UCU holds 2025 PATHFIT recognition rites

Urdaneta City University recognized 1,816 PATHFIT 1-4 completers during the 2025 PATHFIT Courses Completion Ceremony with the theme, “Empowering Lives through Movement and Mindfulness,” on May 19, 2025, held at the Urdaneta City Cultural and Sports Center.

PATHFIT or Physical Activities Towards Health and Fitness is a higher education program that promotes a healthy lifestyle, and aims to develop not only physical fitness but also mental, social, and emotional well-being. 

The ceremony opened with an inspirational message from Dr. Josephine S. Lambinicio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who reminded students that, “Learning is your attitude. Many of you take PATHFIT for granted, but this is a vital part of our curriculum. Your attitude reflects who you are—it is essential to your journey toward success.”

Dr. Lambinicio emphasized that a positive, open, and committed approach to learning, especially in subjects like PATHFIT, contributes meaningfully to students’ overall growth and success.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Hilarion V. Olimpo, Head of the Human Kinetics and Culture and Arts department, addressed recent proposals to remove PE from higher education, stating: “Removing PE from higher education is not progress—it is a setback. It disregards students' mental and physical well-being and overlooks the evolution of PE into a cornerstone of developing holistic, competent, and resilient Filipino citizens.”

Dr. Olimpo emphasized that college is often the first time students experience real stress, independence, and the challenge of balancing academics with life responsibilities. He argued that eliminating PE would be counterproductive. 

The ceremony ultimately highlighted UCU’s commitment not only to Physical Education, but to shaping graduates who are physically fit, mentally strong, and values-driven.