March 19, 2026

Bridging the Academe and Industry: SBAA Strengthens Educational Excellence through Purposeful Collaboration

Written by Karen Jane Beneg | Photographed by Jarred Nico Vargas

On March 18, 2026, the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) of the University of Baguio brought together key stakeholders at the UB Centennial Hall for its Tripartite Assembly. Centered on the theme “Partners with Purpose, Strengthening Collaboration for Excellence,” the event aimed to strengthen the connection between the university and the professional sector. A primary focus of the gathering was to review the current curriculum and ensure that it remains relevant, updated, and aligned with the expectations of today’s business and finance industries.

The assembly highlighted the collaboration among the School, Host Training Establishment (HTE) partners, Alumni, and Students. It facilitated an open discussion, allowing participants to share insights and suggestions for improving the quality of education. While the university delivers the academic foundation, HTE partners contribute to practical industry guidance. The event helped align expectations and recognize the shared responsibility of preparing graduates who are competent and job-ready.

A total of 42 participants attended the assembly. This included 14 HTE partners, 11 student organizers, 10 SBAA faculty members, and 7 alumni from business administration, accountancy, MBA, and DBA programs. Each group played a role in shaping a more responsive and collaborative academic environment.

During the discussions, HTE partners shared feedback on intern performance and offered recommendations to improve students’ transition into the workplace. Representatives from finance, law, human resources, and service industries suggested strengthening and incorporating new areas in the curriculum, including legal documentation, labor laws, advanced auditing, public speaking, and service marketing, among others. In response, the SBAA faculty expressed their commitment to incorporating these recommendations to better prepare students for professional demands.

The Tripartite Assembly also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on quality education. By aligning the curriculum with industry needs and integrating expert feedback, the university helps ensure that students gain relevant technical and practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. At the same time, the event contributes to SDG 17 by promoting collaboration among different stakeholders. The active involvement of HTE partners reflects a strong partnership that enhances knowledge-sharing and strengthens training opportunities for students.

Overall, the Tripartite Assembly served as a meaningful step toward improving academic programs through industry collaboration. By translating professional insights into actionable plans, SBAA continues to build a more responsive and effective educational framework. This initiative not only strengthens student preparation but also increases their readiness for the workforce. More importantly, it shows how collaboration among the school, industry, and students can lead to more sustainable and impactful outcomes for the entire community.

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