The Polytechnic University of the Philippines advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through comprehensive academic research publications, student health professional graduates, community outreach programs, physical and mental health initiatives, and strict campus-wide health and safety policies. Through these diverse and multi-sectoral efforts, the university continuously fosters a sustainable, inclusive, and healthy environment for both its academic community and society at large.
Researches address health promotion, disease prevention, mental health, health equity, early diagnosis, health literacy, and accessible healthcare, covering concerns such as HIV and AIDS, substance use, diabetes, infectious diseases, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being.
The use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital health, and One Health approaches strengthens disease detection, prevention, and health interventions. Research on stigma reduction, sexual health, nursing care, and psychosocial support further promotes inclusive, people-centered healthcare.
Collectively, these studies contribute to health equity, disease prevention, early diagnosis, mental well-being, and resilient health systems, advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Research in 2024 addresses critical priorities under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, particularly mental health, disease prevention, early diagnosis, health equity, and healthcare innovation. Studies on suicidality and harmful social media narratives contribute to understanding mental health risks and youth well-being, while research on pediatric pneumonia supports early detection and improved health outcomes.
Research on radioprotective interventions further advances cancer treatment safety and radiation protection, demonstrating the role of biomedical innovation in improving healthcare. Collectively, these studies contribute to mental health promotion, disease prevention, early diagnosis, patient safety, and improved healthcare outcomes, supporting the achievement of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Research initiatives advance SDG 3 through health promotion, disease prevention, early diagnosis, mental health, health equity, health literacy, and accessible healthcare. Studies address HIV and AIDS stigma, substance use, diabetes, infectious diseases, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being.
The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, One Health, community-based prevention, and compassionate care further supports equitable health services and resilient health systems.
Collectively, these studies contribute to disease prevention, early diagnosis, mental well-being, health equity, and improved healthcare outcomes, advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Addressing diverse health needs is essential to advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, particularly through health promotion, physical and mental health, sexual health, disease prevention, and health equity. Research on physical activity barriers among Filipino college students provides insights for targeted health and wellness interventions, while the study of rural doctors highlights mental health gaps and help-seeking behaviors among frontline health workers in underserved communities.
Research on condom use among university students further supports sexual health education and disease prevention among young adults. Collectively, these studies contribute to health promotion, mental well-being, preventive healthcare, health equity, and improved access to health interventions, advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
View all PUP Scopus Publication: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IlfCKA2HmYBtj1VdI0Xa5Onbr3PBXHSA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111253540786016308703&rtpof=true&sd=true
Source: PUP Institutional Planning Office
For Academic Year 2024–2025 (FY 2025), the Polytechnic University of the Philippines recorded a total of 11,128 university graduates (Metric 3.2.1). Of this total cohort, 735 graduates completed degree programs directly aligned with health professions, health science research, and psychosocial well-being (Metric 3.2.2). Health professions graduates account for 6.6% of the total graduating class, representing a ratio of 1 in every 15 graduates (or approximately 7 out of every 100 students).
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines actively collaborates with various medical agencies, public health office, and health institutions to deliver health campaigns and wellness drives to improve the overall wellbeing of both the university community and external stakeholders, regularly deploying student-led and institutional outreach programs, including community nutrition education, hygiene promotion, physical fitness and sports initiatives, and wellness workshops to foster a culture of healthy living, proper nutrition, and active aging across local communities.
The College of Human Kinetics advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by driving multisectoral collaboration, inclusive health promotion, and community outreach across local, national, and global levels. Through the CHK‑CARE (Community Advancement through Relevant Extension) program, the university partners with local government units and the Department of Education to deliver disease prevention, health literacy, and equitable access to physical activity through flagship initiatives like the Calumpit Sports and Fitness Development Program and school-based capacity building in Masagana.
By fostering health literacy, inclusive participation, and sustainable health practices, the program strengthens community resilience, social cohesion, and universal well‑being, contributing directly to reduced health disparities and improved health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Expanding its reach globally to advance health equity and disability-inclusive development, the university partners with the Perkins School for the Blind and Parent Advocates for Children with Visual Impairment (PAVIC). Programs like the PARA Swimming Program and the “Champions of Inclusion” International Seminar and Sports Camp held at the PUP Gymnasium from June 4–7, 2025, provides rehabilitative services, adapted physical education, and therapeutic exercise for youth with visual impairments across the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring that universal health and psychosocial development are accessible to all.
Para Swimming Program
Champions of Inclusion
Complementing these global efforts, the College advances urban health equity in local communities such as Barangays 636 and 642 in Manila. In partnership with local barangay administrations, the Rotary Club of Manila, and volunteer networks, these outreach initiatives deliver preventive care, wellness monitoring, and psychosocial assistance. Engagement with senior citizens through the CHK Lingap Komunidad and Masagana Program that actively fosters healthy aging, mental well-being, and social connection
Internally and across the university community, the PUPWELL program, advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by delivering institutional health promotion, active lifestyles, and restorative care across the university community. Through structured recreational sports (including volleyball, basketball, pickleball, badminton, swimming, Zumba, and the Apolaki Race) and the PATHFIT curricula, the program fosters physical fitness, mental health, disease prevention, and social cohesion among faculty, personnel, and students.
Recognizing physical demands, PUPWELL integrates therapeutic interventions and recovery services—such as cupping therapy, myofascial release, muscle blading massage, acupuncture, power stretching, and fitness assessments—in collaboration with BSESS student volunteers and the IMARI Fitness Center. These evidence-based practices drive injury prevention, restorative care, and optimal physical health, ensuring equitable access to lifelong healthy behaviors and holistic wellness for all stakeholders.
The programs are implemented through sustained partnership with local government units, the Department of Education School Divisions of Calumpit and Pandi, Bulacan, and diverse community stakeholders, establishing a coordinated health network that extends beyond formal settings to advance universal health coverage and population‑level well‑being.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well‑being through inclusive health promotion, equitable access to wellness resources, and community‑centered well‑being. PUP stands as a valued partner by sharing not only its facilities but also its skilled expertise to advance physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and holistic development. Faculty, personnel, and students contribute to capacity building and health‑enhancing activities — including sports intramurals, family wellness programs, and fellowship initiatives that foster mental health, social cohesion, and quality of life. On campus, the university’s facilities support transformative initiatives such as the PARA Swimming Program for Children and Youth with Visual Impairment, Civil Service Commission Intramurals, Red Cross health and safety training, and the Perkins International Seminar on Champions of Inclusion. By providing accessible spaces, inclusive programming, and shared resources, PUP advances health equity, disability‑inclusive development, and universal well‑being, ensuring that health promotion, rehabilitative activity, and lifelong wellness are available to all.
In the Philippines, sexual and reproductive health constitutes a critical public health priority, compounded by rising HIV incidence and adolescent pregnancy rates that threaten population health and well‑being. As of 2025, new HIV diagnoses have risen by 57%, with over 5,000 cases recorded in the first quarter alone. Young people aged 15–34 bear the heaviest burden, accounting for 96% of new infections, predominantly through sexual transmission. Concurrently, adolescent pregnancies among girls aged 10–14 have surged by 58%, signaling profound health disparities and gaps in health literacy. These trends underscore the urgent need for strengthened health promotion, disease prevention, and equitable access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, education, and information — especially for vulnerable youth — to reduce health risks, improve health outcomes, and advance universal well‑being.
In alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well‑being, the University, through its Office of Counseling and Psychological Services, advances sexual health promotion, disease prevention, and evidence‑based health education to address critical public health challenges. Targeted awareness initiatives equip students and the broader community with vital knowledge on safe sexual practices, risk reduction, and reproductive health, empowering informed decisions that reduce health‑risk behaviors and preventable illness. By fostering health literacy, responsible decision‑making, and supportive environments, the University contributes directly to HIV/AIDS prevention, reduced adolescent pregnancy rates, and improved sexual health outcomes. This proactive, education‑driven approach advances health equity, universal well‑being, and resilient public health systems, aligning institutional action with national priorities to protect the health, dignity, and future of all stakeholders.
In line with these commitments, the University has been active in elevating awareness to all its stakeholders, through other various avenues:
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines provides comprehensive, proactive mental health support to its entire student community with its dedicated office Office of Guidance and Counseling. Moving away from traditional, reactive counseling models, OCPS operates under Project P.I.L.L.A.R. (Proactive Integrated Lifecycle for Learning, Adjustment, and Resilience)—a hybrid care framework shortlisted in the top 25% of the global QS Reimagine Education Awards (Nurturing Wellbeing & Purpose Category).
OCPS embeds mental health support across the entire student lifecycle—from admission to graduation and career entry—combining face-to-face clinical interventions with digital access (PUP Sinta Portal and official OCPS channels). In 2025 alone, Project P.I.L.L.A.R. reached 19,082 participants across 57 activities, driven by three core operational pillars:
Advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the Lusog Isip Kabataan Education (LIKE) Program delivered structured, experiential modules on stress management, self-care, and substance use prevention. Using interactive role-plays and group activities, the initiative equipped students with practical resilience skills, promoted health literacy, and reinforced mental health as a universal human right.
Led by Prof. Mariflor Gatchalian, this webinar advanced SDG 3: Good Health and Well‑being by promoting mental health literacy, preventive self‑care, and emotional wellness. The session highlighted the vital roles of self‑awareness, stress management, and personal well‑being, introducing the C.A.R.E. framework — Create, Appreciate, Recognize, Express — as a practical guide to balance, resilience, and holistic health. Reflecting strong community reach and participation, the event drew 1,868 registrants and 679 attendees, with 827 reactions, 1,600 comments, and 6,300 Viewers — demonstrating widespread engagement in mental health promotion, healthy behaviors, and collective well‑being.
This activity reinforces vital messages on mental wellness, stress reduction, and healthy lifestyles, through interactive experiences — including the Photo Booth, Separation Anxiety Game, Bottle Flip Challenge, and Sing Your Hearts Out Videoke — alongside thoughtful gestures such as motivational quotes and small tokens, the booth served as a safe, inclusive space for relaxation, social connection, and emotional restoration. And beyond recreation, it affirms that preventive well‑being, quality of life, and resilience are foundational to holistic health.
SAFE P.I.L.L.A.R. also utilizes highly adaptable, modular components designed to be replicated by other higher education institutions regardless of resource size. While currently grounded at the main campus during this developmental period, the next phase intends to scale this hybrid delivery model systematically across all PUP campuses nationwide using standardized frameworks and digital systems.
While firmly adhering to national legislations like the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 (RA 9258) and the Mental Health Act of 2018 (RA 11036), this local action is structured to advance global priorities by directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
By combining career planning with psychosocial support through collaborative community networks, this seminar reduces student uncertainty while equipping learners with the resilience, purpose, and emotional well-being needed for their professional journeys.
Together with this, PUP also has different programs in aid of this initiative like the annual Mental Health Week, Lusog Isip Kabataan Education (LIKE) Program, as well as various seminars, webinars such as “Conquer Your Fear: The ABC’s of Public Speaking”, “Gen Z...My Life...My World...”, Career Orientation Seminar, LEARNING HOW TO STRIVE, THRIVE, AND SURVIVE, online brochures, and flyers, to educate students on their mental health. In advancement for this advocate, Mental Health Week has been an institutional annual event of the University.
Additionally the University also provides its faculty and staff the same access to a proactive mental health support. The Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (OCPS) is an office that is also dedicated to cater to employees' mental well being and supports them through several programs like counseling services, stress-reduction workshops, and mental health-aware leadership training. Encapsulated to their Project P.I.L.L.A.R. (Proactive Integrated Lifecycle for Learning, Adjustment, and Resilience), OCPS hosts different webinars like Workplace Mental Health and Wellness Webinar are also done to help staff maintain good mental health. Together with this is Supportive Assistance For Crisis Events (SAFE), a training that provides staff with enough knowledge to safeguard their emotional well being.
To know more on these activities, explore:
Embracing Growth, One Step at a Time: A Webinar for Administrators, Faculty and Administrative Staff - a capacity-building webinar provided workplace health promotion and psychosocial support for faculty and staff. Led by Dr. Delariate, it fostered emotional balance, resilience, and occupational well-being to reduce workplace stress.
Stress and Burnout Management - webinar addressing occupational mental health and burnout prevention. Speaker Dr. Gatchalian highlighted equitable mental health support as an organizational priority to build workforce resilience and reduce work-related stress.
Supportive Assistance For Crisis Events (SAFE) - capacity-building training strengthening the faculty and administrative personnel's crisis intervention and suicide prevention capabilities. Focusing on standardized protocols, clear role assignment, and effective communication, the session enhanced university-wide psychosocial safety and immediate emergency response.
The SAFE P.I.L.L.A.R. initiative delivers accessible mental health support not only to students but also to faculty and administrative personnel. Beyond hybrid clinical interventions and tele-counseling, the university embeds proactive wellness monitoring directly into employee workflows via the PUP Personnel Portal. Through the portal's dedicated Mental and Physical Wellbeing module, personnel can log, monitor, and track their daily wellness scores to ensure timely self-awareness and institutional support. Designed as an adaptable, modular framework, this hybrid delivery model is set to scale across all PUP campuses nationwide using standardized digital systems. Fully aligned with national mandates—including the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 (RA 9258) and the Mental Health Act of 2018 (RA 11036), —this initiative advances global priorities under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
For more of the University’s action towards supporting the community’s Mental Health, explore:
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines strictly enforces a campus-wide smoke-free and vape-free policy to safeguard public health and environment. Through OVPA Office Memorandum No. 04, Series of 2026 (reiterating OVPA Memorandum No. 1, s. 2023), the University prohibits smoking and e-cigarette/vape use across all university grounds, buildings, entry points, and facilities. The policy applies universally to all students, employees, faculty, concessionaires, contractors, and visitors. To support compliance and health literacy, PUP actively enforces this mandate through clear campus signage, awareness exhibits, symposia, and targeted cessation webinars.
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