By: Jennifer T. Longchasen, EdD (CES, Coordinator, Graduate School)
BAGUIO CITY, October 10, 2026 — In a meaningful expression of compassion, unity, and shared responsibility, the Baguio Central University Graduate School community turned over the funds it had pooled for the bereaved family of Mrs. Theresa Walitan, a Doctor of Philosophy student. Mrs. Walitan’s sister, Mrs. Maritess P. Quiban, gratefully received the assistance on behalf of the family.
The tragedy occurred on September 15, 2026, when a vehicular accident in Bontoc, Mountain Province, claimed the life of Mrs. Theresa P. Walitan alongside several others, including members of her family. Theresa was a dedicated scholar who graduated from the Master in Administration and Supervision (MAAS Batch 2025) program and was actively pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (PHAS) degree at Baguio Central University. News of the devastating loss deeply affected the university, prompting an immediate wave of prayers, solidarity, and practical support from students and faculty.
The initiative began when BCU Graduate School Dean Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang shared the news of Mrs. Theresa Walitan’s passing with the faculty and students during the Student-Faculty Assembly. Her message, accompanied by a prayer and the image of Ma’am Theresa, invited the Graduate School community to remember her family in their thoughts and to extend whatever support they could offer during this difficult time.
The call to give quickly became a collective effort. During the Graduate School Student Assembly, the fund campaign was formally announced, encouraging students to participate alongside the faculty. A group photograph taken during the assembly captures the spirit of that moment, students, faculty members, and university personnel coming together for a common purpose. The majority of the collection came from the student body, a powerful reminder that compassion is not measured by position or title, but by the willingness of a community to care for one of its own.
The call to give financial assistance quickly became a collective effort. During the BCU Graduate School Student Assembly, the fund campaign was formally announced, encouraging students to participate alongside the faculty. A group photograph taken during the assembly captures the spirit of that moment students, faculty members, and university personnel coming together for a common purpose. The majority of the collection came from the student body, a powerful reminder that compassion is not measured by position or title, but by the willingness of a community to care for one of its own.
The financial assistance turnover was witnessed by Dr. Jennifer T. Longchasen, Community Extension Coordinator of the Graduate School, together with Graduate School faculty members Dr. Edna P. Culbongan, Dr. Josephine G. Aguirre, Dr. Avilardo B. Leon, Dr. Ferdinand T. Carantes, and Dr. Lillian S. Pagulongan; Ms. Cristina M. Wallang, Graduate School Secretary; and several Graduate School students.
In her message of gratitude, Mrs. Maritess P. Quiban, sister of the late Theresa, said:
“Agyamanak launay iti daytoy nga tulong yo, BCU, ti faculty ken students ken ti amin. Agyaman kami iti ayat yo iti pamilya mi. Ni Apo ti mangbendision kadakayo amin.”
(“I am truly thankful for this assistance from BCU, the faculty, students, and everyone. We are grateful for your love for our family. May the Lord bless you all.”)
The Graduate School also acknowledges the leadership and support of the Head of the Community Extension Services, Ms. Arlene A. Mintas, and Baguio Central University’s top management, whose commitment to service and community engagement made this act of solidarity possible. Their guidance affirms that extension work is a living expression of the university’s mission to serve.
This initiative reflects the core values of empathy, service, and shared responsibility that guide Baguio Central University’s Community Extension Services Program. It demonstrates that when one member of the academic community experiences loss, the entire community can respond with compassion and concrete assistance.
The activity likewise supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by recognizing the importance of psychosocial and practical support for individuals and families facing hardship, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the collaboration of students, faculty, administrators, and extension personnel. It further illustrates how higher education institutions can help build caring, people-centered communities.
The activity likewise supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by recognizing the vital importance of psychosocial and practical support for families enduring severe crisis, especially as Theresa’s husband continues his recovery following surgery from the accident. It also aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the unified response of students, faculty, administrators, and extension personnel. Together, these efforts demonstrate how higher education institutions can foster compassionate, people-centered communities..
Through this simple yet significant act of giving, the Baguio Central University Graduate School reaffirmed its commitment to go beyond the walls of the classroom, to uphold the dignity of every member of its academic family, and to stand in solidarity with the Walitan family in their time of need.
#BCUcares
#BCUsoarshigher
#BCUGraduateSchoolCommunityExtensionServices