The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) concluded its month-long celebration of ASEAN Month 2025 on September 1 with a vibrant Parada ng ASEAN and a timely international seminar. The events, held under the theme “Buwan ng ASEAN: Sama-Sama sa Pag-unlad” (ASEAN Month: Together for Progress), highlighted the University’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainability.
The celebration started with the Parada ng ASEAN that transformed the usual Monday flag-raising ceremony into a celebration of culture and unity as students from various colleges paraded in the traditional costumes of ASEAN member states on campus.
The parade featured vibrant and authentic attire representing the ten nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, offering the academic community a glimpse of the region’s cultural richness and diversity. Students proudly donned the costumes as they walked across the grounds, embodying ASEAN’s spirit of unity in diversity.
Executive officials of the University, led by Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, President, witnessed the activity along with faculty members, administrative staff, and students who enthusiastically applauded the participants. The presence of the academic leaders underscored UNP’s recognition of international and intercultural education as vital to shaping globally competitive graduates.
The event was led by the International Affairs and External Linkages Office under Director Dr. Sally Jarin, whose office continues to create programs that strengthen UNP’s ties within the ASEAN community and beyond. By mounting activities such as the parade, the office highlights the importance of cross-cultural understanding and the role of the students in promoting solidarity across nations.
The ASEAN costume parade is more than just a showcase of traditional dress; it is a celebration of unity in diversity, and a reminder of UNP’s continuing engagement with the global community.
The parade added vibrancy and meaning to the University’s weekly flag-raising ceremony. More than a cultural showcase, it served as an avenue for students to deepen their appreciation of the region they belong to, while reinforcing UNP’s mission to nurture individuals who are rooted in their heritage yet responsive to the global community.
The College of Teacher Education (CTE) & Laboratory Schools took home the award for Best ASEAN Traditional Costume for their representation of Malaysia.
The festivities culminated with a hybrid international seminar titled “Green Horizons: Cultivating Sustainability and Resilience in the ASEAN Context.” The seminar, which gathered students and faculty from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, both in person at UNP Tadena Hall and via Zoom, featured two distinguished speakers.
Mr. Henry Jordan Moskovitz, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Vigan, discussed “Climate Change as a Sustainability Issue.” At the same time, Dr. Dhananjay Kumar from Assam Down Town University delivered a presentation on “Digital Seeds of Resilience: Reimagining Farming with AI and Smart Technologies in ASEAN.” Both talks offered valuable insights into addressing environmental challenges and leveraging technology to achieve a more sustainable future in the region.
