The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPS) practicum from the University of Baguio‘s School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) broadened its scope and depth for the recently finished academic year 2025–2026, providing students with relevant, career-focused placements in local and national government offices, legal companies, and civil society organizations. By connecting classroom theory with practical application, the program’s most recent cohort was directly exposed to public policy, legislative work, and community governance.
As students were assigned to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) of the Philippines this year, a noteworthy event, stronger institutional linkages and increased awareness of the BAPS practicum as a trustworthy source of qualified student interns are reflected in this placement. Being a sought-after improvement over the previous academic year. The involvement of the student interns in constituent services, policy research, and administrative assistance at the OVP honed their analytical abilities, professional communication skills, and comprehension of national executive operations.
A Step Up: UB BAPS and the Office of the Vice President
Senate internships: competitive and career-building
—
The practicum also secured six internship slots at the Senate, where students rotated through committee offices and legislative research units. These placements allowed interns to observe hearings, assist in drafting research briefs, and gain firsthand insight into bill development and legislative procedure. For many students, the Senate experience provided a clear preview of careers in public policy, legislative aid, and governance research.
Local deployment: city hall experience and community engagement
—
UB BAPS students were assigned to several offices under the City Mayor, the Office of the Vice Mayor, and a few city councilors. These assignments focused on program monitoring, ordinance drafting assistance, and constituent interaction, providing interns with hands-on local governance experience that is directly applicable to public service careers in their home communities.
Expanded public-sector and regional placements
—
Additionally, the practicum set up placements with government organizations in La Trinidad, Benguet, and the city. Students’ understanding of governance across institutional and geographic contexts was expanded by these regional opportunities, which exposed them to various administrative contexts and development priorities.
Legal and civil society pathways
—
Several prospective law students worked as interns in the Office of the City Prosecutor and private law firms, helping with client intake, case file management, and legal research. Which served as optimistic experiences that strengthened legal reasoning and professional ethics. Others opted for internships in non-governmental organizations, where they learned about community organizing, advocacy, and service delivery.
Alt Text: UB BAPS Interns, along with the program chair, Ms. Marianne Basoyang, during their stay and placement under the Office of the Vice President, Philippines
Program benefits and link to BAPS learning outcomes
Collectively, these internships fulfill core objectives of the BAPS practicum by:
- Translating theory into practice through direct involvement in policy, legislation, and administration
- Building professional competencies in research, writing, public communication, and stakeholder coordination
- Strengthening career pathways for graduates interested in public service, law, and civil society work
- Enhancing civic awareness and ethical public leadership through hands-on exposure to constituent concerns and institutional responsibilities
- Supporting the SDGs by promoting quality education, decent work, strong institutions, sustainable communities, and multi-sectoral partnerships
Students reported improvements in confidence, networking, and a clearer sense of their career interests. The OVP and Senate placements, in particular, offered unique mentorship opportunities and heightened visibility that opened up advantages that can help recent graduates as they apply for jobs or graduate programs.
The BAPS practicum aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing its role in preparing students for responsible public leadership:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education) – providing inclusive, relevant, and practical learning experiences that enhance knowledge, skills, and employability
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) – internship placements that build workplace skills, career readiness, and access to quality internships that improve job prospects
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) – engaging students in legislative research, local governance, legal internships, and public administration, the program strengthens institutions, promotes transparent decision-making, and cultivates accountable leadership
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – immersing students to local government assignments involving urban policy, local development planning, and community programs that contribute to safer, more inclusive cities
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – the practicum’s collaborations with national offices, municipal governments, law firms, and NGOs demonstrate cross-sector partnerships that enhance educational outcomes and public service delivery
The BAPS practicum this academic year from the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts showcased an evolving curriculum that links academic instruction to real-world governance efforts at the local, regional, and national levels. Continuing to prepare political science students for meaningful participation in public life, whether as public servants, legal professionals, or civic leaders.
—
Written by: Marianne Basoyang
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
