University of Baguio Recognized for Its Contribution to the Successful Graduation of the First Batch of Cordillera CivicAdemy
“engaging in partnerships that promote lifelong learning, civic responsibility, and sustainable community development”
Contributing to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, particularly SDG 4.7.1, which emphasize education for global citizenship, sustainable development, and the acquisition of knowledge and skills for responsible participation in society; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, particularly SDG 16.7.2, which promote inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, particularly SDG 17.16, which underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving sustainable development, the University of Baguio participated in the Cordillera CivicAdemy Graduation Ceremony on October 22, 2026, at Hotel Elizabeth, Gibraltar, Baguio City. The event celebrated the successful completion of the first batch of Cordillera CivicAdemy learners from Baguio City and Benguet while recognizing the significant contributions of partner institutions, organizations, and individuals who helped make the initiative possible.
Organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the lead organization, the graduation ceremony brought together representatives from various partner Learning Resource Institutions (LRIs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local Government Units (LGUs) from Baguio City and Benguet, and other stakeholders committed to strengthening civic engagement and participatory governance in the Cordillera Administrative Region. The event was also graced by DILG Assistant Secretary Elizabeth N. Lopez de Leon, whose presence underscored the national government’s commitment to developing informed, responsible, and empowered citizens who can actively participate in community development and local governance.
Alongside the recognition of the graduating learners from the Baguio and Benguet cohorts, the ceremony also highlighted the valuable contributions of partner agencies, institutions, and schools, acknowledging their significant roles in the successful implementation of the CivicAdemy program. Among the recognized institutions was the University of Baguio, led by its President, Dr. Javier Herminio D. Bautista, whose recognition affirmed the University’s role as one of the host Learning Resource Institutions for Module 3 of the Cordillera CivicAdemy.
The University’s participation as a host institution reflects its continuing commitment to extending its academic resources, institutional expertise, and learning facilities beyond the confines of the university. By opening its doors to the CivicAdemy learners, the University helped provide an avenue for knowledge-sharing, collaborative learning, and meaningful discussions on matters relevant to civic responsibility, public engagement, and community development. This partnership further demonstrates how higher education institutions can contribute to developing informed citizens and strengthening the relationship between academic institutions, government agencies, and communities.
In addition to the institutional recognition, several University of Baguio representatives were also acknowledged for their contributions as resource speakers and module writers. These included Dr. Donnavila Marie Panday-Herbster, Dr. Violet Apiles, Ms. Marianne K. Basoyang, Ms. Jenny Marsha Agtani, Ms. Michelle Ann P. Chomayag, and Mr. Mark Rommel L. Supsupin. Their participation in the development and delivery of the learning modules demonstrated the University’s commitment to sharing its academic and professional expertise in support of initiatives that promote civic awareness, responsible citizenship, and effective community participation.
The recognition received by the University of Baguio and its representatives is a testament to the value of institutional collaboration in advancing public education and civic development. It reflects the University’s continuing pursuit of its vision of becoming a leading learning institution recognized for quality education and service to humanity, and its mission of providing balanced and relevant education while developing globally competitive, socially responsible, and service-oriented individuals.
Through the University of Baguio’s participation in the Cordillera CivicAdemy, the institution reinforces its commitment to UB SERVES (Supports, Engages, Responds, Volunteers, Educates, and Sustains) by actively engaging in partnerships that promote lifelong learning, civic responsibility, and sustainable community development. Its involvement demonstrates that the University’s responsibility to educate extends beyond its classrooms, encompassing opportunities to empower individuals, strengthen institutions, and encourage meaningful participation in building better communities. As the first batch of Cordillera CivicAdemy learners celebrates this important milestone, the University of Baguio looks forward to sustaining its partnership with the DILG and other stakeholders in advancing civic education and strengthening community engagement throughout the Cordillera region. The successful graduation serves not only as a recognition of the learners’ dedication but also as an affirmation that meaningful partnerships among educational institutions, government agencies, and civil society organizations are essential in cultivating informed, empowered, and socially responsible citizens.
