In 2026, the University of Baguio continues to lead international collaboration in community development for government and private-sector practitioners. Recent efforts include cultural immersion and academic exploration through themed masterclasses focused on inclusive, meaningful destinations. The partnership between the School of Engineering and Architecture and Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Indonesia, advances sustainable tourism development and strengthens the bond for academic and community-centered development.
With their three-year partnership with the designated school, the masterclass, themed “From Community Roots to Sustainable Destinations,” aims to provide an engagement between the two institutions on a broad series of lectures, cultural immersion, local and national site visits, and collaborative design projects down the line.
The student delegates will explore how architecture, engineering, environmental planning, and tourism development can be better understood from an international perspective. This will provide access to sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful goal-setting academic and professional projects, along with experts from Saint Louis University, the Baguio City Government, and private industry practitioners.
Empowering Communities Through Internationalization
The partnership’s third year officially launched with a welcome ceremony on November 4, 2026, at Centennial Hall. The event aimed to honor local resources, cultures, and communities while broadening education past campus borders. Management members, SEA deans and department heads, student buddies, and distinguished guests attended, and the gathering emphasized that the global initiative extends beyond sending faculty and students abroad. Ultimately, it centers on gaining insights from diverse cultures, exchanging knowledge, and returning home with fresh perspectives to drive meaningful progress.
Architect Ryan Benaoe, Dean of the UB School of Engineering and Architecture, highlighted the partnership’s milestone achievements. Alongside department representatives, they reflected on the profound personal and academic growth faculty and students experienced over its three-year run. By offering students opportunities to expand their learning outside the traditional campus setting, the initiative created an enduring impact and empowered them to make meaningful contributions to their respective communities.
Alt Text: Leaders and esteemed represntatives from the Universityh of Baguio’s SEA Department along with delegates from Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Indonesia during the welcome ceremonies
As the original Memorandum of Agreement approaches its conclusion in November 2026, both institutions are preparing for its proposed renewal. The next phase aims to build on the lessons and challenges of the past three years, improve program implementation, encourage greater student participation, and explore interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, including involving Civil Engineering students.
Emphasizing that the masterclass’s success should be measured not solely by the number of participants or completed activities, but by the lasting impact of the experiences and the contributions students bring to their communities.
Understanding Cultural Identity and Community Participation
Bringing the global academic perspective alongside his expertise in tourism planning, Professor Muhamma Najih Fasya of the Faculty of Universitas AMIKOM Yogyakarta underscored that sustainable tourism and destination planning must place communities at the core. He emphasized that long-term vision balances immediate opportunities while fulfilling the aspirations and needs of future generations for professional development.
Furthermore, Professor Najih pointed out that cultural heritage encompasses far more than static historical sites and physical landmarks. Having the living expression of a community live through its values, traditions, stories, and daily practices, these elements must be thoughtfully integrated, respected, and comprehended within destination development.
He explained that temporary popularity and passing trends cannot define a destination’s true value. True sustainability depends on preserving identity, protecting local resources, adapting to changing circumstances, and generating enduring benefits for the community.
In closing, he urged participating students to fully immerse themselves in the masterclass by engaging in active participation, experiential learning, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections with their peers.
Connecting Global Insights to Local Development
Adding further depth to the masterclass series for 2026, SEA faculty experts Ar. Venus C. Palmeda and Ar. Kule Banylin Quinit presented insights and takeaways from an international conference they recently attended in Vietnam. Drawing from key observations in Da Nang, the architects underscored key principles in sustainable urban planning, cultural identity, and urban connectivity.
Key highlights from their presentation included protecting cultural heritage alongside modern city growth, designing infrastructure that fosters community connection, and embedding sustainability into urban and destination planning. These perspectives serve as vital benchmarks for local communities like Baguio City as they work to align urban expansion with cultural preservation, environmental protection, and tourism development.
Through interdisciplinary teamwork and collaborative learning, the masterclass translated shared perspectives into action. Student delegates from both institutions will work together to create project proposals and designs focused on addressing community needs while advancing sustainable destination development.
Supported by dedicated faculty mentors and industry experts, the program offers a vital platform for cultural exchange, professional networking, and building lasting friendships between Filipino and Indonesian students. The initiative will culminate in final project presentations evaluated by a panel of guest professionals.
UB’s Sustainable Development Agenda
Through this continuing partnership, UB and AMIKOM reaffirm their commitment to internationalization, collaborative learning, and community-centered development. Expressed through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), the initiatives support the following:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – providing students and faculty with meaningful opportunities for experiential learning, widespread exposure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – emphasizing the importance of creating destinations that respect cultural identity, protect resources, and respond to community needs
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – strengthening international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and institutional partnerships that support sustainable development
Sustainable destinations require more than infrastructure and attractions alone; rather, they are built through empowered communities, preserved cultures, responsible planning, and individuals who hold a genuine stake in their collective future.
Looking ahead to the next chapter of their partnership, both institutions remain dedicated to a clear shared vision: fostering learning experiences that transcend borders, delivering practical solutions, and empowering local communities to drive their own sustainable futures.
