The University of Northern Philippines celebrated its Stakeholders and Partner Agencies Appreciation Day with the theme “UNP @60: Celebrating a Journey of Growth and Innovation at the Forefront of Global Education” on October 9, 2025, at the UNP Gymnasium.
UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna highlighted the power of partnerships in shaping education that meets industry needs: “Your support helps us connect theory with practice and guarantees that our graduates are not only skilled but also prepared for the industry.”
UNP’s growing international collaborations, sending students to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, demonstrate its forward-looking vision for global competence. The university also values its alumni network, now globally engaged in transferring knowledge and innovation back to current students.
A recurring insight throughout his message is that UNP’s journey is not one of individual triumph but of collective success. As Dr. Cadorna reminded everyone, “You are not just partners in progress; you are integral co-builders of our legacy.” This sentiment frames the Diamond Jubilee as both a reflection of the past and a renewal of commitment to being “a beacon of innovation, integrity, and inclusion.”
Ms. Marina N. Garcia, Director II of the Civil Service Commission–Ilocos Sur Field Office, served as guest of honor and speaker. She paid tribute to UNP’s rich history from its roots as Vigan High School in 1906 to becoming a university in 1965, describing its journey as “aged in purpose, born into service.”
She praised UNP as a partner in public service, contributing to civil service exams, community programs, and local development. Comparing the institution to a diamond formed under pressure, she noted how UNP has thrived through shifting policies, limited resources, and even pandemics, emerging stronger and more resilient.
In her message on innovation and leadership, she urged the audience to practice “matalinong pagduda” (intelligent doubt), a healthy questioning that drives progress. “Innovation, after all, is just well-channeled dissatisfaction,” she said, encouraging everyone to ask “Bakit nga ba ganito?” and to strive for better systems and ideas.
Closing her speech with Helen Keller’s words, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much,” Dir. Garcia connected it to UNP’s enduring legacy of unity, nurture, and purpose, a university that continues to shine as a beacon of excellence and service for 60 years and beyond.
Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed the guests, saying, “Your organizations have played an indispensable role. Through your support, expertise, and unwavering commitment, we have transformed challenges into opportunities and goals into accomplishments.” He emphasized that trust, shared goals, and cooperation among agencies drive sustainable change in education, health, infrastructure, governance, and social welfare.
The event also featured intermission numbers from the Danggay Saririt Cultural Dance and Vocal Ensemble, and the distribution of certificates to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), local government units, schools, barangays, banks, cooperatives, motor companies, hotels, restaurants, and other partner institutions and agencies.
Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension, reflected on decades of growth, saying, “UNP has evolved into a bastion of knowledge and source of professional manpower in the region.” She framed the Diamond Jubilee as “a shared victory built upon the strong and enduring partnerships we have forged with each and every one of you.”
She further expressed UNP’s forward-looking vision: “By combining our academic and scientific expertise with your practical wisdom and on-the-ground experience, we can develop more relevant, impactful, and sustainable solutions together.”
In conclusion, Vice President for Finance and Administration Albert Tejero declared, “The university is nothing without the support, guidance, and unconditional cooperation you have extended to us. We started with nothing, but here we are, we accomplished so much because of you, our dear partners.”
This recognition of partnership as the foundation of progress deepened the emotional core of the event, affirming that UNP’s achievements over the past 60 years were made possible through enduring trust, unity, and collaboration.
Article by Rocelle Villanueva.
