Written by Mae Janica Palkit, International Affairs Staff
University of Baguio (UB) welcomed a delegation from its Sister Cities, San Antonio, Texas, USA, alongside the CABSAT Education Committee, for a landmark Sports Diplomacy Engagement and the official turnover of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). The event took place on February 23 at the UB Cardinal Gymnasium was a key milestone in building stronger international ties in education and sports.
The delegation was led by San Antonio City Mayor Hon. Ron Nirenberg, CABSAT President Dr. Melinda Rodriguez, UB President Engr. Javier Herminio D. Bautista, and Baguio City Councilor Hon. Isabelo Cosalan, who represented Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. The event was hosted by the City Tourism Officer, Engr. Alec Mapalo.
One primary goal of the visit was to further solidify the educational partnership between UB and UTSA. The MOU sets the stage for future student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research projects, and joint curriculum development. The agreement was signed by key UB officials, including President Javier Bautista, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Janice Kaylyn K. Lonogan, Director of Linkages Office Ms. Melanie R. Saro, and Dr. Helen Alalag, Dean of the School of Nursing.
In addition to the educational partnership, the event also highlighted the growing sports collaboration between the City of Baguio and CABSAT. A key component of this partnership is the introduction of Kombat Taekwondo and Sports Taekwondo, led by Ms. Elva Adams, whose team showcased a live demonstration for attendees. As a symbol of this sports collaboration, Spurs basketball jerseys were presented to the UB Athletic Team.
This visit is the culmination of discussions that began in July 2023 and underscores the success of the long-standing sisterhood between UB and San Antonio. As the “Home of the Champions,” UB continues to foster meaningful international partnerships through both educational and sports exchanges, setting the stage for exciting opportunities ahead.
