Written By: Roselle G. Aniceto
On July 25, 2026, the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) Graduate School at the University of Baguio (UB) brought together its global community for the virtual International Alumni Gathering and Networking Program. Centered on the theme “UB REACH: Recognizing Advancement through Collaboration and Holistic Development,” the event convened 44 distinguished participants via the VooV platform to celebrate professional milestones, foster meaningful dialogue, and chart new paths for international partnership.
The virtual assembly opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, Dean of the STELA Graduate School, who highlighted the critical role alumni play as global ambassadors of the university’s academic tradition. Following his remarks, Dr. Rhoda C. Tique, Program Chair for the MAED and EDD programs, presented the event’s rationale, framing the gathering not merely as a reunion, but as an active step toward building sustainable international academic networks. To ensure an inclusive experience across cultural and language barriers, Master of Ceremonies Dr. Michelle P. Ranges and Ms. Josie Jiang expertly guided the proceedings, providing live interpretation for the international audience.
A major highlight of the program was the Alumni Showcase, where former students shared their journeys of professional growth, leadership, and resilience. Attendees gained valuable insights from testimonials delivered by prominent alumni, including Dr. Liyu Heng and Dr. Fan Xiahui, who reflected on applying their graduate training within international environments. Additionally, Dr. Lexter Eligio and Dr. Jenett Flores discussed the leadership principles and academic foundation built during their time at UB, while Dr. Wang Lang and Dr. Jheson Dacanay demonstrated how their research and professional efforts continue to make a tangible impact on the global stage. Adding emotional resonance to the session, Dr. Aida A. Dapiawen, Former Dean of STELA, delivered an inspirational message celebrating the alumni’s achievements and reminding them of the shared values that tie the STELA community together.
Beyond celebrating past successes, the gathering focused on future institutional growth during the “REACH Global Connections and Collaboration” session, led by Dr. Michelle P. Ranges. This forward-looking segment established core initiatives for ongoing engagement, prioritizing research collaboration and linkages to advance academic discourse across borders, alumni–student mentorship matching to support the next generation of professionals, and academic–industry partnerships to bridge the gap between theory and practical application. To reinforce this culture of achievement, the program formally recognized Outstanding Alumni who have recently earned promotions or successfully retained key management positions in their respective fields.
Throughout the event, the University of Baguio reaffirmed its dedication to providing a balanced, quality education anchored in academic rigor and global empowerment. By facilitating high-level international dialogue, the STELA Graduate School continues to fulfill its mission of nurturing empowered professionals who remain at the forefront of their disciplines. The event concluded with an uplifting message of commitment from Dr. Jheson Dacanay and closing remarks by Dr. Donnavila Marie P. Herbster, bringing a successful day of global networking, mutual inspiration, and academic pride to a close.
Ultimately, this initiative aligns directly with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By establishing cross-border research linkages, facilitating alumni-student mentorship, and building academic-industry bridges, the STELA Graduate School reinforces the University of Baguio’s commitment to leveraging global cooperation for sustainable impact. Through the “UB REACH” framework, the university demonstrates that academic excellence and meaningful global transformation are best achieved when diverse international communities unite to share knowledge, pool expertise, and collaborate toward a shared vision of holistic development.
