CTE Launches “Walk to Fit” Program to Enhance Campus Wellness

As part of its commitment to a healthier academic environment, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) officially launched the “Walk to Fit” wellness program on June 16, 2025. This program is an eight-week innovation initiative designed to promote physical activity, mental well-being, and work-life balance among educators.

This pioneering program is a proactive response to the increasing need for wellness support in higher education, aligning with the college’s goals under the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being. It aims to instill daily physical movement as a lifestyle habit for faculty while promoting a culture of care, collaboration, and self-awareness.

The launch event, held at the UM Sports Complex, gathered enthusiastic participation from CTE faculty and members of the Professional School (PS). Participants committed to a one-hour daily walk or jog, scheduled from Monday through Friday. 

The activity was officially opened by CTE Dean Dr. Jocelyn B. Bacasmot, who delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of health and wellness in sustaining teaching excellence. “Walk to Fit is more than a fitness routine; it is a shared movement toward resilience and sustainable productivity,” she said.

The kick-off began with registration and orientation, followed by warm-up and stretching exercises led by the faculty members of the Bachelor of Physical Education, group walking, and cool-down exercises to ensure proper recovery. The program is set to track participants’ progress over the course of two months and will culminate with recognition of top walkers and the most improved faculty members.

By embedding health-promoting activities into daily academic life, “Walk to Fit” sets an example of how institutional innovation can support educators holistically, physically, mentally, and socially, while contributing meaningfully to global goals for health and well-being.