University News

New Exercise and Sports Science Laboratory Launched to Advance Research and Training

Sean Adrielle R. Montebon, News, Department of Sports Science, College of Human Kinetics

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) A. Mabini Campus, marking a significant milestone in academic excellence and athletic development, officially completed its state-of-the-art Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) Laboratory at the College of Human Kinetics (CHK) Building on March 13, 2026.

The facility, which recently received a fresh set of professional-grade equipment, is a strategic response to the requirements of the Commission on Higher Education – Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT). Under the leadership of the newly appointed CHK Dean, Dr. Geraldine C. Miñas, EdD, the laboratory is set to elevate the standards of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science (BSESS) and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) programs.

A Hub for Innovation and Science-Based Lab
The acquisition of modern equipment transforms the ESS Lab into a powerhouse for research and athlete development. By providing tools to evaluate physical performance and understand physiological responses to exercise, the facility allows BSESS students to refine advanced training methods and conduct evidence-based sports performance assessments and health-related evaluations. This will give an advantage to both students and teachers, where teaching and learning will foster greater heights of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

Beyond the classroom, the lab serves as the nerve center for the university’s varsity teams. It will offer specialized strength and conditioning programs, fitness monitoring, and recovery protocols to ensure PUP athletes are in peak form for competition.

According to Ins. Genesis S. Linga, the ESS Laboratory’s head, this will provide an avenue for the Sports Sciences students with OJTs inside the university to gain practical experience in prescribing workout plans, therapies, and wellness plans.

Sir Linga outlining his vision for the laboratory, “Dahil meron na tayong wellness, pinopromote natin ito sa buong university, which is para sa mga employees—hindi lang sa employees, kundi pati sa students. Siyempre, yung mga atleta, although ang sports science lab ay naka-priority pa rin for the BSESS, siyempre naman, binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga atleta rin na at least makagamit dun sa lab para makatulong din sa kanila, at the same time, sa mga employees.” (“With the establishment of our wellness initiative, we are promoting it across the entire university for both employees and students. While the Exercise and Sports Science Laboratory remains a priority for BSESS students, we also provide opportunities for student-athletes to use the facility to support their training and development. At the same time, we encourage our employees to utilize the laboratory as part of our commitment to health, wellness, and inclusive access.”)

The realization of this project is the result of a multi-year effort spearheaded by Inst. Linga in partnership with former CHK Dean Prof. Lualhati Dela Cruz and former Department of Sports Science Chairperson Mr. Antonio F. Enriquez Jr. The journey, which began with budget deliberations in 2022 – 2024 and became a reality in 2026, navigated through procurement and installation phases to finally breathe life into the CHK’s vision of a modernized sports hub.

This initiative directly contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 3 & 4, which are the Good Health and Well-being, and Quality Education, respectively. By investing in health infrastructure and practical learning, PUP ensures that quality sports education is accessible to our Iskolar ng Bayan and the PUP community.

At its core, the completion of the ESS Laboratory is a testament to the true essence of being an Iskolar ng Bayan. It reflects the PUPian’s resilience—turning a 2022 proposal into a 2026 reality despite the hurdles. More than just a room filled with machines, it is a space where science meets service, proving that the heart of a scholar is always dedicated to the betterment of the community and the pursuit of excellence for the country.

Article edited by Gicel Roger B. Savilla, Communication Management Office.