Text by: Martin R. Racza
Photo by: Joseph A. Bautista
The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and the Society of Medical Physicists in the Republic of the Philippines (SMPRP) formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 25, 2024, at the UP Manila Board Room. The MOU focuses on the development of academic and scientific cooperation, as well as promoting mutual understanding between the two organizations. This partnership will involve an exchange of experts and researchers, training of UPM students, collaboration in research projects, and other forms of academic and scientific cooperation.
During the signing ceremony, the President of SMPRP, Melanie D. Marquez, read an official statement emphasizing the journey of collaboration and mutual support that both parties are embarking on.
Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Johanna Patricia D. Adevoso-Cañal, described the partnership as a convergence of two essential domains: administrative and clinical health. “UPM and [PGH] have so much clinical material which everybody can learn from, and where so much research can be done,” she emphasized.
Dean Maria Constancia O. Carrillo, from the College of Arts and Sciences, recognized Dr. Marie Josephine M. De Luna, Chair of the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, for her pivotal role in conceiving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
UPM Chancellor Michael L. Tee expressed his commitment to creating more partnerships and sharing best practices with other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). “We always look to enrich the capacity of our partners,” UPM Chancellor Michael L. Tee said in his statement. ““Ito ay partnership, at kapag partnership, pareho tayong lumalago.”
He also reiterated UPM’s commitment in creating more partnerships and sharing best practices with other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). “UP has no monopoly of excellence. I-’photocopy’ ang programa, ibigay sa kanila yung mga ginawa natin, upang magamit para makinabang ang Bayan,” he said.
The signing ceremony was facilitated by the Office of International and Local Linkages (OILL) headed by Dr. Vivien Fe F. FadrilanCamacho. Other UPM representatives include Dr. Julius Andrew P. Nuñez, Dr. Christopher Jay T. Robidillo, and Prof. Ramon Jose C. Bagunu. Present for the SMPRP were Mr. Ramon Carlo L. Cruzpero, Mr. Jonathan D. Corpuz, and Ms. Nikkitita M. Magdaong. ■
