Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
The College of Human Kinetics marked a defining moment for sports science education with the blessing and inauguration of its Exercise and Science Sports Laboratory on April 17, 2026, at the PUP Sta. Mesa Campus, CHK Laboratory Room. More than a ceremonial opening, the event signaled the arrival of a long-envisioned space where science, performance, and education intersect—built through years of persistence, collaboration, and institutional support.
University officials, faculty, and guests gathered to witness the unveiling of a facility designed to strengthen instruction, research, and athlete development. The laboratory now stands as a hub for evidence-based training, assessment, and innovation—equipping students and educators with tools that mirror real-world sports science practice.
At the heart of the ceremony was a message from Assistant Professor Antonio F. Enriquez Jr., former Chairperson of the Department of Sports Science, who traced the laboratory’s origins to a vision formed nearly a decade ago. His reflection captured both the struggle and the triumph behind the project:
“A dream that began in 2017 when I was designated as Chair of the Department of Sports Science, kasabay ng pagkakatatag ng BSESS Program. Hindi naging madali ang journey na ito. It is rooted in years of perseverance, determination, and collective effort.” (A dream that began in 2017 when I was designated as Chair of the Department of Sports Science, alongside the establishment of the BSESS Program. This journey was not easy. It is rooted in years of perseverance, determination, and collective effort.)
He further emphasized the realities faced during the program’s early stages—moments that underscored the community’s commitment to building something meaningful:
“May panahon na kinailangan pa nating manghiram ng equipment mula sa isa sa ating faculty members just to comply with the requirements for COPC at Accreditation—isang malinaw na patunay ng dedikasyon at commitment ng bawat isa para maitayo ang programang ito mula sa simula.” (There was a time when we had to borrow equipment from one of our faculty members just to comply with COPC and accreditation requirements—a clear testament to everyone’s dedication and commitment to building this program from the ground up.
His message also carried gratitude, recognizing the leadership and collective effort that transformed the vision into reality—from university executives to academic leaders, administrative units, and laboratory personnel. The acknowledgment extended to past and present leadership whose guidance laid the groundwork and sustained the momentum of the project.
“Ang laboratory ito ay hindi lamang isang facility, kundi simbolo ng ating mga pinagdaanan, mga pagsubok, at walang sawang pagsisikap at pagmamahal para sa kalidad na edukasyon.” (This laboratory is not just a facility, but a symbol of our journey, our challenges, and our tireless effort and passion for quality education.)
Following the ribbon-cutting, guests toured the laboratory, witnessing firsthand the equipment and spaces that will support performance testing, rehabilitation, and research. The facility is expected to elevate the learning experience of students under the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences (BSESS) program while strengthening the institution’s contribution to the broader sports and health sector.
Beyond its academic value, the new laboratory contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It directly supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by promoting scientific approaches to physical fitness, injury prevention, and athlete care. It also aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, providing students with access to modern facilities that enhance practical learning and research competence. Moreover, the initiative reflects SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as it strengthens institutional capacity for innovation in sports science and human performance.
As the ceremony concluded, the laboratory stood not just as a new physical space, but as a testament to what sustained vision and collective effort can achieve. What began as a modest aspiration—supported by borrowed equipment and determination—has evolved into a fully realized center for learning and innovation, ready to shape the next generation of sports science professionals.
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