On September 26, 2025 at the Alumni Audio-Visual Room (AVR), a total number of 38 participants and office representatives (24 teaching staff; 15 non-teaching staff) from the University of Baguio gathered around to discuss the primary objectives on strategies and potential mobility programs for partnerships, and meticulous curation for reports handling Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) centered articles and write-ups for university publications and press releases.
Leading the meeting was the Linkages Office Director, Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro, alongside staff and members from the International Affairs unit and Marketing and Promotions. The two-part event focused on policies and procedures related to partnerships and Academic Mobility, providing academic leaders and representatives with the necessary guidance when communicating and offering opportunities to students, stakeholders, and the UB community.
Creating and presenting structured mobility programs within the lines and implementations on the impending International Internship Fair, and Tripartite/GAIL (school level and institutional level) collaboration with partnered institutions and professional-level businesses.
A Discussion on Effective Academic Mobility Plans and Key Global Partnerships
The presentation highlighted global opportunities, including the International Education Internship Fair and the BRIDGE USA cultural immersion program. Building up tenure for academic success and practical implementations from the Student Internship Program in the Philippines, and the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP), initiated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
It also emphasized the value of student and faculty exchange programs in helping aspiring delegates and academic professionals broaden their intercultural knowledge. These initiatives promote meaningful cultural immersion while strengthening academic credentials, enhancing practical skills, and advancing career development through real-world experiences.
The University of Baguio focuses on a plethora of Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that quality within sustainable development is given importance. To bestow a positive impact for the pursuit of academic excellence, equity, shared opportunities, well-being, and to establish strong bonds and partnerships.
Alt text: Linkages Office Director, Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro, handing over important metrics and key points to consider for internalization for academic mobility programs for the university, while discussing SDG takeaways and reminders for publications. Photo taken by Mae Janica Palkit, International Affairs Associate, Linkages Office
Since then, the university has achieved significant success and a following for up-to-standard publications and engagement within inbound and outbound programs (directed and hosted). The meeting presented an anecdote to tackle improvements and discussions for a clearer understanding. The second part of the coordination meeting highlights the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) in providing universality to all forms of publications and events tailored toward the University.
A Highlight on Collaboration and Partnerships Through Publications
Reminding designated academic members to practice interconnectedness with each other to achieve a common goal, and ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development reach all forms of the community (including outside partners) of the institution.
Solidified and implemented in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals have been supported and implemented by all 193 member states of the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This universal call to action aims to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all people by 2030. Building on decades of work by participating UN countries together with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the SDGs focus on creating a comprehensive plan of action to improve human life while protecting the environment.
Alt text: A setup of a room filled with participating faculty members, representatives, and staff gather inside the Alumni AVR for a coordination meeting on SDG 17 at the University of Baguio. Photo taken by Mae Janica Palkit, International Affairs Associate, Linkages Office
Providing a blueprint for developed and developing countries to create sustainable metrics and strategies for improving economic and environmental growth, including (but not limited to) well-being, health, exemplary educational standards, global partnerships, poverty eradication, etc. As part of the global agenda by the UN, SDG 17 focuses on partnerships for the goals.
A staple global strategy designed to balance the dimensions of sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion, the University of Baguio continuously strives for world-class continuity, pedagogical integration, and global cooperation to achieve its vision. Turning shared reality for universities and research institutions to embody and instill key factors in knowledge creation, capacity-building, and international collaboration.
