Written by John Oliver M. Ramos, MAEd
As part of its continuing commitment to community engagement and educational partnership, the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) of the University of Baguio conducted an Outreach and Extension Consultation Meeting with its partner schools on June 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The consultations were held first at Kias Elementary School and then at Mabini Elementary School.
Representing STELA during the activity were Mr. Norman Patiang, STELA Coordinator for Outreach and Extension (COE); Dr. Michelle Ranges, BA English Language Program Chair; Mr. John Oliver Ramos, BA English Language Faculty; Dr. Elmer Eligio, BEEd Faculty; and Mr. Jiffrey Bueno, also a BEEd Faculty.
The meeting primarily focused on consulting and coordinating the schedule and implementation of the School’s outreach and extension activities for the 2026 Short Term. Discussions centered on ensuring that the planned activities complement the schedules and needs of the partner schools while strengthening the existing partnership between the University and the community.
Among the activities presented were the Brigada Eskwela Outreach Program, scheduled on June 20, 2026, and the Literacy Outreach Program, which will officially commence on June 19, 2026, and culminate on July 31, 2026. The consultation also served as a venue for the partner schools to provide recommendations and feedback that would help facilitate the smooth implementation of these programs.
In a further show of support for the partnership between STELA and the local community, Dr. Gonzalo also extended an invitation for the STELA delegation to return to Kias Elementary School on June 11, 2026, to participate in the school’s General Assembly with its stakeholders. The invitation reflects the strong collaborative relationship that has been established between the University and its partner school and opens additional opportunities for engagement with parents, teachers, and community leaders.
Another important part of the consultations with both partner schools was the endorsement of the incoming STELA Coordinator for Outreach and Extension. As Mr. Norman Patiang concludes his term as COE by the end of the Short Term, he formally introduced and endorsed Mr. John Oliver Ramos as the incoming STELA Coordinator for Outreach and Extension for School Year 2026–2027 to the officials of the partner schools.
The endorsement aims to ensure continuity in the implementation of STELA’s outreach and extension programs and to further strengthen the collaborative relationship that has been established with its partner institutions. Sir Norman further stated that he shall still be working closely with Sir Joliber during the transition period, especially during the first semester of the upcoming school year.
The consultation also reaffirmed STELA’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through initiatives such as the Literacy Outreach Program and sustained collaboration with local schools and stakeholders, STELA continues to promote inclusive and equitable learning opportunities while fostering meaningful partnerships that contribute to community development and educational empowerment.
The consultations concluded with a shared commitment among the participants to continue working together in promoting volunteerism, literacy development, and meaningful community engagement through STELA’s outreach and extension initiatives. As the School prepares for the successful implementation of its Short Term outreach and extension programs and a smooth transition in leadership, the strengthened partnership between STELA and its adopted schools stands as a testament to the school’s dedication to service, collaboration, and excellence.
#BastaSTELAbongga!
