2024
SDG 1 - NO POVERTY
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) is firmly committed to addressing global poverty (“End poverty in all its forms everywhere”) by strategically utilizing its core mandates of Instruction, Research, and Extension. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the University intensified its focus on expanding access to quality education as the primary poverty-reduction mechanism and developing practical, income-generating skills to build economic resilience in local communities.
I. Strategic Alignment and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
UNP’s strategy directly addresses key SDG 1 targets by mobilizing resources for the poor and ensuring equal access to basic services and economic opportunities. All metrics below represent continuing programs reported within the 2024 operating year.
| KPI / Metric | AY 2023 (Baseline) | AY 2024 (Report) | Target Alignment | Performance Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Scholars (1st Term) | 16,627 | 15,936 | 1.a (Resource Mobilization) | A consistently high number of students are receiving financial aid. |
| RA 10931 Scholars (2nd Term) | 15,054 | 14,825 | 1.a, 1.4 (Educational Access) | Critical institutional role in implementing the Free Higher Education Act. |
| Internal Study Privilege Grants (Total 2nd Term) | 100 | 159 | 1.4 (Equity/Internal Access) | +59% Growth in internally funded and targeted support. |
| Cash-for-Work Beneficiaries (DSWD) | N/A (New program) | 500 graduates | 1.2, 1.4 (Income Generation) | Direct financial support and work experience for vulnerable graduates. |
| Formal Research Outputs Utilized | N/A (New Metric) | 9 utilized research | 1.b (Policy Frameworks) | Translating academic research into tangible community solutions. |
II. Contributions to Poverty Eradication
A. Academic Excellence and Employability (Target 1.4)
UNP ensures that quality education translates directly into career advancement and stable income, a primary strategy for breaking the cycle of poverty.
- Licensure Examination Success: UNP achieved an overall passing rate of 74% for first-time licensure exam takers in 2024, successfully surpassing the national average of 72%. This directly contributes to employability and career stability.
- The Midwifery program was recognized as a Top 5 Performing School in the April 2024 Licensure Examination.
- National top-notchers were produced in the Psychometrician, Licensure Examination for Teachers (Elementary), and Geodetic Engineers examinations, underscoring the high quality of UNP’s degree programs.
Enrollment Stability in Key Programs: The University’s strategic educational programs maintain high enrollment, ensuring a sustained pipeline of graduates for high-demand sectors.
The College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), the College of Teacher Education (CTE), and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) collectively anchor the University’s economic and social contribution by training the largest cohorts of professionals in finance, education, and social services.
Enrollment and Scholarship Trends (AY 2023–2025)
The University’s commitment to financial accessibility is visually demonstrated by the stable volume of scholarships awarded, predominantly through sustained government funding.
This trend highlights the critical role of government support (RA 10931 and other programs) in enabling UNP to fulfill its social mandate, complemented by significant institutional effort to grow internal “Study Privilege” grants.
The image displays a stacked bar chart titled “Scholarship Trends Across Four Terms,” comparing total scholars and funding sources from SY 2023-2025. It illustrates the distribution of scholarships between “Government-Sponsored” (orange bars) and “Study Privilege” (blue bars) for the 1st and 2nd terms of both Academic Year 2023-2024 and Academic Year 2024-2025.
- Accessible Specialized Education: The CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program is implemented to provide opportunities to students from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), prioritizing the need for healthcare professionals in underserved communities.
- Technical and Vocational Focus: UNP enhances direct employability by serving as a TESDA Accredited Assessment Center for technical skills, including Automotive Servicing NC I, Mechatronics Servicing NC II, and Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing NC II.
B. Direct Livelihood and Enterprise Development (Target 1.4)
In 2024, the University implemented 57 skills training and technology transfer programs aimed at creating new sources of income and entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities.
- Targeted Skills Training: Programs focused on practical, immediate livelihood creation:
- Food & Local Products: Provided hands-on training in Fish Processing (Smoked Bangus) and Coconut Processing (Bukayo and Coconut Spread Making).
- Entrepreneurial Skills: The OBASursuro: Student Livelihood Training Program provided coaching in niche products like crochet and dishwashing liquid production, fostering local entrepreneurship.
Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups: The College of Technology and Extension Offices delivered specialized, gender-responsive technical training (e.g., Air Conditioning Servicing Systems) to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Ilocos Provincial Jail to ensure they have sustainable livelihood skills upon reintegration.
C. Social Protection, Resilience, and Research (Target 1.3, 1.5, & 1.b)
UNP provides essential social safety nets, strengthens community resilience, and ensures its research informs anti-poverty policies.
- Social Safety Net: The DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS Cash-for-Work Program provided income and vital work experience to 500 UNP graduates, bridging the gap between graduation and stable employment.
- Legal Protection: The UNP Law Clinic provides free legal assistance and public orientation on laws like RA 9262 and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) to needy members of the community, ensuring access to justice and legal protection, especially for women and children.
- Research-Informed Intervention: Nine research outputs were utilized in 2024, including practical tools like the “E-Barangay” web-based system, demonstrating effective transfer of technology to local government units (LGUs) to improve agricultural and economic services.
Community Resilience (Target 1.5): UNP actively works to reduce the exposure and vulnerability of the poor to shocks. The partnership with Pagsanaaan Sur on a marine conservation program strengthens community resilience by protecting vital marine resources and incomes. Furthermore, through Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) initiatives, such as Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support Training in communities and schools, the UNP directly builds the capacity of local populations to prepare for and respond to climate-related and other economic shocks.
III. Global Recognition: A Strategic Tool Against Poverty
Global recognition for UNP’s initiatives is crucial for SDG 1, as it validates the University’s models, attracts essential resources, and enhances graduate employability. By establishing UNP as a global leader, these rankings serve as a strategic means of implementation (Target 1.a and 1.b) for poverty reduction.
- World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) 2024:
- Ranked 2nd in the world for Culture/Values.
- Ranked 9th in the world for Student Support & Engagement.
- Ranked 17th in the world for Social Responsibility.
- Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024: UNP was recognized in the 1001-1500 bracket overall and achieved high rankings nationally for:
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): 2nd in the Philippines.
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): 5th in the Philippines.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): 5th in the Philippines.
CHED ICONS Award: The University received the prestigious Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Award in 2024 for its outstanding performance in global University rankings.
IV. Linkages and Communication
UNP ensures that the impact of its instruction, research, and extension efforts is amplified through effective communication and strong partnerships across all levels.
