The University of the Cordilleras continues to champion community involvement, environmental stewardship, and forward-thinking innovation through a series of student-driven activities across its colleges. These initiatives highlight UC’s commitment to building healthier, cleaner, and more resilient communities while fostering a culture of leadership and collaboration among its learners.
One of the university’s notable efforts was BIOnihan Para sa KaliCASan, a community clean-up drive organized by the UC Biology Society on February 27, 2024 at Burnham Park. Students and faculty volunteers worked together to remove litter and improve the cleanliness of one of Baguio City’s most visited public spaces. The outreach promoted responsible waste management, civic participation, and collective action toward maintaining accessible and well-kept urban environments. The hands-on experience also strengthened students’ awareness of how simple community efforts contribute to cleaner surroundings and better public well-being.
UC CpE Team Wins 1st Place in Smart City Challenge with Energy-Generating Walkways
By Engr. Ria Castillo
Innovation was also at the forefront of UC’s achievements as the College of Engineering and Architecture celebrated the success of Team Jarveys in the Baguio Smart City Challenge 2024. Among sixty seven teams from eight institutions, Team Jarveys secured first place with their project titled Smart Piezo Walkways: A Gamified Walking Experience. The concept creates energy from footstep pressure while motivating users through a reward system. Their work demonstrated the potential of creative engineering solutions in improving city environments, enhancing walkability, and integrating sustainable technology into public spaces.
Team PARKE Advances to Smart City Challenge Semifinals with GREENLIGHT Project
By Joycelyn P. Ituriaga
Similarly, the College of Business Administration earned distinction through Team PARKE, which advanced to the semifinals of the Smart City Challenge. Their project, GREENLIGHT, presented an innovative approach to easing transportation flow and reducing environmental pressures in urban settings. The team strengthened their proposal through participation in the Smart City Tour and also placed in the Top 10 of the Technopreneurship Challenge. Their achievement showcases how business students can meaningfully contribute to technological solutions that improve community mobility and urban livability.
The team is composed of Christine Faith Nichole B. Abawag, Brent Dyrelle C. Selga, and Aidron Jeav U. Golocan under the mentorship of Joycelyn P. Ituriaga. Their work reflects UC’s dedication to nurturing students who can address the pressing challenges of modern cities with creativity and purpose.
Together, these initiatives represent UC’s ongoing dedication to meaningful community service, sustainable practices, and innovative problem solving. Through collaborative action, interdisciplinary engagement, and student empowerment, the university continues to build a learning environment that encourages responsibility, promotes environmental awareness, and supports the development of smarter and greener communities.
