- By Gina L. Casi
Baguio Central University (BCU) proudly participated in the 2025 WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation) Global Conference held from September 24-26, 2025, at Tongmyong University in Busan, South Korea. This conference brought together university presidents, innovators, distinguished academic leaders, and scholars from around the world.
Baguio Central University’s PROJECT K.A.Y.A.B.A.N.G Gains Global Recognition
Busan, South Korea – On September 25, 2025, Baguio Central University showcased its commitment to community empowerment on a global stage. Dr. Gina Casi presented PROJECT K.A.Y.A.B.A.N.G (Knowledge, Awareness for Old and Youth, Advancement for Betterment and Nurturing Generosity), which ranked 21st in the B2_Empowerment-based Management category during the WURI Global Conference 2025. The project underscores the university’s mission to bridge generations through knowledge-sharing, empower communities, and nurture compassion and generosity as key elements of social progress. It also addresses SDG No. 3, 4, 10, 11, and SDG 17.
PROJECT K.A.Y.A.B.A.N.G laid its foundation from PROJECT A.G.S.H.A.N., the university’s established community extension program. Since June 8, 2024, the university has intensified its outreach through a series of medical missions, primarily focusing on extending healthcare services to the communities in the neighboring provinces.
Spearheaded by the College of Nursing and School of Midwifery’s SGO officers, the college’s community extension coordinator, in close collaboration with the university’s community extension director, these missions offer a comprehensive range of services. These include free medical consultations with complementary medicines, haircuts, scholarship assistance facilitated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), school supplies in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), and counseling services. These couldn’t have been possible without the help of our LGUs, our sponsors, volunteer doctors, students, faculty, guidance counselors, and the RMFB 15-PNP.
Following successful medical missions in June and July 2024, the Liga ng Barangay in Itogon, led by ABC Chair Hon. Edwin Atumpag, invited the university to participate in their local medical initiatives. BCU-College of Nursing and School of Midwifery enthusiastically contributed to these missions by assisting in their circumcision procedures, counseling, and haircutting services. The dean, faculty members, and students actively participated in these community endeavors, demonstrating the university’s dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.
More Philippine Innovators Shine in WURI Global Conference Presentation
Moderated by Mr. Aldrin A. Danilag, Consultant of Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. (DYCI), the session brought together other inspiring educators and leaders from various Philippine institutions to present their award-winning projects recognized by the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
From Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, Dr. Nikki Faith Bantillo shared “TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More,” an initiative that highlights collaboration as the foundation for institutional growth and community development.
Representing the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Mr. Luigi Lorenzo N. Razal, Supervising Administrative Officer, and Ms. Diana Jane D. Barretto, Instructor I, presented “WE LEAD: Empathy Revolution.” Their project focuses on cultivating empathy as a leadership principle, aiming to create compassionate leaders who can drive inclusive and sustainable change.
Ms. Surfina M. Caluang, Registered Librarian of Sulu State College, presented a pioneering initiative on “Empowering Indigenous Communities through Digital Literacy.” Their project aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping marginalized groups with essential skills to thrive in the digital age.
Completing the presentation was Dean Shiela Miranda of the College of Pharmacy, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Inc., who presented “Project A.N.G.E.L – Advancing Holistic, Inclusive, and Resilient Learning in the New Normal through Visionary Catholic Education.” The project reimagines learning to be more adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready in response to the evolving educational landscape.
Through these innovative projects, Philippine educators and institutions reaffirmed their dedication to transformative education and social responsibility. Their collective efforts embody the spirit of innovation celebrated by the WURI rankings — creating real-world impact, fostering collaboration, and shaping a more compassionate and sustainable future.
Attending the 2025 WURI Global Conference at Tongmyong University was not just an academic trip—it was a journey of ideas, relationships, and vision. It reinforced that universities are evolving beyond traditional silos, toward purposeful institutions that align with global challenges and local needs. It affirmed that beyond rankings, the most meaningful measure is the positive change our institution can bring to students, society, and the future. As Baguio Central University moves forward, its presence on the global stage serves as both an inspiration and a challenge — to keep transforming ideas into impactful actions and to uphold its mission of education that changes lives.