Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty

The University of Mindanao actively contributes to eradicating poverty (SDG 1) by supporting students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. For the first semester of AY 2024-2025, 30,602 students enrolled, with 16% from low-income families and 11% from indigenous groups. UM offers scholarships like the Student Training Assistance Program and Indigent Assistance Program, alongside tuition discounts, to reduce financial barriers. Beyond education, UM provides free healthcare, counseling, and campus transportation. Through community outreach, UM collaborates with local groups, such as the Bagobo Tagabawa Tribal Council, to promote financial literacy and sustainable livelihoods, amplifying its commitment to poverty alleviation.

• University of Mindanao’s Anti-Poverty Programs
• UM’s Student Support Services
• Community Anti-Poverty Programs

Zero Hunger

The University of Mindanao promotes accessible and affordable food options across its campuses. By providing reasonably priced meals and beverages through on-campus food stalls and cafeterias, UM helps ease the financial burden on students and staff, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. These efforts reflect the university’s commitment to creating a learning environment where no member of its community is held back by hunger.

• Sustainable and Affordable Food Choices on Campus
• Healthy Food Choices on Campus
• UM’s Sustainable Market Project
• Bringing Innovation to Local Farmers

Good Health and Well-Being

The University of Mindanao actively advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by ensuring that students and staff have access to facilities and services that support a healthy lifestyle. The campus houses a fully equipped fitness gym that encourages regular physical activity, while the university clinic provides free medical consultations, dental care, and essential health services. Adding on the list, were the various community based initiatives conducted by the students and staff of the university. These initiatives reflect UM’s commitment to preventive care and holistic wellness, fostering a safe and supportive environment where the community can thrive.

• University of Mindanao’s Partnership with Health Institution
• University-based Initiatives for HIV Awareness
• Anti-Drug Campaign Training/Seminar
• Community Outreach Programs
• Psychological Support Services

Quality Education

Advancing SDG 4: Quality Education, 13% of the University of Mindanao education enrollees graduated ready to teach, showcasing its commitment to teacher training. Lifelong learning programs include free library access, skills training in Basic Computer Literacy and Arc Welding, and reading interventions for struggling learners. Community extensions like Project Hope enhance daycare teaching, while international workshops and research conferences promote professional growth. Scholarships and the Student Training Assistance Program aid first-generation and low-income students. These initiatives foster financial literacy, equitable access, and lifelong learning, empowering students and communities to overcome barriers and break cycles of poverty.

• Educational Literacy Outreach Programs
• University-based Educational Activities
• UM Student Engages in Congress for Leadership and Development
• UM: Home of Topnotchers

Gender Equality

With its “open admission” policy, the University of Mindanao champions Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality by embracing diversity and inclusivity in its academic community. The university admits students regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender identity, or socio-economic status, ensuring that education is a right afforded to all, not a for a few. At UM, every individual, whether a staff or student is given the opportunity to thrive academically and personally, supported by an environment that values equity and mutual respect.

Clean Water and Sanitation

The University of Mindanao has actively taken steps to transition toward more energy-efficient and sustainable operations across its campuses. These initiatives include the conversion of traditional projectors to LED models in auditoriums, significantly reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the university has started replacing conventional air conditioning units in classrooms with inverter-type models, which are known for their energy efficiency and lower electricity usage. These actions demonstrate the university's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing cleaner technologies.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Supporting SDG 8: "Decent Work and Economic Growth," 15% of UM students engage in work placements, gaining essential skills for employment. Policies ensure fair wages, pay equity, and anti-discrimination, while benefits include maternity/paternity leave, tuition waivers, and performance incentives. Grievance mechanisms and union support promote workplace harmony and industrial peace. Students also benefit from opportunities like the Ayala Young Leaders Congress, enhancing employability and professional networks. These efforts demonstrate UM’s commitment to fostering decent work, economic growth, and equitable opportunities for both employees and students, contributing to sustainable development and community empowerment.

• Community-Led Initiatives for Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities

UM advances inclusivity by admitting 30,602 students for SY 2024-2025, including 3,461 Indigenous People, 1,572 indigent students, and 63 persons with disabilities (PWDs). Scholarships and accessibility measures ensure equity, while the PAGLAUM program fosters IP advocacy. Despite an 81% decline in foreign student enrollment since 2019, UM strengthens international mobility through AIMS and UMAP. Employees and students with disabilities benefit from accessibility laws, RA 6728 scholarships, and RA 10754 tax privileges. UM’s Gender and Development Program and anti-discrimination policies promote diversity, equity, and integrity, aligning with its mission to provide quality education for Mindanao and beyond.

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Employee representation at the University of Mindanao is facilitated through the Faculty Supreme Council (FSC) and the University of Mindanao Administrative Employee Association (UMAEA), with both groups collaborating via the Labor Management Council (LMC) to address concerns and share updates. Students are represented by College Student Governments (CSG) and the Council of Student Organizations (CSO), promoting active engagement and addressing issues collectively. <br/><br/> Programs like ROTC, Criminology, and Law nurture ethical graduates who advocate for peace and justice. Anti-corruption principles, academic freedom, and the transparent publication of financial data reflect the institution’s commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and sustainable development goals.

Partnerships for the Goals

Addressing global sustainability challenges requires institutions to drive the United Nations' SDGs. The University of Mindanao advances these goals by collaborating with NGOs, government bodies, and organizations like PNVSCA. Through initiatives like the International Volunteerism Symposium and gender-focused forums, UM fosters dialogue on critical topics.<br/><br/>Student volunteer programs, research partnerships, and sustainability-focused curricula ensure active participation in community development. Transparency is prioritized through progress reports shared via ConnectUM and other platforms, promoting accountability. While significant strides have been made, UM aims to expand international collaborations, strengthening its impact on global sustainability initiatives through education, research, and partnerships.