The City Government of Baguio formally commended Saint Louis University (SLU), under the leadership of University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, on 20 July 2026 during the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Baguio City Hall, for its steadfast partnership in advancing civic education, local governance, and environmental stewardship across the City and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The official recognition highlights the University’s enduring commitment as a primary academic ally of the local government unit in driving transformative community development initiatives.
Among the key honors conferred was the Gratitude to Saint Louis University award, recognizing the institution’s generous support for the Baguio City Council’s ordinance awareness trainings. By providing university venue facilities and logistical assistance, SLU enabled local officials and legislative teams to conduct vital educational workshops, effectively deepening public understanding of municipal laws and strengthening civic participation among residents.
Additionally, the city government recognized the academic writers and technical working groups from SLU for their pioneering work on the Pansa-nopen Tayo Circular Economy Resource Book for Basic Education conducted in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and EU-PH Green Economy Partnership (GEP). This landmark handbook integrates sustainable waste practices, resource conservation, and local indigenous wisdom into school curricula.
Through these commendations, Baguio City officials, headed by the Honorable Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan, Honorable Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, and Honorable Vice Mayor Faustino A. Olowan, lauded the SLU community and Fr. Sales for answering the call of environmental responsibility and serving as a beacon of sustainable governance.
Among the Louisians who received awards were the Circular Economy Resource Book writers from SLU BEdS (Joan F. Alim, PhD; Annaliza Pagaling; Almark Bisaya; Annie Joy R. Castillo; Jean S. Gamboa; Elvira P. Sagipaed; and Alejandro P. Pablico, Principal) and the Technical Working Group of the Circular Economy Resource Manual (Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD; Stephenie O. Busbus, PhD; and Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD), whose certificate was received by Felina P. Espique, PhD, SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Further solidifying Missio et Excellentia, this commendation demonstrates how university–local government collaboration drives equitable education, resilient communities, and shared action for sustainable development, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Article and Photos by J.Gutierrez)
