Initiated on October 26 to 28, 2026, members and esteemed representatives from the University of Baguio‘s School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) Quality Assurance Office (QAO) launched an activity led by the Visually Impaired Positive and Progressive Dreamers (VIPPD) through a Dry Massage Therapy Livelihood Program.
The dry Shiatsu massage and reflexology services offered during the two-and-a-half-day outreach gave each participating member a chance to earn income while connecting with the wider UB community. Supported by business administration interns and on-the-job trainees (OJT), the team handled the event’s preparation, coordination, and promotion, and their teamwork kept clients coming while raising awareness of the VIPPD and its work.
Meaningful VIPPD Massage and Busking Services at UB
The program opened with VIPPD members’ first massage sessions, with clients choosing from 10-minute, half-body, and full-body massages. The VIPPD members also showed that their gifts go beyond massage. Mr. Mario Bateg entertained the crowd with a busking performance, while Ms. Alona Bateg led a lively karaoke session, filling the hall with music and making the outreach as joyful as it was meaningful.
Support for the event came from both inside and outside the university. Students, faculty, staff, and outside visitors also purchased handmade rugs and handicrafts created by VIPPD members. BBCCC employees also took advantage of the massage services, and the total count was 233 attendees, comprising 151 UB students, 48 UB staff, 20 guests and visitors, and 14 VIPPD members. The cross-departmental turnout showed strong cooperation across the university, turning a single outreach into a real source of livelihood. Among the students were
- 68 SBAA OJT trainees
- 65 School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) students
- 8 School of Information Technology (SIT) students
- 3 School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) students
- 3 School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) students
- 2 School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) students
- 1 student each from the School of Natural Sciences (SNS) and the School of Dentistry (SOD)
The initiative is one way UB puts its dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into practice. The University affirms that inclusivity and equal opportunity are lived values, not just declared ones, by giving VIPPD members a platform to practice their craft, earn income, and participate in campus life.
- SDG 1: No Poverty – through dedicated income-generating opportunities
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – providing accessible wellness services
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by supporting the skills and efforts given through the livelihood program of the VIPPD members
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – promoting equal opportunity and inclusion for persons with disabilities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – fostering an inclusive, supportive community within the city’s pertinent communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaboration between academic and institutional communities that support small-to-medium-sized entrepreneurial activities and organizations
The program ended with a heartfelt message from Mr. Ever Batasan, President of VIPPD. He thanked the University of Baguio, its students and OJT trainees, Mr. Franklin Wayang as Outreach Overall Coordinator, and all the offices, agencies, and individuals who made the event possible, and acknowledged the care and assistance extended to VIPPD members throughout the program.
Alt Text: Highlights from the VIPPD-led event at the University of Baguio Centennial Hall
More than a massage service or a crafts sale, the VIPPD Dry Massage Therapy Livelihood Program gave its members the chance to be seen for their abilities, build connections, and gain lasting support for their livelihood. It reminded everyone that an inclusive community is built when everyone is given an equal chance to grow and contribute.
—
Written by: Lenilyn P. Malicdem (QAO | Jaira Elaine P. Ramiscal (SBAA intern)
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
