UC fosters resilience and holistic wellness through training, physical activities, and community-building initiatives
The University of the Cordilleras (UC) upheld its commitment to employee well-being in 2024 through initiatives that foster positive mental health and promote a supportive work environment for faculty and staff. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, Indicator 3.3.7, UC implemented activities that encouraged employee wellness and contributed to mental health awareness across the institution.
Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being for Staff
On March 21, 2024, the UC College of Nursing (UC-CON) invested in the psychological well-being and professional growth of its educators by sending faculty participants to the 2024 Mental Health and Well-Being RESET Summit in Baguio City. The summit provided faculty members with knowledge and skills on mental health promotion, resilience-building, and psychosocial support in academic environments. By enhancing staff competencies in mental well-being, UC-CON strengthened its capacity to cultivate a psychologically safe and supportive academic culture for both staff and students.
Complementing mental wellness capacity building, UC also reinforced employee well-being through the Fun-Walk-Run-Zumba and “Man-ayam tako UC!” University Sports Fest held on August 4, 2024. This University-wide event, jointly organized by UC’s Medical and Dental Services, Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), Student Development and Welfare, and the College of Teacher Education, fostered physical activity, camaraderie, and stress relief for employees. Activities such as Zumba and group sports have well-documented benefits for boosting mood, reducing workplace stress, and promoting work-life balance—key contributors to holistic mental wellness.
While UC demonstrated clear action in promoting employee well-being and strengthening staff awareness of mental health, 2024 did not reflect publicly posted evidence specifically detailing free or charged direct mental-health support services for staff. Nonetheless, the initiatives above show that UC actively promotes a culture of well-being for its workforce, supporting SDG 3’s aim of ensuring good health and a positive work environment for all.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
| SDG | Indicator / Target | Contribution of UC Staff Mental Health Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being | 3.3.7 – Mental Health Support for Staff | Promoted mental wellness and resilience through capacity-building and employee wellness activities. |
| SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.8 – Promote safe and secure working environments | Reinforced a healthy, supportive workplace, contributing to employee morale and well-being. |
| SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17 – Strengthen partnerships | Collaborative implementation within UC units and participation in external mental-health summits. |
References
University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing. (2024, March 21). UC-CON Faculty Attend the 2024 Mental Health and Well-Being RESET Summit in Baguio City.
https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/03/21/uc-con-faculty-attend-the-2024-mental-health-and-well-being-reset-summit-in-baguio-city/
University of the Cordilleras. (2024, August 4). UCians Take Part in Fun-Walk-Run-Zumba and “Man-ayam tako UC!” Sports Fest.
https://www.uc-bcf.edu.ph/ucians-take-part-in-fun-walk-run-zumba-and-man-ayam-tako-uc-sports-fest/
