The College of Health Sciences (CHS) of the University of Northern Philippines celebrated its 33rd Founding Anniversary with two major events highlighting its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and student development. Held on November 14, 2025, at the UNP Gymnasium, the celebration featured a gender sensitivity seminar and the annual Pammadayaw recognition program.
As part of the anniversary theme, “Ignite: Rekindling the Spirit of Health, Service, and Unity,” the College of Health Sciences joined forces with the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) to host a seminar aimed to deepen gender awareness and advanceinclusivity in the academic community.
Prof. Alfredo Corpuz, CHS Assistant Dean, formally opened the seminar, highlighting the vital role of fairness, empathy, and mutual respect in building a healthy learning environment. CGAD Director Atty. Katrynn Louise R. Eder, in her message, reinforced this call, urging the academic community to confront harmful stereotypes and actively cultivate a campus culture where every individual is recognized, protected, and valued.
Consultants Ms. Renee Grace Tungpalan and Atty. Christian Casildo led the seminar as resource speakers, delivering in-depth discussions on fundamental Gender and Development (GAD) concepts, the enduring challenges posed by gender inequalities, and the collective responsibility of building safe and inclusive academic environments. Through their engaging presentations, they urged students to advocate dignity, equality, and mutual respect, reinforcing the crucial role of young leaders in promoting a more mindful and equitable campus culture.
In the afternoon, CHS concluded its anniversary celebration with Pammadayaw: A Celebration of Excellence and Achievements, honoring exemplary faculty and students.
Dean Dr. Joussie Bermio and Assistant Dean Alfredo Corpuz emphasized that the recognition program embodies CHS’s core mission of nurturing competent, ethical, and compassionate health professionals. They noted that the honorees—representing diverse disciplines across the college—demonstrated exemplary performance in academics, research, leadership, and community service.
Lively student performances added color and energy to the ceremony, providing a celebratory close to the day’s events. The combined anniversary festivities and recognition program reaffirmed CHS’s enduring commitment to equality, public service, and academic excellence, as the college continues to cultivate future leaders in the health sciences.
The morning program highlighted CHS’s commitment to cultivate a respectful and equitable academic environment, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on Gender Equality. In contrast, the afternoon event reaffirmed the college’s pursuit of academic excellence and capacity-building, reflecting the principles of SDG 4 on Quality Education.
Article by Ace Danielle Avero
