Text by Charito Madrideo

Photos by Joseph Bautista

Standing from left: Prof. Charles Mandy Ayran, college secretary of UPM College of Pharmacy; Asst. Prof. Julienne Ivan D. Soberano, coordinator of UPM International Linkages; Dr. Michelle S. Segarra, dean of UPM College of Dentistry; Prof. Esmerita R. Rotor, dean of UPM CAMP; Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong, dean of UPM College of Medicine; Dr. Ferdinand A. Mortel, dean of MCU College of Medical Technology; Dr. Karina Marie S. Batu-Villena, dean of MCU College of Pharmacy; Dr. Ma. Cristina Aurea G. Garcia, dean of MCU College of Dentistry; Dr. Maria Lilybeth R. Tanchoco, dean of MCU of College of Medicine; Prof. Dexter Sotto, dean of MCU College of Physical Therapy; Prof. Melvin D. Miranda, dean of MCU College of Nursing; Dr. Christine Susean S. Sagpao, coordinator of International Linkages Coordinator, UPM College of Medicine and Ms. Mary Grace C. Antioquia, head of MCU External Affairs Office. Seated from left: Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho, director of UPM Office of International Linkages; Dr. Michael L. Tee, chancellor of UP  Manila; Dr. Ramil V. Flores, vice president of MCU Academic Affairs and Ms. Giandelu Carissa E. Santos, assistant vice president of MCU Academic Affairs 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The University of the Philippines Manila and the Manila Central University (MCU) was signed on September 10, 2024, at the UP Manila Board Room. This was to formalize the universities’ existing tie up into a broader institutional cooperation. 

UP Manila Chancellor Michael L. Tee expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration as it will address local and national challenges in education and healthcare. He assured MCU of UP Manila’s commitment to sharing academic programs and to fostering research. He sees joint degree programs, faculty development, and curricular innovations in allied health while recognizing MCU’s expertise in simulation-based learning. He is confident that both universities will shape the healthcare education of the future.  

In a message delivered by MCU Vice-president of Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil Flores, on behalf of MCU President Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco, Jr., Dr. Tanchoco was grateful for and optimistic about the opportunities that the joint effort will bring in order to shape the future of education. The collaboration is aligned with MCU’s principal objectives of achieving talent development, academic excellence, and global recognition.  

The event was facilitated by the UP Manila Office of International Linkages, headed by Dr. Vivien Fe  Fardilan-Camacho.  

Signed Memorandum of Understanding between UPM and MCU