Hon. Tabanda and Dr. Cadorna sign the Memorandum of Agreement certifying UNP’s research endeavors in the Municipality of San Vicente.

With the preservation of cultural heritage as one of its development goals, the University of Northern Philippines partnered with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Vicente, Ilocos Sur and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for important endeavors relating to culture through two memoranda signed at the San Vicente Municipal Hall on 6 March 2023.

The first one is a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Research Undertakings between the San Vicente LGU and the University, while the second is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a cultural mapping project among the University, the LGU, and the NCCA.

The MOA is based on the premise that the LGU is “in need of assistance in terms of the preservation and promotion of its cultural and natural heritage for a more responsive local governance.”

The University, on the other hand, aims to “provide the necessary assistance with regard to the preservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage.”

As such, UNP will conduct research at the municipality, establish research collaborations with the LGU and its sectors, and disseminate and provide research outputs. More importantly, it will assist the local government in the formulation of its cultural heritage policies and tourism charter and in the conduct of exhibits on its cultural heritage.

The MOA was signed by Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna (University President) and Hon. Jonan D. Tabanda (Municipal Mayor) in the presence of Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna (director, University Research and Development Office [URDO]) and Hon. Jose C. Tabanda III.

On the other hand, the MOU is on a local cultural mapping project to be undertaken in the municipality which aims to “collect information and data on significant natural heritage and cultural properties.” 

The signed MOU attests that UNP, the San Vicente LGU, and the NCCA “mutually agree to support, undertake, implement, document, and disseminate the project.”

Through the MOU, UNP will organize the implementation of the project in the locality and the training of a local mapping team. It shall also provide the logistical needs for the training, pass resolutions supporting the project, and ensure its continuous implementation.

Dr. Fatima F. Rocamora (Vice President for Research and Extension), Dean Ashley Martinez (College of Fine Arts and Design), Dean Fatima Alonzo (College of Architecture), Dr. Eleanor R. Belizar (executive assistant to the President), URDO staff, and other officials of the San Vicente LGU were also present during the event.

Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna reads the contents of the Memorandum of Agreement between UNP and San Vicente LGU.

UNP administrators, faculty, and staff grab a photo opportunity with the officials of San Vicente LGU after the ceremonial signing.