Celebrating cultural diversity and promoting cross-cultural appreciation, the University of Northern Philippines brought international students closer to Vigan’s culinary heritage through an International Students’ Day activity on October 12, 2026 at the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management Kitchen Laboratory, where participants learned the art of preparing the city’s iconic Vigan Empanada as part of the University’s 61st Founding Anniversary celebration.
Dr. Sally Jarin, Director of the International Affairs and External Linkages Office, expressed her sincere appreciation to the UNP Administration for its support in making the activity possible, emphasizing the University’s commitment to provide international students with meaningful opportunities to experience Filipino culture, deepen intercultural understanding, and build connections within a welcoming and inclusive academic community.
Through the celebration, UNP reaffirmed its commitment to embrace cultural diversity and enrich international students’ university experience by creating opportunities for cultural exchange, mutual appreciation, and stronger connections with the local community.
Ms. Joy De Mesa-Galinato, an empanada maker from Lola Pinang Empanada in Baubay, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, demonstrated the traditional preparation of the iconic Ilocano delicacy, guiding the participating international students through the process while introducing them to the culinary traditions that make Vigan Empanada a celebrated part of the region’s cultural heritage. The hands-on demonstration provided an opportunity for cultural appreciation and intercultural exchange, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of Ilocano cuisine through firsthand experience.
The activity offered international students a hands-on learning experience beyond the classroom as they explored the preparation of Vigan Empanada, a renowned Ilocano delicacy known for its distinctive orange-colored rice-flour crust and savory filling. Under the guidance of Ms. De Mesa-Galinato, the participants learned about the ingredients, techniques, and traditional methods involved in preparing the local specialty, gaining firsthand appreciation of the culinary heritage of Vigan and the Ilocos Region.
The celebration also highlighted the valuable role of international students in enriching UNP community through their diverse perspectives, personal experiences, and cultural traditions. By providing opportunities for active participation, cultural exchange, and meaningful interaction, the activity encouraged mutual understanding and appreciation while promoting an inclusive academic environment where cultural diversity serves as a source of shared learning and collaboration.
As UNP marks its 61st Founding Anniversary, the International Students’ Day celebration reflects the University’s commitment to provide educational experiences that extend beyond academic instruction. Through initiatives that bring together global perspectives and local traditions, UNP continues to promote intercultural appreciation while preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Vigan and the Ilocos Region, contributing to a more inclusive and culturally vibrant university community.
