Written by Reynald Binayan Lumberio | Photographed by Karylle/MPA Class
The University of Baguio is not just a fixed campus along General Luna Road but a living learning community that reaches the heart of the people. It brings education beyond the classroom through volunteer work in different communities, creating a shared experience where students and residents learn from one another.
In this process, students not only serve but also gain real-life knowledge and insights from the people, helping them prepare for practical situations, especially in rural areas. As part of its long-standing policy, the University of Baguio ensures that all necessary approvals from local government units are secured and that parents are well-informed about their children’s activities before conducting any community immersion, mission, or research so that expectations are clear and coordination is ensured.
On April 25, 2026, the UB-Master in Public Administration (MPA) Program conducted a community-based health care management activity for residents of Barangay Killo, Sison, Pangasinan. The activity aimed to provide accessible health care services, improve the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and promote health awareness among community members while giving MPA students practical learning experience in good governance and rural community life. The medical mission included on-site physical examinations and free distribution of medicines for patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
This initiative reflected the University’s mission to educate students to become empowered professionals who actively contribute to the well-being of the community. This rural outreach supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by helping reduce early deaths from non-communicable diseases (SDG 3.4.1), which focuses on lowering mortality through prevention and treatment, improving access to basic health care services and medicines in the community (SDG 3.8.1), which promotes access to essential health services, and helping learners gain knowledge and skills that promote sustainable development (SDG 4.7.1), which supports education for sustainable development. Through this effort, 110 patients were examined and given free medicines, with refill supplies to be provided as needed when their medicines run out, for up to three months. The activity also included lectures on Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and other PhilHealth packages, along with other health-related topics.
It was further supported by Vox Humana Technological College, which shared information on in-demand technical and vocational courses and offered free health and wellness services such as massage therapy, haircuts, and other services.
Dr. Donnavila Marie Herbster introduces the MPA Project Development and Administration Class
Photographed by Karylle/MPA Class
This team effort was made possible by the MPA Project Development and Administration class, led by Dr. Donnavila Marie Panday-Herbster, which donated ₱160,000.00 for medicines and team-building activities. It was coordinated by Sison, Pangasinan Councilor and MPA student Ginalyn Oyaman, together with Barangay Captain Leomerson Andaya, who secured the necessary approvals and informed the 2 residents. Dr. Paulyn Crystal Prado Robina, the only physician present, worked with Barangay Health Workers, the Sangguniang Barangay Council, and local officials to ensure that all patients were properly attended to.
Dr. Paulyn Crystal Prado Robina conducts medical consultations with residents during the outreach program
The team building activities held in San Fernando, La Union served as a time for reflection where students shared their experiences from the community activity and learned from one another in a relaxed setting. This supports the University of Baguio’s vision of providing balanced quality education because it strengthened what they learned in class while also developing their social skills, teamwork, and sense of responsibility. The activities encouraged values such as respect, cooperation, and service to others in a fun-learning environment. Through this experience, the students grew not only in knowledge but also in character, in line with the university’s goal of forming well-rounded and responsible individuals.
Images from the Outreach:
Representatives from Vox Humana Technological College provide free wellness services such as massage therapy and haircuts
A member of the MPA class conducts a lecture on YAKAP and PhilHealth programs
Members of the University of Baguio MPA class and Barangay Health Workers distribute free medicines to community beneficiaries.
A member of the MPA class conducts a lecture on Health programs
MPA students participate in team building activities as part of their reflection and learning experience
MPA Team arrived safely at the University of Baguio Compound successfully completing the mission
