By Jennifer T. Longchasen, EdD
CES Coordinator, Graduate School
Baguio Central University
On February 25, 2026, Baguio Central University (BCU) Graduate School Dean, Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, convened with mental health advocate Ms. Leslie Dulfo and Dr. Samuel Aquino, Head of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) under the Baguio City Mayor’s Office. The meeting focused on establishing a collaborative framework to strengthen support and capacity-building initiatives for the Baguio Women with Disability Organization (BWDO). This partnership highlights the vital role of cross-sector collaboration, uniting academia, local government, and civil society, to address the unique needs of women with disabilities.
On March 18, 2026, BCU Graduate School representatives joined the BWDO for a lively Women’s Month celebration at the Orchidarium in Burnham Park, Baguio City. The BCU team, which included Dr. Genevieve Kupang, Ms. Arlene A. Mintas, Head of Community Extension Services, and myself, Dr. Jennifer T. Longchasen, came prepared to share in the festivities alongside BWDO’s members and guests.
During the event, the BCU team turned over art supplies generously donated by faculty and students from the Master of Arts in Education (Major in Elementary Education) program. The turnover of paints, palettes, and pencils symbolised BCU’s active commitment to fostering inclusive community service.
Following the distribution, participants took part in a interactive art session. Women with disabilities, accompanied by men, youth, and senior citizens, gathered for a shared creative experience. Beyond the artistic outlet, the activity served as a meaningful space for self-expression, connection, and mutual support.
This initiative reflects BCU’s commitment to community-based learning. By taking part in extension programs, graduate students and faculty directly connect academic practice with real-world community needs, building a deeper understanding of inclusion and social responsibility.
The program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By leveraging the power of artistic expression, the initiative promotes well-being, breaks accessibility barriers, and strengthens inter-institutional partnerships.
Moving forward, BCU Graduate School and BWDO hope to sustain their collaboration through activities that support creative expression, skills development, and greater participation of women with disabilities in community life.
Moving forward, the BCU Graduate School and BWDO aim to sustain this partnership through ongoing initiatives centered on creative expression, skills development, and civic participation. Ultimately, Inclusive Arts for Women with Disabilities reaffirms that community extension extends beyond providing resources—it is about building meaningful relationships, empowering diverse voices, and advancing a more compassionate, inclusive society.
Together, we celebrate the power of art to empower, connect, and inspire inclusion.
#BCUSoarsHigher
#BCUGraduateSchoolCommunityExtensionSoarsHigher
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#BWDO #WomensMonth2026 #InclusionInAction
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#SDG10
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