UC was recognized as a Regional Leader in disaster preparedness and climate action after being named Regional Winner – Best Higher Education Institution under the Regional Gawad Kalasag 2025, alongside a Merit Award for its outstanding Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) initiatives.

The recognition was conferred during the GAWIS Kordilyera 2025 (Governance in Action: Working Towards Inclusivity and a Safer Kordilyera) Recognition Program held in December 2025 at the Venus Parkview Hotel, Kisad Road, Baguio City. The event gathered personnel from the Office of Civil Defense–Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR) and members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).

An annual regional recognition program of the RDRRMC and OCD-CAR, GAWIS Kordilyera honors institutions and communities that demonstrate excellence in DRRM, CCA, and community service, advancing the shared goal of building safer, more resilient Cordilleran communities.

This recognition aligns with the United Nations SDGs, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through campus safety and risk reduction measures, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by strengthening disaster-resilient systems, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through proactive climate adaptation initiatives, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration with government agencies and local communities.