On October 19, 2024, the Baguio Central University (BCU) Graduate School (GS) held its semestral assembly at the DMJF Function Hall, themed “Global Competence for Sustainable Futures: Leading with Innovation, Resilience, and Purpose.” The event was expertly facilitated by Dr. Lilian Pagulongan, a member of the Graduate School Faculty, while Dr. Loida Mangangey introduced the main resource speaker, Dr. Francis Cesar Bringas, who is also a newly hired faculty member.

Adapt, Adapt, Adapt: Dr. Bringas Urges All to Be Chameleons and Champions

 The assembly commenced with registration, followed by Dr. Jose R. Balcanao’s opening prayer. Dr. Leonardo M. Aquino extended a warm welcome to all attendees, and Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera delivered the President’s message, setting an optimistic tone for the gathering.

University President’s Message

BCU President Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera addresses the GS students, emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration in education.

University President Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera expressed a profound commitment to preparing students for an interconnected and rapidly evolving world during the Graduate School Faculty-Students Assembly 2024. Emphasizing Alvin Toffler’s wisdom on the importance of learning, unlearning, and relearning, the president highlighted how AI reshapes education by enabling personalized learning and fostering critical thinking, while underscoring the ethical responsibilities of its use. To future-proof education, the president advocated for futures-thinking, adaptable skills, and inquiry-driven learning. The message called for leadership with purpose and innovation to empower students to shape the future.

Caught in a Moment of Dr. Bringas’ Brilliance: Where Adaptability meets Dreams

The witty Dr. Bringas and his brilliant mind brought smiles and laughter to University President Dr. Margarita Cecilda Rillera, Dean Genevieve Kupang, Graduate School Faculty Dr. Leonardo Aquino, PHAS student Ma’am Josefa Dampilag, and other students and faculty with his engaging discussions and lively examples.

 Dr. Bringas’s keynote address, titled “Probabilities and Possibilities: Future Proofing Education through Futures Thinking,” took place from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. He emphasized the necessity of adaptability in the current educational landscape, urging participants to embrace change and adapt like chameleons. His insights focused on how flexibility and innovation are vital for educators navigating future challenges.

Former colleagues of Dr. Francis Cesar Bringas at the Department of Education, who are also part-time Graduate School faculty members at BCU, played an essential role during the assembly. Dr. Leonardo Aquino delivered the welcome remarks, while Dr. Loida Mangangey introduced Dr. Bringas. Dr. Lilian Pagulongan served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

Updates from the Research and Development Office

Dr. Michael Sebullen champions the call for a proactive research culture at BCU, emphasizing that integrity is the foundation of our pursuit of knowledge.

Following Dr. Bringas’s inspiring talk, Michael T. Sebullen, PhD, provided Updates from the Research and Development Office, while Mr. Oswald D. Rillera shared valuable insights on “Mastering the Art of Originality: A Savvy Guide to Turnitin.” The assembly concluded with Genevieve B. Kupang, PhD, who presented Graduate School updates and offered closing remarks.

Mr. Oswald Rillera, BCU’s Head of MIS, discussed the effective use of Turnitin, a widely recognized plagiarism detection tool. He provided a comprehensive guide on how students and faculty can utilize Turnitin to uphold academic integrity and enhance the quality of their written work.

The event wrapped up with a closing prayer by Michael Y. De Roxas, PhD, and a group photo opportunity to commemorate the day’s discussions and networking among faculty and students.

After awarding the Certificates of Appreciation, Dr. Genevieve Kupang, Dean of the Graduate School, poses for a photo with the resource speakers of the assembly: Mr. Oswald D. Rillera, Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, and Dr. Francis Cesar Bringas.

The assembly not only served as a platform for sharing knowledge but also reinforced Baguio Central University’s (BCU) commitment to fostering an environment where innovation and adaptability are paramount. This focus is essential in strengthening educational leaders, private and government employees, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs for sustainable success in their careers. The collaborative spirit displayed throughout the event exemplified BCU’s dedication to evolving educational practices in response to global challenges, ensuring that all participants are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Connecting with our Creator, God, the Source of all wisdom, is paramount in all our endeavors. Our prayer leaders, Dr. Jose R. Balcanao and Dr. Michael De Roxas, reminded us that all knowledge flows from God, the Source of light and our education.

Together we adapt, transform, and thrive—because great minds don’t just think alike; they evolve together! Here’s to the main resource speaker Dr. Bringas, Dean Dr. Kupang, the Graduate School Faculty, and brilliant students—united in the pursuit of excellence and ready to shape the future!

In full force for UN SDG # 16 and 17! The MPA students proudly wear their 3rd World March t-shirts, showcasing their commitment to justice, peace and strong institutions. Posing with Professor Dr. Remedios Laraco and Dean Genevieve Kupang—together, we march towards a brighter future!

#BCUSoarsHigher #InnovationInEducation #EvolvingTogether
#Transform and Thrive #Talks on Adaptation, Integrity and Future-Proofing
Education #BCUGraduateSchoolInnovateandWorkforUNSDGs

Photo credit: BCU MIS – Mr. Michael S. Rodriguez, BSCS