SDG 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING
Benguet State University actively contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being through a range of community-focused programs and initiatives that address both preventive and promotive health. The University implements outreach activities in local and marginalized communities, including health education on hygiene, nutrition, family planning, mental health, and aging well, as well as sports and physical fitness programs to encourage active lifestyles. Through student volunteering, research-based interventions, and partnerships with government and non-government agencies, BSU delivers services such as medical missions, feeding programs, and livelihood support, ensuring that vulnerable groups including displaced and indigenous populations have access to essential health information and resources. These efforts not only enhance community well-being but also instill in students a strong sense of social responsibility and commitment to public health.
Number of graduating in Health Profession
(2024)
One of the core General Education courses required across all Baccalaureate programs at Benguet State University is Science, Technology, and Society (STS). This interdisciplinary course is taken by all undergraduate students and encourages them to critically examine the impacts of scientific and technological developments on individuals, communities, and the global environment. It explores how science and technology operate within broader socio-political, cultural, economic, and philosophical contexts, shaping human progress and quality of life. The course aims to cultivate reflective thinking and ethical decision-making among students in response to the challenges and opportunities posed by modern innovations. It also includes mandatory topics on climate change and environmental awareness to strengthen sustainability consciousness. In addition, all undergraduate students are required to complete the Physical Activities Toward Health and Fitness (PATHFIT) courses during their first two years in the university. The PATHFIT program consists of four sequential courses—PATHFIT 1 and 2 for freshmen, and PATHFIT 3 and 4 for sophomores—designed to promote physical well-being, healthy lifestyle habits, and lifelong fitness.
Source: BSU Annual Report for 2024
Collaborations in Health Services
Local Collaboration
Benguet State University works closely with provincial and municipal health offices, local hospitals, and community health centers to deliver programs that address pressing health concerns in nearby communities. These collaborations include joint medical and dental missions, health education seminars, nutrition and feeding programs, and wellness campaigns targeting vulnerable groups. BSU also partners with barangay health workers to strengthen community-based health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.
National Collaboration
At the national level, BSU collaborates with government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Agriculture (DA) for nutrition-related projects, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for health-related academic initiatives. The University also works with national organizations and networks to implement research-based interventions in public health, disaster response, and food security. These partnerships enhance the reach and impact of BSU’s programs, enabling the institution to contribute to nationwide efforts in improving health outcomes.
Global Cooperation
Internationally, BSU actively engages in cooperative efforts with global health institutions and universities to share expertise, conduct joint research, and implement capacity-building programs. Notably, BSU has established five international partnerships to advance health and well-being: the University of Guam (UoG), University of Regina, Mae Fah Luang University, Wageningen University and Research, and Chung Shan Medical University. The Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Guam includes research and the exchange of indigenous health knowledge, with a recent highlight being BSU faculty sharing expertise on the indigenous health practices of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) during an invitation to UoG. Collaborations with Chung Shan Medical University focus on medical education, research, and training opportunities that strengthen BSU’s capacity to address health challenges. These international engagements, which began in 2018 and continue to the present, foster mutual learning, enhance global understanding of health practices, and contribute to sustainable community health development.
Health Outreach Programs
In February 2024, BSU began a series of sports and wellness initiatives under the College of Human Kinetics (CHK). Students actively participated in the 2nd Quarter Baguio Athletics Competition as both athletes and officials, showcasing their sports management and leadership skills. The Gender and Development Office followed with a dance fitness event to encourage wellness and inclusivity among students and staff.
On March 20–21, 2024, the Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRD) spearheaded the 1st Regional Conference on Gender, Health, and Well-Being, gathering researchers across the region to share studies on gender, indigenous perspectives, and holistic wellness.
Throughout the year, CHK and other university units organized community-based activities such as the Binnadang Dance Exercise for fundraising, the Panmaptengan Fun Run to raise health awareness, and a dance fitness session for elementary learners to promote early fitness habits.
The university’s Department of Human Nutrition conducted outreach programs, including the Expanded Project W.H.E.E.L.S. in July and Nutrition Essentials: Guiding Parents to Nourish Their Children in August, empowering communities with essential nutrition knowledge.
On December 6, 2024, the Center for Sports, Recreation and Wellness Development (CSRWD), in partnership with the Gender and Development Office and the BSU Government Employees Association, organized a bike ride for International Men’s Day—combining health advocacy, school donations, and community outreach.
Later, on December 27, 2024, DOH Undersecretary Dr. Rosario Singh-Vergeire visited BSU to strengthen collaboration on the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Program, aimed at providing accessible healthcare and supporting local government health systems. BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan welcomed the DOH delegation, continuing discussions from the initial talks held in March 2024.
By year-end, BSU had conducted 223 training sessions for over 15,000 participants through its Research and Extension sector and hosted the ADIVAY Kasibulan Football Festival, a grassroots event promoting youth engagement in sports—demonstrating BSU’s holistic commitment to advancing community health and well-being.
Shared Sports Facilities
In 2024, Benguet State University (BSU) continued to promote health, wellness, and community engagement through various athletic events and partnerships with local government units and educational institutions. The University served as a key venue for inter-school competitions and sports development programs that nurtured student-athletes and fostered camaraderie among the youth.
From February 26 to 28, 2024, BSU hosted the S.Y. 2023–2024 Benguet Provincial Athletic Meet, where student-athletes from different municipalities across the province competed in various sports disciplines. The University’s facilities provided a conducive environment for athletic development, reinforcing BSU’s commitment to supporting local education and youth initiatives.
In November 2024, BSU once again opened its doors for the S.Y. 2024–2025 Benguet Provincial Athletic Meet, serving as the main venue for the event. The activity officially marked the start of a new athletic season, highlighting BSU’s continuous collaboration with the Department of Education – Benguet Division and its dedication to advancing sports excellence and teamwork among the province’s learners.
Later in the year, from November 30 to December 1, 2024, BSU hosted the ADIVAY Kasibulan Football Festival at the University Field as part of the province’s Adivay celebration. The event gathered young football enthusiasts and promoted sportsmanship, discipline, and youth engagement through football. Following this, on December 14, 2024, the ASPULAN Football for a Cause was held at the BSU Oval, combining athletic activity with community service to support social and charitable initiatives.
Policy on Use of BSU Facilities
In order to guarantee systematic use of university buildings and facilities by academics, staff, students, and the community, the university enacted Office Memorandum No. 41 series of 2015. Accordingly, the facilities will be utilized for official purposes in accordance with the university’s four functions: instruction, research, extension, and production. In order to supplement upkeep, it will also be made available to the general public with corresponding payments. An administrative order that reinforces these rules was just announced.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services for Students
In 2024, Benguet State University strengthened its commitment to student well-being through comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) initiatives. The University Health Services continued to provide accessible medical and dental care to all students, while the College of Nursing established a Reproductive Healthcare Center to address reproductive health concerns, offer screening and counseling, and promote awareness on responsible health practices. The university also expanded mother-friendly facilities, including breastfeeding/lactation stations and child-minding centers, to support student-parents and staff.
Complementing these efforts, BSU conducted cervical screenings, breast self-examination awareness drives, and adolescent reproductive health sessions in collaboration with regional partners. The Office of Student Services, through its Student Wellness and Guidance Units, provided psychosocial support, counseling, and referrals for reproductive and mental health concerns. These initiatives reflect BSU’s ongoing dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and health-promoting environment for all learners.
Mental Health Support for Staff
In 2024, Benguet State University (BSU) actively supports the mental health of its staff through comprehensive programs focused on access, promotion, and free support. The university offers Psychological Services from September to October 2024, allowing staff to schedule appointments for professional mental health support. This ensures employees have direct access to counseling and assistance tailored to their needs.
BSU also promotes good mental health through ongoing initiatives such as the “Wellness Hour” held every Friday in October, featuring discussions on important topics like “Mastering Work/Study-Life Integration.” These sessions encourage staff to prioritize mental well-being amidst work pressures, fostering a culture of awareness and self-care.
Additionally, the “Talinaay ti Panunot” webinar series, hosted by BSU’s Institute of Social Research and Development and College of Arts and Humanities, provides educational opportunities on mental health themes, including managing emotions in the workplace. The university also organizes special events like massage services and pedicure sessions as part of employee wellness treats, enhancing holistic well-being.
Through these initiatives ranging from direct psychological services, educational webinars, wellness conversations, to accessible self-care activities Benguet State University demonstrates a strong, active commitment to supporting and promoting mental health among its staff in 2024.