Celebrating health promotion, education, and collaboration aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Baguio City — September 15–20, 2025.
The University of the Cordilleras Department of Medical Laboratory Science (UC MLS) successfully celebrated Medtech Week 2025, a week-long event that embodied the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The celebration highlighted the academic excellence, creativity, and community engagement of UC MLS students and faculty through scholarly competitions, service-oriented projects, and professional development activities. Each event reinforced the department’s role in shaping future medical technologists committed to improving health systems and fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Day 1 – “UC Cares, UC Shares” (September 15, 2025)
The opening day featured the “UC Cares, UC Shares” Blood Donation Drive, a partnership between UC MLS, the Baguio General Hospital – Medical Center (BGH-MC), and the UC College of Nursing (UC-CON). Held at the Nursing Laboratory (NLAB), the initiative promoted community health awareness, voluntary blood donation, and the value of civic responsibility.
An on-the-spot poster-making competition followed, providing a creative platform for students to communicate messages about medical laboratory science and public health—merging scientific literacy with artistic expression.
Day 2 – Medtech Fun Day (September 19, 2025)
The Medtech Fun Day combined learning and collaboration through friendly academic contests, including a Quiz Bee, Spelling Bee, and team-building activities at the UC Theater. These interactive sessions strengthened teamwork, leadership, and academic engagement among students.
Day 3 – Inaugural MLS Fellowship (September 20, 2025)
The week culminated with the Inaugural MLS Fellowship, which opened with remarks from Dean Judith Odanee G. Magwilang and a professional lecture by Ms. Zarlyn Banaña, who shared insights on professional growth and ethics in laboratory science. The event also introduced the MLS Faculty and Student Council, reinforcing mentorship, unity, and leadership within the department.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
The blood donation drive supported improved access to safe blood and enhanced public participation in health promotion activities.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, and global citizenship.
Through academic competitions and professional lectures, students gained knowledge and skills fostering ethical practice, critical thinking, and sustainability in healthcare.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public–private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
The collaboration between UC MLS, BGH-MC, and UC-CON exemplified the power of institutional partnerships in advancing community health and professional education.
Awarding of Competitions
The culmination of Medtech Week included the recognition of outstanding participants in various competitions:
Quiz Bee Winners
- Champion: Simone Francesca Gambol, Michael II Mendoza, Nathalie Papa
- 1st Runner-Up: Mica Gaong Tecgongan, Princess Joy Fabian, Nikko Tome
- 2nd Runner-Up: Ayhessa Hope Hernandez, Maria Trixy Czarrine Lumawig, Ana Grail Kawi, R-nel Christian Navarro, Kolin Niel Lorenzana, Jaymie Lyn Ibay
Spelling Bee Winners
- Champion: Kolin Neil Lorenzana
- 1st Runner-Up: Maria Trixy Czarrine Lumawig
- 2nd Runner-Up: Cielo Beatriz Gallardo
On-the-Spot Poster Making Competition Winners
- Champion: Jaymie Lyn Ibay, Reggy Mae Dagul, Rishelle Jeyla Ancheta
- 1st Runner-Up: Jelian Joy Billod, Shamah Bunglay, Emmie Joy Fernando
- 2nd Runner-Up: Maria Trixy Czarrine Lumawig, Kolin Neil Lorenzana
Medtech Week 2025 successfully highlighted the academic excellence, creativity, and dedication to service of UC MLS students. Through these activities, students not only showcased their talents but also strengthened bonds with peers and faculty, reinforcing the values of professionalism, collaboration, and community engagement in medical laboratory science.
