Written by: Alexis Cayabyab, Ren Yer Pascual
The University of Baguio (UB) has taken a major step toward advancing the quality and credibility of its psychology program with the establishment of its new Psychology Laboratory.
This facility represents a major milestone not only for the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) but also for the entire university community, as it embodies UB’s ongoing dedication to innovation, academic excellence, and holistic student development. Through this laboratory, UB strengthens its vision of providing students with learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, an essential foundation for success in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of psychology.
In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4- Quality Education, the Psychology Laboratory serves as a concrete manifestation of UB’s mission to provide accessible, inclusive, and high-quality learning experiences that foster lifelong learning and professional competence.
The Psychology Laboratory is envisioned as more than just a physical learning space; it serves as a training ground for aspiring psychology professionals to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences that reflect real-world practice. Within its professional and structured environment, students can conduct psychological experiments, perform simulations, role-play counseling sessions, and administer various psychological assessments. These experiential activities help students deepen their understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and the scientific methods that guide psychological inquiry. By engaging in these applications, students learn to think critically, act ethically, and communicate effectively core competencies required in both academic and professional settings.
Moreover, by equipping students with skills essential to promoting mental wellness, the laboratory also supports SDG 3- Good Health and Well-being, particularly in fostering awareness, prevention, and intervention strategies for mental health concerns.
One of the laboratory’s primary goals is to enhance the quality of learning by connecting theory to practice. It allows students to watch, experience, and study psychological events as they happen, which strengthens what they learn in class with real-life examples. Through these experiential learning opportunities, UB students gain confidence and readiness for professional challenges, particularly in preparation for the Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians (BLEPP). Moreover, the skills and competencies acquired in the laboratory prepare them for diverse career paths in clinical, educational, industrial-organizational, and research-based psychology.
In this way, UB’s Psychology Laboratory directly contributes to SDG 4, ensuring that higher education remains transformative, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of society.
Beyond its direct academic function, the Psychology Laboratory benefits both students and faculty members. STELA gives psychology majors access to a special learning space with all the tools, materials, and technology they need to improve their training and skill development. Faculty members can use the laboratory to create new teaching methods and conduct research, allowing them to develop hands-on, research-based learning activities that encourage student participation and critical thinking. This collaborative use of the facility underscores UB’s student-centered approach and its dedication to nurturing professional excellence among its learners and educators.
Through these efforts, UB also advances SDG 17- Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration among educators, students, and the broader academic community toward shared educational and developmental goals.
Looking ahead, the Psychology Laboratory also holds tremendous potential for community engagement and social impact. As the program develops further, the facility may serve as a hub for psychological services, outreach programs, and workshops that promote mental health awareness and overall well-being among the university’s stakeholders and the broader Baguio community. Through these initiatives, the University of Baguio continues to uphold its mission of cultivating graduates who are not only academically competent but also socially responsible, empathetic, and service-oriented embodying the principles of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through community service and public mental health initiatives.
One of the most remarkable features of the University of Baguio’s Psychology Laboratory is its specialized and purpose-driven structure, meticulously designed to support both professional training and academic development. The lab has two separate rooms that work well together and are designed to meet the needs of both psychological practice and teaching.
The first room is soundproof, providing an optimal environment for conducting counseling sessions, psychological testing, and structured interviews. Its insulation from external noise ensures that both clients and practitioners can engage in meaningful communication without distractions, fostering confidentiality, focus, and emotional comfort. This controlled setting mirrors real-world clinical environments, giving students the opportunity to practice professional procedures under authentic conditions.
The second room serves as an observation area, equipped with two-way mirrors that allow faculty members, students, and researchers to watch sessions or activities discreetly. This setup is vital for both training and evaluation, as it enables observers to study behaviors, counseling techniques, and interaction patterns in real time without interrupting the natural flow of the session. It also reinforces essential ethical principles such as respect, privacy, and integrity by ensuring that all observations are conducted responsibly and confidentially.
To ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of the facility, the Psychology Laboratory is under the care and management of Ms. Bernadine G. Bernabe, the laboratory custodian. Ms. Bernabe plays a crucial role in maintaining the organization and cleanliness of the lab, overseeing the use of equipment and materials, and assisting both faculty and students in their academic and practical activities. Her dedication and professionalism reflect the University of Baguio’s commitment to accountability, order, and student-centered service, ensuring that the laboratory remains a safe, efficient, and supportive space for learning.
The establishment of the Psychology Laboratory is an important milestone for the University of Baguio’s psychology program. It demonstrates the institution’s steadfast commitment to producing competent, ethical, and compassionate graduates who are well-equipped with both academic knowledge and hands-on experience. Through this facility, UB psychology students are provided the opportunity to enhance their practical skills, confidence, and professional readiness, preparing them to become future leaders and advocates for mental health in society.
