The University of the Cordilleras (UC) demonstrates unwavering commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by integrating sustainability into governance, culture, infrastructure, and community partnerships. Through coordinated programs across colleges and offices, UC advances environmental stewardship, inclusive access, and preservation of arts, culture, and heritage as essential components of sustainable development. The university also prioritizes safe, eco-friendly campus practices and responsible use of shared spaces, with active collaboration with local government units and private partners.
Key Areas of Focus
1) Sustainable stewardship of spaces and environments – 11.2.1 Landscaped Open Spaces and Green Corridors (Main Campus): UC maintains and enhances green spaces and accessible landscapes that support ecological health and campus livability. – 11.4 Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility: The campus provides bicycle parking spaces and a dedicated bicycle lane to promote cycling as a safe transportation option. A clearly separated vehicle road and pedestrian pathways, inclusive ramps, railings for persons with disabilities, and solar-powered street lighting reinforce safety and accessibility. The 2024 Annual Report highlights ongoing commitment to resilient, energy-efficient campus development aligned with global sustainability goals.
2) Cultural heritage, arts, and creative expression – 11.2.3 UC’s Contribution to Heritage: CordeMayo 2024 showcased Cordilleran attire from six provinces; CHED Zonal Creativity Summit 2024 recognized the CCP as Best Exhibit Champion, highlighting UC’s regional leadership in cultural innovation. – 11.2.5 UC’s Contribution to the Arts: UC performed at Aliwan Fiesta (Panagbenga Festival representation), earning Pride and Runner-Up awards; ongoing cultural collaborations include intercultural exchanges (e.g., with Skyline College) and celebrations such as Paskuhan sa UC, An Enchanting Baguio Christmas, Tanabata Festival, and Saytura. – 11.2.6 Commitment to Culture and Creative Expression: Cordilleran Festival (CordeMayo 2024), National Arts Month activities, Sining na Buhay performances, and intercultural exchanges reinforce UC’s role in sustaining and evolving Filipino and Cordilleran cultural heritage.
3) Education, learning, and community learning experiences – 11.3.1 Arts and Heritage Expenditure: Funding and programming for Cordilleran culture, Sining na Buhay, and related arts initiatives demonstrate strategic investment in experiential learning that aligns with SDGs on quality education and cultural preservation. – PICE-UCSC Bridge and Tower Building Competition: Student-driven sustainable engineering initiatives emphasize innovation, teamwork, and eco-conscious design, aligning with SDG 11’s emphasis on sustainable infrastructure.
4) Community engagement and collaboration – UC’s partnerships with local government units and private sector organizations amplify impact in sustainable community development, arts preservation, and intercultural understanding. – Cultural exchanges and collaborative festivals (e.g., Tanabata Festival, Saytura, and international exchanges) strengthen mutual learning and cross-cultural appreciation, enhancing social cohesion and regional identity.
5) Safety, inclusivity, and pedestrian-centered campus – The campus design prioritizes pedestrian safety, inclusive access, and safe shared spaces, supported by infrastructure such as ramps, railings, designated pedestrian walkways, and solar lighting. Impact and Outcomes – Strengthened regional identity through Cordilleran-focused programming and national/international cultural exchanges. – Increased experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom outcomes with real-world sustainability challenges. – Enhanced campus livability, safety, and accessibility, contributing to healthier student and staff well-being. – Demonstrated leadership in sustainable infrastructure and mobility, reinforcing UC’s alignment with SDG 11 targets.
UC’s comprehensive, integrated approach—spanning green infrastructure, culture and arts, education and learning experiences, and active community partnerships—demonstrates measurable progress toward sustainable campus development and resilient community stewardship. The university’s ongoing commitment to Safe, Inclusive, and Eco-Friendly practices, coupled with strategic investments in arts, heritage, and sustainable infrastructure, provides a compelling case for accreditation as a leader in sustainable higher education.
References:
CordeMayo 2024: Cordilleran Festival in May. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/05/23/cordemayo-2024-cordilleran-festival-in-may/
CHED Zonal Creativity Summit 2024. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/10/18/likha-summit-2024/
Celebrating Polish Independence: A Cultural Collaboration between the Embassy of Poland and the University of the Cordilleras. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/06/celebrating-polish-independence-a-cultural-collaboration-between-the-embassy-of-poland-and-the-university-of-the-cordilleras/
Paskuhan sa UC 2024. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/12/02/paskuhan-sa-uc-2024/
An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/12/14/an-enchanting-baguio-christmas-2024/
Celebrating Culture and Sustainability: The Tanabata Festival 2024. Retrived from https://cas.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/07/11/university-of-the-cordilleras-honors-japanese-tradition-with-tanabata-festival-2024/
Saytura (Sayaw at Kultura ng Pilipinas). Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/22/saytura-2024-sayaw-at-kultura-ng-pilipinas/
Sining na Buhay 2024. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/21/sining-na-buhay-2024/
The University of the Cordilleras at the 2024 Aliwan Fiesta. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/06/29/celebrating-heritage-and-achievement-the-university-of-the-cordilleras-at-the-2024-aliwan-fiesta/
UCians take part in Fun-Walk-Run-Zumba and Man-ayam tako UC! Sports Fest .Retrived from https://web.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/08/04/ucians-take-part-in-fun-walk-run-zumba-and-man-ayam-tako-uc-sports-fest/
UC CAS Hosts Cultural Exhange with Skyline College. Retrived from https://cas.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/07/09/uc-cas-hosts-skyline-college/
PICE-UCSC’s Bridge and Tower Building Competition. Retrived from https://cea.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/04/08/pice-ucscs-bridge-and-tower-building-competition/
Celebrating Culture and Sustainability: The Tanabata Festival 2024
. Retrived from https://cas.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/07/11/university-of-the-cordilleras-honors-japanese-tradition-with-tanabata-festival-2024/
University of the Cordilleras: Advancing Sustainable Campus Development through Responsible Resource Management
. Retrived from https://cea.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/12/30/university-of-the-cordilleras-advancing-sustainable-campus-development-through-responsible-resource-management/
