“Sisasaganakami a mangipaay ti serbisyo ti UNP ditoy Luba, Abra.”

This was the promise of Dr. Erwin Cadorna, University of Northern Philippines President, to the residents of Sitio Agumanay, Gayaman, Luba, Abra during the Memorandum of Agreement signing between UNP, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Agumanay Women’s Association (AWA) on March 26, 2024.

“Nakitak diay tarigagay a tumulong gapuen ti impakitada [AWA] a gagar a makasagrap ti tulong,” Dr. Cadorna remarked.

For TESDA, Ms. Maricon Taclaoan, Administraive Officer, quipped “i-commit-ko ti serbisyo ti TESDA Abra kas partner ti UNP a mangipaay kadagiti napipintas a serbisio.”

The president of AWA, Ms. Gerlyn Gayao, expressed thanks to UNP and TESDA for choosing their organization as the beneficiary of their services.

Dr. Eleanor Belizar, Executive Assistant of the President, emphasized that the services which will be delivered to the residents will be on a holistic approach that will involve all genders.

UNP is committed to provide skills training and livelihood programs, projects and activities; provide opportunities to perform services, bolster character development and leadership; upgrade social awareness and capability to raise standard of living; invite volunteers and participants to the programs, projects, and activities; and collaborate and partner with TESDA in information drive, community and social services, and other advocacy programs, projects, and activities.

TESDA, on the other hand, will provide technical education and skills development; conduct competency assessment to the beneficiaries identified by the University; provide necessary support and funds for the various programs and projects of the University; and to set the direction and implement programs geared towards a quality-assured and inclusive technical education, skills development, and certification.

The winding road is not a hindrance for the University to go that far to extend services. UNP has already been active in its involvement on the delivery of services to the residents of the municipality of Villaviciosa before forging a MOA with AWA in Gayaman, Luba, Abra.

The MOA signing was witnessed by Dr. Lloyd Mata, Director, Extension Services Office; Hon. Federico Saoadan and barangay officials of Gayaman, Luba; Dr. Chase Mark Suyat, Department Head, Social Sciences and Philosophy; Dr. Ismael Rivera and Mr. Randall Rabacal, Extension Coordinators; and members of AWA and residents of Sitio Agumanay.

Article and photo by Johnny Allagadan Jr.