By: Joe-el S. Marcelo
On March 9, 2026, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) Theater became a hub of transformation as 267 women graduated from the Beauty for a Better Life: E-Beauty Advisor Program. This six-week initiative (a powerful collaboration between the academe, government, and the private sector) celebrated livelihood empowerment as a path to dignity and independence during National Women’s Month.
The UC College of Business Administration (CBA) played a central role, immersing participants in seven vital tracks: Haircare, Skincare, Makeup, Mental Health, Digital Content Creation, Sustainable and Responsible Consumption, and Financial Literacy.
We are especially proud of our CBA students who stood out among the hundreds of graduates, ranking in the Top 10 Content Creators:
- Mikkie Joy Balisong (BSBA, Major in Marketing Management)
- Grayle Emerald Tayaban (BS Entrepreneurship)
In a true display of leadership, CBA faculty members did not just mentor from the sidelines; they enrolled and graduated alongside their students. Congratulations to Dr. Nikko Jayson P. Go, Dr. Orlina Ursula D. Regua, and Dr. Janice D. Castillo for completing the full six-week program and modeling the spirit of lifelong learning.
The ceremony was graced by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona (DTI), and Mr. Yassine Bakkari (L’Oreal Philippines), alongside UC’s own Dr. Rhodora A. Ngolob and Dr. Grace R. Tobias.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- Indicator 1.4.1: Local start-up assistance. By providing training and resources for women to start beauty-related ventures, the program supports financially sustainable community businesses.
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- Indicator 4.3.3: Vocational training events (lifelong learning). This six-week short course provided specialized vocational training to the general public outside of degree programs.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Indicator 5.3.3: Women’s access schemes. The program serves as a targeted mentoring and provision initiative to ensure women’s economic inclusion and empowerment.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Indicator 8.4.1: Proportion of students with work placements. Many CBA students participated in this industry-led training, providing real-world skill application.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Indicator 10.3.1: Reducing inequalities of outcome. By reaching underserved women in the community, the partnership promotes equitable access to high-demand industry skills.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption
- Indicator 12.2.1: Ethical sourcing and consumption. The curriculum’s specific module on “Sustainable and Responsible Consumption” educates new entrepreneurs on ethical business practices.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Indicator 17.2.2: Cross-sectoral dialogue about SDGs. This collaboration between UC, DTI, Baguio City Government, L’Oreal, and SPARK! Philippines exemplifies multi-sectoral cooperation for sustainable impact.
Photo by: Ms. Loraine Erica D. Regua
