On July 31, 2025, Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNUNL) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education through an impact assessment of its flagship extension programs—PNU SiKad (Sirib ken Kadaywan) and Mentoring Early Childhood Teachers (MET). These initiatives have significantly advanced holistic development among Indigenous Peoples (IPs), particularly the Agta community in Sitio Magamut, San Pablo, Isabela, and empowered Child Development Workers (CDWs) from LGU Cauayan City.

Held at the EDP Conference Room, the assessment began by accounting the lived experiences of actual program beneficiaries, whose progress served as the foundation for evaluating the initiatives’ effectiveness. To validate the presented accomplishment reports, evaluators from West Visayas State University (WVSU) were joined by partner representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and LGU Cauayan City. NCIP Provincial Officer Anne Marie Sugguiyao and Hon. Garry Galutera served as key informants, sharing firsthand insights into the programs’ tangible impact on the ground.

PNUNL extension workers and volunteers expressed deep gratitude for the positive outcomes highlighted during the assessment, viewing the results as affirmation of their dedication to community-centered service. Both NCIP and LGU Cauayan City praised PNUNL’s culturally responsive approach, noting significant improvements in the lives of beneficiaries and affirming the university’s leadership in transformative outreach.

PNUNL’s inclusion in the latest World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI)—securing 21st place in the Empowerment-Based Management category through its Bags of Joy initiative under PNU SiKad—was cited as a direct result of its innovative and impactful extension programs. Stakeholders emphasized that this recognition reflects the university’s commitment to real-world engagement, social innovation, and community empowerment. Encouraged by these outcomes, they urged PNUNL to replicate its successful programs, including Project SiKad and MET, across other Indigenous communities in Northern Luzon.

University officials pledged to sustain and expand their extension services, reinforcing PNUNL’s mission to empower marginalized groups through transformative, contextually relevant education.