The University of Baguio greatly values gender equality. As an institution geared towards providing quality higher education in a fun learning environment, it is integral that the university is capable of providing equal opportunities to every student regardless of their gender. This March, the university celebrates National Women’s Month, a time for commemorating the fight for rights and recognition that women around the world have been engaged in since the mid-1800s. It is a time for highlighting the promising young women of today, uplifting their aspirations on their journey to become the world’s next generation of esteemed professionals.
This year’s celebration kicked off with WOMENtor 2024, a forum geared towards platforming empowered women from a diverse range of professions and allowing them to share their experiences and expertise with the students. WOMENtor is an annual and highly anticipated gathering that attracts hundreds of students not only from UB but from all over the community. This year’s theme was “Connecting EmpowHERed Women of Today and Tomorrow”, reflecting the event’s goal to inspire and nurture ambition in the young women of Baguio City.
“Let us remember to always think like queens, to always embrace our work, and always support each other along the way.”
– Pia Gutierrez Dela Cruz
Among the morning guest speakers were Pia Gutierrez Dela Cruz (ABS-CBN News Correspondent, UB STELA Alumna), Dr. Veronica Bito (National Trainer and Subject Head of UB Science High School), Dr. Carissa Camille Rulla (Medical Doctor, UB Science High School Alumna), and Hon. Ma. Princess Doria (Municipal Councilor, President, 2024 JCI Dagupenas). The morning session was filled with enlightening, TED-talk-style sessions that spoke of women and their roles in education, health, and politics, followed by a fireside chat portion where the speakers entertained the questions from the eager crowd of onlookers.
The afternoon program was dedicated to the UBolunteers Mentoring Session, promoting volunteerism among the university’s distinguished alumni and encouraging them to share the knowledge and experience they have gained from UB with a new generation of young women. Students were divided into smaller groups and directly interacted with the UBolunteers, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and opinions. From professional practice to education and aspects of one’s personal life, the discussions spanned a whole slew of engaging topics aiming for holistic development and all-around personal growth.
A total of 1,022 students from the University of Baguio and Saint Louis University were present during the morning session, while 203 students were present for the afternoon session. In total, 1,225 students participated in the program. Including the organizers from JCI Baguio Sunflower, the University of Baguio Alumni Foundation Inc. (UBAFI), and the School Alumni Relations Coordinators (SARC), as well as the alumni guest speakers and the Lady Marshals and Security Guards, a total of 1,260 people were present during WOMENtor 2024.
The event was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse array of speakers and participants to celebrate the ever-expanding repertoire of roles women can have in modern society. Its impact will continue to resonate, inspiring women to pursue their passions, break barriers, and create positive change in their communities and beyond. WOMENtor 2024 serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities when women are given the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
