Cauayan City, Isabela – In a recent interview of Bombo Radyo Cauayan last July 2, 2025, Dr. Agnes S. Reyes, the Executive Director and Provost of Philippine Normal University North Luzon, proudly shared a series of groundbreaking accomplishments and forward-looking programs that continue to cement the institution’s legacy as a leader in teacher education.

One of the major highlights discussed was the upcoming Panagrambak: A Celebration for March 2025 LEPT Topnotchers and Passers, scheduled this Friday, July 4. The celebration will honor PNUNL’s outstanding performance in the March 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), where the university ranked 1st nationwide in the secondary level. Adding to this remarkable feat, Reden A. Calipjo, Batch 2024, secured 8th place nationwide, earning a prestigious spot among the country’s topnotchers and bringing immense pride to the institution and the region.

Dr. Reyes also highlighted the university’s active engagement in indigenous peoples education through the Parateachers’ Capability Training for the Agta of Palanan. This initiative is made possible through a multi-sectoral collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), University of Zurich in Switzerland, Isabela State University, and the Provincial Government of Isabela. The training aims to equip parateachers with the cultural and pedagogical tools necessary to effectively teach Agta community members.

Lastly, Dr. Reyes tackled the “Timpuyog ti Ammianan” program, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening teacher education quality across Region 2. The program is designed to boost the LEPT mean passing rate of Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs), many of which have consistently performed below the national average over the past five years. The initiative promotes collaboration in various academic aspects including curriculum development, infrastructure, research immersion, and more.

With the joint effort by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 2 and PNUNL as the National Center for Teacher Education, the program exemplifies a united front for regional academic excellence.

Through these milestones, PNUNL continues to affirm its role as a Center of Excellence in Region 2 and a beacon of hope and transformation in Philippine education.