The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) manifests comprehensive commitment to sustainable cities and communities through initiatives encompassing cultural heritage preservation, disaster risk management, urban planning innovation, and community development. Situated in Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNP recognizes its unique responsibility to safeguard and promote cultural heritage. The university celebrated Dr. Fatima Nicetas Rabang-Alonzo's recognition as Bigueño Teacher of the Year, acknowledging her contributions to preserving the cultural heritage of Vigan City and documenting historical narratives. UNP actively participates in local cultural celebrations including the Vigan City Fiesta Grand Parade, Ilocos Sur Festival Opening Program and Procession around Vigan City's historic core, and Haraya cultural celebrations, demonstrating institutional commitment to celebrating and preserving cultural traditions. The university organized Family Day celebrations fostering a sense of community and social cohesion among faculty and staff, a key element of sustainable and inclusive communities. UNP was recognized at the prestigious ICONS Awards 2024 for exemplary performance in sustainability and internationalization, including its work on heritage preservation.

UNP advances heritage conservation through academic programs, research collaborations, and international partnerships. The College of Architecture collaborated with the University of Hong Kong to document local heritage through systematic heritage documentation projects, a critical step in preservation efforts. Two College of Architecture faculty members participated in the UNESCO Sustainable Heritage Management Masterclass, enhancing their expertise in heritage management essential for sustainable community development. UNP students were recognized as finalists at the World Architecture Festival 2024 Student Charrette, highlighting the quality of the university's architectural program and its innovative approach to urban design and heritage-sensitive development. The College of Architecture hosted a seminar on digital twin technology, an innovative tool for urban planning and smart city development enabling virtual modeling and management of urban infrastructure. The College of Architecture celebrated its inaugural Philippine Architecture Festival-National Architecture Month with parades, exhibits, and thesis consultations focusing on architecture's role in nation-building and community development.

UNP promotes cultural preservation through education, community engagement, and traditional arts revival. The Department of Languages and Humanities and Center for Gender and Development celebrated National Arts Month with art exhibits promoting culture within the community. The College of Arts and Sciences celebrated its 58th Founding Anniversary through activities centered on Ilokano culture, preserving and promoting local heritage through educational programming. The Department of Languages and Humanities organized the Burgos lecture promoting the valuing of Ilokano language and cultures, contributing to linguistic and cultural heritage preservation. A Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) taught Ilocos Sur residents the traditional Ilocano poetic form dallot, preserving cultural heritage through intergenerational knowledge transmission. The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management revived cultural traditions through puto and bibingka making, promoting local heritage and community engagement while preserving traditional food preparation methods. The College of Public Administration held conventions highlighting Ilokano heritage in governance and community planning, while launching the Batonlagip lecture series on governance, culture, and gender crucial for building inclusive and sustainable communities.