The University of Northern Philippines and the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on October 9, 2025, marking another milestone in the University’s continuing commitment to community service and rehabilitation initiatives.
UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna was in equally significant activities aligned with the University’s anniversary celebration, Prof. May Evelia Ruadap represented the University during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement.
The MOA signing was jointly led by Ilocos Sur Governor Hon. Jeremias Singson and witnessed by an array of distinguished officials from the local government and law enforcement sectors. Among those present were Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Reymark Rafanan; PCOL Agosto Asuncion, Provincial Director of the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (ISPPO); JSINS Jayson Mabuti of the BJMPPO Sur; JSINS Lloyd Gudoy, Warden of BJMP Vigan; JSINS Roger Pascua, Warden of BJMP Bantay; PLT Domingo Amano Jr. of ISPPO; Dr. Cirilo Tejano; Dr. Larry Dizon Sr., TESDA Provincial Director; IA3 Darnel Bacate, PDEA Provincial Officer; Mr. John Eric Pilot, PESO Representative; PLtCol. Rogelio Remiendo Jr. of ISPPO; Mr. Teresito Batin; and Mrs. Lerlie Bunag.
The partnership underscores UNP’s proactive role in strengthening linkages with local institutions to advance programs that promote education, rehabilitation, and community development—an advocacy that remains central to the University’s mission even as it commemorates six decades of transformative service.
Under the agreement, UNP commits to deliver a range of extension and outreach services to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail. These include medical, dental, and nursing services, information drives and advocacy programs, skills training and livelihood projects, technology transfer, and lectures on coaching and officiating sports games upon request. The University will also provide training on disaster risk reduction and management, basic life support, first aid, and rescue operations, as well as educational, technological, and business management seminars and capability-building programs.
During the event, certificates of completion were also awarded to PDL participants who successfully finished the Candle Making cum Seminar on Packaging and the Shielded Metal Arc Welding training earlier conducted by the University.
The Candle Making and Packaging training was facilitated by Mr. Dan Alvin Marinas and Prof. Aries Piamonte. With the trainers were Prof. May Evelia V. Ruadap, University Extension Coordinator, and Dr. Eilene Rose Paculan, College of Business Administration and Accountancy Extension Coordinator.
Meanwhile, the Shielded Metal Arc Welding training was organized by the College of Technology under the coordination of Dr. Mario Reotutar, with faculty members Profs. Warmie Tabuso, Jesus Garcia, Orlino Tabuac, George Michael Amano, and Nelson Bajet serving as trainers.
The partnership was realized through the initiative of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension headed by Dr. Fatima Rocamora, underscoring UNP’s mission to extend its expertise and resources toward inclusive and transformative community development.
Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to empower persons deprived of liberty by equipping them with practical skills, livelihood opportunities, and values formation essential for their eventual reintegration into society.
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