Written by Christian Junio, with contributions from Elizah Ruth Marie Ubungen
The University of Baguio (UB), through the Office of Student Affairs and in collaboration with the Supreme Student Council, actively participated in the Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya ng Baguio on February 9, 2025, at Melvin Jones. This event showcased UB’s dedication to community service by providing essential healthcare services and various forms of assistance. The initiative brought together different UB schools, each contributing to the goal of giving back to the people of Baguio.
As part of UB’s commitment to public health, the School of Nursing (SON) and the School of Natural Sciences (SNS) took a leading role in delivering free medical services to the community. The School of Nursing played an essential role in ensuring the health and well-being of the public by offering free blood pressure checks and random blood sugar testing. These screenings are crucial in detecting early signs of hypertension and diabetes, both of which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. By providing these services free of charge, UB aimed to increase health awareness and encourage individuals to monitor their well-being more closely.
The School of Natural Sciences also made a significant impact by conducting free blood typing and postural assessments. Blood typing is an essential medical service that helps individuals be more prepared for emergencies, blood transfusions, and medical treatments. The blood typing services were handled by faculty members and student interns from the University of Baguio Clinical Laboratory, ensuring accuracy and professionalism. Additionally, the postural assessment, led by Physical Therapy faculty and students, aimed to identify musculoskeletal issues that could lead to chronic pain or mobility problems. These assessments also included blood pressure monitoring, further enhancing the health services available to attendees.
The people of Baguio City expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the free healthcare services offered by UB many individuals, especially those who may not have the financial means to afford regular medical check-ups, found this initiative extremely beneficial. Parents, the elderly, and working individuals took advantage of the medical screenings, seeing them as an opportunity to assess their health without worrying about the cost. The accessibility of these services brought relief to many, as some had been putting off medical consultations due to financial constraints. This initiative not only provided immediate health benefits but also reassured the community that institutions like UB genuinely care for their well-being. The smiles and heartfelt words of thanks from the beneficiaries reflected the impact of this outreach, proving that small acts of service can make a significant difference in people’s lives.
While various UB schools participated in the event by offering services in different areas, the medical initiatives spearheaded by the School of Nursing and School of Natural Sciences stood out as crucial contributions to public health. Their efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which promotes good health and well-being. By providing essential medical services for free, UB contributed to improving community health and preventing potential health risks. The event also supported SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education, as it provided medical students and interns with hands-on learning opportunities that reinforced their theoretical knowledge. Additionally, SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities, was addressed by making healthcare services accessible to all individuals, including those who may not have the means to afford medical check-ups and screenings.
Through Handog Panagbenga, the University of Baguio reaffirmed its dedication to serving the community while fostering a culture of learning and compassion among its students. By bringing together faculty members, interns, and student volunteers to offer free healthcare services, UB demonstrated its commitment to making healthcare more accessible and promoting a healthier society. This initiative not only provided immediate benefits to the people of Baguio but also reinforced the university’s role in shaping future healthcare professionals with a strong sense of social responsibility.
