UNP Sustainability
Development Goals
SDG 9 - INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) is dedicated to promoting innovation and technological advancement, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9). Through various initiatives and programs, UNP is actively contributing to the development of a robust research and innovation ecosystem, enhancing technological capabilities, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
Enhancing Research and Innovation:
UNP’s commitment to research and innovation is evident in its efforts to promote corpus linguistics in English language teaching. By advocating for this innovative approach, which utilizes digital tools and resources to analyze language data, UNP is encouraging the integration of technology in education and research. This not only contributes to the upgrading of technological capabilities within the education sector but also fosters a culture of inquiry and innovation among faculty and students.
Specific Activities:
1. Seminar on Using Corpus in Teaching English Grammar
Hosted by the Professional and Future English Teachers’ Association (Pro-FETA) of the UNP College of Teacher Education. The seminar featured Dr. Shirley N. Dita, an associate professor at De La Salle University, who discussed the importance of using corpus data in English language teaching and highlighted the significance of promoting Philippine English.
The article highlights the connection between language education and technological advancement, aligning with SDG 9’s focus on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. By advocating for corpus linguistics in English language teaching, it promotes an innovative approach that utilizes digital tools and resources to analyze language data. This encourages the integration of technology in education, contributing to the upgrading of technological capabilities within the sector, as envisioned in Target 9.5 of SDG 9.
Furthermore, the emphasis on researching and promoting Philippine English contributes to increasing research and development efforts within a developing country context. This aligns with SDG 9’s aim to encourage innovation and substantially increase research and development activities, particularly in developing countries. By fostering research and innovation in language education, the article demonstrates how language can be a tool for development and progress, contributing to achieving the goals outlined in SDG 9.
2. Lecture-workshop on Using Corpus in Teaching English Grammar
Hosted by the Professional and Future English Teachers Association for BSEd English and MA Teaching English students. This lecture-workshop provided participants with hands-on training on utilizing corpus data in teaching English grammar.
The Professional and Future English Teachers Association (Pro-FETA) at the UNP College of Teacher Education was excited to announce an upcoming lecture-workshop featuring Dr. Shirley N. Dita from De La Salle University, scheduled for March 24, 2023, at Tadena Hall. Titled “Using Corpus in Teaching English Grammar,” this event was designed to equip pre-service and graduate English teachers with innovative strategies for enhancing grammar instruction through corpus linguistics.
This workshop aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), which emphasizes the importance of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. By providing professional development opportunities like this workshop, Pro-FETA actively contributed to enhancing the quality of English language teaching and fostering an environment where future educators could refine their skills and pedagogical practices.
Introducing corpus linguistics as a tool for understanding and teaching grammar empowered English teachers with modern approaches and updated knowledge, ultimately improving educational outcomes for their students. Engaging with experts like Dr. Dita allowed participants to explore innovative methodologies, ensuring they were well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of learners in an ever-evolving educational landscape. This commitment to innovation in teacher training is essential for developing effective educational systems that respond to the challenges of the modern world.
The lecture-workshop promotes the use of corpus linguistics, a technologically driven approach to language analysis. This encourages the integration of technology in education and research, contributing to the development of digital skills and infrastructure within the education sector. By fostering innovation in language teaching methodologies, the event aligns with SDG 9’s objective of promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization through technological advancements.
Moreover, the workshop’s focus on English language teaching in the Philippines connects to SDG 9’s emphasis on supporting domestic technology development and research in developing countries. By equipping educators with innovative tools and knowledge, the event contributes to building capacity and fostering a conducive environment for research and development in the field of education. This aligns with the SDG 9.5 aim of increasing the number of research and development workers and promoting research spending in developing countries.
3. 1st OBAS Research Coaching and Retooling (ORCR)
Hosted by the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA). This research coaching and retooling activity focused on building essential research and innovation capacity by providing training on various aspects of business research, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, feasibility studies, and innovation development.
The research coaching and retooling activity strongly aligns with SDG 9 because it focuses on building essential research and innovation capacity. By providing training on qualitative and quantitative research methods, the activity enhances participants’ ability to conduct rigorous investigations and contribute to knowledge creation. This emphasis on research skills development directly supports SDG 9’s aim to promote innovation and increase the number of research and development workers, particularly in developing countries where such capacity building is crucial for economic growth.
Furthermore, the activity encourages participants to consider the role of technology in business development and explore innovative ideas. This focus on innovation and technological capabilities aligns with SDG 9’s objective of fostering technological advancements and upgrading the technological capabilities of various sectors. By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to conduct research, innovate, and leverage technology, this activity contributes to achieving the broader goals of SDG 9 by promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
Developing a Skilled Workforce
UNP’s College of Technology (CTech) has demonstrated its dedication to developing a skilled workforce through various programs and initiatives. The college’s automotive program, for instance, has achieved a 100% passing rate in the Automotive Servicing NC 1 Assessment, indicating its effectiveness in equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this field. CTech’s efforts to register its programs with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) further underscore its commitment to providing quality education that meets industry standards.
Specific Activities:
1. AUTOMOTIVE SERVICING NC I Assessment
Conducted by the College of Technology (CTech) for its Automotive Technology students. This assessment evaluated students’ skills and knowledge in automotive servicing, resulting in a high passing rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of CTech’s automotive program.
SDG 9.5 focuses on enhancing scientific research, upgrading technological capabilities, and promoting innovation, particularly in developing countries. While this assessment may not directly involve scientific research, it does signify a successful implementation of technical and vocational education and training (TVET). A strong TVET system plays a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce that can contribute to industrial development and innovation.
By achieving a high passing rate, the College of Technology demonstrates its effectiveness in equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge in automotive servicing. This contributes to building a competent workforce in the automotive sector, which is essential for technological advancement and innovation within the industry. A skilled workforce can drive productivity, improve efficiency, and contribute to the development of new technologies and services in the automotive sector, aligning with the goals of SDG 9.5.
2. Consultation on Program Registration and Diploma Programs
Meeting between CTech and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to discuss program registration and ensure CTech’s diploma programs comply with TESDA’s standards and training regulations.
The UNP College of Technology’s efforts to register its programs with TESDA, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authorit directly supports the development of domestic technology by ensuring educational programs meet industry standards and produce a qualified workforce. By aligning with TESDA’s competency-based system and training regulations, UNP-CTech strengthens the quality of its technical and vocational education, ultimately contributing to a skilled workforce capable of driving technological advancements and innovation within the country.
Furthermore, this initiative fosters a conducive policy environment for industrial diversification and value addition to commodities. By adhering to recognized standards and ensuring quality in technical education, UNP-CTech contributes to building a workforce that can adapt to evolving industry needs and support the diversification of the country’s economy. This alignment with national standards and quality assurance frameworks strengthens the foundation for technological development and innovation, ultimately contributing to the achievement of SDG 9.b.
Embracing Emerging Technologies
UNP is also at the forefront of embracing emerging technologies, as evidenced by its participation in the International Training-Workshop on Advanced Metaverse Technology. As the first university in the Philippines to receive this type of training from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), UNP is demonstrating its commitment to exploring innovative teaching and learning approaches using the metaverse. This initiative not only enhances the university’s technological capabilities but also fosters integration into new digital value chains and markets.
Specific Activities:
1. International Training-Workshop on Advanced Metaverse Technology
Hosted by the College of Communication and Information Technology (CCIT) in partnership with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). This 13-day training program equipped faculty and students with the skills and knowledge to utilize and navigate the metaverse, fostering innovation and collaboration in this emerging digital landscape.
The UNP’s metaverse training aligns with SDG 9.c because it focuses on equipping individuals with valuable skills in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By providing training on advanced metaverse technology, the university empowers faculty and students to participate in the digital economy and contribute to innovation within this emerging field. This capacity building initiative can be seen as supporting “small-scale industrial and other enterprises,” such as student-led startups or university spin-offs, by providing them with the tools and knowledge to create and innovate in the metaverse.
Furthermore, this initiative fosters integration into value chains and markets by positioning UNP at the forefront of metaverse adoption in the Philippines. This can lead to collaborations with international partners and participation in new digital value chains, opening up opportunities for growth and development. By promoting the use of this transformative technology and building a skilled workforce, UNP contributes to the goals of SDG 9.c by facilitating the integration of individuals and enterprises into the digital economy and fostering innovation in this emerging field.
BIDA grand winners pay courtesy call to Dr. Erwin Cadorna
On September 25, 2023, a team of innovative business students from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) College of Business Administration and Accountancy, called Lif’sh Cosmetics, were congratulated by UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna for their groundbreaking achievement. The team, composed of Frenzy Dale Pagdato, Sophia Cabotage, John Francis Jurado, Marc Justine Soriano, and Krystal Kae Tacata, secured the top spot in the non-food category of the prestigious 17th Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA) competition. This victory highlights the power of youth innovation in driving economic growth and national development, as emphasized by the competition’s theme, “Nurturing Youth Entrepreneurship Towards National Development.” Lif’sh Cosmetics’ success, spearheaded by these talented students, serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs across the Philippines, showcasing the potential for groundbreaking ideas to emerge from the nation’s universities.
By winning the Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA), Lif’sh Cosmetics gains access to resources and recognition that can propel their growth and integration into the market. The competition itself, sponsored by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with potential investors and partners. This exposure can be crucial in securing funding and establishing valuable business connections, ultimately contributing to the development of a thriving and inclusive industrial sector.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the role of the BIDA competition in fostering an entrepreneurial culture among Filipino youth. This links to Target 9.3 as it promotes the creation and growth of small-scale enterprises like Lif’sh Cosmetics. By encouraging young people to develop innovative business ideas and providing them with support and access to resources, the competition contributes to the development of a robust and inclusive industrial sector. This, in turn, drives economic growth and helps to achieve sustainable development goals by creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and facilitating their integration into value chains and markets.
UNP joins Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week Celebration
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) actively participated in the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week Celebration held on October 17-18, 2023, in Laoag City. With a focus on fostering innovation, the UNP delegation led by President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna showcased the university’s commitment to advancing science and technology by sharing knowledge, collaborating with other institutions, and exhibiting innovative research findings from centers like the MRDC and AMRRDC. This participation reflects UNP’s dedication to driving progress and cultivating an environment of innovation in the Northern Philippines region.
The University of Northern Philippines’ (UNP) participation in the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week Celebration demonstrates its commitment to enhancing scientific research and promoting innovation. By showcasing its research centers, such as the Mushroom Research and Development Center (MRDC) and the Aquamarine Resources Research Development Center (AMRRDC), UNP contributes to upgrading the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in the region.
Furthermore, UNP’s active engagement in this event, which includes knowledge sharing, collaboration with other institutions, and showcasing research findings, fosters a culture of innovation and promotes the development of research and development workers. This aligns with the SDG 9.5 objective of increasing the number of research and development personnel and encouraging innovation to drive industrial and technological progress. By participating in this regional initiative, UNP contributes to the overall development of the scientific and technological ecosystem in Region I, ultimately supporting sustainable economic growth and development.
UNP Experts Share Expertise in MMSU's Agripreneurship Masterclass Boosting Region 1's Agricultural Innovation
UNP professors Dr. Richel Royce T. Chan and Dr. Efren U. Galapon shared their agribusiness expertise at a three-day masterclass hosted by MMSU from May 24-26, 2023. This training, part of the MMSU Agribusiness Hub Project and the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program, brought together participants from various institutions across Region 1. The goal was to empower future agripreneurs and foster agricultural innovation, contributing to the region’s economic growth and the nation’s agricultural progress.
This article aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, specifically Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets. The Re-Echo Training on Agribusiness Masterclass, facilitated by UNP professors and hosted by MMSU, directly supports the development of small-scale agribusiness enterprises in Region 1. By empowering staff and technology generators with knowledge and skills in agribusiness development, the training program enhances their capacity to access financial services, integrate into value chains, and ultimately contributes to the growth of the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, this initiative promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization within the agricultural sector, another key aspect of SDG 9. By fostering collaboration among various institutions and equipping participants with the tools to succeed in agribusiness, the masterclass contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural industry in Region 1. This focus on innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector aligns with the broader goal of SDG 9 to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization as a driver of economic growth and development.
UNP Expertise Shines in MMSU’s Technology Promotion Mentorship Series
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) played a vital role in the Re-Echo Training on Technology Promotion Mentorship Series (RTPMS) held from September 27-29, 2023. UNP’s Arpee C. Arruejo, Head of Information Systems Management and Development Services, served as a key resource speaker at the event, sharing her expertise on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) development and production. Organized by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) RAISE program, this three-day program took place at the MMSU Function Hall in Batac City and Robinsons Mall in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.
Arruejo’s session, delivered alongside Mr. Raymond D. Platon, Jr. from Pangasinan State University, provided valuable insights to 48 participants from various institutions across Region 1. The RTPMS fostered a collaborative learning environment, bringing together technology generators and researchers to network and exchange ideas. UNP’s active participation, including Arruejo’s contribution, underscores the university’s dedication to advancing technological capabilities and promoting effective communication strategies to drive innovation in Region 1 and beyond.
This article aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, specifically Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending. The Re-Echo Training on Technology Promotion Mentorship Series (RTPMS), with UNP’s active contribution, directly supports the enhancement of scientific research and technological capabilities in Region 1. By providing training on information, education, and communication (IEC) development and production, the program equips technology generators and researchers with essential skills to effectively promote and disseminate their innovations. This strengthens the research and development ecosystem and promotes technological advancement in various sectors.
Furthermore, the RTPMS fosters a culture of innovation by facilitating knowledge sharing, mentorship, and technology pitching competitions. This aligns with SDG 9.5’s focus on encouraging innovation and increasing the number of research and development workers. By bringing together experts and participants from diverse institutions, the program creates a platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas, which can spark new innovations and contribute to the upgrading of technological capabilities in the region. This ultimately supports sustainable development by promoting a dynamic and innovative industrial sector.
1st OBAS Research Coaching and Retooling (ORCR)
Hosted by the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA). This research coaching and retooling activity focused on building essential research and innovation capacity by providing training on various aspects of business research, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, feasibility studies, and innovation development.
The research coaching and retooling activity strongly aligns with SDG 9 because it focuses on building essential research and innovation capacity. By providing training on qualitative and quantitative research methods, the activity enhances participants’ ability to conduct rigorous investigations and contribute to knowledge creation. This emphasis on research skills development directly supports SDG 9’s aim to promote innovation and increase the number of research and development workers, particularly in developing countries where such capacity building is crucial for economic growth.
Furthermore, the activity encourages participants to consider the role of technology in business development and explore innovative ideas. This focus on innovation and technological capabilities aligns with SDG 9’s objective of fostering technological advancements and upgrading the technological capabilities of various sectors. By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to conduct research, innovate, and leverage technology, this activity contributes to achieving the broader goals of SDG 9 by promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICING NC I Assessment:
UNP’s College of Technology (CTech) has demonstrated its dedication to developing a skilled workforce through various programs and initiatives. The college’s automotive program, for instance, has achieved a 100% passing rate in the Automotive Servicing NC 1 Assessment, indicating its effectiveness in equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this field. CTech’s efforts to register its programs with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) further underscore its commitment to providing quality education that meets industry standards.
SDG 9.5 focuses on enhancing scientific research, upgrading technological capabilities, and promoting innovation, particularly in developing countries. While this assessment may not directly involve scientific research, it does signify a successful implementation of technical and vocational education and training (TVET). A strong TVET system plays a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce that can contribute to industrial development and innovation.
By achieving a high passing rate, the College of Technology demonstrates its effectiveness in equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge in automotive servicing. This contributes to building a competent workforce in the automotive sector, which is essential for technological advancement and innovation within the industry. A skilled workforce can drive productivity, improve efficiency, and contribute to the development of new technologies and services in the automotive sector, aligning with the goals of SDG 9.5.
Consultation on Program Registration and Diploma Programs
Meeting between CTech and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to discuss program registration and ensure CTech’s diploma programs comply with TESDA’s standards and training regulations.
The UNP College of Technology’s efforts to register its programs with TESDA, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authorit directly supports the development of domestic technology by ensuring educational programs meet industry standards and produce a qualified workforce. By aligning with TESDA’s competency-based system and training regulations, UNP-CTech strengthens the quality of its technical and vocational education, ultimately contributing to a skilled workforce capable of driving technological advancements and innovation within the country.
Furthermore, this initiative fosters a conducive policy environment for industrial diversification and value addition to commodities. By adhering to recognized standards and ensuring quality in technical education, UNP-CTech contributes to building a workforce that can adapt to evolving industry needs and support the diversification of the country’s economy. This alignment with national standards and quality assurance frameworks strengthens the foundation for technological development and innovation, ultimately contributing to the achievement of SDG 9.b.
International Training-Workshop on Advanced Metaverse Technology
UNP is also at the forefront of embracing emerging technologies, as evidenced by its participation in the International Training-Workshop on Advanced Metaverse Technology. As the first university in the Philippines to receive this type of training from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), UNP is demonstrating its commitment to exploring innovative teaching and learning approaches using the metaverse. This initiative not only enhances the university’s technological capabilities but also fosters integration into new digital value chains and markets.
Hosted by the College of Communication and Information Technology (CCIT) in partnership with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). This 13-day training program equipped faculty and students with the skills and knowledge to utilize and navigate the metaverse, fostering innovation and collaboration in this emerging digital landscape.
The UNP’s metaverse training aligns with SDG 9.c because it focuses on equipping individuals with valuable skills in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By providing training on advanced metaverse technology, the university empowers faculty and students to participate in the digital economy and contribute to innovation within this emerging field. This capacity building initiative can be seen as supporting “small-scale industrial and other enterprises,” such as student-led startups or university spin-offs, by providing them with the tools and knowledge to create and innovate in the metaverse.
Furthermore, this initiative fosters integration into value chains and markets by positioning UNP at the forefront of metaverse adoption in the Philippines. This can lead to collaborations with international partners and participation in new digital value chains, opening up opportunities for growth and development. By promoting the use of this transformative technology and building a skilled workforce, UNP contributes to the goals of SDG 9.c by facilitating the integration of individuals and enterprises into the digital economy and fostering innovation in this emerging field.