SDG 11 • Sustainable Cities and Communities

Building Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Communities

The University of the Philippines collaborates with local governments, communities, and researchers to promote sustainable urban planning, housing, and disaster resilience — fostering livable and inclusive spaces for every Filipino.

Indicator 11.2.1: Public Access to Buildings

UP Visayas Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage Brings West Visayan Culture and Heritage to the People

The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) continues to strengthen its commitment to cultural preservation, education, and public engagement through the UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (UPV MACH). Officially launched on October 26, 2022, the museum fulfills the vision of former UPV Chancellor Dionisia Rola to transform the historic main building of the campus into a center for art, history, and community learning.

Located in the former Iloilo City Hall—completed in 1935 and designated a National Historical Landmark—the building was donated to the university in 1948 and now serves as a symbol of the region’s enduring heritage. The museum’s establishment was supported by a ₱44-million grant from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and an additional ₱15 million from the Commission on Higher Education. With seven permanent galleries, including the Panapton Textile Gallery, Duna Intangible Cultural Heritage Gallery, and Taliambong UPV Art Gallery, UPV MACH stands as a model of how universities can champion heritage conservation while ensuring public access to cultural spaces.

Open to the public on weekdays, the museum features exhibitions such as Súpat, Gindáp-ung, and Naúg, which highlight Ilonggo creativity and craftsmanship—from sculpture and ceramics to the region’s renowned patadyóng weaving industry. By engaging local artists, scholars, and communities, UPV MACH fosters an inclusive appreciation of Western Visayan heritage.

Through these efforts, UPV contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 11, particularly Target 11.4, by promoting accessible cultural spaces and safeguarding regional identity as a foundation for sustainable and inclusive development.

References

Indicator 11.2.2 Public access to libraries

The University of the Philippines strengthened public access to library resources by expanding digital platforms, maintaining inclusive onsite systems, and extending services to non-UP users—ensuring that knowledge, research, and learning spaces remained open, equitable, and responsive to diverse patrons.

  • UP Cebu Library extended access to its resources to non-UP researchers, alumni, and government offices through regulated permits and affordable fees, ensuring that academic knowledge remained publicly accessible.
  • UP Diliman University Library continued the hybrid systems introduced during the pandemic—online booking, digital collections, and appointment-based visits—to make research spaces more accessible, organized, and responsive to the needs of students, faculty, and independent researchers. These sustained measures allow the library to manage limited space while ensuring that anyone seeking resources could still engage meaningfully with its collections and services.
  • The UPD University Library also opened its doors to the wider community, welcoming alumni, researchers, and government workers through affordable permits that gave them access to its academic collections. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to keeping knowledge open, shared, and grounded in community connection.
  • UPLB University Library welcomed students back for the second semester of A.Y. 2023-202 with practical reminders on ID Validation, KOHA and OpenAthens registration, and proper use of library facilities. These efforts aimed to help students reconnect with campus life, access learning materials with confidence, and feel supported as they return to shared academic spaces.
  • The UP Visayas University Library made research easier and more welcoming through an online portal that collated its digital collections, research databases, and learning tools in one accessible space. The website also provided guides for users in setting appointments, borrowing and returning books, and requesting documents. .

Book Your Visit: Sustaining Inclusive Access at UP Open University

The UP Open University Library sustained its commitment to inclusive knowledge access by maintaining its onsite research services through a structured visit system. Open to both UP and non-UP users, the library provides an accessible venue for academic and independent researchers to consult physical collections that complement its digital resources.

Through its online appointment platform, visitors can book slots in advance, ensuring that materials are prepared and available for efficient onsite use. This booking system allows the library to manage capacity, accommodate individual research needs, and maintain a conducive study environment within limited physical space.

Non-UP users are accommodated on weekdays under a “No Noon Break Policy,” allowing continuous access for researchers throughout the day. With clear online information on schedules, procedures, and borrowing guidelines, visitors can plan their visits effectively and make the most of the available academic resources.

By upholding open, organized, onsite access, the UPOU Library reinforces its role as a public learning space—extending educational opportunities beyond institutional boundaries and strengthening access to information as a shared public good.

References

Indicator 11.2.3 Public access to museums

The University of the Philippines (UP) expanded public access to knowledge and culture through innovative museum initiatives that brought science, art, and technology closer to communities–turning learning into an interactive, inclusive, and inspiring experience for all.

  • The National Institute of Geological Sciences-UP Geology Alumni Association Geology Museum Geology Museum in UP Diliman showcases Philippine rocks, minerals, and fossils alongside an Applied Geology section featuring dioramas of oil and geothermal production, interactive ore and volcano displays, computer booths, and educational earth-science videos. Plans are underway for hands-on fossil and plate tectonics centers and rotating exhibits that highlight faculty research and promote geology to the public.
  • The UP Los Baños Museum of Natural History brought science to communities through its Museum on Wheels program held on March 6–8, 2024. Funded by CHED, the mobile museum invited students and the public aboard a traveling exhibit bus to explore Philippine biodiversity through botanical illustration, field observation, and interactive learning. The initiative expands the museum’s outreach beyond CALABARZON, inspiring greater interest in natural history.
  • Bukas, a collaborative space at the UP Open University, merges art, design, technology, and futures literacy in an open, eco-conscious hub built primarily from recycled materials. It provides UP community members with space to co-create, access tools and resources, and engage in multidisciplinary projects in a safe, creative environment.
  • The UP Visayas Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (UPV MACH), located in the historic former Iloilo City Hall, remains open to the public on weekdays. Its exhibitions—Súpat, Gindáp-ung, and Naúg—celebrate Ilonggo artistry and craftsmanship, from ceramics and sculpture to the region’s iconic patadyóng weaving industry.

47th National Artist Jose T. Joya Gallery Awards Exhibition

The 47th Jose T. Joya Awards Exhibition, held from October 27 to November 22, 2023, at the Jose T. Joya Gallery of the UP Cebu Fine Arts Program, continued the university’s longstanding tradition of celebrating artistic excellence and cultural expression. Co-presented by Tubô Cebu Art Fair and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., the annual exhibition honors the legacy of National Artist Jose T. Joya, a pioneer of abstract expressionism in the Philippines, and recognizes the next generation of Filipino artists.

The competition invited Fine Arts students to explore contemporary issues through visual media, encouraging creativity, critical reflection, and public engagement with art. Out of 98 entries, 10 semifinalists were chosen, and three finalists were selected by noted artists Anton Quisumbing and Gabriel Abellana.

Fleur Therese Q. Puao won first place for Flow Your Dreams, an interactive mixed-media installation composed of epoxy-clay sculptures set against a three-part plywood backdrop depicting a bedroom, a starlit sea, and a mythical haven inspired by her childhood diaries. The piece invited audience interaction, transforming private memory into shared experience. Gabrielle Seraphine Mayol’s graphite work Metastasis of Thought captured intricate introspection, while Edward John B. Agleham’s Vampire employed color-filter lenses to reveal themes of identity, sexuality, and mortality.

By fostering creative expression and providing public access to the visual arts, the Joya Awards Exhibition contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 11, particularly Target 11.4, which promotes safeguarding cultural heritage and supporting inclusive cultural spaces. Through this annual event, UP Cebu nurtures emerging artists, strengthens cultural continuity, and reaffirms art’s essential role in building sustainable, creative communities.

References

Indicator 11.2.4 Public access to green spaces

The University of the Philippines (UP) promoted environmental awareness and community well-being by opening its green spaces to the public—inviting people to learn, explore, and reconnect with nature through celebrating biodiversity and responsible living.

  • Perma GARDEN (Growing Appreciation Toward Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition) of the UP Open University Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) turned campus spaces into a learning hub for sustainable urban living. Here, visitors are able to scan QR codes containing information on the origins, uses, benefits and local recipes that can be made using these plants. A virtual tour of the garden was also made available on the FMDS website, extending access to people beyond the campus and encouraging appreciation for sustainable living.

Reconnecting with Nature: #MakeItMakiling2024 Promotes Responsible Ecotourism

The Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) welcomed the public for #MakeItMakiling2024, the annual ecotourism program organized by the UP Los Baños Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) during Holy Week. Managed by UPLB, Mount Makiling was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013 for its exceptional biodiversity and ecological importance.

The event provided visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the reserve’s rich flora and fauna while promoting environmental stewardship through the Leave No Trace Principles. These guidelines encourage responsible recreation and conservation by reminding climbers to minimize their environmental impact and respect wildlife habitats.

Designated as a minor climb with a difficulty level of 4/9 via the Maria Makiling Trail, the mountain offered accessible yet challenging routes for students, hikers, and local visitors. Beyond recreation, the program underscored the role of green spaces in sustaining ecological balance and fostering community well-being.

Through this initiative, UPLB continues to advance Sustainable Development Goal 11, particularly Target 11.7, by ensuring that natural environments remain open, inclusive, and educational for all who seek to reconnect with nature.

References
  • Faculty of Management and Development Studies. (2023, March 10). FMDS-UPOU to formally launch the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation toward Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship and Nutrition). University of the Philippines Open University, Faculty of Management and Development Studies. https://fmds.upou.edu.ph/archives/news-and-events/3292/
  • Faculty of Management and Development Studies. (2024, January 23). Perma GARDEN. University of the Philippines Open University, Faculty of Management and Development Studies. https://fmds.upou.edu.ph/public-service/perma-garden/
  • LB Times. (2024, March 29). Bukas sa publiko ang Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) para sa #MakeItMakiling2024, ang taunang ecotourism program ng UPLB Makiling Center [Images attached]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DNTAdftJY

Indicator 11.2.5 Arts and heritage contribution

The University of the Philippines (UP) continues to advance local arts and cultural preservation through creative performances, research, and community-based projects that celebrate Filipino identity and heritage. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11, these efforts highlight the university’s commitment to keeping culture alive by providing platforms for artistic expression, promoting heritage conservation, and supporting regular public performances that engage and inspire communities.

  • The UP Film Institute strengthened the country’s cultural preservation efforts through its Film Archives and Library, which partnered with the University of California Los Angeles Library’s Modern Endangered Archives Program to document, digitize, and make accessible endangered audiovisual materials. This initiative supports film education, heritage appreciation, and public engagement through continuous archival and outreach programs.
  • The UP Asian Center enriched local arts through its annual public performance, The Asia Concert: Rasa Asia, which showcased diverse Asian music and culture to promote cross-cultural appreciation, artistic collaboration, and deeper regional understanding within the university and its surrounding communities.
  • Showcasing the vitality of Philippine performing arts, UP Los Baños (UPLB) presented Muli, Sandayaw: Manumbalik sa Indak ng Pusong Sabik, a two-day concert celebrating Filipino folk and ethnic dances. The performance marked the return of the UPLB Sandayaw Cultural Group to the stage and highlighted the enduring strength of the nation’s living cultural heritage.
  • UP contributed to heritage promotion through its collaboration in the Ligao Heritage Tour Site Development Plan, which links the city’s historic parks, buildings, and cultural landmarks—showcasing Ligao’s rich history while supporting local tourism and community engagement.
  • Through the Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras and Negros Occidental project, the university empowered local communities to document, protect, and celebrate their cultural and natural treasures. This initiative ensures that regional traditions, practices, and stories are preserved and passed on to future generations.

UP Cebu Joins PASUC 7 Festival, Showcasing Commitment to Local Arts

UP Cebu made its debut at the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) 7 Culture and the Arts Festival held on November 13–14, 2023, at Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete City. The event brought together performers from various state universities in the region, celebrating the rich diversity of Filipino culture and artistic talent.

Representing the university’s vibrant artistic community, UP Cebu’s delegation delivered enchanting duets, dynamic dances, and powerful theatrical performances during the festival’s grand opening. Their participation highlights the university’s dedication to nurturing creative expression and supporting student artists through regular performances, training, and cultural events.

Through engagements like PASUC 7, UP Cebu continues to contribute to the flourishing of local arts, offering students platforms to showcase their talents and engage with communities beyond campus.

References

Indicator 11.2.6 Record and preserve cultural heritage

 

The University of the Philippines (UP) has implemented a wide range of projects that record, preserve, and celebrate the country’s intangible cultural heritage—including local folklore, indigenous traditions, languages, and artistic knowledge—through research, performances, cultural mapping, and academic collaborations.

  • The Asian Center (AC) Museum of UP Diliman (UPD), in collaboration with UP Manila’s Museum of a History of Ideas, Springer, The Faura Project, and Bunga Artslink Media Production held the First International Symposium on Cultural Tourism and Heritage Studies from March 6 to 7, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia. Across six plenary sessions, the symposium explored the dynamics of culture, heritage, and tourism in Southeast Asia.
  • Researchers from the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Development and Management of the UPD Asian Institute of Tourism (AIT) created a tourism development framework plan to help the Municipality of Bautista, Pangasinan, realize its goal of becoming the province’s heritage tourism district by 2030.
  • AC, in partnership with Areté and Tanghalang Ateneo, presented Pesta Igal: A Celebration of Sama Dance and Music on November 22, 2023. The performance featured new works by Dr. MCM Santamaria and special performances by Sama Bangingi dance masters, local musicians, and artists from the UP Guitar Orchestra.
  • The UPD College of Arts and Letters, through the Culture Bearers-in-Residence Program, hosted a series of panel discussions highlighting the folk knowledge Suwala Sëkëlungon: Tinig at Talinghaga ng mga Dunong Teduray at Lambangian of the Tëduray and Lambangian communities.
  • AC, in partnership with the Center for International Studies, organized Cultural Heritage Lecture: Heritage Law Vital Signs and Symbols on October 24, 2023, featuring Atty. Nicolas B. Pichay, who discussed the relevance of Republic Act No. 10066 or National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.
  • AIT, through its extension program Turismo Mismo: Pagtulong, Pagsulong!, visited the Tboli indigenous community in Lake Sebu in May 2024 to document their chants, dances, and music and foster cultural exchange.
  • The UP Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Education and the UPD Sentro ng Wikang Filipino jointly offered two bridge courses under the eTULAY-FILIPINO project—an open online initiative that aims to promote the development and use of Filipino language in digital contexts through various technological ways and activities, and to support the writing proficiency in Filipino of current senior high school students of the UP Integrated School, undergraduate students of UPD and UPOU, and students from other UP constituent units.
  • The Leyte Samar Heritage Center (LSHC) of UP Tacloban College (UPTC) opened the interactive exhibit Waray Pag-ultan han Pinulongan: Mulay-Mulay ha Binisaya (Waray without Borders: Playing with Words) on October 18, 2023, emphasizing the role of language in preserving ancestral knowledge.
  • The LSHC launched Kanta Binisayá, a book authored and arranged by Dr. Stephen Q. Lagarde, on November 9, 2023, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Eastern Visayas. The book launch was part of UPTC’s activities marking the Supertyphoon Yolanda tragedy.
  • The LSHC and Division of Humanities held the book launch for UP Professor Emeritus Merlie Alunan’s Tigom: Collected Poems on February 7, 2024, featuring her published and unpublished works.
  • The three-part literary event Hulagway han Hunahuna: From Imagination to Written Word (February 28–29, 2024) capped UPTC’s National Arts Month celebration with a screenplay workshop, a regional book fair, and the Waray translation launch of The Little Prince (An Ditoy nga Prinsipe) by Jerry B. Gracio.
  • The second part of Hulagway han Hunahuna: From Imagination to Written Word featured the book fair, Mga Sinurat ha Eastern Visayas, in collaboration with the Ateneo De Naga University Press, the National Book Development Board, and Savage Mind.
  • The third part of the event culminated with the launching of An Ditoy nga Prinsipe, Jerry Grácio’s translation to Waray of the modern classic The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
  • UPTC also marked National Literature Month through Paglara han Hinumduman: Weaving Memories. The event, held on April 19, 2024, featured a talk with poet Dinah Roma and the launch of her book, Weaving Basey: A Poet’s History of Home.
  • Author Gina Apostol held a book talk on La Tercera during Hulagway han Tacloban ha La Tercera on June 26, 2024, hosted by the UPTC Division of Humanities and LSHC.
  • UP Visayas launched the Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras project on September 1, 2023, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), state universities and colleges across Panay and Guimaras, the Department of Education Region VI, and several local government units.
References

Indicator 11.3.1 Arts and heritage expenditure

UP Allocates Substantial Resources for Arts and Heritage Initiatives

The University of the Philippines (UP) has reinforced its commitment to advancing the arts and heritage throughout the UP System for the years 2023 to 2024, prominently featuring this sector as one of its institutional flagship programs within the UP Strategic Plan for 2023-2029.

Under Flagship Program 7: Arts and Culture, UP aims to consistently implement programs and initiatives that not only underscore its status as the nation’s leading university but also strengthen its role as a steward of Filipino creativity and cultural heritage. This program is designed to establish vibrant cultural hubs across the UP System, enhance academic research and education in the arts, and preserve historical structures vital to the country’s cultural landscape. These efforts will be integrated within its eight constituent universities and one autonomous college.

The university’s dedication is further reflected in the financial resources allocated to arts and heritage initiatives across the UP System. At UP Los Baños, nearly 4% of total expenditures were devoted to this sector, followed by UP Mindanao (1.8%), UP Visayas (1.7%), and UP Open University (0.2%). These targeted investments demonstrate UP’s strategic focus on nurturing creativity, strengthening cultural identity, and ensuring that the arts continue to thrive within and beyond the academic community.

References

Indicator 11.4.1 Sustainable practices targets

The University of the Philippines (UP) has taken significant steps to implement measures that promote sustainable practices beyond its constituent universities.

  • UP Diliman launched its decade-long “Roadmap to Plastic-Free UP Diliman” to phase out single-use plastics, strengthen sustainable practices, and engage the campus community in becoming a national model for environmental responsibility.
  • In a policy brief, the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies urged local policy planners to actively engage the transport sector in implementing their Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRP) for the Public Transport Modernization Plan. While UP was not tapped to consult for the 2024-2028 LPTRP of the Municipality of Aborlan, Palawan, the LPTRP Steering Committee and Technical Working Group have made significant steps that replicate the recommendations of the UP-CIDS study.

UP Los Baños Launches Tipaklong Mobility Sharing Project and PASEO EduTour

On 1 June 2024, UP Los Baños (UPLB) inaugurated the Tipaklong Mobility Sharing Project alongside the Campus Hopping Tour under its PASEO (Promoting Agroforest Stewardship & Ecological Observations through Edutourism) program. The Tipaklong project provides UPLB constituents and visitors with e-bikes, manual bicycles, and e-scooters available for rent via a mobile app, promoting sustainable, low-emission intra-campus transportation. The PASEO EduTour allows participants to explore UPLB’s historic and cultural landmarks, enhancing public engagement with the university’s academic heritage.

The launch was attended by UP President Angelo Jimenez, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III, and UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr., who highlighted the program’s alignment with UP’s commitment to public service and environmental sustainability. UPLB Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto Cereno emphasized that the shared mobility initiative supports “local action toward global climate concern” by reducing campus emissions, providing accessible transportation options, and integrating renewable energy as e-bikes and e-scooters are slated for solar-powered charging.

The project fosters a culture of cycling, technological engagement, and sustainable commuting, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action). By providing clean and accessible transportation while educating the campus community on ecological stewardship through the PASEO EduTour, Tipaklong embodies UPLB’s holistic approach to environmental responsibility and public service.

Tipaklong is supported by partner organizations, including alumni associations and the Energy Development Corporation, which contributed bikes, scooters, and infrastructure. The initiative is available to all UPLB constituents and visitors through the Tipaklong mobile application, advancing the university’s goal of a fully sustainable, Net Zero campus.

References

Indicator 11.4.2 Promote sustainable commuting

The University of the Philippines (UP) is continually advancing sustainable commuting for the general public through information dissemination and the creation of ride-sharing systems.

  • The UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies produced a policy brief discussing the Philippine Government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, emphasizing the disproportionate financial burden it places on jeepney drivers, operators, and commuters. The brief proposed a Just Transition framework that calls for stakeholder participation, investments in the local transport industry, rehabilitation of existing systems, and the adoption of alternative, inclusive measures.

UP Los Baños Ride-Sharing System for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

On March 22, 2023, UP Los Baños (UPLB) formalized a partnership with Tipaklong Sustainable Mobility Corp., a bike rental business founded by UPLB alumni, to launch a pilot ride-sharing system for e-bikes and e-scooters—potentially the first of its kind among higher education institutions in the Philippines. Tipaklong will provide a fleet of e-bikes and e-scooters for rent through a mobile application, while a feasibility study monitors trip data, distances, and carbon dioxide emissions avoided to refine the program’s future implementation.

The initiative forms part of the university’s Green Mobility Initiative (GMI), which envisions an environmentally friendly campus through sustainable transport solutions. Complementing the GMI program, the UPLB Security and Safety Office has received bicycles for campus patrol operations, while additional bike racks are being installed through partnerships with student organizations, alumni, and sponsors such as the European Union. These actions align with the Transportation System and Traffic Management Master Plan, which guides the development of bike lanes and sustainable transport infrastructure.

Through these combined research and on-ground initiatives, UP demonstrates its continued support for Sustainable Development Goal 11, promoting accessible, low-emission mobility across its campuses and beyond.

References
  • Dimalanta, R., Atienza, J. M., & Samonte, E. (2023). Putting transport workers and commuters first: The route to just transition in public transport modernization. UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies
  • Mojado, R. (2024, February 18). Ride-sharing system to revive campus biking. University of the Philippines Los Baños. https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/ride-sharing-system-to-revive-campus-biking/

Indicator 11.4.3 Allow remote working

The University of the Philippines (UP) has taken concrete actions to allow remote work for its employees and for its students.

  • In accordance with the UP Diliman (UPD) Chancellor’s memorandum on blended delivery models for undergraduate classes, the UPD Extension Program in Pampanga used it as a guide when plotting their course syllabus dates for the first semester of Academic Year 2023–2024.

Click here for the memorandum.

  • UP Visayas implemented flexible and hybrid work arrangements in line with Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 2400579, ensuring continuous delivery of public service while supporting employee well-being, energy efficiency, and sustainable workplace practices.

References

Indicator 11.4.4 Affordable housing for employees

The University of the Philippines (UP) is committed to providing affordable housing for all its employees.

  • UP Diliman continues to provide affordable, subsidized on-campus housing for qualified employees and retirees in accordance with the updated Rules and Regulations Governing Housing in UP Diliman, ensuring equitable access to safe and sustainable living spaces.. Click here for the revised housing guidelines.
  • UP Visayas maintains affordable and accessible housing rates for staff and employees, with monthly prices ranging from ₱700 to ₱2,000 depending on the type of accommodation. Options include a cluster apartelle, the most budget-friendly choice, and a staff cottage, the more premium option.. Click here for rates.
References

Indicator 11.4.5 Affordable housing for students

The University of the Philippines (UP) is committed to providing affordable housing for all its students.

  • UP Diliman (UPD), through its Office of Scholarships and Grants, provides financial assistance and support programs that help students cover essential living expenses such as board and lodging, ensuring access to affordable and inclusive student housing.
  • At UP Los Baños (UPLB), student housing rates range from ₱400 to ₱800 per month. Students in STS brackets E1 or E2 receive a full discount and pay only ₱400 monthly, while those in brackets B, C, and D pay partial discounts ranging from ₱500 to ₱800. Students without discounts pay ₱800 per month, demonstrating UPLB’s commitment to providing affordable on-campus housing for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
  • At UP Visayas, monthly rent for on-campus condo units ranges from ₱3,000 to ₱5,000. Students with disabilities can benefit from a reduced rate of ₱4,500 per month. On the other hand, Bamboo Village offers more budget-friendly options, with rates ranging from ₱700 to ₱1,500.
    Click here for rates.
  • UP Cebu provides dormitories at affordable rates, while UP Open University gives enrolled students priority for academic residences on long-term leases at discounted rates ranging from ₱3,500 to ₱12,000 per month.

UP Diliman Bolsters Student Dorm Provision and Support

UPD, through its Office of Student Housing (OSH), provides comfortable, accessible, and affordable living arrangements for students from low-income households and distant provinces.

With eleven residence halls on campus, OSH manages six co-educational dormitories for freshmen, graduate, and exchange students, and four dorms exclusively for female residents. Two halls operate under a single-fee structure covering lodging and meals, while the remaining dormitories charge only for lodging. Each facility is equipped with essential furnishings such as beds, study tables, chairs, and lockers, ensuring students a conducive environment for learning and rest. Residents are only required to bring their own bedding.

Dormitory admission prioritizes incoming freshmen, students from the provinces, and those from lower-income brackets, reflecting UPD’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to higher education. The application process has been streamlined via an electronic system, enabling students to submit requirements online through the official dorm application portal.

Through these initiatives, UPD ensures that financial constraints or geographic distance do not hinder qualified students from pursuing quality education. By prioritizing affordable housing, the university contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 11, particularly Target 11.1, which emphasizes access to safe and affordable housing for all. These efforts foster inclusive learning environments while supporting the holistic development and well-being of the student community.

References

 

Indicator 11.4.7 Local authority collaboration regarding planning and development

The University of the Philippines (UP) regularly works with local authorities to address planning and development challenges, ensuring that community members have access to affordable housing.

  • Students and professors from the UP Open University, in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the Local Government of Mabalacat City, Pampanga, created the Local Shelter Plan for 2024-2033. The plan seeks to provide affordable housing for families living in informal settlements near waterways, on private property, or on government land, including those displaced by infrastructure projects. It also integrates essential infrastructure and services to improve accessibility and community well-being.
  • UP Department of Geography Professor Kristian Karlo Saguin, together with independent scholar Mark Angelo Cagampan, proposed strategies for incorporating urban farming into the sustainable urban development agenda. This initiative emphasizes the role of grassroots participation and aims to enhance local governance while promoting access to green spaces, food security, and community resilience.
References

Indicator 11.4.8 Planning development – new build standards

The University of the Philippines (UP) demonstrated its commitment to creating buildings that are set to sustainable standards through the following initiatives.

  • UP Cebu integrates sustainable design in new campus developments—installing 2,000-liter rainwater tanks, planning improved sewage treatment, and adopting energy-efficient air-conditioning and electrical systems in accordance with the standards of the Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigerating Engineers stand—thereby promoting environmentally responsible infrastructure.
  • The UP Diliman School of Economics incorporates sustainable design in its facilities by providing well-equipped rooms for educational activities, collaborative meetings, and large-scale events. The building features an atrium that maximizes natural light, while walkways are designed with benches, landscaping, and clear signages to enhance usability, pedestrian experience, and comfort.

UP Visayas Sets its Long-term Plan for Sustainable Campus Development

UP Visayas has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure through its Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) 2021–2030 for the Miagao campus in Iloilo. This plan aligns with Republic Act No. 11396 and the UP Board of Regents’ directive to institutionalize sustainable campus planning.

Structured across seven chapters, the LUDIP begins with analyses of environmental and demographic conditions, providing a foundation for ecological and risk-sensitive development. Subsequent chapters identify institutional gaps and outline policies on green architecture, waste management, and biodiversity protection to guide sustainable infrastructure planning.

Investment programming and site development plans include initiatives such as constructing a 1-kilometer coastal access road along the Wet and Dry Laboratories of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and the Diwata Aquascape area. This infrastructure safeguards critical utilities, provides protection from tidal inundation, and enhances facility safety. The plan also emphasizes building and classroom renovations to improve usability and safety for the campus community.

Chapter 7 establishes monitoring systems to ensure compliance with environmental standards and long-term accountability, highlighting UPV’s outcome-based approach to evaluating the effectiveness of the LUDIP.

By integrating sustainability into planning, design, and construction, UPV not only supports Sustainable Development Goal 11—particularly targets on resilient and sustainable infrastructure—but also ensures the longevity, safety, and functional efficiency of its campus facilities for students, faculty, staff, and the wider community.

References

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