by Genevieve Balance Kupang

Baguio City, July 1, 2024. The Baguio Central University community beams with pride as Dr. Elma D. Donaal, our esteemed Vice President for Academic Affairs, receives recognition for her outstanding service to the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO).  On July 1st, 2024, at the Baguio City Hall grounds, Dr. Donaal was awarded a Plaque of Recognition by the City Government for her unwavering commitment that extends far beyond the walls of BCU.

Dr. Donaal exemplifies the spirit of SDG #17: Partnership for the Goals.  Serving not only as BCU’s VPAA, she dedicates her expertise to the wider Baguio community.  As an academe/education representative and member of the Interim Body installed by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) on January 11th, 2023, Dr. Donaal played a pivotal role in BENECO’s resurgence.  Her leadership and tireless efforts, alongside her fellow board members, fostered a culture of good governance within the cooperative, securing a renewed franchise, a reliable power supply agreement, and effective representation before law and policy-making bodies.  These accomplishments directly align with SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, ensuring a stable and efficient power supply for Baguio residents.

The BENECO Board Celebrates Recognition for Outstanding Service! From left to right: Mia Magdalena Fokno Capuyan, Corporate Secretary, Dr. Elma Dalog Donaal, Board Treasurer, Steve Cating, Chairman, Atty. George Dumawing, Board Member, and Pstr. Shol de Guia, Board Member.

Dr. Donaal’s dedication to BENECO extended beyond professional obligation.  Her commitment reflects a genuine desire to see the cooperative thrive, ultimately benefiting both employees and member-consumer-owners (MCOs).  This dedication has resonated not only with BENECO’s stakeholders but also with the entire Baguio community who witnessed the cooperative’s remarkable turnaround.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Baguio City’s esteemed leaders. Mayor Benjamin Magalong himself presented the plaques of recognition, signifying the city government’s appreciation for the BENECO Board’s exceptional service. City Council members and Baguio City Hall officers and employees also joined the celebration, creating a supportive and congratulatory atmosphere for the awardees.

A Celebration of Service in Baguio City! Following a ceremony recognizing their outstanding contributions, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong joins the exemplary leaders of the City Council and the BENECO Board for a commemorative photo. City Hall officers and employees stand proudly in the background, echoing the community’s appreciation for their dedication to public service.

#BCUPride

#BCUOutstandingLeadership

#BaguioCityGovernmentRecognition

#SDG #11; #SDG #17

Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang serves as the Dean of the Graduate School at Baguio Central University, Philippines. Additionally, she is a Leadership Team Member for the Exceptional Woman of Peace Award at Pathways to Peace, a UN Peace Messenger Organization. Dr. Kupang not only Chairs the Special Interest Groups but also serves concurrently as the Peace Education Coordinator of the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction. Furthermore, she is an incorporator of the Asian Social Institute and a lay member of the Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.