Reaffirming its commitment to community engagement and inclusive education, the University of Northern Philippines, through the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), renewed its partnership with Bantay West Integrated School and San Sebastian Elementary School through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement at on January 30, 2025.

This renewal of the partnership expanded the scope to include a broader collaboration between the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) – BS Pyschology Program. The signing was attended by Dr. Erwin Cadorna, UNP President; Dr. Ma Teresa Susan Manzano, Dean of the College of Teacher Education; Dr. Remedios Navarro, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Mr. Mico Molina, BS Psychology Program Head; Mr. Christian Dem Haluber, B in Elementary Education/Bachelor in Special Needs Education Program Head; and Dr. Efren  Galapon, CTE Extension Coordinator.

Bantay West Integrated School, headed by Dr. Benilda R. Canonizado, principal, and school teachers, has been a valued partner of UNP for several years, benefiting from Project Hiraya, the flagship extension program of the BS Psychology program that focuses on mental health advocacy, personal development, and community well-being.

Through this alliance, the institutions aim to promote mental health initiatives, inclusive education, sports development, and other technological support and socio-economic progress within the school community. With this renewal, UNP continues its commitment to advancing inclusive education, mental health awareness, and community development through sustainable partnerships.

Article by Mico Molina, Photos by Noelle Tacas.