On January 22, 2026, student delegates, academic members, and dedicated management from the University of Baguio Science High School gathered to warmly welcome student delegates from the AFS Intercultural Philippines Study Abroad program.
The yearly program serves as an academic checkpoint for the students to participate in cross-cultural endeavors and activities, born from an inclusive community of intercultural professionals, students, and volunteers to build bridges and close cultural barriers for global citizenship and organizational/educational exchange initiatives.
Alt Text: Mid-Year Cultural Orientation With AFS Philippines and UBSHS
A Strong Cultural Bond Between UBSHS and AFS Philippines
The mid-year orientation and stay was hosted by the University of Baguio Science High School, which transpired between its students and AFS participants from Japan. Through a network of volunteers and local (and national) communities, the event or intercultural session spearheaded the developmental model of intercultural sensitivity to support and promote affiliations between institutions and universities on a global spectrum.
The AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines is a dedicated nonprofit organization that leads and provides support for intercultural understanding through initiatives and programs that boost the promotion of educational and knowledge-driven initiatives toward communities in over 100 participating countries. Reaffirming the role that aligns with the core values and standing of the 21st-century education standards.
Alt Text: Mid-Year Cultural Orientation With AFS Philippines and UBSHS
Key aspects include high school study abroad programs, volunteer opportunities through affiliated networks and organizations, and facilitation of cultural exchange programs to cultivate local educational and participatory communities to enhance sensitivity and a profound sense of understanding, all while staying informed about issues and data-driven solutions to combat and enhance intercultural sensitivity.
Alt Text: Mid-Year Cultural Orientation With AFS Philippines and UBSHS
Warm Hospitality Through Cultural Advocacies
The session warmly opened the intercultural partnership with the Japanese delegates under the leadership of the AFS Philippines Program Specialist, Ms. Patricia Lei Virata, followed by an introductory message from the Linkages Director, Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro. Expressing the joy that the partnership offered through shared hospitality and culture of Baguio City and the Philippines.
Alt Text: Mid-Year Cultural Orientation With AFS Philippines and UBSHS
The program was preceded by the supervision of the UB Science High principal, Dr. Thea P. Suaco, assistant principal, Dr. Marilyn M. Gadgad, UBSHS secretary, Ms. Marichu B. Secillano, and office staff member Ms. Jennifer Buyuccan. The Science High student leaders also shared a few creative approaches by introducing a gist of what the city of Pines has to offer during their stay, including a presentation and accompanying games to get the participants engaged and going.
Alt Text: Mid-Year Cultural Orientation With AFS Philippines and UBSHS
Following the end of the first half of the orientation, before the campus tour, UBSHS student leaders and AFS advocates, including participants, also proceeded to exchange tokens and memorabilia, courtesy of the organization and the University of Baguio, as an imparting gift of gratitude from the well-established partnership and bond between the two cultures. Sharing the goal of advocacy efforts for an engaged sense of community and competency in various global citizenship frameworks and ideas.
Alt Text: Mid-Year Cultural Orientation With AFS Philippines and UBSHS
The framework provides a detailed approach that supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in achieving a good foundation through:
- SDG 4: Quality Education and knowledge building expressed in the host curriculum that is tailor-fit for inbound and outbound exchanges
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through self-expression and volunteerism, in accommodating the cultural needs and demands that are expected for further support and participative initiatives
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, in a direct promotion of the culture and expansive understanding of intercultural facilitations in the province of Benguet, Baguio City, and in the Philippines
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions expressed by the vision, mission, core values, and ethos from the University of Baguio, and initiatives and driven purpose from AFS Philippines
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the profound bond and continuous partnership built by trust and understanding between UBSHS, UB, and AFS Philippines
