University News

OUS Student Turns Five Stitches into International Diving Gold

Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office

SDG 3 SDG 4 SDG 5

_{Photo courtesy of: PUP Open University System ‘Official’ Facebook Page}

Jana Mary V. Rodriguez, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student from the Open University System (PUP OUS), claimed the gold medal in the Open Platform (Girls) category at the 3rd Parisakti Diving International Competition, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from June 30 to July 2, 2026, bringing pride to the University and the Philippines on the international stage.

Behind Rodriguez's gold-medal finish was a story of resilience. Just two months before the competition, she suffered a foot injury during training that required surgery and five stitches—an unexpected setback that tested her determination. Reflecting on the experience, she shared:

"When I was preparing for the competition, I think two months before the game nagte-training po ako then after 3 hours tumama po yung paa ko sa platform. It cause a 5 stitches po sa left foot ko... after the surgery po nag rehab po ako and nagpa psych din po ako kaya after 1 month of rest po naka balik din po ako agad sa training."

("While preparing for the competition, about two months before the event, I accidentally hit my foot on the platform during training, resulting in five stitches on my left foot. After surgery, I underwent rehabilitation and psychological preparation, and after a month of rest, I was able to return to training.")

Rodriguez also highlighted how the flexibility of the Open University System enabled her to balance her academic responsibilities with the demands of elite athletic training.

"OUS help me to train while studying... when your mind is clear during the competition, mas magagawa mo po yung best of best mo. OUS is super convenient for someone like me."

("The Open University System helped me continue my studies while training. Having a clear mind during competitions allowed me to perform at my very best. OUS has been very convenient for someone like me.")

Reflecting on her achievement, Rodriguez encouraged fellow Iskolar ng Bayan to remain steadfast in pursuing their goals, emphasizing that "determination, discipline, and perseverance can take us to places we once only dreamed of."

Rodriguez's achievement reflects the University's commitment to nurturing learners who excel both academically and beyond the classroom. Her success embodies the PUP Core Values of Excellence, Passion for Learning and Innovation, Integrity and Accountability, and Nationalism through perseverance, academic dedication, and distinguished representation of the University and the Philippines in international sports.

The accomplishment also advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting physical and mental resilience, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by demonstrating how flexible learning empowers student-athletes to excel, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by recognizing women's achievements in international competition.