The UMECIT university community mobilized nationwide and reached 3,399 laps, more than four times the participation recorded in previous years.

The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- reaffirmed its commitment to society and to initiatives that promote solidarity and social transformation through its participation in the Relay for Life FANLYC 2026, organized by the Friends of Children with Leukemia and Cancer Foundation (FANLYC).

This year, UMECIT's participation had a special meaning as it had a godchild per campus, an initiative that motivated and mobilized university communities throughout the country, not only to actively participate in the relays, but also to contribute by donating laps.

The result was extraordinary: 3,399 laps in UMECIT's name nationwide, a figure that represents significant growth compared to previous years, when institutional participation reached approximately 800 laps. In this way, UMECIT more than quadrupled its historical participation, demonstrating the solidarity, commitment, and mobilization capacity of its university community.

A national effort

UMECIT's participation took place at different venues and dates:

• Azuero: August 2nd – 453 laps
• Santiago: August 9 – 525 laps
• Chiriquí: August 16 – 612 laps
• Panama: September 5 and 6 – 1,809 laps
• National total: 3,399 laps

Beyond the numbers, this result represents the expression of a University that mobilizes, shows solidarity, and turns its social commitment into concrete actions.

Participation in the FANLYC 2026 Relay for Life reflects UMECIT's vision of Extension and Social Engagement as a space to connect the University with the needs and realities of society, generating contributions that transcend the classroom and strengthen collective well-being.

This experience also reaffirms the institutional mission of articulating teaching, research and outreach to train ethical leaders and change agents, capable of driving social transformation and sustainable development in Panama and the region.

Furthermore, this initiative strengthens UMECIT's vision as an authentic, innovative and leading university in the region, committed to the development of the country.

The achievement was made possible thanks to the participation of students, teachers, coordinators, collaborators, directors and every member of our university community, who united for a cause and demonstrated that, when we work together, the impact multiplies.

UMECIT deeply thanks the entire university community for making this result possible and reaffirms its commitment to continue promoting initiatives that strengthen the University's connection with the needs and challenges of our society.

The FANLYC Relay for Life 2026 thus leaves an important lesson: every lap counts, every contribution adds up, and every person who mobilizes can help generate hope.

UMECIT is moving for Panama. UMECIT is moving for life. ❤️💙