In a heartfelt celebration of compassionate leadership, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) marked the 6th anniversary of President Dr. Erwin Cadorna’s administration with a meaningful community extension initiative — The Medical Assistive Device and Humanitarian Project: Hope on Wheels.
Spearheaded by the University Extension Office, the Office of the President, and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension, the project was held on November 6, 2025, in collaboration with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC).
The activity highlighted UNP’s unwavering commitment to service and inclusivity through the distribution of wheelchairs and medical assistive devices to selected persons with disabilities (PWDs). Leading the initiative were Dr. Cadorna, along with Vice Presidents Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Dr. Rolando Navarro, and Mr. Albert Tejero, who personally joined in turning over the equipment to the beneficiaries.
Beyond providing mobility and support, Hope on Wheels reflects the University’s broader vision of empowerment — fostering dignity, independence, and compassion among members of the community.
The initiative sought to extend meaningful support and foster inclusivity for persons with disabilities, reflecting the University’s enduring commitment to humanitarian outreach and community empowerment. The active involvement of University officials added depth to the event, underscoring the institution’s spirit of generosity and leadership in service—hallmarks of its anniversary celebration.
The humanitarian and community extension initiative seeks to uplift PWDs in the local community by providing wheelchairs and other medical assistive devices. Through this effort, the program addresses mobility challenges while promoting independence, social inclusion, and a better quality of life for individuals facing physical, social, and economic barriers. More than just enhancing accessibility, the initiative restores dignity and empowers beneficiaries to take active roles in their families, education, and community life.
The trained wheelchair assessors from the College of Nursing, the Department of Languages and Humanities, and the College of Arts and Sciences (BS Political Science) took on vital roles as facilitators during the activity. Leading the initiative, the College of Nursing conducted comprehensive health assessments and orientations to ensure that each beneficiary’s medical and physical needs were properly evaluated and met. Meanwhile, faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences served as assessors and documenters, assisting in communication, profiling recipients, and crafting compelling narratives that highlight the inspiring human stories at the heart of this humanitarian mission.
Meanwhile, the partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strengthens the project through its unwavering humanitarian mission of service and compassion. Complementing this effort, the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) extends its medical expertise in assessing beneficiaries’ physical needs to ensure the proper allocation of assistive devices. This collaboration highlights the essence of inter-agency unity and shared responsibility in uplifting marginalized sectors of society.
The Hope on Wheels initiative embodies the University’s extension mandate—transforming knowledge into meaningful action and advancing social responsibility. Through this humanitarian project, the University and its partners renew their collective commitment to inclusivity, sustainable community engagement, and the promotion of human dignity. Moreover, the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), reinforcing the University’s role as a catalyst for equitable and compassionate development.
