The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) successfully represented the country in the 5th BRAVE (Building Resilience through Academic and Values-based Education) Program 2025, which took place from August 18 to 23, 2025 at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (UNUSA) in Indonesia.
The event brought together students, faculty, and international partners for a week of academic exchange, cultural immersion, and collaborative advocacy focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
The Philippine delegation included faculty members Maria Yolanda Aquino (Program Head of BSEHS), Leila Sylvia Bautista (RLE Coordinator), Mark Christian Arizala (Extension Coordinator), and Almira Gonzales (Faculty), as well as student participants Zamierre Ann Dauz, Jermy Kaye Mangoba, Aira Kimberly Dig, Kyla Marie Aviles, Gwynne Shelly Docutin, and Khrizzia Alliah Purugganan. Their active participation demonstrated the strength of the UNP academic community and its commitment to worldwide collaboration.
The event began on August 18 with a colorful opening ceremony in the UNUSA Auditorium, which featured messages from institutional leaders, a keynote from the Australian Consulate, and an inspiring speech from Indonesian youth campaigner Aeshnina. Cultural performances, a flashmob, and a Model United Nations (MUN) simulation emphasized the program’s theme of unity in diversity.
On the second day, participants took part in skills and advocacy training. The seminar “Be a Hero: Training to Save a Life” increased delegates’ knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS), which directly supported health and education aims. In the afternoon, the environmental campaign “Eco-Warriors: Battle for Clean Water” enabled young leaders to advocate for sustainability and water security, highlighting the significance of SDG 6.
The third day was an event of significance for the Philippine delegation. The morning was packed with intercultural learning opportunities, including an Indonesian traditional dance session and a talk on “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Mental Health of the Young Generation.”
The UNP professors made an academic contribution in the afternoon, before the Javanese Traditional Games began. They held a session on Best Practices in Emergency Care in the Philippines, followed by a discussion about Basic Life Support (BLS). Their talk was well-received by foreign delegates and contributed to the advancement of SDGs 3 and 4, highlighting the Philippines’ experiences and competence in emergency care teaching.
On the fourth day, participants immersed themselves in Surabaya, visiting cultural icons and sustainability sites to gain a better understanding of Indonesia’s legacy and development strategies. Finally, on August 22, the program completed with a moving closing ceremony. Delegates exchanged reflections, got participation certificates, and developed friendships. The fellowship journey to Mount Bromo was a fitting conclusion, reminding all participants of their perseverance, solidarity, and shared duty for a brighter future.
The UNP delegation expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President, for his visionary leadership and support; Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, Director of the University Research and Development Office (URDO), for her guidance in aligning international engagements; and Dr. Sally A. Jarin, Head of the International Affairs and External Linkages Office, for her tireless dedication to fostering global linkages. The group also expresses gratitude to the UNUSA Administration led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Achmad Jazidie, M. Eng and the UNUSA Student Council, led by Sukma Wafirul Mahasin, for their warm welcome and superb cooperation.
UNP staff and students who participated in the 5th BRAVE Program strengthened the university’s global footprint and reaffirmed its dedication to health, education, and sustainability. Their contributions exemplified the spirit of academic achievement, cultural solidarity, and social responsibility, establishing UNP as a proud advocate for SDGs 3, 4, and 6 on the global stage.
Article by Maria Yolanda Aquino and Mark Christian Arizala
