The University of Baguio, in partnership with JCI Baguio Sunflower, proudly celebrated the 5th year of WOMENTOR 2026, a milestone initiative dedicated to empowering women through mentorship, leadership development, and meaningful collaboration. What began as a shared vision between the university and a dynamic women-led civic organization has grown into a transformative platform that continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of women leaders.
The 2026 WOMENTOR gathered more than one thousand (1,000) students from different schools across the University of Baguio, guided by the expertise and encouragement of seventy-five (75) alumni mentors from diverse professional fields. The overwhelming participation reflects the program’s growing impact and the strong mentorship culture within the UB community.
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 WOMENTOR Celebration and Activities at the University of Baguio
The series and celebration that ties in with the National Women’s Month (March), brought annually by the institution, is a collaborative initiative between the University of Baguio and JCI Baguio Sunflower to create a space where women can learn, thrive, and nurture skills and ideologies from accomplished professionals to develop the confidence and leadership skills needed to thrive in their chosen careers. Highlighting the power of mentorship by shaping personal growth, professional development, and social responsibility.
A Partnership Rooted in Empowerment
The WOMENTOR journey began in 2021 when the University of Baguio and JCI Baguio Sunflower signed a partnership agreement, launching the first WOMENTOR program through an online platform during the pandemic. Since then, the initiative has evolved into a yearly flagship event of the university’s Women’s Month celebration, continuously expanding its reach and impact through seminars, mentorship circles, and leadership conversations.
Alt Text: Mentors and Mentees from the 2026 WOMENTOR Celebration and Activities at the University of Baguio
The partnership between UB and JCI Baguio Sunflower demonstrates the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing women’s empowerment and leadership development. Through workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities, WOMENTOR has provided a meaningful avenue for women to learn from experienced professionals and build supportive communities that uplift and inspire one another.
Recently, the University of Baguio and JCI Baguio Sunflower renewed their partnership agreement, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening mentorship initiatives that support the development of women leaders in the region.
Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Over the years, WOMENTOR has grown into a powerful movement that champions women’s leadership for students, leaders, and industry professionals to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose. Connecting through tenured alumni and women experts who share their journeys, insights, and strategies in navigating challenges within their destined careers and communities.
Alt Text: Esteemed professionals and Institutional Women Leaders from the 2026 WOMENTOR Celebration and Activities at the University of Baguio
Through these mentoring sessions, participants gain practical guidance on leadership, career development, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. These conversations inspire students to embrace their potential and pursue meaningful opportunities that contribute to society.
The impact further reflects the enhanced enthusiasm of participants and mentors alike. WOMENTOR has become a space where women uplift one another, creating a profound culture of support, collaboration, and empowerment that extends beyond the academic grounds.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
Strongly aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the event expresses:
- SDG 4: Quality Education that provides mentorship and leadership learning opportunities that complement formal education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality in promoting women’s empowerment and encouraging female leadership across different sectors
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through connecting students with mentors who share professional insights and career pathways
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which extends the collaborative engagement between the University of Baguio and non-government organizations such as JCI Baguio Sunflower
The program highlights the importance of strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations and alumni networks to expand opportunities for students. Through this collaboration, UB demonstrates how higher education institutions (HEIs) can work alongside non-government organizations to create sustainable and impactful initiatives for community development.
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 WOMENTOR Celebration and Activities at the University of Baguio
A Directed Initiative for Global Innovation and Recognition
WOMENTOR also reached a significant milestone in 2026, being chosen as one of the institution’s official entries in empowerment-based programs and categories of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026.
As the Philippines continues to achieve a shared advocacy within global realms under the guidance of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026 for peace-building and elimination of violence against women through timely community involvement, the core of women’s empowerment and advocacy provides an avenue for esteemed leaders and a community of innovators to inspire, guide, and become the next generation of changemakers.
Alongside the national campaign brought by the Philippine Women’s Commission (PWC), the strategic development and plans for this year’s National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) sub-theme serve as a call to action for timely and active involvement. Representing the Philippines’ role as chair for the ASEAN 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
Alt Text: Highlights and snapshots from the 2026 WOMENTOR Celebration and Activities at the University of Baguio
Additionally, the event shows its support toward the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders Summit, excelling with the theme “Shaping the Future of ASEAN: Women’s Leadership in Advancing People Empowerment, Regional Security, and Economic Prosperity,” by expressing conventional ways in which Filipino women continue to promote inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and community development at local, regional, national, and international levels and standards.
UB’s dedication to creating cutting-edge programs extends beyond just learning supplied within the classroom, as it gives direct influence on real-world reflections and honors the noted ethics given by local and national constitutions and judicial agreements. Highlighting the invaluable contributions and esteemed partnership between the university and JCI Baguio Sunflower in working together to advance programs that support leadership, community involvement, and gender equality.
A Community Effort
The success of WOMENTOR 2026 would not have been possible without the support and dedication of the many individuals and offices who contributed to its implementation.
The university extends its gratitude to JCI Baguio Sunflower President Jobelle Batanes, JCI National President 2014 Christine Garcia, WOMENTOR 2026 Chair Ms. Honey Lacambra Castillo, UB WOMENTOR Co-Chair Ms. Arlene Pontino Arellano, Director Joy Bulatao Limpin (HRMC), Director Leny Estacio (CCSD), and Dr. Veronica Bito (SHS), as well as the school deans, alumni relations coordinators, university mentors from various institutions, student delegates, academic support team, and the Linkages Office team.
Alt Text: Highlights and snapshots from the 2026 WOMENTOR Celebration and Activities at the University of Baguio
Special recognition is also given to the UB Top Management and Foundation for their continued support in programs that empower students and strengthen the university’s role in community development.
Continuing the Movement
As WOMENTOR enters its fifth year, the program continues to inspire a growing network of mentors, leaders, and advocates committed to uplifting women and creating opportunities for meaningful change.
With its expanding reach and strong partnerships, WOMENTOR stands as a testament to the University of Baguio’s mission to develop empowered, socially responsible leaders who will shape a more inclusive and equitable future.
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Written by: Melanie Rulla-Saro
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
