On July 31, 2026, members and esteemed representatives from the University of Baguio‘s Alumni Foundation Inc. (UBAFI), in coordination through the Linkages Office, strengthened their commitment to knowledge exchange and institutional growth through tried-and-tested techniques in building meaningful and sustainable relationships through a benchmarking visit to De La Salle University (DLSU).
Under the leadership of UBAFI President Engr. Eleazer Demayo, the benchmarking activity provided an avenue for upskilling institutional learning by bringing together UBAFI officers, School Alumni Relations Coordinators (SARCs), UB Management representatives, and personnel from the Linkages Office and the Research, Innovation, Extension, and Community Outreach (RIECO) Office.
The main goals of the visit were to learn from DLSU’s well-established alumni engagement strategies and to identify tactics that could be adapted to the University of Baguio’s organizational structure, resources, and alumni needs. In addition to teaching the UB and UBAFI delegates about DLSU’s programs, the exercise prompted them to consider how effective engagement strategies might be translated into tangible projects at the University of Baguio.
UBAFI and DLSU: A take on alumni engagement practices
Benchmarking delegates and representatives were welcomed into a productive exchange of experiences and practices. Along with the presence of members of the De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) and the DLSU Advancement and Alumni Relations Office (AARO).
Dr. Joaquin Lorenzo V. Moreno, Executive Director of the DLSAA, provided an overview of the Association, including its history, mission, vision, organizational structure, and major engagement initiatives.
Dr. Moreno discussed the various initiatives and tactics that the association uses to increase involvement and foster enduring relationships between graduates and the university. To maintain alumni ties to their alma mater after graduation, emphasizing the importance of a clear organizational structure and a long-term engagement strategy. The delegates learned how structured programs can provide chances for professional growth, networking, community service, and ongoing involvement in university projects.
Ms. Ma. Cristina Aurelio, Donor Relations and Engagement Officer of the DLSU Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, discussed the office’s experiences overseeing networking events, institutional fundraising, and graduate connections in collaboration with the DLSAA. Demonstrating a solid and well-coordinated relationship between the university and its alumni association. Dedicated engagement programs can align with institutional priorities through this kind of cooperation, which also gives graduates significant opportunities to share their knowledge, connections, and resources with the university.
Adding another valuable perspective to the discussion was Atty. Christine Base, president of the DLSAA, engaged with the UB and UBAFI delegates during the open forum. She responded to questions concerning the Association’s programs, operations, initiatives, and approaches to engaging alumni.
The open discussion allowed the delegates to gain a deeper understanding of the practical considerations behind DLSAA’s engagement efforts and provided an opportunity to explore practices that could potentially be contextualized for both institutions.
Key practices identified for possible adoption or adaptation were
Strengthening the Annual Alumni Engagement Plans and Networks
- The university shall implement aligned strategic annual alumni engagement plans that focus on clear objectives, priority programs, timelines, responsible offices or units, and measurable performance indicators. This approach will promote better coordination, accountability, and continuous improvement in the university’s alumni initiatives.
- By targeting groups’ strengths and formations and categorizing them by graduation year, geographic location, profession, and special interests, the exploration will provide graduates with opportunities to reconnect, build professional networks, collaborate on projects, and contribute to the university’s programs.
Developing a Comprehensive Alumni Database
- Underscoring the importance of reliable, up-to-date alumni information, the foundation shall work to strengthen a comprehensive alumni database and information system that supports communication, networking, event management, tracking, and engagement initiatives. Enabling the university to better understand the professional backgrounds, locations, interests, and potential contributions of its graduates.
Expanding Alumni Giving and Donor Engagement
- Through the expansion of the alumni donor program, other stakeholders may be provided with opportunities to support scholarships, student assistance, institutional projects, and other initiatives aligned with UB’s priorities. Cultivating long-term partnerships and a culture of giving among individuals, organizations, and other stakeholders.
Alt Tect: UBAFI President, Engr. Eleazar Demayo during the 2026 benchmarking practices and relations with De La Salle University
The benchmarking activity reflects UB and UBAFI’s shared commitment to continuously improving the university’s engagement programs. It also demonstrates the value of institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange in developing more responsive and sustainable programs.
The initiative supports the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4: Quality Education—as stronger alumni engagement can contribute to quality education by opening opportunities for scholarships, student assistance, mentorship, career guidance, professional networking, knowledge sharing, and other forms of support that enhance the student experience.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals—demonstrating the importance of building partnerships among universities, organizations, professionals, external institutions, and other stakeholders. Sustained collaboration can help mobilize expertise, resources, networks, and opportunities in support of institutional and community development.
A stronger alumni community, a stronger university
More than an exchange of information, the activity created an opportunity for UB and UBAFI to envision new and better ways of keeping graduates connected to their alma mater.
The benchmarking experience reaffirmed how crucial it is to stay in touch with alumni as they progress both personally and professionally. Beyond reunions and special occasions, involvement should include chances for professional growth, networking, mentoring, volunteer work, knowledge exchange, and institutional support.
Moving forward, the goal remains clear: to build a community that does not simply look back at its university experience but continues to connect, contribute, collaborate, and create opportunities for the next generation of University of Baguio learners.
