Written by Avril Jehan Abordo & Dianne Rose Daileg
Photos courtesy of STELA Student Body
A fresh day in this new academic year, where the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts welcomes one thousand thirteen students at the UB Gymnasium to familiarize them with the different services and offices the University of Baguio provides. The General Orientation was an interactive four-hour session on the morning of August 26. It started with lots of energy and warm smiles- aimed to show the students an uplifting environment that encourages them to be transformative.
Opening remarks from Mr. Lee Emiliano, a STELA Student Body Adviser, set a welcoming atmosphere for the students. Following this, each program performed its chants, and the gym echoed with cheers and laughter. As the event moved, faculty members and staff were acknowledged, receiving warm applause and screams from the students. The highlight was a speech from STELA Dean, Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, who inspired students to utilize their education to make a positive impact in the community. His dedication to advancing education and transforming the school into a model of excellence left an impression on all present, inspiring and motivating the audience.
During the event, the documentation team from BA Communication students filmed the students for a School Marketing Video Campaign. It was one of the competition segments for the ‘Dapit Ubiano 2025: Retracing the Footsteps in the Familiar’, in celebration of the University of Baguio’s 77th Foundation Anniversary. The students proudly shouted ‘Be a
STELAr, Be a UBiano’ – a campaign chant that symbolizes their pride in being part of the University of Baguio community.
The Mediatrix Society, the official academic organization of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Program, successfully submitted its entry for the competition on September 7. Their team poured creativity and collaboration into preparing the engaging campaign. The final output captured the essence of STELA’s brand through its well-paced video and they earned the distinction of 1st runner-up, highlighting their huge impact in campus-based media and content production.
School Offices share presentations highlighting their services. Mr. John Nigel C. Millare, the current Library Director, discussed their offered services. Sir Denver Koby Soriano from the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) highlighted the importance of the activities to help hone their skills outside the classroom. The Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) showed how they will support the students’ mental health and wellness. The Admission and Records Center (ARC) explained its assistance in managing students’ academic files. Engr. Alvin Balisong from the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO) shared updates on campus infrastructure and future development plans. Ms. Arris Farocanag from the Student Accounts Office discussed and clarified tuition payments, billing concerns, and financial transactions. Lastly, University Clinic Services, Risk Management Office, Linkages and Other Services present to familiarize the students with the various support systems available at the University.
From the Linkages Office, Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro, a director, encourages students from the first-year level to participate in the “Bring Me” game, where they won University of Baguio merchandise, including caps and T-shirts.
Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being” and SDG 4 “Quality Education”, allowing the participants to address the needs– ensuring safety and security, supporting education, fostering inclusivity; from different departments, everyone is heard and seen, and their presence is valued –strengthening the School mission and vision.
The orientation successfully equipped students for their academic journey with the knowledge provided, giving them a clearer understanding of the support they can receive that can guide them.
