The University of Baguio welcomes all students from all walks of life, be it from the Philippines or from abroad. International students make up a significant portion of the student body of UB; they hail from dozens of countries all over the world and come to the university to further their education. Their presence in the academe makes for a robust community of diverse cultures and experiences.
“In the vibrant design of our academic landscape, we find strength and beauty in the diversity that shapes our global educational journey.”
– Mr. Froilan Aspa, Office of Student Affairs
In support of the international community, the university has initialized Project D.I.G.: Power of Diversity Ideologies and Globalization. Project D.I.G. is an initiative by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) that aims to promote cross-cultural understanding between the members of the international community. It seeks to bridge the gaps between countries, allowing the students to interact with one another and to learn each other’s cultural traditions. Through a myriad of lively performances from musical numbers to dance presentations and a fashion show showcasing the cultural attires from different countries, the event focused on the recognition, acceptance, and promotion of diverse perspectives, encouraging students to form a meaningful understanding of each other’s cultural backgrounds.
Apart from the international students in attendance, the event also saw esteemed visitors from the Baguio City Tourism and Special Events Division. Mr. Eric Dispo, Mr. Malvin Apigo, and Ms. Lorevil Magbanua graced Project D.I.G., delivering a special message from Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Engr. Aloysius Mapalo.
Their presence made the event feel all the more significant, recognizing the importance of treasuring foreign cultures alongside Filipino values and traditions in a city as diverse as Baguio.
“Diversity ideologies speaks a myriad of interpretations, but most importantly it speaks of belongingness. It expresses a profound welcome to our foreign students and visitors that aside from just the acceptance of differences, it promotes an avenue of assimilation and the cultivation of our significant similarities.”
– Message from Engr. Aloysius Mapalo
The annual Project D.I.G. event is only one of dozens of activities geared toward nurturing the international community and integrating their varied experiences and cultural traditions into the student body to ensure that they feel welcomed and valued in the UB community. Other activities include United Nations (UN) day, welcoming ceremonies, and outreach programs.
As the university continues to welcome foreign nationals, it hopes to continue building a safe and welcoming environment that will allow them to express themselves and learn from each other’s cultural traditions.
