The program commenced with the registration of participants from the College of Business Administration, College of Accountancy, and College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. To foster engagement and self-awareness among attendees, the UC Peer Facilitators facilitated an interactive opening activity centered on personality assessment and self-reflection. This was followed by the opening ceremony and welcome remarks, which set the tone for a productive and inspiring learning experience.

A key highlight of the forum was the keynote address delivered by Engr. Mark Joseph Lacambra, President of the Baguio Business Club. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, Engr. Lacambra shared valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and excellence, encouraging students to embrace challenges and continuously pursue growth in their academic and professional journeys.

The forum also featured a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Gabriel De Guzman, which brought together distinguished professionals and industry practitioners from various sectors. The panelists shared valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, workplace readiness, and professional growth, providing students with practical perspectives on navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape.

The panel discussion featured the following speakers:

• Engr. Mark Joseph Lacambra – President, Baguio Business Club

• Christopher Ismael Jr., CPA – Audit Partner, Ismael and Co., CPAs

• Charmaine Joy Rama-De Guzman – General Manager, Le Monet Hotel

• Gabriel De Guzman – Moderator and Industry Professional

An engaging open forum followed, allowing participants to raise questions and seek advice regarding career planning, personal development, and future employment opportunities. The exchange of ideas between the speakers and students enriched the learning experience and provided valuable guidance for the participants’ future career paths.

The EMBARK Forum successfully gathered a total of 301 student participants, comprising of 15 students from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM), 263 students from the College of Accountancy (COA), and 23 students from the College of Business Administration (CBA). The strong turnout reflected the students’ active interest in leadership development, entrepreneurship, and career readiness opportunities.

Participant feedback reflected a highly positive response to the activity. Students commended the relevance of the topics discussed, the expertise of the resource speakers, and the practical insights shared throughout the forum. The opportunity to interact directly with accomplished professionals further enhanced the overall learning experience and inspired participants to become more proactive in pursuing their career goals.

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the moderator and panelists, followed by closing messages from invited guests and university representatives. A photo opportunity with the organizers, speakers, and participants formally marked the successful conclusion of the event.

Overall, the EMBARK Forum successfully achieved its objective of equipping students with valuable leadership, entrepreneurial, and career-development insights. The activity served as a meaningful platform for professional learning, inspiration, and knowledge sharing, contributing significantly to the holistic development and career readiness of the participants.

Contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The EMBARK Forum contributed to the achievement of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Provided students with access to meaningful learning opportunities, career guidance, and industry-based knowledge shared by experienced professionals.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Preparing students for future employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles through discussions on career development, financial management, and business practices
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthened collaboration among the University of the Cordilleras, the Baguio Business Club, industry professionals, and community partners in delivering a meaningful and impactful educational experience.

Through these initiatives, the forum promoted student development, professional preparedness, and collaborative engagement toward sustainable growth and lifelong learning.