The University of Baguio High School (UBHS) recently conducted its Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship program, aiming to instill civic responsibility and proactive citizenship among students. From April 18th to 20th, UBHS students participated in a three-day initiative in Barangay Balaoc, Santo Tomas, La Union, designed to nurture their potential as agents of positive change.
With the active participation of Humanity and Social Sciences (HUMMS) students and the unwavering support from dedicated teachers in the HUMMS strand and students from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand, the program successfully addressed the identified local needs and challenges. Led by Mrs. Rochelle Domingo, the Work Immersion adviser, the initiative emphasized environmental stewardship and community pride. Divided into groups, students engaged in community immersion activities, including a journalism training and workshop, clean-up drive, leadership training and development, and disaster risk reduction training, while some students took on the role of educators, teaching at Balaoc Elementary School to impart their knowledge and skills.
The journalism training and workshop was conducted by the UBHS’s Newslite Adviser, Staff, and Broadcasting Team for the students of Balaoc Elementary School. This session aimed to sharpen students’ effective writing and reporting skills and prepare them for future journalism competitions. Simultaneously, a leadership training and development activity, held across various locations within the Balaoc community, focused on developing teamwork and leadership qualities among students. Moreover, the clean-up drive provided students with a firsthand understanding of the significance of actively contributing to a cleaner and healthier community. Additionally, the disaster preparedness training, led by UBHS faculty and facilitated by UBHS students, equipped Balaoc barangay officials and teachers with crucial emergency response skills. They received training in first aid, bandaging techniques, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), enhancing their readiness to handle emergencies effectively.
UBHS also donated books, school supplies, and computers to support educational initiatives in Balaoc. The program’s culmination featured student performances, showcasing talents and fostering unity within the community.
The UBHS Community Engagement program not only equipped students with practical skills but also fostered a sense of responsibility and empathy. Through collaborative efforts, UBHS demonstrated its commitment to nurturing socially responsible leaders, bridging communities from Baguio City to Barangay Balaoc and beyond.
Written by Hail Angel Payas-Lerio (Faculty), Martin Neil Camacho, and M-Scott Mateo
