UB Honored by DILG-CAR at the 2026 Gawad Binnadang for Its Partnership in Good Local Governance
“. . . bring the spirit of Civicademy beyond the four walls of the classroom” – Dr. Janice Kaylyn K. Lonogan, Vice President for Academic Affairs
On October 20, 2026, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) awarded the University of Baguio (UB), under the leadership of President Dr. Javier Herminio D. Bautista, a Certificate of Appreciation. The award was presented during the 2026 Gawad Binnadang at the Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City, as part of the celebration of the 35th Local Government Month. The certificate recognizes UB’s steadfast partnership with DILG-CAR through its active membership and contributions to the Cordillera CivicAdemy and its role as an On-the-Job Training (OJT) provider. It also notes that the partnership has helped carry out programs and initiatives that advance good local governance across the Cordillera region. The certificate was signed by Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III, Regional Director of DILG-CAR.
The award recognizes the sustained work of UB’s Research, Innovation, Extension, Community Outreach and Sustainability (RIECOS) Office, the UB High School, and the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) in strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) as genuine partners of local government. The work advances specific targets under SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
UB’s involvement in the CivicAdemy began at the design stage. STELA faculty member Ms. Jenny Marsha Agtani worked with Benguet State University (BSU) to write the Component 3 modules on strategic communication, including the module on Communication and Branding. RIECOS staff then joined the CivicAdemy Training of Trainers from November 24 to 26, 2025. UB also served as a Local Resource Institution at the program’s official launch on November 26, 2025, at Plaza Lodge Hotel, Baguio City.
On May 20, 2026, UB and DILG-CAR signed a Memorandum of Agreement that formally established the Cordillera CivicAdemy. The program is anchored on the principles of the Open Government Partnership. UB is one of four academic partners, together with Saint Louis University, the University of the Cordilleras, and Benguet State University. On July 24, 2026, UB joined the CivicAdemy Partners’ Meeting at the DILG-CAR Regional Office, where the program was described as one owned by its stakeholders rather than by government alone.
UB hosted a series of learning sessions at the UB Alumni AVR to complete the component three of the Civicademy course.
UB’s work with DILG-CAR contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goal targets:
| SDG | SDG Target and Contribution |
|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education |
Target 4.4 – Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and decent work. Through the OJT partnership, UB students build practical competencies in local governance at the DILG-CAR regional office.
Target 4.7 – Ensure learners gain the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development, human rights, a culture of peace, and global citizenship. The CivicAdemy modules on values formation, communication, negotiation, and advocacy equip CSO leaders with these competencies.
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| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth |
Target 8.6 – Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. Supervised OJT placements give students a direct pathway from classroom learning to public service work.
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| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities |
Target 10.2 – Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all. The CivicAdemy brought in groups such as the Irisan Persons with Disability Organization and the Cordillera Federation of Women’s Clubs, strengthening their voice in local decision-making.
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| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
Target 11.3 – Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and the capacity for participatory community planning. Capacitated CSOs, including Zero Waste Baguio and the Baguio City People’s Council, are better prepared to take part in local development planning.
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| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
Target 16.3 – Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice. Module 2 introduced CSOs to negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation as mechanisms for settling disputes.
Target 16.6 – Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. Sessions on data privacy and organizational leadership helped CSOs strengthen their internal governance and handle information responsibly.
Target 16.7 – Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. The CivicAdemy prepares CSOs to serve as active governance partners of local government units.
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| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals |
Target 17.16 – Enhance multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge and expertise. UB shares its academic expertise as a Local Resource Institution alongside SLU, UC, and BSU.
Target 17.17 – Encourage effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships. The CivicAdemy links DILG-CAR, local government, the academe, and CSOs in one collaborative program. Learning, leading, and serving.
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This recognition at the Gawad Binnadang reflects UB’s identity as an institution that learns, leads, and serves. Building on the CivicAdemy experience, UB will continue extending its expertise to the community.
