The University of Northern Philippines strengthened its community engagement efforts as it formally entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the municipal government of Nagbukel, Ilocos Sur, through the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension. The partnership aims to expand livelihood opportunities and support grassroots development initiatives within the municipality.
The MOA signing brought together key representatives from both institutions. Representing UNP were Prof. May Evelia Ruadap, University Extension Coordinator; Dr. Marites Duquinal from the Office of Student Affairs; and Mr. Aristotle Piamonte of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy. The Nagbukel LGU, meanwhile, was represented by Sangguniang Bayan Members Hon. Virgilio Baguang and Hon. Ernesto Corrales, along with Municipal Information Officer Ms. Flora Lea Dagdagan.
The University, represented by President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, committed to a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening community development and public service in the municipality. Under the agreement, the institution will spearhead research and related activities; extend medical and dental services to local residents; and roll out information drives and advocacy campaigns. It will also implement skills training, technology transfer sessions, and livelihood projects, alongside specialized training on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Basic Life Support, First Aid, and rescue operations.
Beyond these, the University will conduct health, technological, educational, economic, and business management seminars; lead capability-building programs for municipal employees, officials, and residents; and regularly assess the sustainability of ongoing projects. To ensure effective implementation, it further pledged to provide the necessary materials and technical assistance for all agreed-upon activities.
The local government of Nagbukel, led by Mayor Randolf John Cabrera, committed to a wide range of responsibilities to ensure the partnership’s success. Under the agreement, the LGU will support the conduct of research and related activities, facilitate needs assessment surveys, and provide training venues equipped with the necessary tools and materials for program implementation. The municipality will also mobilize residents to participate in scheduled activities, supply indigenous materials required for various projects, and champion the adoption of new knowledge and skills gained through the programs. In addition, the LGU vowed to sustain and further develop initiatives established under the collaboration, ensuring long-term impact in the community.
Following the formalization of the partnership—jointly coordinated by Prof. May Evelia Ruadap and Dr. Eileen Rose Paculan—the University of Northern Philippines promptly launched a series of livelihood training sessions aimed to empower local women’s organizations. The initiative delivers hands-on skills development and practical income-generating knowledge, underscoring UNP’s commitment to community advancement through sustainable, skills-based programs.
Dr. Duquinal facilitated the preparation of liquid hand soap and dishwashing liquid, providing participants with hands-on experience in producing household essentials that they can market locally. Complementing this was a papaya chips–making workshop led by Mr. Patrick Niño Almachar and Ms. Karen Calaycay, who guided attendees through the entire process—from preparation to packaging.
Women participants from various community-based organizations, including Puso ng mga Kababaihan, Aranaar, the Nagbukel Ladies Papaya Processors Association, and the Rural Improvement Club, expressed appreciation for the extension program, noting its relevance in enhancing livelihood prospects for families in the municipality.
To complete the extension activity, Mr. Piamonte delivered an engaging lecture on the Basic Principles of Marketing, offering participants foundational knowledge in product promotion, pricing strategies, and market identification—skills essential for sustaining and expanding their newly learned livelihood ventures.
The collaborative initiative stresses UNP’s continuing commitment to empower local communities through responsive, skills-based, and development-oriented extension programs, while supporting Nagbukel’s efforts toward inclusive economic growth.
