The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office 1 (DSWD-RO1), at the University Gymnasium on July 22, 2024.

Dr. Erwin Cadorna, UNP President, and Maria Angela Gopalan, RO1 Regional Director, DSWD signed the MOU formalizing the agreement between UNP and DSWD’s partnership in the latter’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program.

“Through this partnership, we will provide 500 work opportunities for fresh graduates, giving them the chance to gain valuable experience and jumpstart their careers in public service. These positions will be in various fields, and agencies; with our university as one beneficiary” Dr. Cadorna said in his speech.

“By investing in our youth, we are investing in the future of our country. I am confident that this initiative will open doors, and create pathways for young Ilokanos to grow, thrive, and become leaders in their own chosen field”, he added.

A total of 500 fresh graduates from UNP will be benefitting from the said program, and will be deployed within and outside UNP. The beneficiaries who are stationed at the University started their official duties right after the MOU signing ceremony.

Also signing in the agreement is the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rolando Navarro, and Dr. Mariano Paterno Avila, Director of the Office of Student Affairs Services.

Acting as witnesses in the MOU signing were Vice-President for Research and Extension, Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Mr. Albert Tejero, Dr. Eleanor Belizar, Special Assistant to the President, and Dr. Maritess Doquinal, Head of Career and Job Placement Office, Deans of different academic units, and the beneficiaries.

Article by Earp Jedaiah Asuncion, Photos by Joel Tipon and Noelle Tacas