Written by Mary Jane Pilawen
Photos courtesy of John Patrick Torres
In a heartwarming show of alumni support, the University of Baguio Alumni Foundation Inc. (UBAFI) held a signing ceremony at the Centennial Cafe on April 26, 2025, awarding tuition and other school fee subsidies to 14 deserving students from the University of Baguio (UB).
The beneficiaries included two students from elementary, two from high school, one from senior high school, and nine from various college programs, including the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of International Hotel and Tourism Management (SIHTM), School of Information Technology (SIT), School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), and School of Nursing (SON). These students received modest financial assistance through the foundation’s Tuition and Other School Fees Subsidy (TOSF) Program.
The TOSF Program, headed by Engr. Eleazer C. Demayo, president of UBAFI, created the program together with the Board of Officers of the Alumni Foundation in 2021 and was officially implemented in 2022 with four pioneering grantees. Its objectives are to provide financial assistance to deserving and qualified students while pursuing their studies in the University of Baguio; raise awareness among alumni members; and establish a sustainable tuition fee assistance program through active alumni participation. The program operates cyclically, encouraging more alumni to participate and help bridge the gap for students’ success.
At the start of the academic year 2024-2025, 14 students were chosen as grantees. “Being a scholar has helped me with my financial needs, especially as a nursing student,” said Ms. Righzenne, one of the original four grantees of TOSF. Ms. Loretta Eralio, the mother of one of the grantees, mentioned that the assistance has been a significant help for her child’s allowance and miscellaneous expenses.UBAFI Treasurer, Ms Mila Densen, and Mr Rad Vic Estoque, Auditor, administered the disbursement of funds, ensuring that the subsidies reached the students efficiently.
Dr. John V. Balanquit, Dean of SBAA delivered a message on behalf of the University of Baguio The event also garnered enthusiastic support from Dr. Julis Gat-eb, Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, and Dr. Marivic B. Mutong, who attended to congratulate the student grantees and emphasize the importance of alumni engagement in creating educational opportunities.
The smiles on the faces of the student beneficiaries at the signing ceremony reflected the positive impact of this alumni support. This initiative by UBAFI not only provides immediate financial relief but also fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement within the UB student community, strengthening the connection between current students and successful alumni eager to give back. The TOSF Program stands as a testament to the power of collective action in empowering the next generation of graduates from the University of Baguio.
The TOSF Committee of UBAFI, chaired by Dr. Froilan C. Aspa, will work to provide more assistance to student grantees. This is a campaign for the Alumni of UB to support the programs. UBAFI will continue to implement activities that will generate funds, such as golf tournaments, donor pledges, concerts, and banquets for a cause, and encourage able alumni as partners and raise the awareness of the alumni for its unwavering support, and to actively participate in worthwhile endeavors.
