VALIANT ARROW CAMPUS JOURNAL
VALIANT ARROW CAMPUS JOURNAL
Valiant Arrow Campus Journal: A Comprehensive Overview of UB S.Y. 2025–2026 Highlights
New SSC Officers Take Oath and Inaugurate a Fresh Term
In a formal oathtaking ceremony held on April 27, 2026, in the UB Multiparking Lot at 9:00 a.m., the newly elected officials of the University of Baguio Supreme Student Council (SSC) assumed their roles to begin the academic year with renewed commitments. Delegates from various schools and student groups were in attendance as the new leadership officially commenced its service to the student body. The lineup featured Kyra Kelly as President and Vince Alangsab as Vice President, alongside Arian Sibayan as Executive Secretary, Nina Salas as Secretary for Administration, Froilan Bawang as Secretary for Finance, Leonel Cabaong as Secretary for Audit, and Clarence Cabrera as Secretary for Public Relations. This transition signals a new cycle of student governance focused on collaboration, accountability, and representing UB students’ interests. (Page 1)
With the oath completed, the administration of UB’s student government embarked on its mandate to advocate for student welfare, promote campus involvement, and foster a sense of unity across UB’s diverse colleges and organizations. The ceremony underscored the importance of leadership that is connected to campus life, adaptation to evolving student needs, and the responsibility of safeguarding student rights while encouraging active participation in university affairs. The event also highlighted the broader electoral process that culminated in a clear slate of leaders prepared to guide initiatives for the 2025–2026 academic year. (Page 1)
Laureen Tauli: Top 7 in LET and the Power of Consistency
Laureen Tauli, a fresh University of Baguio graduate with a Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in English, distinguished herself by placing 7th in the national Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) for the Secondary Level. Her achievement received coverage that celebrated not only her personal success but also the UB community and future educators nationwide. Tauli’s journey is framed as a testament to steady preparation, self-care, and unwavering faith, emphasizing that success is built through daily discipline and perseverance rather than fleeting bursts of effort. The feedback from Tauli’s interview highlights the value of steady study routines, deliberate breaks to prevent burnout, and maintaining spiritual or personal grounding as vital elements of exam readiness. (Page unknown)
Her experience underscores a broader takeaway for aspiring teachers: establish a consistent study habit, set aside time for rest, and stay connected to one’s motivation. Tauli’s story serves as encouragement to other graduates preparing for licensure assessments, illustrating that diligent preparation over a sustained period can yield top-tier results even when the process stretches over months. Her message also includes practical advice about managing stress and sustaining focus, especially when the LET results are released with little warning due to testing site traffic or administrative delays. (Page unknown)
STELALYMPICS 2026: Fire Nation Wins the Championship
The STELALYMPICS 2026 event, themed around Avatar: The Last Airbender, brought together UB students for a day of spirited competition on March 4, 2026, at the UB Gymnasium. The Fire Nation team emerged as the overall champion after a day filled with intense events, teamwork, and a strong display of athleticism. Competing against teams representing other nations within the fictional universe, Fire Nation demonstrated consistent coordination, formidable defense, and a collaborative approach to multiple activities, clinching the top spot through solid performances across various games and matches. (Page unknown)
The day’s schedule featured a sequence of ball games—basketball in the morning and volleyball in the afternoon—that tested endurance, strategy, and camaraderie. Fire Nation’s players displayed cohesion and mutual support, which proved crucial in maintaining momentum during a long afternoon of play. The finals and awards brought a sense of campus pride as the champions celebrated their victory, with the event underscoring the value of teamwork, participation, and school spirit in UB’s broader student life. (Page unknown)
STELA 3x3 Women’s Basketball Team Claims the Intramurals Title
In a showcase of momentum and resilience, the STELA women’s 3x3 basketball team captured the intramural championship in a tightly contested final, finishing with a 12–8 victory. The championship emphasized half-court play and the pivotal role of defense, with Stella leading the offense alongside steady contributions from key teammates. The victory was celebrated as a milestone, marking the program’s return to the top after a recent drought and signaling a resurgence for women’s basketball within UB’s athletic program. Postgame reflections highlighted the importance of trust, preparation, and pressure-ready execution in clinching a title. (Page unknown)
Head coach Elena Santos praised the team’s perseverance, noting that the championship was the culmination of disciplined training and relentless effort. The celebration extended beyond the court as fans and supporters acknowledged the players’ commitment, recognizing the broader impact of the win on school pride and female athletic achievement. The triumph also served to inspire younger players and reinforce the message that dedication and teamwork can translate into tangible, memorable success on campus. (Page unknown)
Aghan’s Double Gold Ends Her BBEAL Run
Edelyn Aghan delivered a memorable farewell by sweeping two gold medals in the women’s cruiserweight division during the second phase of the 36th BBEAL (Beed? Event). Representing the University of Baguio Arnis Cardinals, she achieved a double-gold finish in both padded and live-stick categories, capping an accomplished collegiate career. Aghan’s journey to this moment included careful balancing of practice, weight management, and on-the-job training responsibilities, all while maintaining focus on her craft. The performance was described as emotional and rewarding, offering recognition to coaches, teammates, family, and supporters who contributed to her success. (Page unknown)
Reflecting on preparation, Aghan attributed her sustained performance to a blend of strategic training and composure under pressure. She emphasized technique refinement—balancing speed, power, and timing across different formats—and highlighted the importance of mental steadiness when facing top competitors. Her farewell performance was framed as both a personal achievement and a tribute to the collective effort of her team and supporters who helped shape her competitive journey. (Page unknown)
STELA Advances to the Championship in Five Sets
In a dramatic semifinal matchup, the STELA men’s volleyball squad defeated SIHTM in a deciding fifth set to clinch a spot in the championship. The match showcased a back-and-forth battle, with STELA overcoming an early deficit, earning a crucial second-set victory to level the series, and eventually closing out the fifth set with decisive plays and clutch defense. The final tally included standout contributions from outside hitter Joseph Acosta and libero RJ Ramos, whose defensive efforts and key digs sustained rallies in crucial moments. The victory positioned STELA as the first team to advance to the final, setting up a showdown against the winner of the SOD versus SEA semifinal for the ultimate title. (Page 5)
The match highlighted the importance of teamwork and mental toughness, particularly during the decisive stages where STELA’s cohesion and communication helped them maintain focus. In post-match remarks, coaches and players credited hours of disciplined practice and a shared belief in their system as the foundation for success. The win signaled a strong season trajectory for STELA, with expectations to carry momentum into the championship and build on the team’s growing reputation within UB’s intramural landscape. (Page 5)
STELA Darts Championship: A Dominant Title Run
The STELA darts squad clinched the UB Darts Championship with an emphatic 2–0 sweep in the finals, denying SEA a chance at a fourth consecutive title. Led by captain Giovanni Gallardo, the team established dominance through precision, focus, and preparedness. The championship roster also featured Brixton Batay-an, Tertius Dela Peña, Shandris Nganhayna, Rhey Jay Cadio, Justin Elias Flores, and coaching leadership from Gallardo. The victory was celebrated as a redemption arc for STELA after falling short in the previous year, underscoring the team’s dedication and collective effort across weeks of preparation both on campus and at home. (Page unknown)
Post-competition reflections highlighted the players’ commitment to continuous improvement and discipline, with Gallardo attributing the victory to strategic practice sessions and a relentless pursuit of consistency. The team emphasized the importance of teamwork, shared responsibility, and a composed mindset under pressure, which allowed them to excel in a one-day finals format. The triumph was celebrated as a milestone for STELA’s darts program, strengthening its confidence heading into future university competitions. (Page unknown)
Ollie the Owl: STELA’s Mascot Inspires School Spirit
Ollie, the official STELA mascot, has quickly become a symbol of pride and unity for UB’s education-focused community. Modeled after an owl to evoke wisdom and insight, Ollie aligns with STELA’s mission of shaping future teachers and leaders. The mascot first appeared at Paskua’t Pino at the UB Gymnasium, where Ollie helped energize the crowd, and later participated in Kamusta STELA 2026, contributing to the school’s spirited culture. Ollie’s presence extended beyond campus events, as he participated in community outreach during Panagbenga and featured in STELA’s promotional materials, reinforcing the school’s identity across audiences. (Page 6)
STELA Student Body adviser Beatriz Emilliano described Ollie as a pioneering symbol whose reach extends beyond UB, underscoring the mascot’s role in outreach and brand-building. The broader impact is seen in how Ollie helps connect students, alumni, and the public to STELA’s values and activities, transforming a mascot into a living emblem of school pride, teamwork, and community engagement. The ongoing presence of Ollie reflects a strategy to foster belonging and ownership among STELA students as they navigate campus life and represent their college in broader cultural events. (Page 6)
Aaron Mendoza: A Future Educator’s Path and Pedagogy Lessons
Aaron Mendoza, a third-year student teacher at UB, recently showcased his classroom readiness by securing third place in the Pedagolympics—a competition designed to test practical teaching skills and classroom management. In a post-event interview conducted via Messenger, Mendoza reflected on his experience, noting the necessity of flexibility in teaching demonstrations and the value of incorporating student participation to engage learners. His reflections emphasized the balance between teacher-centered approaches and active student involvement, a shift he implemented to adapt to real classroom dynamics and audience expectations. (Page 7)
Mendoza’s experience also highlighted the importance of well-constructed assessments and the ability to translate theory into practice. He cited inspiration from former educators who created lively environments, reminding himself that learning can be effective when students are actively engaged and motivated. The narrative portrays Mendoza as a committed candidate for the teaching profession, one who continuously seeks opportunities to refine instructional strategies, assess learning, and place student interests at the center of the educational process as he completes his teacher training at UB. (Page 7)
A New Era for STELA: Scholarly Collaboration and Confluence
The first Scholastic Confluence hosted by UB’s ELITE organization transformed Centennial Hall into a hub of collaboration and hands-on learning for future educators. The event brought together students from multiple education programs to explore teaching as an active practice, not just theory. Inside the Centennial AVR, participants engaged in Scene Transformation activities that showcased confidence and cooperative problem-solving, while the Pedagolympics highlighted micro-teaching and classroom management skills under evaluative pressure. The event’s design emphasized smooth transitions between activities, integration of classroom practice into the program, and the creation of “Literary Artifacts” from recycled materials to demonstrate learning outcomes. (Page 7)
Dr. Karen Bete and STELA Dean Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag delivered messages that framed teaching as a communicative, collaborative, and creative profession. The Confluence also featured instructional design showcases such as Teach Craft stations, where students developed practical teaching tools, and collaborative writing tasks at the Streak Chain Wall that tested language, teamwork, and critical thinking. The overall takeaway was that the Scholastic Confluence successfully demonstrated how rigorous academic work could be made engaging and relevant to real classroom environments, setting a standard for future UB initiatives in teacher education. (Page 7)
Literacy Outreach and Community Impact
Beyond campus walls, UB’s commitment to literacy is reinforced through partnerships with local schools such as Kias Elementary and Lindawan High School. The goal is to address a broader literacy and comprehension gap in the Philippine context, where functional illiteracy remains a concern among a segment of the population. By organizing reading assistance, distributing learning materials, and providing ongoing academic support, UB’s volunteers are contributing to improved reading skills, increased confidence, and a stronger motivation to learn. These outreach efforts illustrate how universities can play a meaningful role in community development by mobilizing students and resources to empower younger learners. (Page unknown)
The initiative is not only about improving literacy rates; it also seeks to instill a lifelong value for education and a sense of civic responsibility among UB students. As volunteers engage with younger students, they model positive academic norms and demonstrate how education can open doors to future opportunities. The partnership approach also aligns with José Rizal’s famous exhortation that the youth are the hope of the nation, reinforcing the idea that empowering the next generation requires collective community effort and sustained investment in literacy and learning. (Page unknown)
Editorial Insights: Gate Entry Policies, Elevators, Dress Code, Vaping, and Fees
Three editorials in the issue address critical campus policies and their impact on learning and equity. The first contends that a strict “no sticker, no entry” policy, while intended to ensure security, can unintentionally hinder access to education for students facing financial or administrative hurdles. The piece argues for more flexible validation options or temporary passes to prevent learning from being interrupted while requirements are being settled, emphasizing that academic progress should remain a priority even as campus safety is upheld. (Page unknown)
The second editorial focuses on UB’s elevator reliability and the perception that elevators are prioritized for visitors or administrators, which creates a perceived bias in access to convenience. The author advocates for a dependable elevator system that serves all students and staff equally, highlighting the need for inclusive infrastructure that supports everyday mobility and learning across multiple stories and buildings. (Page unknown)
A third editorial examines the dress code and its uneven enforcement, noting that inconsistent checks by guards and staff can confuse students and undermine the policy’s purpose. The piece calls for fair, consistent application, balanced with guidance and understanding, so that professionalism is upheld without stifling personal comfort or self-expression. The broader message emphasizes that a policy’s value lies not only in rules but in how fairly and effectively they are enforced across the campus community. (Page unknown)
In another policy-focused piece, the rising concerns about vaping on campus are examined with reference to confiscation figures showing a rising trend in vape-related items during recent semesters. While acknowledging the effectiveness of stricter smoke-free rules, the article advocates for enhanced awareness campaigns, better student education on health risks, and broader participation in “Project Safe Drop” initiatives to encourage responsible behavior without instilling fear or punitive isolation. (Page unknown)
A related editorial, “The 10% Thief: Stealing UBiano’s Dreams,” assesses a proposed tuition increase of 10% for incoming freshmen and transfer students for the 2026–2027 academic year. The piece warns about the potential impacts on families already contending with inflation and high living costs, urging transparent disclosure of how new funds will be used—whether for upgrading facilities, strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding scholarships, or improving student services. It emphasizes robust stakeholder engagement and calls for a balanced approach that preserves access to education while supporting campus growth. (Page 3)
Consultation Hours and Literacy Outreach: Support for Student Success
The journal also highlights concerns about consultation hours, noting that some students experience gaps between scheduled times and actual accessibility. The articles advocate for proactive communication when professors cannot meet during designated hours, suggesting alternative arrangements or virtual options to preserve an essential channel of academic support. Ensuring reliable access to instructors is framed as critical to student learning, confidence, and motivation, especially for quieter students who rely on such opportunities to seek guidance outside of class. (Page unknown)
Finally, the outreach section emphasizes that literacy initiatives require collaboration among schools, local government units, and communities. While schools play a central role in delivering literacy support, broader societal involvement magnifies impact, increases resource availability, and sustains long-term progress. The editorial champions ongoing public generosity—donations of books, organizing reading sessions, and mentoring—as practical, everyday actions that empower learners and cultivate a culture that values reading and education. (Page unknown)
Sports Highlights and Campus Achievements: A Closing View
Throughout the issue, UB’s student-athletes and educators are portrayed as emblematic of UB’s competitive spirit and commitment to excellence. From the crowning of intramural champions to the achievements of individual students and coaches, the campus community is depicted as vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking. The narrative consistently links athletic success with teamwork, discipline, and a shared sense of school pride, while academic accomplishments—such as Laureen Tauli’s LET performance and the Scholastic Confluence—underscore UB’s dual emphasis on scholarly achievement and practical, real-world learning. (Page unknown)
In sum, the Valiant Arrow Campus Journal presents a multifaceted picture of UB’s S.Y. 2025–2026: a year marked by leadership transitions, notable scholarly and athletic feats, creative student-driven events, and thoughtful discourse on student life policies. The publication invites readers to reflect on how governance, academics, athletics, and service intersect to shape an inclusive, dynamic university environment that prepares students not only for exams, but for meaningful, impact-filled careers and civic life. (Page unknown)
