Reduced Inequalities: The University of Mindanao Integrates SDG 10 in its Institutional Strategic Plan SY 2022-2027 Revision 2

Students of the University of Mindanao

One of the highlights of the University of Mindanao (UM) Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP) SY 2022-2027 Rev. 2 is the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in its nine (9) Key Result Areas (KRAs). Specifically, for KRA 5 – Excellence in Student Services and Alumni Engagement, the specific objective “To promote cultural diversity and awareness” has been enhanced.

UM adheres to an open education policy, particularly regarding open admission. It admits all types of students without discrimination based on status, class, or capacity, giving them the opportunity to access quality education. As UM emphasizes the importance of reducing inequalities and committing to inclusivity in diversity, the SY 2024-2025 shows that UM has a total of 30,602 students enrolled, including 3,461 Indigenous People (IP) students, 1,572 indigent students, and a total of 1,009 first-generation students out of 8,213 freshmen. This aligns with the institution’s mission to democratize access to education.

Furthermore, UM’s scholarship grants include provisions for IP students, with a maximum of 70 slots available. Most importantly, IP students are organized through the Program, Advocacies, and Governance for Lumad Association of the University of Mindanao (PAGLAUM), which is duly accredited by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).

PROGRAM, ADVOCACIES AND GOVERNANCE FOR LUMAD ASSOCIATION

International Students Admitted to the University of Mindanao

UM has BI Accreditation No. AAFS No. AFF-04-100, allowing it to accept foreign students effective September 20, 2004. Presently, UM has admitted nine foreign students: four from Indonesia, one from Burma, one from Japan, one from Korea, and two from India. They are assisted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) School Representative, Elgie Candido, in processing their Student Visa or Special Student Permit (SSP). In SY 2024-2025, the number of foreign student enrollees at UM has dropped by 81% over the past three years. In SY 2019-2020, a total of 29 foreign students enrolled in the first semester, which drastically decreased to 13 in SY 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, enrollment bounced back to 32 students in SY 2021-2022 due to the implementation of online learning through Blackboard Learn. Today, UM plans to recruit foreign students as specified in the ISP SY 2022-2027 Rev. 2.

Moreover, UM is a member of the ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS) and the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), initiatives under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. These programs aim to promote cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and skills development, preparing students for an interconnected world with international experience. The statistical data for SY 2021 to 2024 shows that the Three-Year Outbound Student Mobility trend has 48 students, while the Three-Year Inbound Student Mobility trend has six students. The benefits of student mobility include exposure to diverse cultures, academic enrichment, language skills, personal growth, networking opportunities, a global perspective, career advancement, and research opportunities.

Students with Different Disabilities

UM has admitted 63 persons with disabilities (PWD) and offers scholarships based on the curriculum under Republic Act (RA) 6728, signed into law on June 10, 1989. This act provides assistance to students and teachers in private education and appropriates funds for this purpose. It stipulates the existing Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) program, which covers degree and vocational/technical courses. This act provides opportunities for higher education for students eager to study, allowing them to enroll and be part of the community.

Employees with Different Disabilities

As the university is committed to excellence and total quality in education, UM declares a policy that employment opportunities will be open to qualified persons, with earnest efforts made to hire the best-qualified individuals to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities attached to each position. Currently, UM employs a total of 10 PWD employees out of 1,336 total personnel, who receive discounts from their value-added tax (VAT). This is under RA 10754, an act expanding the benefits and privileges of PWDs, which aims to provide opportunities for full participation in society by granting them at least a twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from VAT on the sale of certain goods and services. Furthermore, UM has instituted a policy for employed personnel to prescribe rules on conduct and discipline, imposing disciplinary penalties to correct behavior and unacceptable actions in order to maintain employee decorum and order in the workplace and to instill work performance and responsibilities.

Actions Towards the PWD Community

UM has considered the needs of PWDs by providing accessible facilities around the campus in accordance with building laws, specifically the Accessibility Law (BP344) and the National Building Code of the Philippines (PB1096). This includes designated parking spaces, ramps for accessing elevated platforms, elevators to reach different floor levels of buildings, and a student service jeepney shuttle for efficient travel around the campus. These measures ensure that PWDs have full access to facilities, promoting a safe and accommodating environment.

Measures Against Anti-Discrimination

UM emphasizes disciplinary actions outlined in the Official Policy Manual (OPM) 18.01 under the OSA, where students are expected to observe decorum and proper conduct, including refined manners, discipline, courtesy, proper attire, honesty, and respect for authority, property, and fellow students at all times and in all situations effective June 30, 2023. Additionally, it advocates for diversity and inclusion in the workplace through its Gender and Development Program policy, established on March 30, 2022. This policy explicitly states the guidelines for the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the university’s efforts to eliminate gender-based biases and incorporate a perspective of gender equality in curriculum development, instruction, research, extension services, human resource recruitment, student personnel services, and the physical environment. UM has also created posters addressing anti-harassment policies to foster a safer community.

It is part of UM's core values that everyone in the university is earnestly formed in the virtues of honesty and integrity in their pursuit of academic and professional excellence. These virtues mold students into trustworthy and upright individuals, shaping the foundation of stronger character among university administrators, faculty, staff, students, and graduates. Therefore, UM’s accreditation efforts align with its commitment to delivering quality and affordable education for the people of Mindanao and its neighboring provinces and cities.