The University of Northern Philippines honored dozens of employees during its Service Awards Ceremony on October 14, 2025, recognizing decades of dedicated service and contributions to the institution’s 2025 international ranking success.
University of Northern Philippines Service Awards Honor Decades of Dedicated Employee Commitment
## Key Details
The ceremony at Marcos Hall celebrated employees across multiple categories, including length of service, civil service excellence, and outstanding personnel performance. Special recognition was given to offices and individuals who contributed to UNP’s success in the 2025 international ranking of Higher Education Institutions.
Leading the honorees were three employees with 40 years of service: UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, and Mrs. La Paz Eulalia Q. Aquino. The university also recognized employees with 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, and 10 years of service, totaling more than 60 recipients.
Outstanding Personnel Awards went to seven exceptional staff members, including Mr. Norman B. Martinez as Non-Academic Personnel of the Year and Dr. Adora G. Ilac as Faculty of the Year. The university presented posthumous awards to families of three departed colleagues whose service continues to inspire the UNP community.
## Quotes & Reactions
“We gather not only to pay tribute to the University’s legacy, but also to recognize the men and women who have contributed to its success,” Dr. Cadorna said. “Our faculty and administrative personnel, whose years of service have become the true reasons that ushered this University to its rightful place.”
Guest speaker Dr. Dexter Buted, Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Coconut Authority, praised the honorees’ unwavering dedication. “Being part of this prestigious University is never easy for teachers. Every day, you face countless challenges — striving, imagining, and redesigning your mission. You, our service awardees, who have devoted ten, twenty, or even thirty years of your lives, are the very essence of this institution’s integrity,” Dr. Buted remarked.
Drawing on the diamond metaphor for UNP’s 60th anniversary celebration, Dr. Buted reflected, “By extraordinary heat and pressure, and over time, carbon becomes a diamond. Perhaps this is the real lesson for all of us today — that our true worth as educators and public servants is not measured by brilliance, but by integrity and steadfastness under pressure.”
Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted the significance of the recognition. “Each awardee represents the heart and soul of our mission. They have gone beyond their duties to ensure that our goals are met with sincerity, professionalism, and purpose,” Dr. Navarro said.
## Background & Context
The ceremony occurred during UNP’s Diamond Jubilee year, marking six decades of educational service. Dr. Cadorna emphasized that the Service Awards testament to recipients’ exemplary work ethic and commitment to education, research, and public service.
Dr. Buted underscored the concept of “anti-fragility,” comparing UNP’s resilience to a coconut tree. “When the storm hits hardest, the coconut tree bends, rebuilds, and grows stronger. That is what UNP has done — rising from every challenge, turning adversity into innovation,” he said.
The speaker also emphasized transformational leadership and the importance of treating critics constructively. “Leadership truly means compassion. Ang tunay na lider ay mapagkalinga—marunong umunawa hindi lamang sa kanyang mga kakampi kundi pati na rin sa kanyang mga kritiko,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by key university officials including Alumni Regent Hon. Nestor Pajaro, Student Regent Hon. Jake Axel Tacadena, and directors from the Civil Service Commission Region I and Ilocos Sur Field Office.
## What’s Next
Dr. Buted concluded by urging continued excellence in service. “Success will only come naturally to those who strive for excellence in every task. Remember, you are being recognized not just for what you have done, but for who you are — resilient yet humble, strong yet kind, excellent yet gracious,” he said.
The university also recognized extensive teams who contributed to international ranking initiatives, including WURI Writers, UI GreenMetric Committee members, and Technical Working Group participants, positioning UNP for continued global academic recognition.
