Members and student representatives from the Politis organization (Political Science) from the University of Baguio‘s School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) celebrated the 2026 POLSCI week, filled with academic learning and cultural diversity that demonstrates knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills through various academic competitions and other forms of recreation.
The week-long activity held at the university grounds allowed participants to showcase their abilities in public speaking, argumentation, and analytical reasoning. Guided by the theme “Gathering of Cultures: A Step Towards Internationalization,” the academic community hailing from the Political Science department highlighted the program’s commitment to global awareness, intellectual engagement, and community partnership. Bringing in students, faculty members, guests, and inter-school partners to intelligibly analyze local and regional political institutions while instilling responsible citizenship in a democratic society.
A Culture of Global Awareness through Recreation
Activities included the use and wit of the students’ participation and honored their excellence in communication, research, creativity, and critical thinking in competitions, such as:
- The Extemporaneous Speech, in which BAPS students delivered thoughtful speeches on current global concerns, demonstrating clarity of ideas and confidence in communication
- Debate competition that featured discussions on ASEAN cultural and political topics, where participants displayed research skills, logical reasoning, and respectful engagement and preservation of the nation’s political undertakings
- A Quiz Bee that tested students’ knowledge of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, the Local Government Code of 1991, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and other general knowledge topics. which allowed participants to showcase their abilities in public speaking, argumentation, and analytical reasoning
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 PolSci Week from the University of Baguio Political Science Department
Learning that Lasts A Lifetime
Additional competitions were found on the roster, such as essay writing, spoken poetry, digital poster-making, photography, and policy drafting, which encouraged students to express an array of opinions and diverse insights while building and developing personal and civic responsibility. Furthering the case on nurturing initiative and ethical understanding toward related fields of learning.
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 PolSci Week from the University of Baguio Political Science Department
Other notable community partners included PCBytes and St. Joseph Driving School, who gladly sponsored various raffle prizes, showing timely and relevant collaboration between academic institutions and local stakeholders.
The week-long activities concluded with a dedicated closing ceremony at the FGB Hall, which began with a friendly quiz game involving faculty members and students, creating a sense of unity and academic camaraderie.
Another meaningful highlight was found in the form of a send-off to the exchange students from Khon Kaen University, College of Local Administration (KKU-COLA). Sharing delightful memories and reflections on their academic journey, internship experiences, and warm and hospitable cultural immersion that encouraged responsible citizenship and mutual understanding across cultures for heightened global learning.
Alt Text: KKU-COLA Student Delegates participating in the university send-off at the 2026 UB BAPS PolSci week
The program concluded with a vibrant sense of maturity and willingness to dive into socio-political topics with an academic twist, which can help students and faculty members discover the preservation of culture and sustainable communities, which leads to actively pursuing related fields of learning and cultural engagement. Supporting the cause of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
- 4 (Quality Education) – engaging in academic topics and recreation games to challenge active learning
- 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) – showcasing the diverse opportunities from the course outline to practical implementation
- 10 (reduced inequalities) – providing equal opportunities for students, academic leaders, members, representatives, etc.
- 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – integration of smart city initiatives and procedures that are both learned through theoretical and practical techniques
- 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) – serving the cause of the national and international judiciary systems, by laws, and diplomatic relations for nation-building
- 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – strong ties and partnerships that will last for a lifetime (in personal, academic, and professional standpoints)
Overall, PolSci Week 2026 successfully strengthened academic engagement, celebrated cultural diversity, and fostered partnerships within the university community. The event effectively addressed the political science program outcomes by enabling students to analyze political institutions, practice civic responsibility, promote democratic values, conduct research, communicate ideas effectively, and pursue continued learning. Showcasing the commitment to develop globally aware, responsible, and socially engaged future leaders.
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Written by: Rebekah Delgado & Raymart Ramos
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
