UNP Sustainability
Development Goals
SDG 10 - REDUCED INEQUALITIES
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) is deeply committed to contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Through a multifaceted approach, the university strives to empower marginalized communities, promote inclusivity, and create a more equitable society for all.
The different initiatives in the article are discussed separately below:
Seminar-Workshop on Child and Youth Welfare Protection - Gender and Culture-Based Approach
This extension activity was held in celebration of the 31st National Children’s Month. The program aimed to deepen understanding of the unique needs of children and youth, emphasizing a protective approach that respects both gender and cultural diversity. The seminar promoted strategies for nurturing safe and supportive spaces, equipping attendees with the tools to advocate for and protect young people effectively. By fostering a holistic, inclusive approach, this activity sought to empower communities to better support the well-being and development of children and youth.
The activity directly addresses this by focusing on understanding the unique needs of children and youth, with a specific emphasis on respecting gender and cultural diversity. By promoting inclusive environments and addressing issues like abuse and neglect, the program works to eliminate discrimination and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to thrive.Furthermore, by equipping participants with the tools to advocate for and protect young people, the activity contributes to their empowerment and inclusion. It fosters a sense of community responsibility towards children, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. This aligns with the broader aim of SDG 10 to reduce inequalities and create a more just and equitable society for all, where every child has the chance to reach their full potential.
Read full article in DAMILI Volume 2 series of 2023 on page 20>>
Seminar-Workshop on Ending Violence Against Women
This extension activity was conducted in alignment with the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. The program aimed to raise awareness and educate participants on the prevalence, impact, and prevention of gender-based violence. The seminar emphasized 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 empowered individuals to contribute to a culture of respect, equality, and zero tolerance for violence against women.
This activity directly contributes to target 10.2 by promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of women. By addressing violence against women, which is a significant barrier to their full participation in society, the program empowers them to overcome these challenges. Through education and awareness-raising, it equips women with the knowledge and resources they need to understand their rights, access support services, and advocate for themselves. This, in turn, enables them to engage more fully in social, economic, and political spheres, fostering a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Furthermore, the activity aligns with target 10.3 by actively working to eliminate discriminatory practices and promote equality. Violence against women is a manifestation of deeply ingrained gender inequality and discrimination.
This program challenges these harmful norms by fostering a culture of respect and zero tolerance for violence. By encouraging participants to become allies and advocates for change, it promotes the adoption of legislation, policies, and actions that protect women’s rights and ensure equal opportunities. Ultimately, this contributes to reducing inequalities of outcome and creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Read full article in DAMILI Volume 2 series of 2023 on page 21>>
UNP inks MOA with Sta. Maria barrio school
UNP formalized a partnership with Ag-agrao, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, and Ag-agrao National High School through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Key initiatives included providing medical and dental services, skills training, and technology transfer, which were all designed to uplift the well-being of community members and reduce disparities in access to essential resources. The partnership focused on disaster risk reduction and management training, equipping residents with critical knowledge and skills to effectively respond to emergencies. Through this collaboration, UNP and the Ag-agrao community were committed to integrating sustainable development practices into the educational framework, empowering residents with access to resources and opportunities that foster social equity and inclusiveness. This initiative reflected a shared dedication to reducing inequalities and enhancing the quality of life for all, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and social justice.
The partnership between UNP and Ag-agrao directly addresses 10.2 by fostering social inclusion through initiatives designed to uplift the community. Providing medical and dental services tackles health inequities, while skills training and technology transfer empower residents with valuable resources and opportunities for economic advancement. By improving access to these essential services, the initiative ensures that all community members, regardless of their background, have a chance to participate fully in society and improve their well-being.
Moreover, the focus on disaster risk reduction and management training strengthens community resilience, aligning with 10.3. By equipping residents, particularly vulnerable groups, with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies, the partnership reduces inequalities of outcome in the face of disasters. This proactive approach ensures that everyone is better prepared and protected, minimizing the disproportionate impact that disasters often have on marginalized communities. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to creating a more equitable and resilient society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Announcement on the Lecture Workshop Using Corpus in Teaching English Grammar
The Professional and Future English Teachers Association (Pro-FETA) at the UNP College of Teacher Education announced an upcoming lecture-workshop featuring Dr. Shirley N. Dita from De La Salle University. The event was designed to equip pre-service and graduate English teachers with innovative strategies for enhancing grammar instruction through corpus linguistics.
Pro-FETA’s initiative to train teachers in corpus linguistics aligns strongly with SDG 10.3 because it focuses on creating more equitable opportunities and outcomes within the education system. By empowering educators with this innovative approach to language teaching, the workshop tackles potential inequalities in how grammar is taught and learned. Corpus linguistics helps teachers understand the diverse linguistic needs of their students, including those from marginalized backgrounds, and address potential biases embedded in traditional grammar instruction. This leads to a more inclusive learning environment where all students have the chance to thrive.
Furthermore, the initiative promotes equal opportunities for professional development among teachers. By providing access to workshops and expert knowledge, it ensures that educators have the resources and skills they need to effectively support their students’ learning. This focus on teacher training contributes to a more equitable education system where all educators are equipped to address the diverse needs of their students and promote successful learning outcomes for everyone, regardless of their background. This ultimately helps to reduce disparities in education and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act 1997 – Republic Act No. 8371 of 1997
This law provided for the promotion and recognition of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs), with a view to preserve their culture, traditions and institutions and to ensure the equal protection and non-discrimination of members and protection of their villages from destruction caused by industrialization and deforestation.
The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 is intrinsically linked to Target 10.2 of SDG 10 because it directly addresses the historical marginalization and discrimination faced by indigenous peoples in the Philippines. By recognizing their rights to ancestral domains, cultural identity, and self-governance, the Act promotes their social, economic, and political inclusion, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from society. This aligns with the target’s aim to empower and include all, irrespective of ethnicity or origin.
Moreover, the Act’s emphasis on protecting indigenous cultures, traditions, and institutions contributes to preserving their unique identities and preventing their assimilation into the dominant culture. This safeguards their right to self-determination and ensures that their voices are heard in matters that affect them. By tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act contributes to creating a more equitable and just society where indigenous peoples can thrive, in line with the overarching goal of SDG 10 to reduce inequalities.
Students from the College of Criminal Justice Education prepared a promotional video to explain the content of the act and its features.