“The state of UNP today is stronger.” With this declaration, University of Northern Philippines President Dr. Erwin Cadorna reflected on the university’s significant progress and institutional gains as he marked his seventh year of leadership on November 6, 2026 recognizing the collective efforts, dedication, and contributions of the people who have helped shape its journey toward greater institutional strength and excellence.
The anniversary celebration convened university officials, faculty members, students, alumni, family members, and friends in a meaningful gathering that recognized not only the institution’s milestones but also the enduring partnerships, collective commitment, and shared contributions that have driven UNP’s growth and sustained its progress through the years.
In his welcome remarks, Vice President for Finance and Administration Mr. Albert Tejero emphasized that realizing the university’s vision requires more than leadership and institutional direction—it demands the active participation, trust, and collective commitment of the entire academic community. He stressed that genuine support for a leader is demonstrated through concrete action and a shared willingness to turn institutional aspirations into accomplishments.
“When you believe in a leader and what he hopes to achieve for the university, you do not simply stand behind him. You work alongside him to make things happen,” Mr. Tejero said, highlighting the value of unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility in advancing UNP’s development agenda.
In his anniversary address, Dr. Erwin Cadorna highlighted UNP’s expanding presence in the international higher education landscape, citing its growing number of global rankings, distinctions, and institutional recognitions as evidence of the university’s continuing progress and strengthened competitiveness. He emphasized that these accomplishments reflect not merely the institution’s standing in international assessments but, more importantly, the collective dedication, hard work, and shared commitment of its administrators, faculty members, personnel, students, and other stakeholders.
“UNP continues to make its presence felt in the international academic community. Our recognition in global rankings shows that the work we do in innovation, sustainability, and social impact is gaining wider attention. These achievements encourage us to keep improving and to take our place among institutions that contribute to shaping the future of higher education,” Dr. Cadorna said.
Among the University’s notable international achievements was its placement at 162nd among the world’s Top 500 Innovative Universities in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), with four of its entries securing positions in the global Top 10 in different categories. Further affirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, UNP ranked 267th worldwide and fourth nationally in the 2026 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.
The University likewise earned a place in the 121–130 ranking band in the 2027 AppliedEdu University Rankings for ASEAN Public Universities, securing second place nationally in both Employability and Internationalization. Its inclusion in the 1001–1500 band of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 and recognition as a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ICONS Awardee further strengthened its growing reputation as an institution making significant contributions to higher education, innovation, and sustainable development.
Beyond institutional rankings and recognitions, Dr. Cadorna also took pride in the outstanding performance of UNP graduates in various professional licensure examinations, describing their achievements as tangible manifestations of the quality of education, academic preparation, and professional competence developed within the University.
Among the University’s recent board examination standouts was Ms. Dianne Tacazon Tolentino, who emerged as the Top 1 passer in the Nurses Licensure Examination. In the Social Workers Licensure Examination, Ms. Kia Francoise Corpuz and Mr. Eleiah Danielle Tamayo distinguished themselves by placing sixth and eighth, respectively. The university also celebrated the performance of its Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduates, with Mr. Jon Paul Donato securing 14th place and Ms. Haizel Faith Patubo earning 19th place in the October 2026 Certified Public Accountants Licensure Examination.
The College of Medicine likewise delivered a remarkable performance in the October 2026 Physicians Licensure Examination, posting a 95.14-percent institutional passing rate, surpassing the 93.70-percent national average. This achievement placed the college sixth among medical schools with at least 100 examinees and institutional passing rates of 85 percent or higher, further demonstrating the University’s capacity to produce competent and professionally prepared graduates in the medical field.
Another milestone that Dr. Cadorna particularly highlighted was the university-wide attainment of Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) have secured the required certification. He described the accomplishment as a significant institutional breakthrough, reflecting years of sustained efforts by the different colleges and academic units to meet regulatory requirements, strengthen academic standards, and ensure the delivery of quality higher education.
“For the first time in our 61 years, all our academic programs have complied with CHED requirements for COPC. This is something we can all be proud of. It shows the work our colleges and academic units have put into meeting the standards and making sure that we continue to provide quality education to our students,” he said.
With his presidency entering its final year, Dr. Cadorna reaffirmed his determination to sustain the university’s momentum, consolidate the gains achieved during his administration, and pursue areas that still require attention and improvement. Rather than treating the institution’s accomplishments as endpoints, he emphasized the importance of building on these gains and ensuring that ongoing programs and initiatives continue to advance beyond his term.
“We still have work to do, and I hope that in this final year, we can continue what we have started, address the things that still need improvement, and build on the gains we have made. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. Whatever progress UNP has achieved is the result of people working together for the University. My hope is that we continue moving forward even beyond my term,” Cadorna said.
His message conveyed a clear call for continuity, collective responsibility, and sustained institutional progress, emphasizing that UNP’s accomplishments are products of shared leadership and commitment rather than the efforts of any single administration. As the university moves toward its next chapter, the challenge remains to preserve these gains, pursue higher standards, and strengthen its position as a competitive, responsive, and globally recognized institution of higher learning.
Adding significance to the occasion, messages of appreciation and recognition were conveyed by Faculty Union President Dr. Marlou Savella, Federated Alumni Association President Engr. Nestor Pajaro, and Student Council President Rachelle Anne Imperial, who respectively represented the voices and perspectives of the university’s faculty members, alumni, and students. Their messages reflected the academic community’s appreciation of the administration’s leadership and its contributions to the institution’s continuing growth.
Former Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ferdinand Lamarca also shared his reflections, recognizing Dr. Cadorna’s years of public service and the accomplishments and institutional initiatives pursued throughout his presidency. His message offered a perspective on the university’s progress under Dr. Cadorna’s leadership and the efforts that have helped strengthen its academic and administrative foundations.
Meanwhile, the message of Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias Singson, delivered by his representative, Ms. Loraine Andrea Palomares Ordoño, reaffirmed the provincial government’s continuing support for the university. It also recognized UNP as a valued institutional partner in advancing development programs, public service initiatives, and other undertakings that respond to the needs and aspirations of the people of Ilocos Sur, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation between the provincial government and the university.
The celebration was further enlivened by presentations from the different colleges, showcasing the talents, creativity, and vibrant spirit of the UNP academic community. Bringing the gathering to a meaningful close, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro delivered the closing remarks, expressing appreciation for the collective contributions of university officials, faculty members, personnel, students, alumni, and other stakeholders. He also called on the entire community to uphold the spirit of unity, strengthen collaboration, and sustain the shared commitment that has propelled the university’s growth and institutional achievements.
Article and photos by University Information Office.
