SDG 3 - GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) reinforces its profound commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. As a premier institution offering flagship programs in medicine, nursing, and allied health sciences, UNP leverages its core functions of Instruction, Research, and Extension to foster healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages within the University and the wider community. In 2024, UNP’s initiatives were marked by a holistic approach, addressing physical, mental, and social health through robust academic training, community-centric extension programs, and innovative research.
I. Proportion of Graduates in Health and Social Work Professions
The UNP’s commitment to SDG 3 is directly reflected in the significant number of graduates from its colleges specializing in health and social work. These graduates form the next generation of professionals dedicated to community well-being.
| College | 2023 Graduates | 2024 Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| College of Health Sciences (CHS) | 577 | 602 |
| College of Nursing (CN) | 207 | 232 |
| College of Medicine (CMed) | 274 | 274 |
| College of Social Work (CSW) | 184 | 189 |
| Total Health / Social Work Graduates | 1,242 | 1,297 |
| Total University Graduates | 4,523 | 5,125 |
| Proportion of Total Graduates | 27.46% | 25.31% |
This data shows a consistent and growing contribution of graduates dedicated to health and social services, with over 25% of the University’s 2024 graduating class entering these vital fields.
II. UNP's Contributions to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being (Based on 2024 Data)
The University demonstrates its commitment to SDG 3 through a wide array of programs, projects, and activities across its various colleges and units, categorized below based on 53 relevant entries provided.
Source: UNP Annual Report (A.R.) 2024 – http://bit.ly/4ow3kla posted at the UNP Website
A. Instruction and Recognition
UNP integrates health and well-being directly into its curriculum and recognizes the achievements of its faculty and students in these fields.
- Nursing students prepared for crises through a simulation: Nursing students participated in a simulation to prepare for crises, enhancing their skills and readiness to provide care in emergencies.
- OVPAA conducts social and moral enhancement program for graduating students: The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs conducted a program to enhance the social and moral well-being of graduating students.
- BS Nursing Students attend Orientation cum Lecture on NAT and Test Anxiety: Nursing students participated in an orientation and lecture focused on managing test anxiety, a direct mental health intervention.
- Seminar marks CN Week celebration: The College of Nursing held a seminar as part of its college week celebration, focusing on topics relevant to health and wellness.
- BSEHS students advance to emergency medical care through EMT skills training: Students received training to enhance their skills in emergency medical care, preparing them for careers in health and safety.
- CTech faculty achieve NC II certification in automotive servicing: Faculty members from the automotive program earned an NC II certification. This enhances educational quality and safety standards, which indirectly supports a healthier community.
- UNP College of Nursing achieves excellent performance in November 2024 NLE: The College of Nursing celebrated its high passing rate in the November 2024 Nurses Licensure Exam, highlighting the University’s success in producing competent healthcare professionals.
- Kristina Camille V. Pacris-Quitevis was awarded as Outstanding Educator and Psychologist of the Year: An educator and psychologist from UNP was recognized for her achievements, highlighting the University’s commitment to mental health advocacy.
B. Extension: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
- Meet Our Guidance Personnel: The Office of Student Affairs and Services presented its “Starguider & Guidvance” team to offer support for students’ well-being.
- Skillspark: Capability Workshop for Class Advisers: The Guidance & Counseling Services conducted a workshop for class advisers focusing on enhancing students’ mental health.
- Ilocos Sur gov’t ties up with BS Psychology program for mental health caravan: The BS Psychology program collaborated with the local government on a mental health caravan, extending psychological services to the community.
- Women educators join mental health seminar: A mental health seminar was held for women educators, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness.
- Guidance office conducts growth session for CMed students: The Guidance office held a growth session on mental health for College of Medicine students.
- Take It Easy, Free Yourself From Test Anxiety: The Guidance & Counseling Services conducted a seminar to help graduating students conquer test anxiety.
- ReENGage! Reengineering Selves and Triumphing over Demotivation: A virtual event organized by the Guidance Services Office focusing on mental health awareness and overcoming demotivation.
- OSAS extends training on entrepreneurship, mental health: The Office of Student Affairs and Services offered a training program that included a focus on mental health.
PSO extends free mental health consultations: The Psychology Students Organization offered free mental health consultations, providing direct support to the student body.
C. Extension: Public Health, Medical & Community Services
- Oral Health Program: The Medical Services Office held an Oral Health Program for preschool and elementary pupils as part of National Dental Health Month.
- CoLove Festival: Pumping Passion into Health Initiatives: A community event with multiple partners, the CoLove Festival featured lectures, trainings, and a bloodletting activity focused on heart health.
- Co-Love fest stresses heart health: A post summarizing the Co-Love Festival, which promoted heart health.
- UNP Advocacy: Dr. Arce and Dr. Bello discuss cervical cancer awareness: Doctors from the College of Medicine shared knowledge on cervical cancer, promoting awareness and early detection.
- CHS launches Emergency Health Services Week: The College of Health Sciences launched activities to raise awareness about emergency health services.
- CHS observes World Immunization Day through a lecture at GK: The College of Health Sciences conducted a lecture at a Gawad Kalinga community, promoting disease prevention.
- CHS conducts dual seminar-workshops with partner community: The College of Health Sciences conducted seminar-workshops on maternal and child health.
- Orgs join forces for HIV/AIDS talk, testing: The Medical Services Office collaborated on a talk and testing event to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.
- MSO, CN conduct seminar on basic first aid: The Medical Services Office and College of Nursing conducted a basic first aid seminar.
- CHS, CGAD partner in an extension program in Villamar: The College of Health Sciences and the Center for Gender and Development partnered for an extension program focusing on health and wellness.
- UNP Establishes a Breastfeeding Room: The Medical Services Office and CGAD initiated the establishment of a breastfeeding room to support female employees and promote infant health.
- CGAD conducts seminar on gender, health: The Center for Gender and Development conducted a seminar on gender and health.
- CMed, ISMS, Rotary initiate feeding program: The College of Medicine, along with the Ilocos Sur Medical Society and Rotary, held a feeding program to improve community nutritional status.
- CPAd launches Batonlagip lecture series on governance, culture, gender: The College of Public Administration’s lecture series included discussions on governance, culture, and gender.
- CHS brings health services to Manueva: The College of Health Sciences provided various health services to the Manueva community.
- Bakuna Eskwela kicks off for young learners: An event focused on providing vaccination services to young learners.
- MDSO, CCJE hosts seminar on Oral Health: The Medical Dental Services Office and the College of Criminal Justice Education collaborated to host a seminar on oral health.
- Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support training: The Medical Dental Services Office, in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross, conducted first aid and BLS training for UNP personnel.
- Project Dormitour launched to combat dengue: A university-wide project was launched to combat dengue in dormitories.
- UNP-CGAD leads zumba dance, launches advocacy song to combat VAW: The CGAD led a Zumba event and launched an advocacy song as part of the campaign to end VAW.
- CHS, DLH join hands for disaster reduction workshop: The College of Health Sciences and the Department of Languages and Humanities collaborated on a workshop for managing health risks during natural disasters.
UNP-NSTP conducts pre-immersion and bloodletting activity: The National Service Training Program held a bloodletting activity as part of their pre-immersion.
D. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
- Beat the heat; cope with heat-related illnesses! An advisory post providing tips on how to cope with heat-related illnesses.
- Suspension of in-person classes due to heat index: The University temporarily suspended in-person classes to prioritize health and well-being during a heat wave.
- UNP CMed observes World No Tobacco Day: The College of Medicine observed World No Tobacco Day, raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use.
- UNP community unites against Breast Cancer: The UNP community participated in a breast cancer awareness campaign.
- The University of Northern Philippines joins the nation in observing the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women: This post launched the university’s participation in the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW.
- UNP-CGAD launches original advocacy song to end VAW: The Center for Gender and Development released an advocacy song titled “Matapang” to raise awareness about gender-based violence.
Red Ribbon Distribution for World AIDS Day: The Medical Services Office and College of Nursing distributed red ribbons to raise awareness for World AIDS Day.
E. Health and Wellness Events
- CHED All-Star Basketball Friendship Games 2024: UNP participated in an inter-collegiate basketball tournament, promoting physical health and well-being.
- In a thrilling clash, SCUAA triumphs over LCUAA… A post highlighting UNP’s win in a basketball game, celebrating physical activity.
- Move, Play, Achieve: Igniting the Passion for Sports and Celebrating the Power of Movement: This post celebrated a “PathFit’ Day” focused on physical fitness and an active lifestyle.
- UNP holds bi-annual team building for non-teaching personnel: The University conducted a team-building activity centered on mental well-being to foster a positive and productive work environment.
Family Day Celebration at the University of Northern Philippines: A Family Day was held to strengthen community spirit and promote a positive work environment and mental well-being.
III. Key Collaborations with Health Institutions
UNP actively partners with national and local health institutions to amplify its impact, share resources, and address critical health issues in the community.
Partnership with Ilocos Sur Provincial Government
The BS Psychology program collaborated with the local government on a mental health caravan, extending psychological services to the community and demonstrating a strong partnership in public health.
Ilocos Sur gov’t ties up with BS Psychology program for mental health caravan
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur–Provincial Youth Development Office collaborated with UNP’s BS Psychology program for a mental health caravan
Partnership with the Philippine Red Cross
The University partnered with the Philippine Red Cross for multiple events, including a “Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support training” for personnel and a “Pre-immersion and bloodletting activity” for NSTP students, enhancing community resilience and health.
Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support including CPR and AED techniques
he Philippine Red Cross – Ilocos Sur Chapter in collaboration with the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Medical Dental Services
Partnership with Ilocos Sur Medical Society and Rotary
The College of Medicine, along with the Ilocos Sur Medical Society and Rotary, initiated a community feeding program. This collaboration directly addresses nutritional status and health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
𝐂𝐌𝐞𝐝, 𝐈𝐒𝐌𝐒, 𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
On October 17, 2024, the College of Medicine, in collaboration with the Ilocos Sur Medical Society and the Rotary Club
IV. Shared Sports Facilities for Health and Well-being
In line with SDG 3, UNP promotes the physical health and well-being of its students, employees, and the broader community by maintaining its own sports facilities and partnering with community resources.
UNP Gymnasium
The University gymnasium serves as a central hub for indoor sports, university-wide health events, cultural activities, conferences, graduation rites, ecumenical celebrations, pageants, and community athletic programs.
UNP Volleyball Court
The university maintains outdoor and beach volleyball courts, encouraging team sports and recreational activity among students and staff.
UNP Badminton Court
UNP offers an indoor badminton court for training, classes, and recreational activities. The UNP Badminton Court facility was shared with the “Kapitolympics” on November 12, 2024, organized by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. The PHO Health Emergency Management Services (HEMS) Team 3 was deployed to the UNP campus to ensure the health and safety of participants during the badminton matches, underscoring the University’s commitment to supporting community-wide wellness events.
Sepak Takraw Court
The University also provides courts for Sepak Takraw, supporting diverse athletic interests and promoting physical fitness among students.
UNP Track and Oval
The University’s track and oval are open for use by students, faculty, and residents for running and general fitness. This facility is also the primary venue for athletic events, softball, and soccer, serving as a hub for various sports and community health activities. UNP promotes health and well-being through its military training programs. The Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) instills discipline, mental resilience, and physical fitness in students. These programs often include training in first aid and disaster response, contributing to community health and preparedness (SDG 3.d).
Quirino Stadium Swimming Pool (Provincial Government Facility)
UNP utilizes the swimming pool at the Quirino Stadium, a facility of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. This partnership provides a venue for athletic training, as well as intramural and recreational activities, promoting aquatic fitness within the UNP community.
V. Smoke-free University
UNP is committed to promoting a healthy, smoke-free campus for its students, employees, and visitors. This policy aligns with national health goals and SDG 3 by protecting the community from the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. The University enforces this policy through clear signage and awareness campaigns across all its campuses.
Smoke-Free Campus Signage and Implementation
The University gymnasium serves as a central hub for indoor sports, university-wide health events, cultural activities, conferences, graduation rites, ecumenical celebrations, pageants, and community athletic programs.
VI. Linkages and Communication
This table lists the public accountability and communication artifacts for the activities documented.
Activity/Content Title | Unit | Website Link | Facebook Post Link |
Meet Our Guidance Personnel | OSAS-GCS-IOS | N/A | |
Oral Health Program | MSO | N/A | |
CoLove Festival: Pumping Passion into Health Initiatives | UNP | N/A | |
Skillspark: Capability Workshop for Class Advisers | GCS-IOS | N/A | |
Co-Love fest stresses heart health | UNP | ||
UNP Advocacy: Dr. Arce and Dr. Bello discuss cervical cancer awareness | CMED | N/A | |
Ilocos Sur gov’t ties up with BS Psychology program for mental health caravan | CAS | ||
Women educators join mental health seminar | CGAD | ||
Beat the heat; cope with heat-related illnesses! | UNP | N/A | |
CHS launches Emergency Health Services Week | CHS | ||
Guidance office conducts growth session for CMed students | GCS-IOS | ||
CHS observes World Immunization Day through a lecture at GK | CHS | ||
Suspension of in-person classes due to heat index | UNP | N/A | |
CHS conducts dual seminar-workshops with partner community | CHS | ||
Orgs join forces for HIV/AIDS talk, testing | MSO | ||
Take It Easy, Free Yourself From Test Anxiety | GCS-IOS | ||
ReENGage! Reengineering Selves and Triumphing over Demotivation | UNP | N/A | |
MSO, CN conduct seminar on basic first aid | CN | ||
CHS, CGAD partner in an extension program in Villamar | CHS, CGAD | ||
Nursing students prepared for crises through a simulation | CN | ||
OVPAA conducts social and moral enhancement program for graduating students | OVPAA | ||
UNP CMed observes World No Tobacco Day | CMED | ||
BS Nursing Students attend Orientation cum Lecture on NAT and Test Anxiety | CN | ||
UNP Establishes a Breastfeeding Room | MSO, CGAD | N/A | |
CGAD conducts seminar on gender, health | CGAD | ||
CMed, ISMS, Rotary initiate feeding program | CMED | N/A | |
CPAd launches Batonlagip lecture series on governance, culture, gender | CPAD | ||
UNP community unites against Breast Cancer | UNP | ||
Seminar marks CN Week celeb | CN | ||
UNP joins the nation in observing the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. | UNP-CGAD | N/A | |
CHS brings health services to Manueva | CHS | ||
Bakuna Eskwela kicks off for young learners | UNP | ||
OSAS extends training on entrepreneurship, mental health | OSAS | ||
BSEHS students advance to emergency medical care through EMT skills training | CHS | ||
MDSO, CCJE hosts seminar on Oral Health | MDSO | ||
UNP College of Nursing achieves excellent performance in November 2024 NLE | CN | ||
Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support training | MSO | N/A | |
Project Dormitour launched to combat dengue | UNP | ||
UNP-CGAD launches original advocacy song to end VAW | UNP-CGAD | N/A | |
Red Ribbon Distribution for World AIDS Day | MSO | N/A | |
UNP-CGAD leads zumba dance, launches advocacy song to combat VAW | CGAD | ||
PSO extends free mental health consultations | PSO | ||
CHS, DLH join hands for disaster reduction workshop | CHS, DLH | ||
UNP-NSTP conducts pre-immersion and bloodletting activity | NSTP | ||
CHED All-Star Basketball Friendship Games 2024 | UNP | N/A | |
In a thrilling clash, SCUAA triumphs over LCUAA… | UNP | N/A | |
Move, Play, Achieve: Igniting the Passion for Sports… | UNP | N/A | |
UNP holds bi-annual team building for non-teaching personnel | UNP | ||
UNP holds bi-annual team building for non-teaching personnel | UNP | ||
CTech faculty achieve NC II certification in automotive servicing | CTech | ||
Family Day Celebration at the University of Northern Philippines | UNP | N/A | |
UNP-NSTP partners with DMMMSU for benchmarking on NSTP implementation | NSTP | N/A | |
Kristina Camille V. Pacris-Quitevis awarded as Outstanding Educator and Psychologist… | UNP | N/A | |
ZumbAgosto: Buwan ng Wikang Filipino | MSO, CTE, SC | N/A |