Baguio is known as a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures. It is also primarily known as an educational hub for neighboring cities and provinces in Northern Luzon. This confluence of the various ethnicities birthed an idea to provide the development of a learning institution suited for such diversity. Due to the steady increase in the population of children from various cultural backgrounds, there was an immediate need to establish an excellent school to educate, mold and enhance our children.

These findings led the leaders of the CO-AN Educational Foundation, Incorporated to establish the Baguio Multicultural Institute, a complete educational facility aimed towards the holistic development of our youth.

Baguio Multicultural Institute or BMI, began as an idea in 2012—created as a non-profit, self-supporting service to provide preschool and elementary-level education for children aged 4 to 12 years. It aims to equip children with knowledge, skills, and values to navigate the fast-paced evolution of society. The school is committed to fostering individuality, self-discovery, cooperation, curiosity, and respect—for oneself, for others, and for the surrounding environment—through developmentally appropriate activities that help students grow as unique individuals in a culturally diverse community. BMI has now expanded from just offering primary and elementary education to junior high school levels. 

As the chairman of one of Baguio’s esteemed schools, Mr. Co An —founding chairman of BMI—envisioned a place where children from varied cultures could learn, live, lead, and serve together in a multicultural environment. That vision became a reality in 2012. Drawing from his five years of experience as chairman of a private institution, Mr. Co An, along with his children and close friends, established CO-AN Educational Foundation, Inc. in August 2012, forming a board of 11 members.