August 14, 2025

Celebrating Excellence, Honoring Legacies: 77 years with the University of Baguio

Since its inception on August 8, 1948, the University of Baguio has grown from a humble educational institution into a thriving hub of learning, innovation, and community engagement. Under the guidance and leadership of its esteemed founders, Dr. Fernando Bautista and Rosa Bautista, it has continued to uphold its commitment to providing quality education, fostering a culture of excellence, and nurturing generations of graduates who are able to address the needs of the global community.

This year marks the university’s 77th Anniversary, commemorating over seven decades of exceptional service and academic integrity. This celebration serves not only as a tribute to UB’s enduring legacy but also as a means to empower the community that rallies behind the university’s operations and efforts. 

As part of this milestone, UB once again held its annual FAMERS celebration, a cherished tradition that honors the institution’s Faculty, Administrators, Management, Employees, Retirees, and Students. First held on the university’s 20th Anniversary, FAMERS has since become a mainstay for the university’s annual celebrations, serving as a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the people who form the heart of the UB family. Over the decades, it has evolved into a meaningful gathering that not only recognizes outstanding service and dedication, but also strengthens the bonds that unite the UB family.

This year’s FAMERS celebration was held at the John Hay Convention Center, Igorot Hall on August 9, 2025 and saw around 952 guests in attendance from the Bautista Family, the Management Team, faculty, non-teaching staff, retirees, alumni, and students. Under the theme of LOVE UB: Leveraging Opportunities; Valuing Excellence for the University of Baguio, the event brought together the UB community in a vibrant display of unity and pride. 

Following a solemn opening ceremony led by the UB Voices Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, UB President Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista gave a warm welcoming address, congratulating the UB community on a job well done for the last academic year and expressing his hope for the university to continue rendering exceptional service until its centennial celebration in the future.

Building on the warm atmosphere, the program moved into the awarding ceremony, where the university honored individuals who had exemplified excellent service and dedication over the course of the previous academic year. Among those recognized were Service Awardees for employees who had rendered five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, and thirty years of service, Dedicated Service Awards, Top Performing Employees from the faculty and non-teaching staff, and the FRB Outstanding Educator Awardees.

The 30 Years Service Awardees along with Vice President for Finance Dr. Johann Ben Bautista (pictured in a blue blazer).

Highlighting their unwavering loyalty and dedication to UB’s mission, the following awardees were recognized for 30 years of service:

  • Ms. Maria Veneranda Campos
    School of Business Administration and Accountancy
  • Mr. Isagani Charlie Dumpayan
    University of Baguio Science High School
  • Mr. Antonio Fernandez Jr.
    School of Dentistry
  • Ms. Maria Theresa Mañalac
    School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts
  • Ms. Erlinda Sanchez
    School of Nursing
  • Ms. Rhoda Tique
    School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts
  • Ms. Teresa Villanueva
    School of Natural Sciences
  • Mr. Basilio Munar Jr.
    School of Engineering and Architecture (part-time)

For their exceptional performance as members of the university’s support staff, four non-teaching employees were also recognized during the awarding ceremonies:

  • Ms. Hannah Monang
    Academic Affairs, School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • Ms. Gloria Nacua
    Academic Affairs, School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts
  • Mr. Joel Dela Cruz Jr.
    Administration, Campus Planning and Development Office – General Services
  • Ms. Dina Perez
    Administration, Campus Planning and Development Office

Apart from these outstanding individuals, the university also recognized the Top Performing Schools in the Board Examinations and in Alumni Engagement, marking the dedication of their deans and faculties to upholding academic excellence and ensuring that UBians are able to navigate the world beyond the university after they have graduated. The following schools were honored onstage:

Top Performing in Board Examinations

  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Engineering and Architecture
  • School of Nursing

Top Performing in Alumni Engagement

  • School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management
  • School of Law
  • University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School
The dean and faculty members of the school of nursing along with UB President Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista and VPF Dr. Johann Ben Bautista

Special recognition was likewise given to the dedicated teams behind the university’s participation in global ranking initiatives. The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings team, headed by Chairperson Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, and the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) team, led by Chairperson Ms. Jenelyn Magpatoc, were applauded along with their different teams and contributors for their tireless efforts in elevating UB’s presence and reputation on the international stage.

Before the commencement of dinner, the new employees of UB added a lively touch to the afternoon by taking to the stage for several special performance numbers showcasing their creativity, energy, and artistry. The segment, which has become a mainstay in recent years, featured a dynamic mix of dance performances, dramatic skits, and a spirited rendition of “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas”, aligning with this year’s aesthetic theme of traditional filipinana.

Their showcase was a highlight of the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that defines the UB community, earning enthusiastic applause and cheers from the eager audience.

As this year’s celebrations drew to a close, the 77th FAMERS stood as a heartfelt affirmation of UB’s people and purpose. It continues to honor years of faithful service, championing excellence across schools and offices, and welcoming new members who will help usher in a new era as the future of the university quickly approaches. 

Guided by the theme LOVE UB: Leveraging Opportunities; Valuing Excellence, along with the six pillars – Livelihood, Longevity, Legacy, Quality, Balanced, and Fun – and the Institutional Development Plan (IDP), UB continues to move forward towards a brighter future. With gratitude for the milestones behind and confidence in the path ahead, the University of Baguio takes another meaningful step forward.

Congratulations on 77 years of Excellence!

The Bautista Family gathering for a group photo.

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