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The University of Rizal System (URS), as the only state university in the Province of Rizal, is very much committed to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” The university plays a vital role in fostering well-being as it actively works toward ensuring the physical, mental, and social well-being of its students, staff, and surrounding communities. As it continuously implements health-oriented policies, programs, and services, it strives to create a supportive and sustainable environment for everyone within the academic community.
URS is committed to integrating health education into its curriculum and program offerings as an academic institution. It offers degree programs like Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Biology, and it will soon be opening a College of Medicine. Also, the university employs a fully operational health services unit on all its campuses to ensure good health and well-being for everyone.
A foundational component of URS’s commitment to SDG 3 is its provision of accessible healthcare services to students and employees. The university prioritizes the physical health of its students and personnel by offering on-campus health clinics equipped to provide first aid, medical consultations, and health screenings. These services are critical for students in addressing common health concerns such as respiratory infections, physical injuries, and stress-related conditions. Additionally, URS offers preventive health programs, projects, and activities focused on proper nutrition, reducing common lifestyle-related diseases, sexual and reproductive education, vaccination drives, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices such as physical activity and stress management. The university ensures its stakeholders are physically well, reducing barriers to learning and productivity.
Information drive on sexual and reproductive education
Recognizing the growing importance of mental health in academic settings, URS strongly emphasizes supporting the mental well-being of its students and staff. The university has established counseling and psychological services where students and employees can access support for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and personal challenges. These services are beneficial as the global COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone and altered people’s lives. More than 5,000 students and personnel benefitted from this program. These services are designed to provide confidential and compassionate care to help students, personnel, and other stakeholders manage emotional and psychological difficulties. Moreover, URS promotes mental health awareness through various initiatives, such as seminars, stress-relief workshops, and campaigns to reduce stigma. It works to create an environment where seeking mental health support is normalized, and community members are encouraged to prioritize their emotional well-being just as much as their physical health.
In addition to healthcare services, URS promotes a holistic approach to well-being by encouraging physical fitness and wellness activities. It provides access to sports facilities and organizes regular sports events like the President’s Cup for basketball and volleyball, badminton, and unique races. Also, through the initiative of the health services unit, Zumba sessions and other physical exercise activities were organized to encourage an active lifestyle. These activities are open to students, faculty, and staff, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. URS also promotes physical wellness through its academic programs, particularly in physical education and health sciences. The university educates students in health and fitness by offering these programs and supports physical well-being by fostering healthy habits.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, URS quickly adapted to ensure the health and safety of its community. It implemented strict health protocols, including regular sanitization, temperature checks, and social distancing measures. The classrooms were used as quarantine facilities in partnership with the provincial and local government units, which is true to its commitment to being a partner agency for community needs.
The University of Rizal System’s commitment to SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being—is deeply embedded in its policies, programs, and campus culture. To ensure full accessibility and availability, the university will open its newly constructed Health and Wellness Center, which will be available to its students, personnel, and other stakeholders.
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