The University of Northern Philippines’ Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) conducted the Discernment and Integration Year Program (DIYP): A Jericho Experience for seminarians of the Immaculate Conception School of Theology (ICST) on August 3, 2026.
Implemented under the Office of Student Affairs and Services’ (OSAS) ILAW Program through Project UPLIFT (Unified Program for Lifelong Inclusion, Flourishing, and Transition), the initiative reinforced the University’s commitment to deliver integrated student welfare extension services that promote holistic development, inclusion, and community engagement. The activity was spearheaded by Dr. Marifel Acena, Head of Student Welfare Services, together with Mr. Froilan Unciano, Assistant Head of Social Community Involvement and Multifaith Services, whose leadership emphasized OSAS’s continuing efforts to extend meaningful and responsive student support beyond the campus.
Drawing from the biblical narrative of the Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:1–20), the formation session challenged seminarians to identify and overcome the personal barriers that impede authentic human and spiritual development. Through guided reflection and spiritual processing, participants explored issues of self-defense, fear, resistance, and identity, promoting greater emotional maturity, deeper self-awareness, and a more integrated, Christ-centered character. The activity highlighted the vital role of holistic formation in preparing future ministers to serve with authenticity, resilience, and pastoral compassion.
Central to the discussion was the idea that an integral personality takes shape when a seminarian understands his identity, develops healthy coping mechanisms, lowers unnecessary defenses, embraces growth despite resistance, and allows God to transform his whole person for service and mission.
The initiative highlighted the enduring collaboration between the University of Northern Philippines and the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in nurturing the human, spiritual, and psychosocial development of seminarians. Through the University’s continuing extension services, UNP shared its expertise in student welfare and formation, reaffirming its commitment to empower partner institutions through values-based programs that cultivate personal growth, strengthen faith, and prepare future Church leaders for compassionate and responsible ministry.
