The University of Northern Philippines entered a pact with Ag-agrao, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur and Ag-agrao National High School on November 17, 2023.

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President, signed the Memorandum of Agreement with Mr. Danilo B. Derige (punong barangay) and Mr. Rolando Buenavista Jr. (head teacher).

According to the College of Teacher Education (CTE), the mover behind this endeavor, the event signifies a commitment to integrating sustainable development principles into the core of education and community development at Ag-agrao National High School and the community, thus contributing to the global effort to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Furthermore, it recognizes the importance of working together to create a conducive learning environment and provide students with valuable resources and opportunities.

Among the target services the University seeks to provide to the community include medical and dental services; information drive and other advocacy programs; skills training, technology transfer and livelihood projects; lectures in coaching and officiating sport games; training on disaster risk reduction and management, basic life support, basic first aid and rescue operations; health, technological, educational, economic, and business management training programs or seminars; and capability building activities for barangay employees, teachers, and students.

With CTE as the prime mover, the MOA also aims to assist the school in instruction through developing instructional materials, conducting action research, and using ICT. Lastly, the CTE will also help the school in implementing the Gulayan sa Paaralan Project and other related endeavors through the Inclusive, Rejuvenating, Responsible, Integrative, Agricultural Arts and Technology Education (IRRIGATE) approach.

Part of the event is also the dissemination of the research titled “Innovative Pedagogies for 21st Century Classrooms: Research Findings and Best Practices” by selected CTE faculty. Accordingly, this completed study aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, namely: Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).