The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) and the Department of Labor and Employment-Region 1 (DOLE) officially signed their inaugural Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 11 at the UNP Guestel Boardroom, marking the commencement of a promising and collaborative partnership between the two esteemed institutions.

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna (UNP President), Dr. Art Oandasan (Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member), Honorina Dian-Baga (Asst. Regional Director), and Charity A. Ubilas (Supervising LEO/OIC) signed the agreement that both parties shall sincerely cooperate among themselves in ensuring prompt, timely, non-charging fee, and efficient delivery of full-cycle employment facilitation services for the students.

Ms. Charity A. Ubilas, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer (LEO/OIC), shared in her welcome remarks that the Job Placement Office (JPO) in UNP will be the first to be established in the province of Ilocos Sur.

Moreover, Gov. Jeremias Singson, represented by Dr. Art Oandasan, reiterated in his message that “this partnership signifies the strong partnership between the government agencies and the educational institutions for the betterment of the province and its people.”

Dr. Cadorna also highlighted the importance of creating change by imparting the heart of Filipino labor to young professionals.

“In UNP, we provide our institution for our students as their training ground for the real world. With our various undergraduate and graduate programs, we equip them with adequate knowledge and skillsets to help them thrive in their respective fields wherever future workplaces they decide to showcase their professional endeavors,” Dr. Cadorna said.

Further, Ms. Honorina Dian-Baga, Assistant Regional Director, expressed in her message that “the department will be more involved in supporting all the initiatives aimed at enhancing the employability of UNP graduates and Ilocos Sur students in general.”

As an immediate manifestation of the agreement, five graduate students of UNP who applied for the DOLE’s Job Placement Office were duly approved, giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills and engage in gainful employment opportunities.

With this newly established partnership, the key representatives from both institutions are expected to work hand in hand in their commitment to working together on initiatives aimed at promoting education, employment, and skills development.

Article by Sandy Joy Gasatan. Photo by Joel Tipon.