𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐨'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐆𝐔𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐃𝐎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬

by: Michelle Ann P. Chomayag | December 22, 2023

In the dedicated pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the University of Baguio (UB) actively engages in strategic partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Baguio. Recognizing the vital importance of collaboration, UB’s Research Innovation Extension and Community Outreach (RIECO) Director, Dr. Donnavila Marie B. Panday, and Staff, Ms. Michelle Ann P. Chomayag, in tandem with Ms. Liza Balao and Ms. Ana Codley, both a Social Worker from CSWDO, initiated an initial meeting with Barangay Pucsusan and Barangay Pinsao Proper, the recommended and identified as key partners by the CSWDO. This collaborative endeavor served as a benchmark for the introduction of UB CARES program, aligning its Five Pillars; Health, Literacy, Livelihood, Peace and Order, and Infrastructure, with the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.

The meeting, attended by Punong Barangay Karl B. Gabaen of Pucsusan and Punong Barangay Raymond Laxamana of Pinsao Proper, emphasized the integration of SDGs into their community development plans. Dr. Donnavila Marie B. Panday comprehensively expounded on UB CARES’ components, fostering a shared understanding of the program’s holistic approach. Notably, both Barangays expressed familiarity with the SDGs, actively incorporating them into their developmental plans and agendas.

As the discussion progressed, Ms. Balao reinforced the importance of reciprocal partnerships, urging the Barangays to actively participate in co-implementing initiatives. Concerns raised by the community leaders, such as the need for training in First Aid, Basic Life Support, and Crime Prevention, underscored the relevance of the collaboration. Additionally, discussions on livelihood programs highlighted the necessity for training in production, sales, and marketing, with an emphasis on building cooperatives for sustainable funding.

Underlining a persistent dedication to community-driven initiatives, the University of Baguio reaffirms its vital role as a facilitator, prioritizing collaborative efforts over a prescriptive approach in program delivery. Further, UB places emphasis on engaging positively with community members from the Barangay. Particularly on the Literacy and Health Pillars of the UB CARES program, as insights garnered from the shared information of the Barangay’s underscored the imperative of educating children and youths on issues directly affecting them. This focus is identified as an integral component for fostering comprehensive community development programs, aligning UB’s Vision, Mission and Objectives with the needs and aspirations of the local community.

As the meeting drew to a close, Dr. Panday outlined the schedule of activities, signaling the commencement of MOA signing and a comprehensive Needs Assessment from January to March 2024. The meeting’s success lay in the solidarity of the two Barangays, reflecting their eagerness to collaboratively strive for the attainment of the SDG’s and the creation of a more equitable and sustainable future for the community.