Maximizing the UC Gymnasium for Wellness, Athletics, and Community Engagement
The University of the Cordilleras (UC) continues to champion holistic well-being, sports development, and community engagement through the extensive utilization of its shared sports facilities. This commitment aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, specifically Indicator 3.3.3, which highlights institutional support for community-facing sports activities that encourage physical movement and overall wellness.
In 2023, UC publicly announced the free access of the UC Gymnasium to community athletes, reinforcing its dedication to supporting grassroots sports development. This policy marked UC as a proactive partner of the local athletic community, enabling equitable access to safe, high-quality sports venues and promoting physical activity among youth and amateur athletes.
In 2024, UC sustained this commitment through the continuous use of the UC Gymnasium as a central venue for academic, athletic, recreational, and wellness events. Based on official activity records, the Gymnasium hosted a total of 182 events between January and December 2024, including university-wide orientations, intramurals, family days, pageants, wellness festivals, rehearsals, sports clinics, and various college-level activities.
Participation and Utilization in 2024
Across these 182 events, an estimated 20,000–25,000 total participants used the facility throughout the year. This includes:
- Approximately 16,000 UC students participating in orientations, intramurals, sports training, and academic functions
- About 2,000 faculty and staff attending ceremonies, seminars, and employee wellness events
- Over 5,000 community members, including athletes, parents, dance groups, and visitors participating in free-access events, family day gatherings, concerts, and Panagbenga practices
The UC Gymnasium remained accessible from early morning until late evening, with several events running 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and special practice sessions extending until 3:30 AM, demonstrating the University’s provision of a flexible and high-capacity facility for both academic and community needs.
Highlights of 2024 Shared Facility Use
- University Intramurals 2023–2024 Continuation (January 2024): Multiple full-day events (7 AM–8 PM) promoted student athleticism and fitness.
- IS–SHS Parents and Students Orientation (Jan–Feb 2024): Engaged thousands of parents and learners in school-wide onboarding.
- Indakan Festival, Panagbenga Practices & Saytura (February 2024): Supported cultural and community celebrations involving dancers and performers.
- Wellness and Fitness Activities: Fun-Walk-Run-Zumba events, Salun-at Wellness Festival 2, and Zumba sessions engaged students, faculty, and community members in physical activity.
- Sports Clinics (June 2024): Four-day clinics trained student athletes and community youth from 7 AM to 8 PM daily.
- University Intramurals 2024 (October–November 2024): The Gymnasium hosted over 40 intramural days, drawing thousands of student spectators and athletes.
- Community and Cultural Events: Cordemayo Concerts, Employee’s Night, Family Day celebrations, BCFCC Anniversary Zumba, and Pageants (MR/Ms STEM Earth, MMUC, etc.) promoted wellness, culture, and social interaction.
- Departmental Programs: Nursing capping and pinning ceremonies, Communidad programs, academic distinction events, and commencement rehearsals strengthened academic identity and celebration.
Impact of Free and Shared Facility Use
The regular and inclusive use of UC’s Gymnasium demonstrates measurable impact:
- Increased access to sports and wellness activities for both university and community members
- Promotion of physical fitness and mental well-being through year-round athletic and cultural programs
- Strengthened partnerships with schools, government units, cultural groups, and local athletes
- Enhanced student experience through diverse, large-scale activities encouraging leadership, teamwork, and school spirit
- Improved community relations by allowing public events, practices, and performances in UC’s facilities
Overall, the extensive use of shared sports facilities supports a culture of health, inclusivity, and community-centered wellness.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
| SDG | Indicator | Contribution of UC Shared Sports Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being | 3.3.3 – Shared Sports Facilities | Hosted 182 events in 2024 with 20,000+ participants, demonstrating an institutional commitment to accessible sports and wellness activities for both students and community members. |
| SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17 – Local Partnerships | Reinforced multi-sector partnerships with community athletes, schools, performers, LGUs, and cultural groups through free and shared use of sports facilities. |
References
University of the Cordilleras. (2023, October 15). Free Access to the UC Gym for Local Community Athletes: A Hub for Sports Development and Excellence.
https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2023/10/15/free-access-to-the-uc-gym-for-local-community-athletes-a-hub-for-sports-development-and-excellence/
University of the Cordilleras. (2024, August 4). UCIANS take part in Fun-Walk-Run-Zumba and “Man-ayam Taku UC!” Sports Fest.
https://web.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/04/ucians-take-part-in-fun-walk-run-zumba-and-man-ayam-tako-uc-sports-fest/
University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing. (2024, October 27). UC College of Nursing Intramurals 2024: A Celebration of Sportsmanship and Team Spirit.
https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/10/27/uc-college-of-nursing-intramurals-2024-a-celebration-of-sportsmanship-and-team-spirit/
University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing. (2024, December 11). UC College of Nursing Showcases Excellence at University Intramurals Opening.
https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/12/11/uc-college-of-nursing-showcases-excellence-at-university-intramurals-opening/
