On October 12, 2026, members of the University of Baguio‘s Junior Financial Executives (JFINEX) held a sit-down session to discuss insights and deepen their understanding of insurance’s importance in financial planning within the context of Baguio communities’ indigenous histories.
In collaboration with the Insurance Commission—Baguio City, the seminar broadened students’ understanding of financial concepts beyond the classroom by highlighting insurance’s role in building financial awareness, strengthening risk management, and supporting financial decision-making, which are relevant to building financially resilient individuals and sustainable economic participation.
Organized by JFINEX, the seminar reflected the organization’s goal of providing students with meaningful learning opportunities that complement their academic studies. Cultural awareness and financial literacy can work together to shape well-rounded, socially conscious business professionals. It gives students grounding principles in the heritage of Cordillera’s indigenous communities while giving them practical risk-management knowledge.
Indigenous History and the Role of Principles in Insurance and Wealth Building
Held at the university’s Smart AVR, JFINEX brought together financial management students from the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) for a deeper understanding of the indigenous history of communities in Baguio and insights on insurance.
Most attendees were third- and fourth-year students, totaling fifty-two (52) students who attended the event. Mr. Rocky Jake C. Ngalob of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Cordillera (NCIP-CAR) led the first session and emphasized the history of Baguio City’s indigenous communities. The conversation emphasized the value of cultural awareness and inclusivity while supporting financial decision-making by helping students better understand the community’s cultural values, customs, and experiences across the eras they have encountered.
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 seminar facilitated by UB’s Junior Financial Executives (JFINEX) under the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA)
Meanwhile, the second session, facilitated by Atty. Florida K. Fomaneg-Baclay, Division Manager of the Insurance Commission – Baguio District Office, focused on insurance and discussed its importance in managing financial risks, protecting assets, and helping individuals and families against unexpected financial losses or circumstances. Throughout the discussion, the students gained valuable knowledge of how insurance can be an essential element of responsible financial management and decision-making.
The participants enjoyed the mini-games that the guest speaker had prepared for the students during the second session. The mini-games, all connected to the topics the guest speaker discussed, included four pictures in one word and identifying differences between pictures. The mini-games were effective because they showed what students learned from the conversation.
The seminar supports various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG), notably knowledge building and quality lifelong learning, while expanding opportunities for economic growth and lasting collaborations.
UB-JFINEX reaffirmed its commitment to holistic education that honors the past while securing the future. Through activities like this, students are not only prepared for the demands of their academic and professional journeys. Still, they are also empowered to become responsible, culturally rooted, and financially resilient contributors to society.
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Written by: Karylle Joi Stacy | Ella Mae Fetad Dalog
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
