Written by Chadray Guisa-ed
Photos courtesy of Yvonne Maye Pati
The University of Baguio School of Nursing (UB-SON) once again demonstrated its commitment to community service as nursing students and their clinical instructors took part in the Panagbenga 2026 Street Dancing Parade as members of the medical response team. In partnership with the Baguio City Emergency Medical Services (BCEMS), the group was deployed across key areas of the parade route to provide first aid, health assistance, and immediate response services for the thousands of spectators who gathered to witness one of the highlights of the annual Panagbenga Festival celebration in Baguio City.
As early as six o’clock in the morning, UB nursing students, together with the BCEMS crew, were already stationed along Upper Session Road, where large crowds had begun to gather in preparation for the street dancing parade. The students remained alert and ready, equipped with medical kits and guided by their clinical training. Their presence formed part of the coordinated safety efforts to ensure that the celebration remained safe and enjoyable for the public. Through this activity, the students brought nursing care beyond the hospital setting and into the heart of the community.
“Being there gave me a strong sense of responsibility. It showed me that nursing is not only about responding to emergencies, but also about being present, vigilant, and ready to act at any moment.”
Alexis Raven Yuga, a BSN IV student
Ms. Yuga expressed excitement and pride in being part of such a large event for the first time, knowing that their team was ready to respond in case of emergencies. Even though no major incidents occurred during their duty, the experience taught her that preparedness and vigilance are central to nursing.
Yuga also emphasized that the participation of nursing students in large public events is important because mass gatherings always come with possible health risks. Having trained responders on standby allows faster and more efficient assistance when needed, while also giving students valuable real-world exposure that strengthens their readiness as future professionals. She described the experience as both service and learning at the same time, allowing them to apply their knowledge outside the classroom while helping ensure the safety of the community.
This initiative reflects the University of Baguio’s strong commitment to community engagement and service-oriented education. By working closely with agencies such as BCEMS, the university promotes collaboration that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. These goals emphasize the importance of equitable access to health services and the power of partnerships in advancing professional development and community health.
As the program moves forward, students gain more than technical skills. They develop intercultural awareness, professional adaptability, and the confidence to thrive in diverse healthcare environments. This collaborative effort ensures that graduates are not only prepared for the demands of emergency response in large events but are also empowered to contribute meaningfully to public health and community safety.
Ultimately, UB’s ongoing work in activities such as Panagbenga 2026 stands as a model of how educational institutions can create sustainable and future-oriented opportunities for their learners. Participation in the parade allowed UB-SON students to put service into action, strengthen teamwork, and demonstrate the university’s mission of producing socially responsible and competent nursing professionals.
