The University of Baguio launched PILLAR UB: Promoting Integrity, Legal Literacy, Advocacy, and Rights on October 16, 2025, solidifying its commitment to institutional integrity and social accountability. As internal compliance and community safety are critical for a company that is becoming more and more worldwide, the program was purposefully developed to establish a culture in Baguio City, Philippines. Held on the UB campus, this full-day legal aid and educational conference is a significant institutional endeavor to proactively provide its academic community with fundamental legal knowledge and ethical frameworks.
Spearheaded by the Human Resource Management Center (HRMC) in close partnership with the esteemed department, UB School of Law, the PILLAR UB initiative focused on two pivotal pieces of Philippine legislation: The Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313) and the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10173).
Building a Safe and Accountable Community
empowerment and accountability by focusing on key rights and responsibilities. The Safe Spaces Act governs gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions, while the Data Privacy Act establishes the fundamental right to privacy by regulating the collection, processing, and retention of personal information.
The full-day event comprised two critical components:
1. Legal Literacy Seminars: Focused, in-depth lectures and interactive sessions facilitated by College of Law faculty and legal experts, providing clarity on the nuances of compliance and protection under both laws
2. Supervised Legal Consultations: Private, confidential sessions allowing employees and staff to seek supervised legal guidance on specific workplace and community concerns, thereby directly addressing access to justice
Alt Text: UB launches PILLAR Program to strengthen Legal literacy and rights awareness through dedicated legal aid services
Upholding Legal Global Commitments
Atty. Rommel P. Ayson, Vice President for Administration of the University of Baguio, underscored the program’s significance, stating, “This is more than a compliance effort; it is a moral obligation to create a safe, informed, and just learning environment where every member of our community feels protected and respected.”
Legal Awareness Implementation and Results
The initiative successfully gathered and implemented academic and administrative representatives, at least two delegates from every department/school, and offices were given the knowledge and practice to ensure widespread dissemination of the learned principles. The Human Resource Management Center managed the comprehensive coordination, while the College of Law provided the expert facilitation. Ar./EnP. Ryan M. Benaoe (School of Engineering and Architecture) and Dr. Antonio P. Mangaliag (School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts – STELA) led the commendation and closing messages, respectively, reinforcing the university-wide endorsement of the program.
Alt Text: PILLAR Program workshops and services given by dedicated department representatives and program leaders
Immediate post event feedback indicated a strong positive impact. Participants reported a significantly stronger understanding of their workplace rights and data protection protocols. Over 20 supervised legal consultations were conducted, achieving an impressive 80% satisfaction rate based on post-session surveys.
The program explicitly links the university’s internal policies to global priorities, advancing two major United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 (Gender Equality) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By championing legal education on harassment prevention and data privacy, the initiative not only safeguards human rights but also builds transparency and integrity within institutional systems.
In the long term, PILLAR UB is positioned as a foundational element in UB’s institutional strategy. It is projected to lead to a measurable reduction in incidents of harassment, enhance digital accountability, and fundamentally strengthen trust and cohesion across the UB community. Beyond mere regulatory compliance, the initiative powerfully reflects the University of Baguio’s mission to nurture not only competent professionals but also ethical, socially aware citizens prepared for the challenges of an evolving world.
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Written by: Maybel A. Langbayan
Photographed by: Bianca Baculi & Kayzier Baucas
