Article by Michelle P Ranges
Photos by Frances Chua
The BA English Language (BAEL) Program at the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) kicked off its flagship EXCEL Series—Empowering Expression, Critical Thinking, Engagement, and Leadership in English with the seminar “Confident Voices, Smart Choices!” on October 17, 2025, at Centennial Hall. The series highlights BAEL’s ongoing commitment to developing competent, confident, and community-minded English majors who can excel as communicators, leaders, and lifelong learners. Dr. Joseph B. Quinto, LPT, Chairperson of the Department of English at Benguet State University, delivered an engaging lecture and interactive speaking exercises that provided students with practical ways to improve their communication competence and self-confidence. The program highlights cross-school collaboration and professional exchange through UB-BSU collaboration.
The activity directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by developing communication and lifelong learning skills; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by developing soft skills essential for employability and professional success; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging academic collaboration that strengthens higher education linkages for quality instruction and innovation in language education.
The lecture helped BAEL students speak confidently, think critically, and communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. Immediate outcomes included increased self-awareness and active participation in communication activities, with long-term benefits projected to include improved academic achievement, employability, and leadership potential. The event effectively set the tone for future chapters of the EXCEL Series, emphasizing BAEL’s role in advancing the University of Baguio’s objective of educating minds, developing character, and nurturing communities through purposeful and sustainable learning experiences.
