KIBUNGAN, BENGUET – Driven by the spirit of Missio et Excellentia (Mission and Excellence), Saint Louis University (SLU) embarked on a five-hour journey to Es-esa Soblino Alodos Elementary School, Tacadang, Kibungan, Benguet on 16 February 2026 as it officially launched the third year of its outreach initiative, “Bright Start 3: Cultivating Knowledge, Strengthening Connections.”
Spearheaded by the Office of the Internal Auditor (OIA)in collaboration with the University Outreach Programs Office (UOPO), the mission served as a vibrant manifestation of the University’s role as a “Light of the North,” bringing sustainable development and holistic empowerment to one of Benguet’s most remote learning communities.
The activity was thoughtfully organized into three key components. The first focused on learning facility enhancement, which involved the provision of shelves, tables, chairs, school supplies, and a variety of learning materials. These contributions transformed the school library into a vibrant and welcoming space designed to inspire a lifelong love for reading and academic exploration among learners.
The second component was a strategic technology integration training for teachers entitled “ICT Integration in Education & Digital Learning Aids.” This session was facilitated by Engr. Caroline M. Bautista, whose expertise and firsthand insights as both a faculty member and an administrator served as a catalyst for professional growth, empowering educators to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices.
The final component of Bright Start 3 returned to the core of the Louisian identity: the holistic development of the human person. Through a dedicated Family Day and Values Education Formation, the program utilized interactive games and collaborative exercises to reinforce the vital partnership between home and school. By deepening the bonds among parents, children, and educators, SLU reinforced a shared responsibility in nurturing the moral and spiritual fiber of the students, echoing the University’s mission of Christian Formation.
Overall, the Bright Start 3 initiative stands as a testament to SLU’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality by bridging the rural-urban divide, ensuring that distance does not dictate the quality of a child’s future. Furthermore, by equipping educators with 21st-century tools, the university advances SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, while the seamless collaboration between various university offices and the Tacadang community embodies the spirit of SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. (Article and Photos by SLU OIA)
