Written by Mae Janica Palkit, International Affairs Staff (Linkages Office)
Fostering international collaboration in architectural education, University of Baguio’s School of Engineering and Architecture (UB SEA) headed by Engr. Jeferd Saong, hosted a Short Course Collaboration Program on October 18, 2024, at the UB Legacy Gym. This event brought together local students and their exchange students from Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The program featured an exhibit and final presentations under the theme “Building a Unified Southeast Asia through Planning and Architecture.” Students presented their innovative design concepts for the Emilio Aguinaldo Park at Happy Glen, a central public space in Baguio City. The designs aimed to address contemporary urban challenges while incorporating principles of smart city development and eco-tourism, which are vital to the city’s future.
Throughout the event, five groups of combined Filipino and Indonesia students delivered presentations detailing their proposals, which were subject to evaluation by a distinguished panel of experts. The panelists included Ar/Enp. Maria Mylen Yaranon-Pangan; Ar. Melissa Ann C. Patano, MA EHP; and Ms. Rhisa Aidilla Suprapto, S.T., MSC. Their insights and critiques aimed to enhance the students’ understanding of architectural principles and practical applications.
After all the presentations, the event winners, faculties, guest panelists and exchange Professors graciously accepted their cash prizes, souvenirs, and tokens of recognition.
The collaboration commenced with UB launching an exchange program that sent seven of its students to Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, starting mutual learning and cultural understanding between the two institutions. This initiative is part of a broader exchange effort, which also welcomed Indonesian students to UB on October 7, 2024. The event also served as a closing program for the Amikom students, who will be departing on October 20, 2024. During their time, they engaged in various educational activities and cultural exchanges aimed at enriching their experience.
This program reflects the commitment of both universities to advance architectural education through international partnerships. By encouraging cross-cultural collaboration, the institutions aim to develop innovative solutions that address the challenges of urban development in the city.
This event also aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 4: Quality Education, 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
