On January 21, 2026, members, students, and esteemed leaders from the Political Science Organization (Politis) and the legal unit from the University of Baguio‘s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPS) program conducted their semestral general assembly and lecture at the Centennial Hall. Gathering for a whole day of pure academic and professional enrichment activities, topics, and discussions aiming to strengthen the department’s academic foundations while exposing promising students and leaders to practical career pathways aligned with the discipline of political science.
Guided Paralegal Works and Academic Discussions
The program was divided into two sessions, catering to the academic needs of lower- and upper-year students. The morning session, attended by freshmen and sophomores, focuses on communication skills that are essential to the BAPS program. Dr. Stacy Haynie B. Ayson led the lecture on mastering communication and guiding students through the fundamentals of effective expression. Comprising skills and techniques to carefully articulate and construct words and sentences to form coherent paragraphs. Giving the first part of the session a sense of clarity, critical thinking, and practical application, which is further reinforced through interactive activities that allowed students to translate theory into practice.
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 UB BAPS General Assembly and training, held at the Centennial Hall
During the afternoon session, junior and senior students participated in an in-depth lecture on paralegal studies and career development led by the university’s School of Law (SOL) department. The session was graced by distinguished speakers from the legal profession, including Atty. John Ray Mabanta Libiran, Dean of the School of Law, who conclusively discussed paralegal work and possible career paths for political science graduates. Adding to the discussion and analysis was Atty. Grainoil Uy Baysa-Pee, who further elaborated on paralegal practice and professional opportunities in the legal field.
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 UB BAPS General Assembly and training, held at the Centennial Hall
The session was also filled in by Atty. Banoar R. Abratique, CPA, speaking on establishing a sustainable career path, introduced the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program offered by the institution. Highlighting its ladderized mechanism, which allows students to proceed to Juris Doctor and complete the program within two years.
These activities reaffirmed the program’s commitment to academic excellence, professional preparation, and student development (further expressed by the Sustainable Development Goals 4, 8, 10, and 16), responding to one of the Program Educational Objectives to “manifest the competencies required in the fields of politics and governance relevant to the national and global scene” and the Program Outcome to “possess the proper outlook and initiative to pursue related fields of learning.”
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Written by: Ninotscha Angon
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
