Text by Martin R. Racza
Photos by Erlyn May U. Pareja

Chancellor Michael Tee, NTTCHP officials, faculty, students, and representatives from PalSU and OLFU pose for a group picture after the signing ceremony.

The National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP) of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila formalized its academic partnership with the Palawan State University (PalSU) and the Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Dec. 5, 2024.

The said MOU will entail academic collaborations such as exchange of academic staff and students, cooperation in research, curriculum review, joint conferences, and other such forms of inter-university activities in the sphere of health professions education.

Dean Maria Elizabeth Grageda of NTTCHP underscored the relevance of the event, stating that “it is important to be partners with institutions with the same vision, collaborating with exchanges and programs,” the dean enthused, “We will not stop these wheels that are already rolling.”

In his message, PalSU President Ramon Docto thanked UP Manila for its assistance to his institution as they planned and opened their school of medicine. “We are one family, at sana ay tuloy-tuloy ang ating partnership.”

Dr. Heracleo Lagrada, vice president of OLFU, expressed his happiness at this first joint undertaking with UP Manila and PalSU. “We welcome this partnership, and we are excited for the activities aligned in the MOU. We thank you for this opportunity.”

In closing the program, UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee thanked PalSU and OLFU, and Director Vivien Fe Fadrilan-Camacho of the Office of International and Local Linkages for facilitating the event.

“Salamat sa inyong paniniwala na ang UP Manila is a worthy partner. This partnership is not ‘one-way,’ marami din kaming matututunan dito.” He underlined the importance of the MOU in addressing the crisis on human resources for health, and UP Manila, for its part, plans to give help and knowledge to newly-opened hospitals and academic centers.

“UP Manila is always looking for partners to develop human resources for health in various regions of the country. If you have new programs, if you are in need of faculty development, we are here. Pagsisilbihan natin nang may husay at dangal ang ating mga kababayang Pilipino.”

The said event was supported by former deans, officials, faculty, and staff from the three universities.■