The Baguio College Education Financial Assistance Grant (BCEFAG) General Orientation was successfully held at the Saint Louis University (SLU) Fr. Francis Gevers Hall on 28 April 2025 through the Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs (OGRAA), marking an important step for the scholarship beneficiaries.
BCEFAG is a scholarship program administered by the Baguio Local Government Unit (LGU) through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). It aims to financially assist eligible Baguio City residents who are currently enrolled in undergraduate programs, helping them pursue higher education without the burden of financial hardship.
The orientation was facilitated by OGRAA Scholarship Programs Coordinator, Mr. Elmer A. Benito, with the support of CSWDO Coordinators Mr. Joe Mark V. Calimlim and Ms. Alaiza L. Montes.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from OGRAA Director Dr. Stephanie O. Busbus and Assistant City Social Welfare and Development Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Cynthia B. Langaan, who encouraged the students to stay committed to the scholarship by ensuring full compliance with all its requirements and maintaining a good standing throughout their academic journey.
Following this, SLU Accounting Office Representative, Ms. Ma. Cristina M. Egdanie delivered an informative talk on the differences between an Assessment Report and a Statement of Account. She highlighted the significance of understanding these documents, stressing how crucial they are for financial transparency and scholarship compliance. Next, SLU University Registrar Andrew S. Macalma, PhD explained the key documents scholarship beneficiaries must secure from the Registrar’s Office: the Certificate of Enrollment and the Official Copy of Grades. These documents are critical to ensuring that students remain eligible for continued financial assistance.
The official orientation was launched by Social Welfare Officer II, Ms. Annie Germaine Alngangeo. She called on the students to support one another, strictly adhere to the rules, and perform well both academically and personally, urging beneficiaries to make the most of the support they have been granted.
Adding further encouragement, Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Baguio Committee on Assessment & Evaluation Representative, Mx. Arthur Lacbong, Jr. echoed the messages shared during the orientation, saying, “Mag-aral kayo nang mabuti para makapagtrabaho kami nang mabuti (Study well so that we can do our jobs well).” This reinforces the mutual responsibility shared between the scholars and the institutions supporting them.
The implementation of BCEFAG at Saint Louis University stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through partnerships like this, SLU and the Baguio LGU are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for the city’s youth. (Article by Danielle Canlas, OGRAA Intern | Photos by Kathreena Cabañero, OGRAA Intern)
