Written by Zhein Carlo Molina
Although the University is not one of the higher education institutions (HEIs) that have cases of hazing, the University of Baguio continues to observe and promote preventive measures against hazing, starting with a pre-emptive discussion of the proposed Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order (CMO) on its policies and guidelines against all forms of hazing affecting students’ well-being of HEI-based fraternities, sororities, and other organizations, held on February 7, 2026 at the Legacy Multipurpose Hall.
The Office of Student Affairs, with its Director, Dr. Froilan C. Aspa, Foundation of Discipline, Zhein Carlo Molina, and Administrative Assistant, Milagros Guinsad, graced the ROTC training to conduct the discussion, where Dr. Aspa introduced the overview and purpose.
Mr. Molina, who attended the Zonal Public Consultation on the matter, talked about the very foundation of the CMO, its guiding principles, objectives, coverage, and the guidelines of initiation rites that have been a course of discussion during the consultation in Batangas with the Luzon and Visayas HEI cluster, CHED regional offices, and the central office.
“While UB doesn’t have cases of hazing and does not have recognized fraternities or sororities, UB is still covered by the CMO because we have student organizations, which could be an avenue of initiation rites and could also be an avenue of hazing,” Molina said.
“As early as now, even without the final CMO, by virtue of the Anti-Hazing Act, we encourage everyone to contribute in any way to fight against hazing inside and outside of our campus because there are victims out there. It does not mean that if we’re not affected, we are not going to put effort into this cause,” the foundation of discipline added.
Moreover, Molina emphasized the scope of activities that can be considered as a hazing act, such as “paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug, or other substance, or any brutal treatment or forced physical activity, including sexual harassment and abuse, which is likely to have an adverse effect on the physical and psychological health” that may result in “harm, injury, or pain inflicted on a recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member” for their passage or continuation of their membership into an organization.
Molina, then, mentioned some alternatives to hazing if initiation rites are to be conducted, such as leadership camps, outreach programs, or skill-building and strength-based activities.
The discussion is in observance of the National Hazing Prevention Week, which commences today, February 9 to 13, 2026, and likewise aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by prioritizing the safety of the students and ensuring that their academic environment is healthy and risk-free, 4 (Quality Education) by promoting a community that prioritizes learning, 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through the protection of more vulnerable members of the community, 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) in the encouragement of embracing a community that does not discriminate or physically target its own members, and 17 (Partnership for the Goals) by collaborating with external sources that can not only provide relevant resources but encourage students to tread down a better path towards their future.