Written by: Dr. Dahlia D. Soriano & Lexter Eligio ||
Baguio City, Philippines – January 22, 2026 — In preparation for the upcoming deployment of student teachers to cooperating schools, the University of Baguio (UB), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), conducted the Student Teachers’ Orientation Prior to Deployment at Centennial Hall. The activity aimed to equip pre-service teachers with the knowledge, values, and professional mindset necessary for a meaningful and successful practicum experience.
The orientation was attended by 36 Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) student teachers and 27 Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) student teachers, together with the Dean of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), program chairs of BSEd and BEEd, supervising instructors, and faculty members, reflecting a strong institutional commitment to guided and collaborative teacher preparation.
The program formally opened with the Invocation, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and the University of Baguio Hymn. Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, Dean of STELA, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the University’s mission to develop competent, ethical, and service-oriented educators who are prepared to respond to the realities of the classroom.
Reinforcing the importance of collaboration, Dir. Melanie Rulla-Saro, Director of the UB Linkages Office, highlighted the value of institutional partnerships, particularly the sustained cooperation between the University of Baguio and the Department of Education in ensuring quality teaching internship experiences.
During the orientation proper, Dr. Mary Jane N. Malihod, Education Program Supervisor, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the roles and responsibilities of cooperating schools, student teachers, and key stakeholders. Complementing this discussion, she provided a reflective input on the statement of purpose, underscoring the values, professional discipline, and learner-centered mindset expected of student teachers as they enter real classroom settings.
Highlights of Key Discussions
A major focus of the orientation was the Child Protection Policy, discussed by Dr. Brendalee C. Awingan, Public Schools District Supervisor. She emphasized the responsibility of student teachers to uphold learners’ rights and welfare by fostering safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environments. Her discussion stressed that safeguarding children from abuse, discrimination, and neglect is both a legal obligation and a moral duty of every educator.
Another key session centered on Instructional Learning Resources, led by Dr. Loida C. Mangangey, Education Program Supervisor. She guided student teachers on the effective and ethical use of teaching materials and educational technologies, highlighting strategies for adapting resources to diverse learners. Her talk encouraged creativity, flexibility, and resourcefulness, particularly in classrooms with limited instructional materials, while maintaining alignment with curriculum standards.
An open forum followed, allowing student teachers to raise questions, clarify expectations, and address concerns regarding their practicum. The activity concluded with the presentation of certificates of recognition, during which representatives from both the BSEd and BEEd cohorts expressed their gratitude and readiness for deployment.
Closing the program, Dr. Dahlia D. Soriano, Program Chair of BSEd, underscored the importance of reflective practice, professionalism, and lifelong learning as essential qualities of effective teachers. The orientation was hosted by Mr. Leandro L. Rosete, BSED faculty member, and concluded with a photo opportunity, marking a significant milestone for UB’s aspiring educators.
Aligned with the University’s teacher education programs’ academic year theme, BEACON: Becoming Empowered Advocates of Competence and Outcomes through Nurturing Learning Communities, the orientation reaffirmed the University of Baguio’s commitment to empowering student teachers as reflective practitioners and responsible members of the teaching profession. By fostering shared responsibility, ethical practice, and learner-centered engagement, UB continues to nurture learning communities that prepare future educators to make meaningful and lasting impact in schools and society.
