Recognizing the importance of food security in promoting student well-being and academic success, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) joined the City Government of Baguio’s Free Meals for Youth Program, together with Saint Louis University (SLU) and the University of Baguio (UB).
The partnership was formalized on November 3, 2025, through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, with members of the City Council in attendance. Implemented pursuant to City Ordinance No. 96, Series of 2023, the initiative seeks to address involuntary hunger by providing free meals to students and other identified beneficiaries in Baguio City.
Under the agreement, the participating universities will facilitate meal preparation and provision through their respective accredited food concessionaires, with the program funded by the City Government. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will oversee fund management and program implementation, including the monitoring of meal quality, compliance with nutritional standards, and proper utilization of resources.
To translate this partnership into operational arrangements within the University, Student Affairs Services (SAS) initiated the review of the implementing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and coordinated with Evangel Sales Services, Inc., UC’s food concessionaire. The initial coordination focused on defining responsibilities, discussing meal preparation and service arrangements, and identifying logistical and administrative requirements for program implementation.
These preparatory efforts underscore UC’s commitment to ensuring that its participation is supported by clear operational arrangements and coordinated implementation. More importantly, the initiative reinforces the University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 4: Quality Education, affirming that student success is supported not only by access to education but also by the provision of essential needs that enable students to learn and thrive.
