As part of ongoing community outreach and alumni engagement efforts at the University of Baguio, distinguished graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPS) program recently returned to their alma mater to conduct an insightful lecture series focused on the rights of women and children.
The outreach sessions were designed to enhance the legal awareness of both educators and students, providing actionable insights and legal perspectives to support community extension initiatives targeting women and children. With attendees coming from the BA Political Science and BS in Education (Social Studies) programs, students and academic personnel participated in key developments in the protection of women and children to supplement classroom teaching and learning and to prepare both students and faculty for community engagement work with vulnerable sectors.
Proper Handling of Children’s Cases
The session started with a talk from Ms. Francis Ann Cheska G. Delim, a BA in political science graduate and currently the Youth Program Development Coordinator at the Baguio City Social Welfare and Development Office. Focusing on the proper handling of child abuse cases, with the appropriate approach in managing children when discussing sensitive matters such as bullying, children’s rights, and sexuality.
Her lecture offered practical guidance for students and teachers who will work directly with children in schools and communities, particularly in handling disclosures and delicate discussions responsibly. Ms. Delim emphasized that conversations with children on these topics require sensitivity, age-appropriate language, and a child-centered approach so that children feel safe, heard, and protected and are not further harmed in the process.
Latest Guidelines and Jurisprudence on RA 9262
Another topic was delivered by Ms. Channel Dane S. Palangdao, a political science graduate and Project Development Officer I at the Metropolitan Baguio, La Trinidad, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA). She shared insights and discussions on the latest guidelines and jurisprudence on Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
To advance community extension initiatives and strengthen alumni engagement within the institution, prominent BAPS graduates returned to campus to deliver a specialized lecture series on the rights of women and children. The initiative aimed to broaden the legal understanding of faculty members and students alike, equipping them with practical knowledge and framework-driven legal perspectives to more effectively champion and carry out outreach efforts for women and children.
Alt Text: Esteemed political science alumni during the outreach activity of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) lecture series for 2026
On Outreach and Extension
Beyond updating participants’ knowledge, the lectures prepared them for the university’s extension and outreach programs. By learning the legal framework protecting women and children and the proper methods of engaging with minors, students and teachers are better positioned to carry out community activities that are informed, ethical, and responsive to beneficiaries’ needs.
The activity is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education) – by enriching teaching and learning with current, relevant knowledge and building the capacity of students and teachers
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality) – by promoting awareness of laws that protect women and children from violence and discrimination
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) – by strengthening understanding of legal protections, access to justice, and the proper handling of abuse cases
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – by fostering collaboration between the academe and its alumni in service of community development
Through initiatives like this, the program continues to prepare its students not only as learners but also as informed and compassionate advocates for the rights and welfare of women and children. The presence of alumni as resource speakers also showed how graduates continue to contribute to their academic community, bringing professional experience back to the classroom and giving current students a view of how their degrees can be applied in public service and the legal field.
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Written by: Marianne Basoyang
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
