UNP Sustainability
Development Goals
SDG 17 - PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
UNP isn’t just planning about partnerships – they’re living and breathing SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals every day. They’ve turned collaboration into an art form, weaving a web of connections that spans from local barangays to international academic powerhouses.
Collaboration in the University embodies the core values of the University; promoting a sense of pride in being Ilocanos. From academic partnerships, to a call for patriotism where UNP students and personnel, side by side with local government officials, commemorated our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal’s, martyrdom – UNP is building bridges with the community, promoting a shared sense of pride, and purpose.
But UNP’s vision extends far beyond Ilocos Sur. They’re working with key players in Southeast Asian education through SEAMEO, opening doors for students to explore the world, and bringing cutting-edge tech like the Metaverse to their doorstep.
Sustainability, Innovation, Leadership, Linkages, Access, and Growth (SILLAG), for one, is a way forward to a network of innovators tackling the region’s toughest environmental, and social challenges. They’re not just participating; they’re driving the conversation on sustainability.
UNP’s also turning academic conferences into melting pots of ideas, bringing together minds from engineering, agriculture, health, technology, and education. It’s like an intellectual potluck, where everyone brings their expertise to the table.
But perhaps most importantly, UNP hasn’t forgotten its roots. They’re partnering with local schools and barangays, proving that sustainable development starts at home.
From honoring national heroes to exploring the Metaverse, from local schools to international consortiums, UNP is showing that partnerships aren’t just about signing MOAs – they’re about building a better world, together. That’s the UNP way – where collaboration isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of life.
Cabugao NHS - Margaay Elementary School, Turod and Bungro community sign MOA with UNP
On November 17, 2023, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) established a partnership with Ag-agrao, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, and Ag-agrao National High School through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President, alongside local leaders Mr. Danilo B. Derige and Mr. Rolando Buenavista Jr. This collaboration exemplifies Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the significance of cooperative efforts across various sectors to advance sustainable community development and education. The agreement signifies a mutual commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment and improving educational outcomes for students in Ag-agrao. It aims to mobilize resources and expertise from both UNP and the local community, promoting initiatives such as medical and dental services, skills training, and livelihood projects. By working together, the partnership seeks to enhance access to valuable resources and opportunities that empower both students and community members. Additionally, the MOA outlines plans for capacity-building activities and training programs designed to equip barangay employees, teachers, and students with essential skills, fostering resilience and sustainability in the community. This partnership reinforces the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating how collective action can lead to transformative impacts in education and community development.
UNP inks MOA with Sta. Maria barrio, school
This is a practical extension activity aimed at empowering participants with essential techniques to protect themselves in various situations. This program combines instruction in basic self-defense moves with awareness training, teaching participants to identify and avoid potential threats while building confidence in their ability to respond effectively if confronted. Through step-by-step demonstrations and guided practice, individuals learn strategies for handling confrontations, from defensive stances to safe escape tactics. The training promotes personal safety, resilience, and self-assurance, equipping participants with skills that can enhance their sense of security and readiness in everyday life.
BTLEd, BTVTEd, MATLE programs hold skills training
On April 28, 2023, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) facilitated a skills development training at Gawad Kalinga in Candon City through its Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd), Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd), and Master of Arts in Technology and Livelihood Education (MATLE) programs. This initiative exemplifies Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, showcasing effective collaboration between UNP, the local government units of Candon City, and the Gawad Kalinga Foundation. The training focused on meal and nutrition planning, equipping participants with valuable skills in snack production, specifically buchi and churros making. By enhancing food safety and quality control knowledge, the program empowered community members to create new products for sale, thereby generating additional income and fostering economic growth. Participants expressed their enthusiasm for applying the skills acquired, illustrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts in community development.
Seminar-Workshop on Ending Violence Against Women (18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women) (Dec. 7, 2023)
This is an empowering extension activity conducted in alignment with the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. This program aims to raise awareness and educate participants on the prevalence, impact, and prevention of gender-based violence. Through a combination of informative sessions, interactive workshops, and open discussions, attendees learn about legal protections, support resources, and strategies to combat violence against women in their communities. The seminar emphasizes advocacy, encouraging participants to become proactive allies in promoting women’s safety and rights. By fostering a supportive environment for education and dialogue, this activity empowers individuals to contribute to a culture of respect, equality, and zero tolerance for violence against women.
Community Health Program: Medical and Dental Mission “Sidadaan nga MANgtarabay, Salun-at ti Bumarangay”.
The University of Northern Philippines’ Master of Arts in Nursing program, together with its collaborators from the public and private sectors, is dedicated to putting into fruition the ardent desire to assist needy families with medical and dental care through medical and dental missions. Embodying the university’s advocacy to always include providing medical and dental care to needy and poor families. Its goal is to deliver health services such as medical and dental health services to the underprivileged and marginalized residents of the community. Since one of the group’s members lives in Barangay Paguraper in Sto Domingo, Ilocos Sur, the place was selected as the location for this medical and dental mission. A medical and dental mission was held at the barangay-covered court with the assistance of the barangay officials.
Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Northern Philippines and Bantay West Integrated School
To promote collaboration for Livelihood Programs and other related endeavors, the University of Northern Philippines and Bantay West Integrated School have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement.
The Project SAFE SPACE: Youth Mental Health Caravan: Creating Hope through Action (Leg 1-3)
The Mental Health Caravan, conducted three times in 2023, aimed to raise mental health awareness, debunk stigma, and create a supportive environment for youth in various school communities in Ilocos Sur. Spearheaded by the BS Psychology Program in collaboration with the Provincial Youth Development Office and local schools, the caravans featured psychological counseling, support sessions, and interactive activities.
DSSP Extension Activity - Harmony in Diversity: Celebrating Identities & Shaping tomorrow’s Democracy.
This activity serves to instill a sense of civic duty & responsibility in citizens. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing & respecting diverse cultural backgrounds & gender identities within the context of civic engagement. It promotes inclusivity, equality, & empowerment for individuals, regardless of their gender or cultural heritage.
Ilocos Sur Youth Learning and Advocacy Lab (Computer)
In partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur and the Rotaract of Magsingal North Ilocos Sur, the College conducted tutorials on Computer subjects.
Project SILNAG (Students of Public Administration Interface with the Local Governments and National Government Agencies at the Grassroots)
Project SILNAG (Students of Public Administration Interface with the Local Governments and National Government Agencies at the Grassroots) is an extension activity of the Master of Public Administration Program that aims to promote good governance and the provision of better public services to the various local government units in the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Abra. This project includes conducting capability training seminars among barangay and youth leaders, community outreach program for children, fostering partnership with LGUs, and benchmarking activities about the best practices of local government units in public service.
Salwad Aglawlaw Program (Protect the Environment)
The Salwad Aglawlaw program is a year-long event composed of various eco-related activities that aim to help spread and foster awareness on environmental protection, ecological solid waste management, and to take action towards the realization of the sustainable development goals. This initiative also supports the Banning of Single-Use Plastic program of the university.
Revitalizing Gaco River: A Sustainable Tourism Initiative
On December 7, 2023, the University of Northern Philippines, through its College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, organized a Training-Workshop on Sustainable Tourism Management and a Clean-up Drive at Gaco River Ecotourism Park in Cacadiran, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. This initiative demonstrated UNP’s commitment to community engagement and sustainability, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Led by Ms. Rubylene T. Bactadan, Ms. Sharmaine R. Raganit, and Glenn J. Benzon, the workshop brought together students, barangay officials, and community stakeholders. The day began with a clean-up drive that improved the park’s ecological health. The seminar, featuring Ms. Raganit as the keynote speaker, highlighted eco-friendly tourism practices and provided insights into sustainable living and conservation. The workshop generated actionable strategies for ongoing park management and community involvement, emphasizing collaboration on monitoring and resource allocation. This initiative showcased UNP’s approach to integrated education and community service, highlighting the potential of sustainable tourism to enhance environmental stewardship and local economic opportunities.
CHTM Volunteers: UNP’s Bayanihan Challenges 2023
The devoted faculty of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management led the revitalization efforts by meticulously repainting the GK Houses. Their dedication not only restored the structures but also embodied the college’s commitment to community service, infusing the homes with vibrant colors that symbolize hope and unity within the Gawad Kalinga community.
