Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities through continuous dedication on producing Scopus-indexed research on digital microfinance, social entrepreneurship, gender-wage gaps, and sustainable urban mobility. Institutionally, the University enforces non-discriminatory access and diversity tracking via PUP iApply, backed by Executive Order (EO) No. 20 (Diversity and Inclusion) and EO No. 07 (Gender Policy). PUP fosters inclusive learning and working environments by supporting 5,350 first-generation students (31.70% of intake), maintaining 2.46% PWD workforce representation, implementing accessibility schemes, providing mental health services through Project P.I.L.L.A.R, enforcing anti-sexual harassment protocols, and championing the Filipino Sign Language Act.
Advancing social inclusion and equitable opportunities is essential to achieving SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, with research addressing economic inequality, social exclusion, financial inclusion, gender inequality, and equal access to opportunities. Studies examine tourism-related exclusion, equitable access to clean energy, social entrepreneurship, and structural gender-wage disparities.
Research on digital microfinance and financial services further supports financial inclusion by expanding access to underserved and low-income populations while promoting fair and responsible access to finance. These initiatives advance social inclusion, economic empowerment, financial inclusion, gender equality, non-discrimination, and reduced socioeconomic disparities, supporting the achievement of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Expanding financial inclusion and equitable access to economic opportunities is essential to reducing inequality. Research on digital transformation in Philippine microfinance examines ways to extend inclusive financial services to underserved populations and reduce economic exclusion.
Research on microfinance services further emphasizes fair access to finance, financial inclusion, social protection, and economic empowerment for low-income and marginalized groups.
These contributions support reduced socioeconomic disparities, inclusive financial systems, equal access to opportunities, and economic empowerment, advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Reducing economic and social disparities is central to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, with research addressing economic inequality, social inclusion, gender equality, discrimination, marginalization, and equal opportunities. Research on social entrepreneurship examines how inclusive business models can narrow wealth gaps and reduce marginalization, while analysis of the gender-wage gap addresses structural pay disparities and gender-based exclusion.
Research on LGBTQI+ exclusion further highlights social and institutional barriers to inclusion, emphasizing the importance of non-discrimination and equal participation for sexual minorities.
These areas contribute to social inclusion, economic empowerment, gender equality, non-discrimination, and reduced socioeconomic inequalities, supporting the achievement of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Advancing social inclusion and equitable access is essential to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, particularly through social equity, economic inclusion, equal opportunities, and reduced disparities. Research on constrained mobility examines systemic exclusion and unequal access to livelihood opportunities in tourism, while spatial analysis of urban energy and transport supports equitable access to clean energy and sustainable development for urban and marginalized communities.
These efforts contribute to social inclusion, economic opportunity, equitable resource access, reduced socioeconomic disparities, and inclusive development, supporting progress toward SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
View all PUP Scopus Publication: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IlfCKA2HmYBtj1VdI0Xa5Onbr3PBXHSA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111253540786016308703&rtpof=true&sd=true
For the Academic Year 2024–2025, the University registered a total official student headcount of 43,022, with 16,877 students newly starting their degree programs, among whom 5,350 are first-generation college students representing 31.70% of those starting a degree.
For Academic Year 2024–2025, the university registered a total official student population of 43,022, alongside a total headcount of 72 international students from developing countries across semesters, resulting in a proportion of 0.167%.
For Academic Year 2024–2025 (1st Semester), the University recorded a total student population of 43,022, with 555 identified students with disabilities (PWD) based on the IDSA socio-economic survey, accounting for a proportion of 1.29% alongside 12,846 students with no survey response.
Polytechnic University of the Philippines shows a steady increase in both total workforce headcount and the representation of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) from 2024 to 2026. Total employee headcount expanded from 3,424 in 2024 to 3,806 in 2025, reaching a latest count of 3,864 in 2026. Over the same period, identified PWD employees grew from 59 in 2024 to 79 in 2025, and ultimately to 95 in 2026. Based on the latest 2026 data, employees with disabilities comprise 2.46% of the university's total workforce.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines implements a publicly posted, non-discriminatory admissions policy operationalized through its PUP iApply, ensuring that all applicants and prospective students have transparent and equitable access to educational opportunities regardless of their background, demographics, or socioeconomic status. This University's digital application and admission platform (PUP iApply) also tracks underrepresented groups including ethnic minorities, low income students, non-traditional students, women, LGBT students, disabled students, and newly settled refugee students, through its subjective identification of the students of the cohort they belong.
With this mechanism, the University had recorded a total of 81 students that belongs to any underrepresented groups for the Academic Year 2023-2024.
Embodying this, the University formally integrates these objectives into its Student Handbook Declaration of Principles-explicitly committing to contribute to national development, promote the democratization of access to educational opportunities for all sectors of the national community, and accelerate countryside socio-economic development by ensuring that tertiary education remains within the reach of deserving members of rural communities.
Additionally, through Executive Order No. 20 PUP Diversity and Inclusion Policy the University takes deliberate and planned actions to recruit students, staff, and faculty, from underrepresented groups to uphold a strong dedication of inclusive recruitment.
Specifically, under Section 4 of the policy, the institution commits to:
Also, the University commitment to gender representation and inclusion is institutionalized under Executive Order No. 07 PUP Gender Policy, where Section 4 mandates Equal Access and Elimination of Discrimination based on gender.
This admissions framework is anchored in the university's institutional commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination/anti-discrimination - Executive Order No. 20 PUP Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Executive Order No. 07 PUP Gender Policy Additionally, the University provides scholarship grants to underrepresented groups through its Executive Order No. 25-Guidelines on Granting Entrance Scholarship Effective SY 2024-2025 which includes special grants for Indigenous People, Solo Parents, and differently-abled learners, along with their specific documentary requirements and benefits, rationalized within the legal basis of PH Republic Act 10648
Through its institutional Executive Order (EO) No. 20 PUP Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Executive Order (EO) No. 35 s.2023: Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, the university maintains an anti-discriminatory environment on its teaching, learning, and administrative operations. Specified on Article 9 of EO no.20: "The University is committed to creating an environment where the dignity and experiences of individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions are respected and valued." Additionally, under Section 8 includes the encouragement of applications, fair and honest selection process, provision of support services, and equal opportunities. Furthermore, its dedicated office: Gender-Equity, Diversity, and Social Inclusion Office is functioned to administer and advise on and implement policies, programmes, and trainings related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights on campus.
Some of their action to educate the community towards anti-discrimination and other various dimensions of social diversity:
And through its Office of the Scholarship and Financial Assistance, along with programs such as PUPreneurship and UniFast for students, and through the mandate of Gender-Equity, Diversity, and Social Inclusion Office the University provides mentorship, counselling, and peer support programmes to support students, staff, and faculty from underrepresented groups.
For more on inclusive education that progresses for race and stakeholders with disabilities and other related inclusivity action of the university, View the GEDSIO’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gadpup/
At the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), fostering a truly inclusive and accessible campus environment is a continuous institutionalized policy. Upholding the principles of equal opportunity, the University provides comprehensive support services and access schemes to ensure that all members of its wider community are fully empowered to participate in campus life.
The PUP implements an institutionalized accommodation policy and strategy, backed by a data driven administrative framework for Persons with disabilities (PWDs), operationalized through systematic data tracking from the student and personnel information system, inclusive terminology guidelines, multi-office budgeting, and targeted campus infrastructure and support service programs as detailed in the annual meeting proceedings and administrative actions plans.
PUP's commitment to disability support and access is formally anchored through a high-level administrative and institutional mandates. Grounded on the execution of Executive Order No. 41-Sustainability Policy of Sintang Paaralan Pamantasang Umiiral ang Pag-Unlad ng may Pananagutan Executive OrderNo. 40-Integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Institutional Framework of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Executive Order No. 07 PUP Gender Policy and Executive Order No. 20 PUP Diversity and Inclusion Policy with the directives of its Executive Management through its actionable resolutions from the Support Services for Learners and Personnel with Disabilities regular discussions the University systematically operationalizes its inclusion framework.
For this the University enforces compliance with RA 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons) and NCDA Administrative Order No. 001 Series of 2021, transitioning formally to person-first terminology (using "disabilities" instead of outdated terms) across all administrative policies, documents, and executive proposals with strong inter-office collaboration to the University’s Gender-Equity, Diversity, and Social Inclusion Office (GEDSIO).
PUP’s support services extend directly into sensory and communication accessibility. The PUPGender-Equity, Diversity, and Social Inclusion Office (GEDSIO) actively represents the university at the Inter-Agency Council (IAC) on the Implementation of the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Act,organized by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Highlighting initiatives like our Deaf Awareness Orientations and specialized FSL classes, PUP remains steadfast in advancing barrier-free communication. And to advance this commitment, the University recently held: Words that Include: Bias-Free and Inclusive Language Webinar, which raised awareness of how everyday words and expressions could unintentionally reinforce stereotypes, exclusion, and inequality. It equipped participants with practical knowledge and strategies for using bias-free, respectful, and inclusive language in the workplace, educational settings, communities, and everyday interactions.
True inclusivity also nurtures the well-being of our wider community. Through PUPWELL (Promoting University-wide Positive Wellbeing through Empowerment, Lifestyle, and Lifelong Health Initiatives),PUP champions active aging and wellness through dedicated programs like low-impact pickleball and zumba sessions for senior citizens, providing a vibrant space to stay active, build social connections, and enhance physical and mental health. Every week, seniors gather on the courts, where laughter and friendly competition fill the air. The activity not only helps improve their physical fitness—enhancing strength, flexibility, and coordination—but also promotes mental well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety while boosting overall mood. For many participants, pickleball has become a highlight of their week, offering a chance to connect with peers and forge new friendships.
PUP implements robust access schemes and physical infrastructure projects to eliminate barriers across the campus:
To address holistic needs—functioning as dedicated support services for persons with disabilities—PUP delivers integrated physical, mental, and medical assistance:
And as of the latest, OCPS's Project P.I.L.L.A.R (Proactive Integrated Lifecycle for Learning, Adjustment, and Resilience has reached 19,082 participants and achieved satisfaction ratings exceeding 98 percent.
To View more on this project explore:
Notably, this flagship mental health initiative has earned its global recognition, placing at the top 25% of over 2,200 submissions at the QS Reimagine Education Awards.
To know more about this program watch: OPCS Project PILLAR
Comprehensive photo documentation of our PWD-accessible campus locations can be Viewed via PUP PWD Infrastractures.
To carry out this commitment further the University through Tatak InclOUSibo reimagines an inclusive academic internship designed to address the systematic challenges faced by Learners with Disabilities (LWDs) when taking their internships. As conventional workplaces often lack the necessary accommodations for their needs, this initiative transforms the University into an intentional Host Training Institution (HTE) that adopts with them through assistive technologies and specialized faculty mentorships. The program shifts the focus from structural limitations to individual capability, and prepares the vulnerable learners for the formal workplace with dismantling employment barriers and modeling practical, data-driven inclusive workplace.
This inclusive education initiative of the University, had also received a notable international recognition at the QS Reimagine Education highlighting its innovative approach to breaking institutional barriers.
To know more about this program visit:
The University maintains a strict anti-sexual harassment policy that upholds individual dignity and guarantees full human rights, ensuring an enabling, gender-fair, safe, and healthy learning and working environment.
This commitment is anchored by the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) Manual—approved by the Board of Regents on June 25, 2021—which codifies existing civil service laws and rules, supplementing the Student Handbook
to govern disciplinary cases and establish clear penalties for students, faculty, and administrative employees. Case management and legal oversight are spearheaded by the University Legal Counsel Office (ULCO) and investigated by CODI, which successfully resolved 14 cases in 2023 and 13 cases in 2024 through structured actions ranging from reprimands and community service to suspension and dismissal. Furthermore, the university continuously drives proactive anti-harassment campaigns, regular Gender and Development (GAD) training, free legal assistance through Serbisyo Para kay Juana, Gender- Based Violence and Sexual Harassment Refresher Course for Deans Chairperson and College Administrative Staff, Anti-Sexual Harassment Orientation for PUP Employees, CODI Manual Orientation, and other targeted orientations for employees, deans, and administrative staff.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) maintains a robust portfolio of publications and documentation highlighting its active contributions, institutional initiatives, and community-driven projects aligned with global sustainability standards. To explore the university's comprehensive commitments, ongoing projects, and strategic milestones dedicated to advancing each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), browse the sections below:
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) regularly publishes and communicates its institutional progress, research output, and administrative milestones aligned with SDG 10 through official university publications. As documented in the institutional evidence catalogue below, PUP highlights its active contributions towards the advancement of Reduced Inequalities.
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