Saint Louis University (SLU) welcomed officials from the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) for benchmarking initiatives on 30 August 2024 at the Burgos Conference Room, Administrative Building, SLU Main Campus.
The UPB representatives, led by Professor Giovanni Malapit, Director, Office of Public Affairs, benchmarked the best practices of SLU’s University Information Office (UIO), Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs (OGRAA), and Community Extensions and Outreach Programs Office (CEOPO). Joining Professor Giovanni were Professor Alipio Garcia, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Wyndei Dacay, Staff, Office of Public Affairs. The initiative is part of their efforts to enhance and innovate their strategies for public affairs. Specifically, UPB aimed to understand SLU’s methods and processes in areas such as community engagement, media relations, alumni relations, and overall communication strategies.
The University Information Officer, Atty. Johanne Margarette R. Macob; OGRAA Director, Stephenie O. Busbus, PhD; and CEOP Director, Charmaine P. Mendoza presented the methods they employ in their respective offices. Furthermore, the discussion then led to the development of communication systems for both universities. Afterwards, the representatives visited the UIO office at the first floor SLU Administration Building.
A highlight of the benchmarking was the streamlining of functions into different units including, the information and communication flow, alumni affairs, media relations, and community extension programs to ensure seamless operations for each of the units.
The UIO, despite only being a year-old unit, was able to significantly establish SLU’s online presence organically through the institutional website and official Facebook pages. OGRAA continues to strengthen its connections with alumni through projects such as Rambakan and the Alumni Tracer program. CEOPO has established itself as a vital unit in fostering relationships with local communities through extension programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With its approach to quality management and communication, together with effective systems for outreach and public relations, SLU serves as an excellent benchmarking site for both private and state universities. This aligns with SLU’s commitment to effective quality management as well with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnership for the Goals (17). (Article by Katrina Garcia, UIO Intern | Photos by Christler Jan Ebue, UIO Intern)
