Written by: Farah Jane Musni | Photographed by: Kayla Raizel Torcuato
On November 15, 2025, the University of Baguio conducted its UB GIFTSoutreach program at the UB Gymnasium, uniting institutional partners, local stakeholders, and various UB departments to deliver vital services to residents of Pinsao Proper, VIPPD members, and teachers of Lindawan Elem and High School. Among the participating departments, the School of Natural Sciences (SNS) contributed laboratory services that enhanced the medical, dental, and legal aid offering during the event.
SNS Working Group: Faculty, Interns, and Alumni Medical Doctors
For this year’s initiative, the School of Natural Sciences established a working group that included 8 faculty members, 40 medical technology interns, and 3 alumni currently working as medical doctors. Their collective involvement enables SNS to provide effective and efficient support for the event’s healthcare services
The alumni medical doctors provided assistance with consultations and decisions about clinical care, while faculty members oversaw laboratory procedures and ensured smooth operations. The interns were essential in managing samples, performing initial processing, and helping patients at the laboratory stations. Through coordinated efforts, the SNS team served 41 beneficiaries who tool advantage of the laboratory services.
Laboratory Services Provided During the Outreach
Under the leadership of Dean Teresa N. Villanueva, SNS offered a range of basic diagnostic tests designed to support the general health needs of the community. These included:
- Blood typing
- Urinalysis
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Random Blood Sugar
These tests supplemented the general medical consultations led by the School of Nursing (SON) and the dental services offered by the School of Dentistry (SOD). The results informed subsequent recommendations made by attending medical and dental professionals. For many participants that typically require clinic visits, appointments, or additional costs.
Supporting Community Well-Being
The involvement of SNS supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, which emphasizes accessible and preventive healthcare. By contributing to the diagnostic aspect of the outreach, SNS helped raise early awareness among beneficiaries and supported the broader aim of enhancing community well-being.
The activity also provided a valuable learning experience for medical technology interns, allowing them to see how laboratory work supports public health efforts. This hands-on experience reinforced their academic learning and highlighted the importance of healthcare focused on the community
Educational Contribution Through Thematic Discussion
In addition to the laboratory services, SNS also contributed to the event’s educational aspect. Dean Teresa N. VIillanueva and Dr. Esmeralda Gatchalian served as speakers for the topic “Promoting Community Resilience and Environmental Health through the Spirit of Bayanihan.“
The discussion emphasized the relationship between environmental conditions and community health, encouraged cooperation in addressing shared issues, and promoted practical steps for maintaining healthy and safe environments. The talk complemented the day’s healthcare services by encouraging participants to consider actions at both the individual and community levels that promote well-being.
A Collaborative Effort Across UB Departments
The UB Gifts event relied on the participation of various UB departments and offices, each contributing accorting to their expertise. While SNS handled laboratory-related tasks, SON offered general consultations, SOD provided dental care, and the School of Law (SOL), extended legal assistance. Other offices oversaw logistics, safety, procurement, coordination with partners, and overall program management.
In this environment, the role of SNS served as one component of a larger collaborative effort. The collective work of all offices involved ensured that beneficiaries received a broad range of services addressing different aspect of community needs.
Key Takeaway
The School of Natural Sciences’ participation in The UB Gifts contributed to the outreach’s goal of supporting community well-being through accessible health-related services. With guidance and oversight from Mr. Ruben V. Nuarin, the SNS Outreach Coordinator, the team efficiently organized and delivered laboratory services. By providing basic diagnostic tests, assisting medical consultations, and contributing to the educational sessions, SNS helped strengthen the event’s overall impact while remaining aligned with the university’s sustainability and outreach initiatives.
