The University of Northern Philippines through Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension continued to demonstrate its commitment to grassroots development as it carried out A Volunteer Day: Donation of Steamer for the Livelihood of Kapitbahayan of Gawad Kalinga Village at the Nueva Segovia GK Village in Tamurong Primero, Candon City on November 7, 2025. The initiative highlighted the University’s ongoing efforts to empower partner communities through sustainable and skills-based livelihood support.
In a simple yet meaningful turnover ceremony, Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension, personally handed a commercial steamer to the GK Village residents. The equipment is expected to play a central role in strengthening the community’s small-scale food production enterprise, particularly in the making of traditional delicacies such as poto, bibingka, suman, and other kakanin. These products, which can be marketed to nearby barangays, schools, and local events, provide a feasible income-generating opportunity for families seeking to improve their daily living conditions.
Dr. Rocamora emphasized that the steamer is more than a piece of equipment—it is a tool for sustaining the livelihood technologies previously introduced to the community through the University’s extension programs. She noted that by equipping the residents with both skills and tools, UNP hopes to create long-term impact, enabling households to increase their income and eventually uplift their overall quality of life. The activity also served as a venue for further engagement with residents, reaffirming the University’s presence and support within the GK Village.
This initiative is firmly rooted in the memorandum of agreement signed on May 20, 2025 between UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna and the GK Area Team Leader for North Luzon Mr. Rizalino Pena. The agreement outlines a broad and comprehensive partnership between the University and the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, setting forth a shared vision for community empowerment, capacity building, and social transformation.
Under the agreement, the University is tasked to assist in the establishment and growth of GK Villages by providing an array of services tailored to the needs of residents. These responsibilities include delivering medical, dental, nursing, and allied health services designed to improve the community’s overall well-being. UNP is also committed to implement various information and advocacy campaigns that address the concerns identified within the community, helping residents stay informed and proactive in their development.
Education and skills enhancement form another major component of the partnership. The University pledged to conduct literacy and numeracy programs, skills training sessions, technology transfer initiatives, and livelihood projects aimed at equipping residents with knowledge and competencies essential for self-sufficiency. Recognizing the increasing importance of preparedness, the agreement also includes training on disaster risk reduction and management, covering basic life support, first aid, and rescue operations.
To ensure that the partnership remains effective and transparent, the University committed to organize a monitoring and evaluation committee that would regularly assess the progress of projects and the quality of services delivered. An impact assessment will likewise be conducted to determine the long-term benefits experienced by residents and to guide future interventions.
Beyond training and social services, the agreement also emphasizes UNP’s role in assisting with the establishment, rehabilitation, and repair of GK houses, public structures, and community facilities. Support for community sports development—through lectures on coaching and officiating—may be extended upon request. The University also pledged to help mobilize resources for entrepreneurial ventures and other community projects, ensuring that residents have access to opportunities that promote economic resilience. All these efforts fall under the broader call to strengthen volunteerism and citizen engagement in GK communities.
The donation of the steamer is therefore one significant step in a much larger, long-term partnership. It reflects the University’s holistic approach to community engagement—one that integrates livelihood, education, health, preparedness, and active citizenship. As the GK Village residents prepare to grow their food-based enterprise, the initiative stands as a clear example of how collaborative efforts can translate into opportunities for growth, income, and empowerment.
For UNP and GK Village, A Volunteer Day is not just a momentary activity but a continuing story of compassion, commitment, and shared pursuit of a better future for every member of the community.
