Baguio Central University (BCU) marked a significant milestone in its commitment to academic excellence by hosting the first-ever Kapihan sa BCU: Tongtongan of Research Articles Towards Excellence on February 26, 2025, at the MJF Hall. This pioneering event brought together faculty members, researchers, and students, fostering a vibrant academic culture that values research and intellectual discourse. The event featured esteemed keynote speaker Dr. Corazon L. Ocden, Director for Research and External Quality Assurance at CCDC, who underscored the transformative role of research in institutional and societal progress. She emphasized the need for continuous scholarly engagement in higher education, positioning BCU as a Beacon, Catalyst, and Upstarter in the academic community. Beacons celebrate research achievements and foster a culture of scholarly excellence. Catalysts encourage innovation and the integration of emerging technologies in research. Upstarters cultivate resilience and strategic diligence among researchers.

A diverse lineup of distinguished presenters shared their research, reflecting BCU’s dedication to interdisciplinary studies. Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel, Dean of CBA, presented a Business Risk Assessment of Baguio Central University, identifying key financial and operational risks. Her study highlighted the need for enhanced investment diversification, infrastructure maintenance, and strategic financial planning to ensure institutional resilience and sustainability. Ms. Aiza Bheal M. Kitani, MaEngl, Research Coordinator of CTELA, examined Speech Anxiety Among Grade 11 Learners, identifying common manifestations such as poor eye contact, fidgeting, and rapid speech. She emphasized structured public speaking exercises as effective interventions to build students’ confidence in oral communication. This led to the suggestions of the discussant to conduct curricular review to integrate strategies in overcoming these problems encountered by students. Mr. Angelo A. Bayacsan, MBA, Faculty of CHTM, explored Gastronomic Tourism’s Influence on Baguio Tourists’ Travel Choices and Cultural Experience. The discussants suggested that integrating gastronomic tourism into the curriculum through food fairs featuring cultural delicacies, enhancing students’ understanding of local culinary traditions and their role in tourism. Engr. Lorelie S. Malit, Non-Teaching, Research Coordinator, presented findings on Solid Waste Management Awareness and Practices at BCU. The results of her study led to the recommendations of the discussants to provide properly labeled trash bins and forming a dedicated committee to enforce sustainable waste management policies within the university.