In 2024, the University of the Cordilleras strengthened its commitment to sustainable development by expanding student volunteerism, faculty research capacity, and international academic partnerships. Students from various colleges delivered health, education, cultural, safety, and community services in collaboration with LGUs, NGOs, CSOs, and local institutions, while faculty enhanced their research skills through civil society–led training programs. UC also broadened its global engagement through partnerships such as its MoU with Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng and participation in the Erasmus+ MS GeoDRR consortium. Collectively, these initiatives reflect UC’s integrated, multi-stakeholder approach to community service, research development, and international collaboration aligned with SDG 17.
Student Volunteering Programmes
Students as Advocates of Safety, Protection, and Community Resilience
On March 9, 2024, CCJE graduate students organized a Crisis Management and First Aid Seminar at Tocmo Integrated School in Loakan, Itogon. They facilitated first aid demonstrations, supervised drills, and helped participants practice emergency techniques. This activity strengthened local preparedness and fostered collaboration between residents and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs).
Later in the year, CCJE student volunteers expanded their community engagement through the Likha’t Sanggalang Community Outreach Program, held on November 15, 2024, at Tocmo Integrated School, Itogon. Student volunteers led arts and crafts sessions for kindergarten learners, facilitated storytelling activities, and conducted practical self-defense demonstrations for high school students. Their participation promoted human rights awareness, youth empowerment, and community resilience.
Student Teachers as Catalysts of Foundational Learning and Youth Growth
From June to July 2024, student teachers from the College of Teacher Education carried out Project Teach to REACH in Barangay Imelda Village, Baguio City. Through this literacy and numeracy initiative, student volunteers delivered reading tutorials, writing reinforcement, and math support for elementary pupils. Their service provided vital academic assistance to young learners while strengthening UC’s support for the citywide Community Reading Program.
Business Students as Leaders of Compassionate Service and Community Well-Being
The College of Business Administration showcased its commitment to community welfare through two major volunteerism initiatives in 2024. On September 23, 2024, UC JFINEX students led the Hope Unleashed: Stray Dogs Rescue and Rehabilitation Program in Asin, Tuba. Through this compassionate undertaking, student volunteers rescued 65 impounded dogs, collaborated with Furvent Animal Rescues and Pet Medico Veterinary Clinic, and assisted in the animals’ rehabilitation through feeding, medical support, and socialization. This initiative highlighted CBA students’ dedication to animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and ethical community engagement.
CBA’s outreach efforts continued on November 27, 2024, when the UC CBA Student Council, in partnership with the Church of God Baguio, conducted a large-scale community medical mission at Camp 8. Student volunteers played essential roles in managing registration, assisting in medical and dental services, supporting the pharmacy area, and guiding residents through the healthcare stations. Their organized and compassionate participation ensured smooth service delivery and improved access to essential healthcare for the local community. This initiative demonstrated CBA students’ leadership in community health advocacy and their ongoing commitment to meaningful public service.
Accountancy Students as Champions of Local Heritage, Youth Development, and Social Responsibility
On May 2, 2024, the College of Accountancy launched Project BIIS: “Secure Your Future: A Primer on Budgeting, Investment, Insurance, and Savings for Youth.” Through this initiative, COA student volunteers provided financial literacy training to young participants, teaching core concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and insurance. The program empowered youth to develop responsible money management habits and encouraged long-term financial planning, reflecting COA’s commitment to economic empowerment and practical life skills education.
On May 3, 2024, COA students carried out Artistry Uplift, a cultural education program held at Lolong Elementary School. Through mural painting, Benguet folk stories, traditional games, and art workshops, student volunteers promoted creativity and cultural appreciation among children. Their participation strengthened community identity and highlighted the importance of preserving local heritage through meaningful, child-centered learning experiences.
The same day, COA volunteers implemented Bridging the Gaps: Empowering Children in La Trinidad, an outreach initiative focused on supporting children’s academic and personal development. Student volunteers facilitated learning activities designed to build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and foster positive social interactions. Their involvement demonstrated COA’s commitment to nurturing young learners through compassionate and engaging educational support.
Also on May 3, 2024, COA students organized the Donation Drive: Save for a Brighter Future, which collected and distributed essential supplies for children in underserved communities. Through this initiative, student volunteers responded to the needs of local learners by providing school materials and basic necessities, ensuring that children were better equipped for their educational journeys. This act of service reflected COA’s dedication to uplifting communities through generosity and collective action.
Students as Frontline Advocates of Community Wellness
The College of Nursing demonstrated extensive volunteerism throughout 2024. The year began with skill-based community training on February 16, 2024, when Level 4 nursing students conducted CPR Training for Barangay Health Workers and Residents in Baguio City. Students led return demonstrations, coached participants in emergency scenarios, and strengthened the barangay’s life-saving capabilities.
On June 25, 2024, CON student nurses participated in Operation Tuli at Quirino Hill, where they assisted in circumcision procedures and provided patient care and health teaching.
Continuing their outreach efforts, UC-CON students joined Operation Libreng Tuli together with SLU School of Medicine on July 12, 2024, in City Camp Proper. Student volunteers supported medical teams and engaged directly with families needing free surgical care.
Shortly afterward, on July 20, 2024, UC-CON partnered with Project H.E.L.E.N. to conduct Operation Tuli for residents of Barangay Lopez Jaena. Nursing students performed minor surgical procedures under supervision, demonstrating strong clinical competence and compassionate service.
The College of Nursing expanded its engagement on August 3, 2024, through its collaboration with the USC in Buguias, Benguet, where students provided health assessments, blood typing, and glucose testing as part of a multipurpose community outreach program.
On August 16, 2024, UC-CON volunteers took part in the FPOP Baguio-Benguet 55th Anniversary Medical Mission at Malcolm Square. Students delivered reproductive health services, laboratory screenings, HIV counseling, and preventive health education.
Later in the month, on August 22, 2024, Level 4 nursing students formally commenced their community duty in Kapangan through courtesy visits to the Mayor’s Office, Rural Health Unit, and barangay health stations. These engagements prepared them for months of service in supporting local health operations.
A week later, on August 29, 2024, CON students conducted a health outreach program in Barangay Dontogan, delivering consultations, health screenings, and health education sessions for residents.
In September 2024, the College of Nursing returned to community-based service through Operation Tulong in Barangay Kias on September 27, 2024. Student volunteers administered vital signs monitoring, health counseling, and non-communicable disease prevention education.
The college then led three major outreach initiatives in November. The first was Project Shalamat on November 14, 2024, in Kapangan, where students donated blood, assisted in blood typing, monitored vital signs, and participated in the Barangay Health Board Assembly.
On November 23, 2024, nursing faculty and students conducted a Community Outreach Health Mission in North Sanitary Camp, where volunteers managed registration, laboratory services, elderly care, pharmacy work, and consultation support.
This was followed by the Regionwide Medical Mission in La Trinidad on November 24, 2024, where Level 4 students played critical roles in patient screening, triage operations, health education, and medication distribution in partnership with multiple institutions.
Finally, they closed the year with the 16th PUSO Community Medical Mission on December 5, 2024, in Mines View, where students assisted in assessments, screenings, laboratory tests, consultation support, and organized patient flow for nearly 90 beneficiaries.
Research Programmes
On September 12 to 14, 2024, UC faculty participated in the CRHRDC Basic Research Methods Training for Trainers, an intensive NGO and CSO driven initiative that prepared a new cohort of certified research trainers through advanced instruction on delivering the twelve Basic Research Methods modules. By strengthening the ability of UC faculty to mentor future researchers and lead evidence based and socially responsive studies, the program deepened the university’s partnership with CRHRDC as a civil society research consortium and contributed to more ethical, competent, and sustainable research practices in the Cordillera region.
Furthermore on December 17 to 18, 2024, the University of the Cordilleras collaborated with the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) and the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), both of which serve as multi sectoral and civil society based research bodies. Through the Basic Research Ethics Training (BRET), UC engaged in an NGO and CSO led programme that strengthened the ethical research capabilities of faculty, researchers, and health professionals. The training focused on informed consent, participant protection, and responsible research conduct, reinforcing the university’s commitment to ethical and community oriented research in partnership with civil society organizations.
Development of Educational Resources
On August 23, 2024, the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing formalized its academic partnership with Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration includes student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and shared community health initiatives, which collectively contribute to the co-development of educational resources in maternal and child health, gender equality, and nursing education.
In December 2024, UC formally launched the Master of Science in Geomatics for Disaster Risk Reduction (MS GeoDRR) program, developed through a multi-country consortium led by the Silesian University of Technology (Poland), University of Alicante (Spain), University of West Attica (Greece), and five Southeast Asian universities. Supported by the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission, this initiative involved UC faculty participating in a specialized training workshop at the University of Alicante.
The consortium collaboratively designed the program curriculum, learning modules, instructional frameworks, and geospatial DRR training materials, which UC now adopts for its graduate instruction. This co-developed international curriculum is a direct output of cross-border educational resource development.
By integrating global DRR methodologies and harmonizing geospatial education standards, the MS GeoDRR program enhances UC’s research capacity, instructional quality, and international academic engagement.
| SDG | Indicator | How the University’s Initiatives Align |
| SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being | 3.3 – End the epidemics of communicable diseases | UC-CON students supported disease prevention through bloodletting drives, HIV counseling, reproductive health services, and laboratory screenings during Project Shalamat and the FPOP 55th Anniversary Medical Mission. |
| 3.4 – Reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases | Nursing students provided vital signs monitoring, NCD education, and preventive health screening during community missions in Kias, Dontogan, Kapangan, and North Sanitary Camp. | |
| 3.8 – Achieve universal access to essential healthcare services | Operation Tuli programs, Regionwide Medical Mission (La Trinidad), and community health missions delivered consultations, screenings, minor surgeries, and pharmacy services to underserved communities. | |
| 3.C – Increase health workforce capacity and training | UC-CON students strengthened healthcare delivery through CPR training, emergency demonstrations, circumcision assistance, and supervised clinical procedures across multiple barangays. | |
| SDG 4 – Quality Education | 4.1 – Ensure inclusive and equitable primary education | Project Teach to REACH strengthened foundational literacy and numeracy skills for elementary pupils in Barangay Imelda Village. |
| 4.3 – Ensure equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education | Through the UC–Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng partnership (Aug 23, 2024), both institutions established student and faculty exchanges, enabling shared access to international nursing education training and learning opportunities. | |
| 4.4.1 – Increase youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship | Project BIIS empowered youth with financial literacy skills including budgeting, saving, investing, and insurance for responsible financial behavior and employability. | |
| 4.7 – Promote education for sustainable development and culture | Artistry Uplift promoted cultural heritage through mural painting, traditional games, Benguet folk stories, and other arts-based activities. | |
| 4.B – Expand scholarships and international higher education cooperation | The MS GeoDRR program (launched Dec 2024), jointly developed with universities from Poland, Spain, Greece, and Southeast Asia through the Erasmus+ Programme, produced co-developed curriculum, instructional modules, and geospatial DRR training resources—directly strengthening international collaboration in higher education. UC faculty participation in the 2023 Alicante workshop further supported curriculum co-development and international academic mobility. | |
| SDG 5 – Gender Equality | 5.2 – Eliminate violence and exploitation of women and children | Likha’t Sanggalang included self-defense training, youth empowerment, and rights-awareness activities that supported a safe environment for learners. |
| SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.B – Strengthen disaster risk reduction and resilience | CCJE’s Crisis Management and First Aid Seminar improved community disaster preparedness through emergency drills, simulations, and BPAT coordination. |
| SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.8 – Promote responsible consumption and support sustainable communities | Save for a Brighter Future donation drive provided school supplies and basic necessities to disadvantaged children, promoting equitable access to learning resources. |
| SDG 15 – Life on Land | 15.5 – Protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems | Hope Unleashed rescued 65 impounded dogs and collaborated with animal rescue groups and veterinary partners to promote animal welfare and responsible pet care. |
| SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.1 – Reduce violence and ensure community safety | CCJE outreach programs delivered self-defense training and crisis-response education that strengthened community protection and youth safety. |
| 16.7 – Ensure inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making | Project Shalamat and courtesy visits in Kapangan supported barangay health governance, participatory planning, and collaborative leadership with local authorities. | |
| SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals | 17.16 – Strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships | UC collaborated with barangay LGUs, SLU School of Medicine, Project HELEN, USC, FPOP, rescue groups, and faith organizations to deliver large-scale community outreach. CRHRDC Basic Research Methods Training for Trainers deepened UC–CRHRDC cooperation on ethical and socially responsive research development. |
| 17.17 – Promote public–private and civil society partnerships | Medical missions, literacy projects, financial education programs, and animal welfare rescues were implemented with NGOs, civil society organizations, and community institutions. BRET with CRHRDC and PHREB strengthened ethical research capabilities through NGO-led training. |
References:
Likha’t Sanggalang: UC CCJE holds Crafty and Swifty Community Outreach Program. Retrieved from https://ccje.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/16/likhat-sanggalang-uc-ccje-holds-crafty-and-swifty-community-outreach-program/
Empowering Communities Through Education: A Seminar on Crisis Management and First Aid. Retrieved from https://ccje.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/03/11/empowering-communities-through-education-a-seminar-on-crisis-management-and-first-aid/
UC Student Teachers Provide Educational Support at Brgy Imelda Village. Retrieved from https://cte.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/01/uc-student-teachers-provide-educational-support-at-brgy-imelda-village/
UC CBA Student Council and Church of God Baguio Unite for Community Health: Medical Mission Empowers Camp 8 Residents.Retrieved from https://cba.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/28/cba-csc-and-cog-baguio-collaborate-for-a-successful-medical-mission/
Hope Unleashed: UC JFINEX Initiative Rescues and Rehabilitates Stray Dogs in Benguet Retrieved from https://cba.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/09/24/hope-unleashed-uc-jfinex-initiative-rescues-and-rehabilitates-stray-dogs-in-benguet/
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERIES: Bridging the Gaps: Empowering Children in La Trinidad. Retrieved from https://coa.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/05/03/project-management-series-bridging-the-gaps-empowering-children-in-la-trinidad/
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERIES: Donation Drive: Save for a Brighter Future. Retrieved from https://coa.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/05/03/project-management-series-donation-drive-save-for-a-brighter-future/
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERIES: Artistry. Retrieved from Uplifthttps://coa.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/05/03/project-management-series-artistry-uplift/
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERIES: Project BIIS: “Secure Your Future: A Primer on Budgeting, Investment, Insurance and Savings for Youth”. Retrieved from https://coa.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/05/02/project-management-series-project-biis-secure-your-future-a-primer-on-budgeting-investment-insurance-and-savings-for-youth/
UC-CON Level 4 Students Conduct CPR Training for Barangay Health Workers and Residents. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/02/20/uc-con-level-4-students-conduct-cpr-training-for-barangay-health-workers-and-residents/
UC-CON Student Nurses Participate in Community Circumcision Drive at Quirino Hill. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/06/27/uc-college-of-nursing-student-nurses-assist-in-operation-tule/
UC College of Nursing and SLU School of Medicine Conduct “Operation Libreng Tuli”. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/07/13/uc-college-of-nursing-collaborates-with-slu-school-of-medicine-for-operation-libreng-tuli/
UC College of Nursing and Project H.E.L.E.N. Conduct “Operation Tuli”. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/07/20/uc-college-of-nursing-partners-with-project-helen-for-operation-tuli-in-barangay-lopez-jaena/
UC University Student Council and College of Nursing Conduct Outreach Program in Buguias, Benguet. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/04/uc-university-student-council-and-college-of-nursing-conduct-community-outreach-at-bad-ayan-integrated-school/
UC College of Nursing Partners with FPOP Baguio-Benguet for 55th Anniversary Medical Mission. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/05/uyahh-and-uc-college-of-nursing-join-fpop-in-celebrating-its-55th-anniversary/
UC College of Nursing Level 4 Students Commence Community Duty in Kapangan. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/22/uc-college-of-nursing-level-4-students-begin-community-duty/
UC Nursing Students Conduct Health Outreach in Barangay Dontogan. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/30/uc-college-of-nursing-partners-with-barangay-dontogan-for-medical-mission/
UC Nursing Students Lead “Operation Tulong” Outreach in Barangay Kias. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/09/28/uc-college-of-nursing-level-3-students-provide-health-assessment-services-in-barangay-kias/
“UC Nursing Students Join “Project Shalamat” Bloodletting and Health Assembly in Kapangan. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/18/uc-nursing-students-join-project-shalamat-bloodletting-and-health-board-assembly/”
UC College of Nursing Faculty Leads Successful Community Outreach Health Mission at Barangay North Sanitary Camp. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/25/uc-college-of-nursing-faculty-leads-successful-community-outreach-health-mission-at-barangay-north-sanitary-camp/
UC College of Nursing Joins Regionwide Medical Mission in La Trinidad. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/25/uc-con-students-and-faculty-participate-in-la-trinidads-biggest-medical-mission/
UC College of Nursing Joins 16th PUSO Community Medical Mission in Mines View, Baguio City. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/12/06/uc-college-of-nursing-participates-in-16th-puso-community-medical-mission-in-mines-view-barangay/
UC Nursing Faculty Join CRHRDC Basic Research Methods: Training for Trainers. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/09/16/uc-con-faculty-join-intensive-training-for-basic-research-methods-building-expertise-to-advance-health-research-in-cordillera/
Basic Research Ethics Training (BRET) to be Held at the University of the Cordilleras. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/12/13/basic-research-ethics-training-bret-to-be-held-at-the-university-of-the-cordilleras/
Master of Science in GeoDRR now offered at UC starting January 2025. Retrieved from https://web.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/12/06/master-of-science-in-geodrr-now-offered-at-uc-starting-january-2025/
UC College of Nursing Strengthens International Ties with Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/26/uc-con-dean-strengthens-ties-with-indonesian-partner-and-inspires-future-nurses-at-international-seminar/
