by Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel
The College of Business Administration (CBA) of Baguio Central University proudly celebrates the recognition bestowed upon its student interns by PhilHealth Baguio during a special recognition program held on May 5, 2026, at Porta Vaga Mall. The event honored the interns’ dedicated service and valuable contributions throughout their practicum, highlighting the success of the University’s strong partnership with one of its esteemed government partner institutions.
The recognition program underscored the significance of academic-industry collaboration in developing future professionals who embody competence, integrity, responsibility, and a strong commitment to public service. Through meaningful workplace immersion, the BCU-CBA interns were able to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting while gaining practical experience that prepared them for the demands of their future careers.
During the program, Chief Social Insurance Officer Ms. Janet M. Palaez expressed her sincere appreciation for the interns’ dedication, professionalism, and positive work ethic. She commended the students for their willingness to learn, adaptability, and meaningful contributions to the daily operations of PhilHealth Baguio, emphasizing the value they brought to the organization throughout their internship.
Representing the University, Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel, Dean of the College of Business Administration, conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to PhilHealth Baguio for its unwavering support in providing quality experiential learning opportunities for BCU students. She emphasized that partnerships between educational institutions and government agencies play a vital role in bridging academic learning with real-world practice, enabling students to develop the competencies, professionalism, and sense of social responsibility needed to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.
The celebration was made even more memorable through interactive games, intermission performances prepared by the interns, and the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation by PhilHealth Baguio. These activities not only recognized the interns’ accomplishments but also celebrated the enduring partnership and shared commitment of both institutions to nurturing future professionals.
The recognition program serves as a testament to the success of the University’s experiential learning initiatives and reinforces the importance of collaborative partnerships in enhancing student development. Through opportunities such as these, the College of Business Administration continues to produce graduates who are equipped with industry-relevant competencies, ethical values, and a genuine commitment to serving their communities.
This meaningful initiative reflects the shared commitment of Baguio Central University and PhilHealth Baguio to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing inclusive and transformative experiential learning opportunities, supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by strengthening students’ employability, workplace competencies, and professional readiness, and reinforces SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering sustained collaboration between higher education institutions and government agencies in developing competent, socially responsible, and service-oriented professionals.