The University of the Cordilleras (UC) demonstrated a strong institutional commitment to Cross-sectoral dialogue and partnerships for the SDGs throughout 2024, actively cultivating engagements with government agencies, community groups, professional organizations, NGOs, and international institutions. Across the year, UC initiated and participated in conferences, workshops, capacity-building programs, community dialogues, and international collaborations, all grounded in the principles of multi-sector partnerships, knowledge sharing, and co-created solutions for sustainable development.
Local Governance & Community Development
During the “Leadership 4.0: Digital Transformations in Government” forum on July 19, 2024, UC Political Science interns partnered with NCIP-CAR officials and barangay leaders of Happy Hallow to explore how digital tools and responsible social media use can support transparent and efficient local governance. Through the presentations of Atty. Bryan C. Donggayao, who discussed e-governance frameworks, and Mr. Rocky Jake C. Ngalob, who emphasized ethical digital engagement, the event initiated meaningful dialogue and encouraged the indigenous community to adopt technology-enabled governance practices.
On August 5, 2024, UC’s Master of Arts in Political Science students collaborated with the Local Government Unit of Galimuyod to conduct a seminar-workshop on parliamentary procedures aimed at improving the legislative competence of barangay officials. Supported by UC faculty members and the municipal leadership, the workshop enhanced understanding of inclusive decision-making and effective local governance, providing community leaders with practical tools for conducting transparent and organized legislative sessions.
Environmental Partnerships and Sustainability
On October 4, 2024, the UC Biology Society formalized a partnership with the BSU Forestry Stewardship and Extension Club at the BSU College of Forestry to jointly promote sustainable forestry and environmental conservation. Through this collaboration, both organizations committed to organizing workshops, awareness drives, and student-led initiatives focused on responsible forestry practices and green-space protection, strengthening inter-institutional cooperation in environmental education.
Finance, Business & Ethical Governance
On November 20, 2024, the University partnered with the Securities and Exchange Commission–Baguio to conduct the Investigator Protection Roadshow, a program designed to strengthen students’ understanding of financial fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and ethical business practices. Through case-based discussions and direct engagement with SEC regulators, participants gained deeper insight into evolving financial threats and the responsibilities of future professionals in maintaining market integrity.
National Law Enforcement and Innovation Partnerships
On March 27, 2024, UC formalized a national partnership with the Philippine National Police Academy to strengthen the CrimeXperience XR training project. The initiative aligns academic research with national law enforcement needs by integrating immersive simulations into police instruction. This collaboration marked UC’s early-year contribution to innovative, multi-sector public safety development.
On November 19, 2024, UC and the Police Regional Office–Cordillera formally expanded CrimeXperience through the signing of a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement, supported by the Department of Science and Technology. The partnership ensures that investigative units across the Cordillera can benefit from data-driven, XR-enhanced crime scene simulations tailored to regional policing contexts. By fostering continued dialogue between academic researchers, police administrators, and regional stakeholders, the initiative strengthens public safety capacity and encourages innovation in law enforcement training. This collaboration reinforces UC’s sustained commitment to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Regional Governance, Planning, and Policy Co-Creation
On December 12 2024, the University of the Cordilleras formalized a major regional partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government–CAR, the Local Government Academy, and DHSUD-CAR to strengthen public sector capacity and sustainable local governance. The partnership built upon the earlier Regional Institutional Development Support (RIDS) activities implemented from April to August 2024, wherein UC assisted LGUs in Abra, Ifugao, and Mountain Province in enhancing their CLUPs and CDRAs through data analytics and geospatial methodologies. The new MOU expanded collaboration into innovation documentation, voter education, disaster governance, and development planning.
Urban Innovation & Multi-Sector Research
On November 22, 2024, the UC College of Engineering and Architecture participated in the Research Colloquium 2024, a major convergence of the academe, professional sectors, and the City Government of Baguio. Fourteen research projects addressing green infrastructure, AI-driven mobility systems, urban public space renewal, and climate resilience were presented across multiple HEIs and organizations. Through this knowledge-sharing platform, UC contributed to dialogue on emerging urban challenges and data-driven solutions for sustainable city planning.
International Health & Education Partnerships
On November 10, 2024, UC College of Nursing and the University of North Carolina–Charlotte formally introduced Project SHIP, an international collaboration supporting school-based HIV prevention and adolescent health education. The partnership integrates curriculum development, research exchanges, and community outreach to address the rapid increase in HIV cases among Filipino youth. The initiative aligns local nursing education with global public health frameworks such as the WHO 2030 HIV strategy. Through this collaboration, UC contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) at an international scale.
Global Professional & Policy-Level Health Engagement
From November 20–22, 2024, the UC College of Nursing represented the Philippines at the 22nd Asia Workforce Forum in Kuala Lumpur, joining nursing leaders from 17 countries alongside WHO regional advisors and the International Council of Nurses. The forum addressed critical issues such as workforce migration, AI integration in nursing practice, malpractice protection, and the strengthening of regional healthcare leadership. Through active participation, UC contributed to high-level policy discussions and international knowledge exchange aimed at building resilient healthcare systems.
Collectively, these efforts highlight UC’s vital role in fostering multi-stakeholder engagement that advances institutional capacity, community resilience, and cross-sectoral partnership outcomes aligned with sustainable development.
| SDG | Indicator | How the University’s Initiatives Align |
| 3 – Good Health and Well-Being | 3.3 – End the epidemics of AIDS and other communicable diseases | Through the international collaboration Project SHIP with the University of North Carolina–Charlotte, UC College of Nursing helped strengthen HIV prevention among Filipino youth by developing school-based health education, research exchanges, and community outreach to address rising HIV cases. |
| 3.C – Increase health workforce capacity through training and education | UC enhanced global health leadership by sending representatives to the 22nd Asia Workforce Forum in Malaysia, where dialogue with WHO advisors, the International Council of Nurses, and health leaders from 17 countries strengthened workforce policy understanding, AI integration, and international healthcare competencies. | |
| 4 – Quality Education | 4.4.1 – Increase youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship | UC’s multi-sector engagements such as the Investigator Protection Roadshow with SEC–Baguio and the Leadership 4.0 Governance Forum improved students’ competencies in digital governance, ethical leadership, cybersecurity awareness, and employability skills through real-world government–academe dialogues. |
| 4.B – Expand access to scholarships and international higher education | UC expanded international academic pathways by formalizing collaborative programs such as Project SHIP, participating in international conferences, and supporting student-training opportunities with global partners including UNC–Charlotte and other international institutions, strengthening cross-border learning and professional growth. | |
| 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.3.2 – Enhance inclusive and sustainable urban planning | UC partnered with DILG–CAR, LGA, and DHSUD–CAR to assist LGUs in Abra, Ifugao, and Mountain Province in enhancing CLUPs and CDRAs using geospatial analytics. This multi-agency initiative strengthened disaster governance and sustainable urban development through cross-sectoral planning dialogues. |
| 11.6 – Reduce environmental impact of cities | Through the collaboration between UC BioSoc and BSU FSEC, the university promoted responsible forestry, environmental conservation, and student-led green initiatives, contributing to inter-institutional environmental education and reduced ecological impact. | |
| 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.6 – Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions | UC Political Science students and NCIP–CAR leaders conducted the Leadership 4.0 forum with barangay officials to strengthen digital governance, transparency, and responsible civic engagement through multi-sector dialogue. |
| 16.A – Strengthen national institutions through capacity building | UC and the Philippine National Police Academy collaborated on the CrimeXperience XR Training Project, enhancing law enforcement capacity through immersive technology and coordinated academic–government innovation dialogues. | |
| 16.7 – Ensure inclusive, participatory decision-making | UC MA Political Science students led a Parliamentary Procedures Workshop with LGU Galimuyod to improve barangay officials’ legislative skills, reinforcing inclusive and transparent decision-making in local governance. | |
| 17 – Partnerships for the Goals | 17.16 – Enhance global multi-stakeholder partnerships | UC’s participation in international conferences (e.g., Asia Workforce Forum), health collaborations (UNC–Charlotte), and inter-university research platforms strengthened global partnerships dedicated to SDG-aligned development. |
| 17.17 – Promote effective public, public–private, and civil society partnerships | Cross-sector activities—such as the SEC Roadshow, the UC–PRO-CAR MOPA, and the Research Colloquium with Baguio City LGU—demonstrated UC’s leadership in bridging academe, government, and civil society for shared sustainable development objectives. |
References:
JFINEX. (2024, November 21). UC partners with SEC Baguio for Investigator Protection Roadshow: Strengthening financial literacy and ethical leadership. College of Business Administration – University of the Cordilleras. https://cba.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/21/sec-baguio-investigator-protection-roadshow-2024-equipping-future-business-leaders-for-financial-security/
Luna, C. F. (2024, November 20). ‘CrimeXperience’ collaboration: UC and PRO-CAR seal groundbreaking partnership. College of Criminal Justice Education – University of the Cordilleras. https://ccje.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/20/crimexperience-collaboration-uc-and-pro-car-seal-groundbreaking-partnership/
MAPS Students. (2024, August 5). UC champions local leadership: A workshop on parliamentary procedures. College of Arts and Sciences – University of the Cordilleras. https://cas.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/05/uc-champions-local-leadership-a-workshop-on-parliamentary-procedures/
Political Science Society. (2024, July 20). Leadership 4.0: Digital transformations in government. College of Arts and Sciences – University of the Cordilleras. https://cas.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/07/20/%f0%9d%90%8b%f0%9d%90%9e%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%9d%f0%9d%90%9e%f0%9d%90%ab%f0%9d%90%ac%f0%9d%90%a1%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a9-%f0%9d%9f%92-%f0%9d%9f%8e-%f0%9d%90%83%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a0%f0%9d%90%a2/
Research Services Office. (2024, December 12). University of the Cordilleras and DILG-CAR forge strategic partnerships to advance resilient and data-driven local governance in the Cordillera. University of the Cordilleras. https://ccje.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/12/12/uc-and-dilg-forge-strategic-alliance-for-good-governance-and-regional-capacity-development/
UC BioSoc. (2024, October 5). UC BioSoc partners with BSU FSEC. College of Arts and Sciences – University of the Cordilleras. https://cas.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/10/05/uc-biosoc-partners-with-bsu-fsec/
UC-CEA. (2024, November 28). UC-CEA joins Research Colloquium 2024: Innovating together for a sustainable future. College of Engineering and Architecture – University of the Cordilleras. https://cafa.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/28/uc-cea-joins-research-colloquium-2024-innovating-together-for-a-sustainable-future/
UC-CON. (2024, November 15). UC-CON and University of North Carolina–Charlotte explore collaboration for Project SHIP. College of Nursing – University of the Cordilleras. https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/15/uc-con-and-university-of-north-carolina-charlotte-explore-collaboration-for-project-ship/
UC-CON. (2024, November 27). UC College of Nursing represents the Philippines at the 22nd Asia Workforce Forum in Malaysia. College of Nursing – University of the Cordilleras. https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/27/uc-con-dean-joins-nursing-leaders-at-the-22nd-asia-workforce-forum-in-malaysia/
UC Forensic Science Program. (2024, March 27). UC and PNPA forge strategic research alliance to pioneer national law enforcement XR training. College of Criminal Justice Education – University of the Cordilleras. https://ccje.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/03/27/uc-and-pnpa-forge-strategic-research-alliance-to-pioneer-national-law-enforcement-xr-training/
