In a remarkable display of innovation and community spirit, a group of dedicated psychology students has emerged victorious in a city-wide competition focused on making Baguio City safer and healthier. The competition, which drew participants from various schools and youth across the city, showcased the creativity and commitment of these young minds in addressing critical issues related to public safety and well-being.
The program competition started last September 16, 2023, together with Baguio Student’s Day, it was a three-month program where youth was included in idea development, design thinking, prototyping, and actual implementation after the last round. It was just last January 13, 2024, when the final pitching was held, from nine finalists mentored through intensive training sessions to pitching their ideas tackling urban issues to expert juries. They were left to discover the four outstanding initiatives that emerged as winners from the competition and one of the four groups was a group from the STELA BS Psychology program.
The competition challenged students to come up with comprehensive plans and projects aimed at fostering a safer and healthier environment in Baguio City. Participants were encouraged to think outside the box, considering various aspects such as environmental sustainability, public health, and community engagement. The goal was to generate ideas that could be implemented to enhance the overall quality of life for Baguio City residents. Amidst the competition, four teams stood out for their innovative approach and commitment to creating a positive impact for the city and a deep understanding of the challenges it faces.
The students from BS Psychology are; Psychology students from the University of Baguio namely: Jenny Claire Casumpang, Ryan Neil Cristobal, Jenna Sheena David, Lorely Angel Domingo, Gian Danielle Orzal (Team Leader), Hooly Meir Parado, Tricia Andre Pomares, Michaellah Revilla, and Patricia Nicole Trajeco.
The team also was handled meticulously by their mentor Ms. Janice Militar during the project development. Lastly, to make the project come true it was sponsored by Rocky Construction and J’s Chicken Haus.
Their winning project was named Project W.O.W: Wellness on Wheels which aims to empower and inspire more individuals in the community in creating a safe and sound Baguio. Project W.O.W will surely bring accessible mental health initiatives even to remote places.
The success of these students in the Baguio City Safe and Sound Program is a testament to the power of youthful innovation and community collaboration. By addressing crucial issues and proposing actionable solutions, these students have not only won a competition but have also contributed to the ongoing efforts to build a better future for Baguio City. Their passion, creativity, and dedication serve as an inspiration for others, highlighting their potential.
Written by Gabrielle Ann Yvonne Rocha and Irah Cayetano
Photos courtesy of Gian Orzal (Facebook)
