The University of Baguio began the new academic year strong with its Annual General Assembly, gathering the members of the Top Management, faculty, and non-teaching staff to organize and prepare for the incoming semester.
Spearheaded by the Human Resource Management Center (HRMC) and the UBFEWU, the general assembly was officially held at the UB Cardinals Gym on August 4, 2025. It catered to all members of the university’s workforce, focusing on disseminating relevant and timely information so that all employees are up to date on UB’s programs, activities, milestones, and policies. The general assembly is integral to aligning the efforts of every school and office to the university’s vision, mission, objectives, and core values (VMOC), furthering UB’s progress in implementing its Institutional Development Plan.
The morning session was an insightful review of UB’s academic activities and milestones, updated administrative policies, and financial performance for Academic Year 2024-2025. Following a warm welcome address from UB President Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista, the first part of the orientation was led by the university’s vice presidents: Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Atty. Rommel Ayson (Vice President for Administration), and Dr. Johann Ben Bautista (Vice President for Finance). Their segments gave a comprehensive overview of UB’s academic milestones, updated policies, and financial performance during the previous academic year.
Following this, the directors from several key offices also presented informative presentations regarding the key functions and services overseen by their department. Engr. Bernard Abaya (Campus Planning Development Office), Mr. Jayton Anaen (Security Office), Engr. Julia Flores (Risk Management Office), and Dr. Esmeralda Gatchallan (Medical and Dental Clinic) all shared comprehensive updates on their respective initiatives, current priorities, and ongoing improvements aimed at ensuring a safe, responsive, and well-maintained learning environment for the UB community.
In addition to these integral updates, the UBFEWU President, Mr. Nelson Odasco, also hosted part of the afternoon session and introduced several initiatives that aim to support the needs of the employees outside of the workplace. In particular, he allowed two external partners to discuss healthcare and funerary services that the university is looking to offer in the future.
Adding to the engaging atmosphere of the General Assembly were the energizers and interactive icebreakers woven throughout the program. These quick routines encouraged attendees to get up, move, and refresh both body and mind. Far from just filling time, the energizers played a key role in maintaining focus, boosting morale, and fostering a dynamic atmosphere. Their inclusion helped transform the event into a more engaging and spirited experience for everyone present.
Beyond just an activity to kickstart the new academic year, the Annual General Assembly serves as a vital platform to foster collaboration and reinforce UB’s shared vision. It gives direction to the different schools and offices for the incoming academic year, allowing them to focus their efforts and work toward achieving institutional goals and objectives and furthering UB’s pursuit of perfection.
This is also structured to address several Sustainable Development Goals, supporting UB’s journey to becoming an innovative, resilient, and environmentally-conscious institution. In particular, it supports:
- SDG No. 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring that the employees have adequate healthcare access through its Medical and Dental Clinic, as well as the provision of external healthcare services through partnerships;
- SDG No. 4: Quality Education, ensuring that UB follows a strict educational policy that allows its schools and programs to meet national and international standards;
- SDG No. 5: Gender Equality, building an inclusive environment where equal representation, participation, and recognition of all genders are reflected in institutional policies;
- SDG No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, ensuring that the university continues to promote a culture of productivity, accountability, and inclusive professional development;
- SDG No. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, encouraging institutional ingenuity that enhances operational processes and aligns infrastructure initiatives with the university’s long-term vision, and
- SDG No. 10: Reduced Inequalities, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making processes across all sectors of the university.
Overall, the Annual General Assembly continues to serve as a cornerstone event that ensures the unity and cooperation of all working parts of the UB Community. It is a time and place to not only communicate important updates, but to celebrate accomplishments and to continue to encourage growth and development on both an institutional and a professional level. It reflects UB’s ongoing dedication to collaboration, excellence, and meaningful progress, continuing to shape UB’s path forward in upholding its position as an esteemed and internationally-acclaimed higher education institution.
