UZ Social Development & Industry Partnership Services

The Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), through the External Affairs and Institutional Development Centre (EAIDC) and the Safety, Health, and Environment Department (SHED) joins the celebration of World Ocean Day 2025.

This year's celebration marks the second year of the ongoing theme, “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.” It serves as a continued effort to grow a global movement toward a more sustainable future and a thriving blue planet.

This demonstrates the university’s continued dedication to marine conservation, climate action, and environmental education, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

The Universidad de Zamboanga, through the External Affairs and Institutional Development Centre (EAIDC)—Social Development (SocDev) Unit, joins in the annual PRIDE MONTH celebration from June 1 to 30, 2025.

This initiative supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). It emphasizes that inclusive development is key to a fair society, addressing disparities across gender, income, age, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, and religion.

Pride Month, however, will not only be a time of celebration but also a time to stand together and take action to ensure equality, respect, and human dignity. This celebration aims to honor the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and unite all Filipinos and friends of the community to support inclusion and human rights through education, creativity, and collective efforts. 🏳️‍🌈💚

The Universidad de Zamboanga, through the External Affairs and Institutional Development Centre (EAIDC)—Social Development (SocDev) Unit, joins in the annual PRIDE MONTH celebration from June 1 to 30, 2025.

This initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, as well as SDG No. 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities, including narrowing income gaps and addressing disparities related to age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, and socioeconomic background. It emphasizes that inclusive development is essential to establishing a fair and equitable society.

The UZ Community is encouraged to participate in the Handcrafted Pride Artwork Competition on JUNE 28, 2025 in the morning, from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m Kindly refer to the attached guidelines.

Interested participants may register through this link https://forms.gle/t7Rom5Wio1wTJhyf8

The registration links will close on June 25, 2025.

The Universidad de Zamboanga, through the External Affairs and Institutional Development Centre (UZ-EAIDC), held an Industry Partners Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on May 30, 2025, at the Rosa Function Hall, UZ Laboratories Building, Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

Industry partners sat with UZ college representatives for a roundtable discussion focused on aligning the curriculum with current industry demands and strengthening future collaborations between the institution and its partners.

Following the discussion, the college representatives synthesized the key takeaways, including positive feedback and points for improvement from the institution and industry partners.

Present during the FGD were representatives from private institutions, government agencies, infantry forces, and business establishments, along with UZ deans, program chairs, and faculty from the School of Allied Medicine (SAM), Institute of Technical Education (ITE), School of Dentistry (SOD), School of Criminal Justice (SCJ), School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (SLAS), School of Business and Management (SBM), School of Engineering, Information, and Communications Technology (SEICT), and the UZ High School Department (HSD).

The Focus Group Discussion served as an avenue for mutual learning, growth, and future collaboration between the institution and its industry partners, with the shared goal of enhancing student experience and internship opportunities while upholding quality education.

Celebrating love, identity, and the beautiful spectrum of who we are 🏳️‍🌈...

Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) was recognized by the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) for its invaluable support and active partnership with the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 (MBLT-1) during the unit’s 53rd Activation Day Celebration held on April 21, 2025, at The Summit Centre, UZ Main Campus, Tetuan, this City.

UZ President, Mr. Abram M. Eustaquio, received a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the university. The award was presented by Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, MGen Edwin E Amadar PN(M), the event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker, and MBLT-1 Commanding Officer, LtCol. Nepthalie Papa PN(M) (GSC).

The ceremony also recognized MBLT-1 personnel in various award categories, along with stakeholders and representatives from partner Local Government Units (LGUs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) across Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City, for their contributions to the battalion’s mission.

MBLT-1, the first provisional battalion of the Philippine Marine Corps, was activated on April 5, 1972. Formerly deployed in Tawi-Tawi, the battalion was reassigned to Zamboanga City in August 2024, taking over the area of operation from MBLT-11, which was redeployed to Palawan.

Since the redeployment, UZ has strengthened its collaboration with MBLT-1 through joint initiatives such as the International Coastal Cleanup Day and UZ Scubasurero in 2024, and the ALL-IN-ONE-MISSION held in Barangay Tolosa this year.

This recognition serves as a force for UZ in strengthening civil-military relations, public good, and social justice in pursuit of its corporate sustainability efforts, creating a future where the spirit of service for the community and love for the country are amplified within and beyond the university.

Photo from: MBLT-1

The Universidad de Zamboanga - School of Dentistry (UZ-SOD) and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), Inc. – Zamboanga Dental Chapter officially solidified their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held on April 25, 2025, at the UZ Laboratories Building, Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

Key representatives from both institutions formally signed the MOU. Representing the PDA Inc., Zamboanga Dental Chapter were President Dr. Sheikha S. Ismael-Bara, Board Member Dr. Annabelle F. Bayot, and Vice President and President-Elect Dr. Guelmar Kimm G. Ibarra. From the Universidad de Zamboanga, the signatories included Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jo-Anne J. Bernardo, UZ-SOD representative Dr. Demetrio G. Daet, and UZ-SOD Associate Dean Dr. Sherglaisha Alpha.

Through the MOU, UZ and PDA pledge their joint commitment to collaborate in advancing significant initiatives, strengthening efforts to promote and improve oral health in Zamboanga City through dental missions, oral health awareness campaigns, and community outreach programs.

Additionally, the MOU supports the enhancement of school-based oral health programs, research collaborations, and continuing education activities, recognizing PDA Inc., Zamboanga Dental Chapter as a vital partner in the professional development of UZ SOD’s students and faculty.

The UZ-External Affairs and Institutional Development Centre (EAIDC) and UZ-SOD faculty and staff spearheaded the event.

This meaningful collaboration provides UZ’s School of Dentistry opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom, enriching experiential education while delivering essential dental services to the community.


(PDA)Inc

The Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), through the Safety, Health, and Environment Department (SHED) and External Affairs and Institutional Development Center (EAIDC), in collaboration with the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD), celebrated World Water Day 2025 on March 28, 2025, at the Rosa Function Hall, UZ Laboratories Building, Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

World Water Day is an annual celebration every March to raise awareness of the global water crisis. This year’s theme focuses on the preservation of glaciers and its importance in providing fresh drinking water.

Before the program proper, UZ, represented by Mr. Alfredo Eustaquio, Vice President for Administration, and Ms. Jessica Pacio, SHED Officer, signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ZCWD, represented by Reynaldo R. Cabilin, General Manager.

The event, participated by 153 attendees composed of students from different schools, faculty, and staff, featured insightful discussions on critical environmental and water-related issues.

Raul Ruben R. Rivera Jr. from the Community Relations and External Affairs, ZCWD, elaborated on the theme “Bayanihan sa Katubigan, Krisis sa Klima Labanan,” emphasizing the importance of World Water Day in addressing the growing global water scarcity worsened by human activities. He discussed the urgency of collective action in tackling this critical issue.

Mary Claire I. Geduquio from the Environmental Management Bureau - Regional Office IX, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), highlighted the urgent issue of climate change and causes, presenting practical solutions to mitigate its impacts on the environment.

Leroy M. Delos Reyes from the DENR Regional Office IX underscored the vital role of Pasonanca Natural Park in preserving the region’s biodiversity. He highlighted that the park serves as a sanctuary for numerous threatened bird species and unique wildlife found exclusively in the park, reinforcing its importance in environmental conservation.

Lastly, Allan Mark R. Ong from the Water Quality Division of ZCWD detailed the comprehensive water treatment process that guarantees the delivery of safe and clean drinking water to all residents of Zamboanga City.

This initiative highlights the university’s commitment to the conservation of water and the protection of the environment.

The Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on March 27, 2025, at the Executive Conference Room, The Summit Centre, UZ Main Campus, Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

The MOA between UZ and CHR aims to establish the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) within the university, aiming to engage faculty, staff, and students in human rights education through instruction, research, and community extension activities.

Representing UZ were Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jo-Anne J. Bernardo and School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) Dean, Ms. Emily K. Sarte. Signing on behalf of CHR, in place of Atty. Judelyn T. Macapili was Atty. Arbee A. Arquiza and Mr. Daniel Paculanang.

This collaboration is a testament to the institution’s commitment to human rights education, ensuring that students develop their civic consciousness by promoting awareness, critical thinking, and a sense of social responsibility.

The Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Curriculum Studies Association of the Philippines (CSAPI) Inc. on March 24, 2025, at the Executive Conference Room, The Summit Centre, UZ Main Campus, Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

CSAPI is an organization composed of students, academics, and professionals from diverse educational fields and institutions. It aims to promote the advancement, growth, and professionalization of Curriculum Studies as a field.

The MOA signing, spearheaded by the External Affairs and Institutional Development Centre (EAIDC), opens doors for UZ to promote and enhance curriculum studies both within the institution and across the region.

Representing UZ were: Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jo-Anne J. Bernardo; School of Education (SEd), Dean Dr. Lourdes D. Dayot; SEd Graduate Studies Chairperson, Dr. Julieta D. Francisco; and Centre for University Research & Innovation (CURI), Director Dr. Michael Vincent E. Caceres. Signing on behalf of CSAPI were Executive Director Dr. Amelia C. Fajardo and CSAPI President Ferdinand Pol L. Martin.

This partnership stands as a testament to UZ’s commitment to continuously improving educational excellence.

In celebration of National Women’s Month 2025, the Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), through the External Affairs and Institutional Development Centre (EAIDC), showed its support by lighting the UZ Pillars purple on March 3, 2025.

The UZ community wore purple every Wednesday as a symbol of solidarity for gender equality and to celebrate women’s achievements. 💜💜💜