The University of Northern Philippines, through the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension, reaffirmed its commitment to community development and educational empowerment by renewing its Memorandum of Agreement with Magsingal National High School on July 31, 2026.
The renewed partnership reinforces the University’s sustained collaboration with the Department of Education in delivering responsive extension programs that promote education, health, disaster preparedness, livelihood, and community resilience.
Representing UNP during the MOA signing were Dr. Lloyd Mata, Officer-in-Charge Director of the University Extension Office (UEO); Prof. May Evelia Ruadap, UEO Coordinator for Advocacy and Research Dissemination; Mr. Jastin Soria, Extension Coordinator for Disaster Risk Reduction Management, and Dr. Eileen Rose Paculan, UEO Coordinator for Extension Publication.
Under the agreement, UNP will implement its flagship extension initiative, UNP EXPRESS (Empowering and eXpanding Potential through Responsive and Engaging Social Services), which encompasses community and social services, literacy and numeracy, skills and livelihood services, information and advocacy, disaster risk reduction and management, information technology and campus journalism, and cultural preservation and heritage conservation.
The University also committed to provide medical and dental services for students and teachers, conduct information drives on gender and development and other advocacy programs, facilitate skills training, technology transfer, and livelihood projects, and deliver training on disaster risk reduction and management, basic life support, basic first aid, and rescue operations.
In addition, UNP will spearhead health, technological, educational, economic, and business management seminars; conduct capability-building activities for municipal employees, teachers, and students; regularly assess and evaluate the continuity of established projects and programs; and provide the necessary materials, technical assistance, and other resources needed for the successful implementation of extension activities.
As stipulated in the agreement, Magsingal National High School will provide policy guidance to ensure the effective implementation of the programs, coordinate closely with UNP in carrying out extension activities, and assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the initiatives.
The recipient school likewise pledged to promote the knowledge, values, and skills acquired through the various programs; ensure the proper upkeep, maintenance, and utilization of equipment, tools, supplies, and materials provided by the University; and sustain the continuity of projects established under the partnership.
Immediately following the signing ceremony, participants took part in a Basic Life Support training, equipping students with essential emergency response skills. The training was facilitated by Mr. Soria, together with College of Health Sciences faculty members Mr. Greg Quilana, Ms. Jihan Heidee Bitonio, and Mr. Mario Contaoi Jr.
The renewal of the partnership emphasizes UNP’s commitment to advance community engagement through transformative extension programs that empower schools, strengthen institutional collaboration, and create lasting social impact across the province.
