The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) and the Immaculate Conception School of Theology (ICST) have officially forged a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 10, 2025 to implement a driving lessons program for seminarians. The agreement was signed by ICST Rector Rev. Fr. Nick Vaquilar and UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, with the College of Technology (CTECH) spearheading the program’s implementation.
During the ceremony, Dr. Julius Moises Albalos, Dean of the College of Technology, delivered an overview of the Memorandum of Agreement, highlighting its purpose of equipping seminarians with essential driving skills and technical knowledge that will contribute to their personal development and community service. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the University’s continuing commitment to extending its educational expertise beyond the campus and into meaningful partnerships that foster real-life competencies.
The driving lessons program will be facilitated by the College of Technology through Mr. George Michael Amano, Program Head of Automotive Technology, and Mr. Andrew Pescador, Faculty Member of Electrical Technology, who will oversee both the theoretical and practical aspects of the training.
Also representing the University during the signing were Dr. Albalos, Dr. Mario Reotutar, CTECH Unit Extension Coordinator, and Prof. May Evelia Ruadap, University Extension Coordinator, who expressed their support for the collaboration and its role in advancing UNP’s extension services.
In his message, Dr. Cadorna reaffirmed UNP’s dedication to community service and expressed appreciation to Fr. Vaquilar for his consistent spiritual support to the University. The event was attended by UNP personnel and ICST seminarians and was hosted by Mr. Ebrahim Zargul.
Article by John Jericho Arquines.
