American Corner Baguio

03/12/2025

AMERICAN CORNER BAGUIO IS PROUD!

We celebrate and honor one of our very own AC SAM Volunteers, Saw Ehta Ler, for making history at the 52nd PIFUA Search for the Most Outstanding International Students in the Philippines (2025–2026)!

During the Proclamation Rites and Awarding Ceremony held on 20 November 2025 at the Baguio Crown Legacy Hotel as part of the 6th ICTISSLA, Saw Ehta Ler—our Head of Research and Writing, AC SAM Volunteer Program and a second-year MA in Education (Inclusive Education) student—brought home three remarkable achievements:

🏆 Most Outstanding International Students in the Philippines
🏆 Community Service Award
🏆 Best in Talent Award

This is a historic first, and we beam with pride as one of our dedicated volunteers receives national recognition for excellence, service, and talent.

American Corner Baguio celebrates this milestone and remains committed to nurturing more young leaders and changemakers in the future.

Congratulations, Saw Ehta Ler!
Your AC Baguio family is incredibly proud of you!

30/11/2025

Fostering Collaboration: American Corner Baguio and U.S. Embassy CCG Exchange Insights

As the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Communications Group (CCG) continued their offsite teambuilding activity in Baguio, they also considered including another visit to American Corner Baguio in their itinerary. This interest led to their formal visit on November 28, 2025 (Friday), where American Corner Baguio had the honor of welcoming the team. The visit provided an excellent opportunity for the delegation to gain a deeper understanding of the mission, programs, and community impact of American Spaces and American Corners.

The AC SAM Volunteers led a guided tour of American Corner Baguio and the library facilities located on the 4th Floor of the Msgr. Charles Vath Library Building. During the tour, volunteers shared personal stories and testimonies that highlighted the positive impact of the American Corner on students, educators, and the wider community. They also presented ongoing projects and upcoming initiatives in preparation for America 250.

Following the tour, an open forum offered a space for meaningful dialogue between the American Corner Baguio team and the U.S. Embassy CCG. Both groups exchanged insights, addressed questions, and explored potential avenues for future collaboration, including the possibility of hosting U.S. Embassy Talks.

The group then proceeded to the SLU Museum of Igorot Cultures and Arts, guided by Mr. Maurick Ulpindo, Museum Registrar and Educator. Guests were introduced to the rich indigenous heritage of the Cordilleran people, their cultural narratives, and the historical significance of the CICM Archives.

Overall, the visit strengthened connections and deepened the team’s appreciation of the mission, values, and transformative work of American Spaces and American Corners.

Caption by: Danielle M. Agnad, AC SAM | Research and Writing
Photo Credits: Deej Bagin, Asia Ysabel Castro, AC SAM I Events and Logistics and Danielle M. Agnad, AC SAM | Research and Writing

25/11/2025

American Corner Baguio Hosts 3rd Series of American Innovation in Hydroponics In partnership with JCI Baguio Sunflower

American Corner Baguio successfully held the 3rd Series of the American Innovation in Hydroponics on November 19, 2025, in collaboration with JCI Baguio Sunflower. The session is part of the Rays of Grace – American Innovation in Hydroponics Business Education Program, which introduces modern, technology-supported systems that open new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and community innovators.

The event brought together youth leaders, educators, and business-minded participants who explored how hydroponics can be applied as a viable venture supported by digital tools, efficient systems, and creative business models.

Featured Speakers

The program showcased three exceptional innovators:

🔹 Mr. NJ Rivera – CEO of Amazing Benguet and incoming JCI BLISTT LO President, known for championing local enterprise and youth leadership.
🔹 Mr. Gab Salvador – Principal of EkoFuture, specializing in tech-driven solutions that help organizations modernize and scale.
🔹 Ms. Iloisa Romaraog-Diga – Founder of Session Groceries, recognized for transforming community access to local products through digital innovation.

Our speakers—Mr. NJ Rivera, Mr. Gab Salvador, and Ms. Iloisa Romaraog-Diga—shared impactful insights on technology integration, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Their insights highlighted the role of technology, strategic planning, and innovation in strengthening entrepreneurial ventures.

A Valuable Learning Experience

Participants gained practical knowledge on applying hydroponic systems in business, integrating technology to improve operations, and exploring new pathways for enterprise development. The collaboration emphasized leadership, community engagement, and the importance of future-ready skills.

Moving Forward

American Corner Baguio continues to champion programs that empower communities through innovation and entrepreneurship. This successful 3rd series reinforces our commitment to supporting learners, leaders, and innovators in building impactful and future-focused initiatives.

18/11/2025

What an incredible day of learning and collaboration! On November 18, 2025, American Corner Baguio successfully hosted the NEOLOUPHIS Theme: Research Workshop and Discourse Series.

This comprehensive event was a strong partnership effort, bringing together the University Library, American Corner Baguio, and the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts, Philosophy Department.

The day also featured the valuable Experience USA program and an essential Information Session covering eLibraryUSA orientation and Education USA's 5 Steps to US Study.

We are proud to be empowering our community with vital research tools and international education pathways!

17/11/2025

On November 17, 2025, American Corner Baguio hosted a successful triple-feature event: an Experience USA Session, eLibraryUSA Orientation, and Information Session. This initiative was held in partnership with NEOLOUPHIS and in collaboration with POSAS, Prime Movers, and the Communication Society.

As part of the broader Research Workshop and Discourse Series: Session 2, members of the Communication Society’s Executive Committee were present for the session at the American Corner, focusing on global resources and opportunities.

The focus shifted in the evening with a special program hosted by NEOLouphis dedicated to creative writing. We were honored to host guest speaker Ms. Kaye Leah Sitchon, who delivered her inspiring talk, “The Alchemy of Words: Building Narrative from Research and Experience.” Her session offered valuable insights into transforming rigorous research and lived experience into compelling narratives.

13/11/2025

✨ Ready to take your business to the next level? ✨

Join the Entrepreneurship Alumni Online Master Class on November 19, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM and discover strategies to help your business thrive in today’s digital economy! 🚀💻

📲 Scan the QR code to register. This program is free!

11/11/2025

Are you planning to pursue legal studies in the United States?

Don’t miss our session on Legal Education in the United States happening on 15 November 2025 (Saturday), 10:00-11:30 AM.
Learn about LL.M. pathways, admission requirements, scholarships, and what to expect in the U.S. academic and cultural environment.

📍Onsite for DLSU community members
💻Online for non-DLSU participants

Register here: https://libcal.dlsu.edu.ph/event/5855364

Are you planning to pursue legal studies in the United States?

Don’t miss our session on Legal Education in the United States happening on 15 November 2025 (Saturday), 10:00-11:30 AM.
Learn about LL.M. pathways, admission requirements, scholarships, and what to expect in the U.S. academic and cultural environment.

📍Onsite for DLSU community members
💻Online for non-DLSU participants

Register here: https://libcal.dlsu.edu.ph/event/5855364

05/11/2025

In line with its commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding, education, and innovation, American Corner Baguio conducted a special program titled “Experience USA: Adopting Business Tools for Social Change” on October 29, 2025, at the 4th Floor, Msgr. Charles Vath Library Building. The session featured Peace Corps Volunteer Ms. Lynn Nestingen as the resource speaker, who shared her expertise and experiences in applying business strategies to address social challenges and create meaningful community impact.

The program highlighted how business tools and innovative thinking can serve as catalysts for positive change, encouraging participants to integrate entrepreneurial approaches with a sense of social responsibility. Students and community members were inspired to view entrepreneurship not only as a means of profit but also as a pathway to empowerment and transformation.

This activity formed part of American Corner Baguio’s monthly outreach initiative under Experience USA, which connects students, professionals, librarians, and community partners to U.S. resources and programs such as eLibraryUSA. By bridging innovation, education, and civic engagement, American Corner Baguio continues to empower individuals to act with purpose and contribute to building stronger, more inclusive communities.

05/11/2025

Grow Well: American Innovation in Hydroponics

On October 22, 2025, American Corner Baguio, in collaboration with the University Outreach Programs, NSTP, and the Youth Council of Ecolodians (YCE), hosted a capacity-building session titled “Grow Well: American Innovation in Hydroponics.” Aligned with the America 250 initiative and the mission of American Spaces to promote American innovation and excellence, the program introduced participants to modern techniques and technologies inspired by American advancements in hydroponics. Barangay Captain Levy B. Orcales and Mr. Jay Eurhi E. Perea served as guest speakers, sharing valuable insights on the use of hydroponics—a soil-free system that utilizes nutrient-rich water to efficiently grow high-quality crops.

The session brought together youth leaders, educators, and local government representatives to explore how American innovations in hydroponics can be applied locally to create new livelihood opportunities and inspire innovative business models. Participants discovered how this forward-thinking approach encourages creativity, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Through this initiative, American Corner Baguio continues to champion American innovation, bridging technology and education to empower communities toward a more progressive and resilient future.

02/11/2025

On October 20, 2025, the Language and Communication (LangComm) Department of the School of Teacher Education at Saint Louis University (SLU) held the first phase of their In-Service Training (INSET) in collaboration with the Saint Louis University Libraries and the American Corner Baguio. The partnership highlighted the shared goal of promoting innovative teaching and lifelong learning through access to American resources, MOOCs, and technology-driven opportunities. With the theme “Teaching Tomorrow: Integrating Cognitive Diversity and Intelligent Technology for Language and Communication Classrooms,” the activity featured a MOOC for Faculty Members from MOOCs for English Language Learners and Professionals and a hybrid seminar hosted at the American Corner.

In her message, Director of Libraries Ma’am Joey Gapasin emphasized the importance of the American Corner as a hub for academic collaboration, resource sharing, and professional development, fostering connections between educators and global learning platforms. The session was further enriched by Dr. Marco M. Polo, Associate Professor at the Communication and Journalism Department and Faculty Lecturer at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas, who shared practical insights on cognitive diversity, teaching strategies, and AI-enhanced pedagogy.

This collaboration between the American Corner Baguio and SLU Libraries showcased how international partnerships can strengthen faculty capacity, inspire innovative classroom practices, and promote a culture of reflective and inclusive education.

02/11/2025

“AI in Education: Harnessing American Innovation.”

On October 8, 2025, American Corner Baguio, together with other American Corners across the Philippines, joined the third session of the AC Virtual Hangout Series titled “AI in Education: Harnessing American Innovation.” The session delved into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education, showcasing American innovation and promoting dialogue on its ethical and practical applications in global learning systems. The virtual speakers were Ms. Frei Sangil, President and Tech Director of Layertech Software Labs Inc. and an IVLP Alumna, and Mr. Romeo Rabajante Jr., LPT, Director of the Center for Digital and Blended Learning at Ateneo de Zamboanga University. Facilitated by Mr. Urian Buenconsejo of Reverion Tech, the session inspired participants to explore how AI can enhance creativity, critical thinking, and accessibility in education. Through this meaningful exchange, American Corners reaffirmed their commitment to promoting innovation, collaboration, and responsible technology use in shaping the future of learning.

29/10/2025

📢👋Heads up, Louisians🔔

📖 November is National Book Month — a celebration of stories, ideas, and imagination! ✨ with the theme, Tulay ang Pagbasa sa Bukas na Puno ng Pag-Asa.

The University Libraries invite everyone to participate in our upcoming activities to inspire a love for reading.

🗓️Mark your calendars and join the fun!
📍 Stay tuned for more updates.
🗣️See you in the University Libraries