Barangay San Julian Norte, Vigan City will be a recipient of UNP’s gender and development programs in the coming months.

This is after the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), through its Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the said barangay on May 3, 2024.

The signing ceremony was attended by Hon. Hipolito P. Palo, the punong barangay, and Dr. Mae Olivia Piano, the CGAD extension coordinator.

The MOA signifies a partnership between UNP and Barangay San Julian Norte, demonstrating the University’s commitment to extending its expertise to agencies in need of its services. According to Dr. Piano, this agreement will allow UNP’s academic units and offices to implement various programs and activities with San Julian Norte’s constituents.

The MOA envisions a range of programs and activities to be carried out under this partnership, including gender sensitivity training, mentoring, gender strategic planning and budgeting, and addressing VAW (Violence Against Women) cases.

These initiatives are expected to contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

This partnership hopes to yield a positive impact on the lives of the residents of the barangay. The implementation of the planned programs and activities will contribute to the empowerment of women, the reduction of poverty, and the fostering of stronger partnerships.

Article and photos by Noelle Jnyx C. Tacas.