In the present and evident work culture for most individuals, the majority of the time is spent laboring within the four walls of each workplace. The pattern can feel smothering at times, even being monotonous. Recognizing this, the University of Baguio celebrated the yuletide season by launching its first-ever Paskong UB Bazaar: Para sa Kabuhayan, Kultura, at Kalikasan, which took place on the Multi-Level Parking Ground Floor on December 1 to 3, 2025.
Through the efforts of the Human Resources Management Center (HRMC), the bazaar has brought together members and employees to present curated products, culinary items, artworks, and other notable livelihood goods to share, trade, and sell in the community-centered setting.
As part of the preparations for the event, the necessary permits and documents from the City Government of Baguio were obtained, and approval for the said event was given. Preparing the participating merchants for success, HRMC partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Baguio Benguet Provincial Office, which facilitated a half-day orientation before the bazaar to cover guidelines for joining trade fairs, product safety, sustainable packaging, ethical pricing, and responsible entrepreneurship, equipping the institution’s employee entrepreneurs and visionaries with the tools to improve their craft and business operations.
Alt Text: Top Management gathered at the UB Multi-level Parking area on December 1, 2025 for the formal opening of the Paskong UB Bazaar
A Venue for Creativity, Enterprise, Community, and Culture
The first day of the bazaar opened on a joyful note with the University Flag Raising Ceremony. The UB Voices set the tone with a solemn doxology, followed by heartfelt renditions of the National Anthem and the UB Hymn, accompanied by Christmas medleys and songs that brought warmth and excitement to the morning, delighting employees and guests alike.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by University President Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista, officially marked the opening of the Paskong UB Bazaar. The celebration continued with a spirited performance by UGBO, adding vibrant energy to the event. Throughout the day, Plug and Play serenaded merchants and visitors with a captivating lineup of songs, creating a festive atmosphere at the heart of the bazaar.
The bazaar serves as a joyful convergence of employee innovation, local enterprise, and environmental consciousness, reflecting not only the spirit of Pasko but also the university’s commitment to empowering its own community. The Paskong UB Bazaar is designed to celebrate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of UB employees by providing a platform where they can showcase and sell locally made products, artworks, food items, and services. More than a marketplace, the activity strengthens bonds within the university and affirms UB’s support for responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship.
The bazaar also emphasized sustainability. Merchants adhered to eco-friendly guidelines such as the prohibition of single-use plastics and the encouragement of reusable bags. Booths were grouped into distinct sections by food and beverage, arts and crafts, and services. Allowing buyers to explore and feast their eyes on a variety of offerings.
Alt Text: Various booths and offerings (food and beverages, art, collectibles, souvenirs, etc.) found at the Paskong UB Bazaar
The festive initiative serves not only as a holiday celebration but also as a meaningful platform that empowers employees through entrepreneurship, creativity, and environmental stewardship. By promoting responsible and sustainable business practices, the Paskong UB Bazaar aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the program advances:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): creating additional income opportunities for UB employees
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): fostering responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): providing equal opportunities for employees across all departments and units
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): cultivating a community-driven culture of local enterprise
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): encouraging waste reduction, eco-friendly packaging, and mindful consumption
Through these efforts, the Paskong UB Bazaar becomes more than a seasonal event, as it becomes a testament to UB’s commitment to empowering its workforce and nurturing a sustainable, community-centered campus environment.
Collaborative Effort for a Meaningful Bazaar Celebration
Despite the heavy rain on the final day of the bazaar, the spirit of camaraderie remained strong. Merchants supported one another, helping each other promote and sell their products until the very end. This unity, along with the lively atmosphere throughout the three-day event, contributed to its resounding success. Post-event evaluations reflected this, with merchants giving the bazaar an excellent overall rating for their experience.
University of Baguio students also expressed their appreciation for the event.
“This was our go-to place for the past three days. We were entertained by the different products, and the food was really delicious.”
Corrine Tolyaden | School of Engineering and Architecture student
For the merchants, the bazaar was equally meaningful. Ma’am Belen Apostol, one of the participating sellers, shared that the activity was not only helpful in promoting her products but also allowed her to de-stress and unwind beyond the usual office routine.
The success of the Paskong UB Bazaar was made possible through the dedicated efforts of HRMC, the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), the Security Office, and the DTI. Their collaboration ensured the seamless execution of the event from setup to closing.
Alt Text: Members from the HRMC team during the formal opening of the Paskong UB Bazaar on December 1, 2025
More than a marketplace, the Paskong UB Bazaar strengthened “Ug-ugbo” among employees and showcased the vibrant creativity within the UB community, truly capturing the spirit of Pasko. With its meaningful impact and strong participation, the event lays the foundation for a new university-wide tradition that celebrates local enterprise, culture, and community.
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Initial Write-Up: Maybel A. Langbayan | Refinement: Gab Madriaga (MAP)
Photographed by: May-ann Moyamoy
