The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), led by Director Michael Armand Canilao of National Museum North Luzon and the NMP-Ilocos team, visited the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) for a roundtable discussion on potential partnerships. Held on January 30, 2026, at Oandasan Hall, the meeting focused on collaborative opportunities in culture and heritage preservation.
It was attended by UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro, and Special Assistant to the President Dr. Eleanor Belizar, along with heads and deans from culture-focused units: Museo de la Unibersidad Head Dr. Santiago Reolalas (lead unit); Dr. Fatima Nicetas Rabang-Alonzo (College of Architecture), Dr. Blessie Cabanting (College of Hospitality and Tourism Management), Dr. Ma. Teresa Susan Manzano (College of Teacher Education), Dr. Paulino Ashley Martinez (College of Fine Arts and Design), Dr. Abelardo Anicas, Bachelor of Public Administration Program Head (College of Public Administration), and Dr. Sally Jarin (Director, International and External Linkages).
From NMP-Ilocos, Director Canilao was joined by Ms. Maria Lourdes Ingel (Officer-in-Charge and Administrative Officer V), Ms. Frolaine Aprilyn Dannang (Information Officer III), and Ms. Lorrain Gay Bilog (Administrative Officer IV).
The discussion centered on five key areas for a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Dr. Cadorna highlighted NMP’s potential support for UNP’s university museum at Diego Silang Hall and assured ongoing disaster risk reduction efforts to protect collections from flooding. Ms. Ingel recommended relocating select items to safer sites and enhancing college curricula, particularly internships, to enrich student experiences.
Director Canilao outlined the museum’s core functions—preservation, conservation, collection, research, and exhibition—stressing research’s role in exhibitions and offering technical assistance to Museo de la Unibersidad.
The meeting ended with a commitment to draft a three-year MOU, enabling UNP and NMP to collaborate on preserving and promoting Ilokano heritage through high-quality services.
Article by Society Salcedo.
