging education with livelihood and empowerment, responding to Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Through initiatives like this, the school remains steadfast in cultivating service-driven citizenship and developing meaningful partnerships that bring lasting impact to the local community.
