Written by Raul Ubando, UBHS Faculty
In a remarkable showcase of innovation in education, the University of Baguio High School (UBHS) successfully held its much-anticipated Short Term Enhancement Program (S.T.E.P.) 2025 from June 23 to 26, transforming the usual school break into a dynamic platform for skill-building, personal growth, and student empowerment.
The S.T.E.P. initiative, offered free of charge to returning UBHS students from incoming Grades 8 to 12, featured an exciting and diverse array of hands-on learning experiences that extended beyond the classroom. Among the standout offerings were the Sports Clinic, where students enhanced their athletic skills in basketball and badminton through drills, scrimmages, and team-building activities. In Baking, participants learned the fundamentals of bread-making and produced delicious baked goods from scratch. The Radio Broadcasting program trained students in voice modulation, scriptwriting, and live delivery, while the Journalism and Debate programs sharpened their writing, critical thinking, and public speaking skills through simulated newsroom activities and structured argumentation.
Meanwhile, the Mental Health Advocacy program guided students in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, empowering them to become wellness champions in their own circles. In the Academic Tutorial sessions, students received enrichment and remediation in
Basic Math and Science through interactive games, problem-solving workshops, and engaging tutorials. Creative language-based games like Scrabble and Word Factory helped build vocabulary and critical thinking in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
The success of each program was made possible by the teachers of the various UBHS departments, who served as dedicated facilitators, sharing their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to ensure every learner felt supported and inspired. At the helm of the entire program were Mr. Raul T. Ubando and Ms. Daphne Dee C. Dogcio, Supreme Student Government (SSG) Advisers for Senior High School and Junior High School, respectively.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Ms. Payas-Lerio, one of the facilitators, shared, “We wanted to make this break meaningful for students—something they’d look forward to, not just to learn new things, but to feel seen, heard, and empowered. The participation and energy we saw this week were truly inspiring.”
Students, too, had much to say about their experiences. “I joined the radio broadcasting program and it was amazing! I never thought I’d enjoy public speaking this much,” said one of the participants. A student from the sports clinic program also expressed joy, saying, “The sports clinic helped me not just physically, but mentally. I gained discipline, focus, and friends.”
The program culminated in a meaningful final day showcase, where selected students from different programs presented their outputs—live broadcasts, journalistic pieces, sports demonstrations, baked goods, creative performances, and advocacy campaigns. It was not only a celebration of skills and creativity, but also a reflection of the strong sense of community and purpose built throughout the week.
Aligned with global goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being—S.T.E.P. 2025 stands as a shining example of how short-term programs can have lasting impact on student growth and motivation.
As the week came to a close, one thing was clear: at UBHS, learning never stops—not even during school breaks.
