Text and Photos by Charmaine A. Lingdas
The University of the Philippines Manila and Capiz State University (CAPSU) are working toward a partnership that would expand access to health professions education in Capiz and help address the province’s need for health workers.
Officials from both institutions met in a hybrid session on Sept. 1, 2026, at the UP Manila Board Room to refine the proposed extension program, focusing on its academic structure, faculty requirements, student support, funding arrangements, admissions procedures, and regulatory requirements. The discussions covered a possible ladderized pathway from midwifery to nursing offered by the UP Manila School of Health Sciences (SHS).
The Academic Program
Under the arrangement discussed during the meeting, UPM-SHS would retain academic authority over the program, including curriculum governance, faculty qualification standards, student evaluation, and the awarding of the final credentials. CAPSU, meanwhile, would serve as the local operational partner, providing the campus, facilities, and other ground support needed to implement the program in Capiz. The proposed agreement would also establish a Joint Program Management Committee composed of representatives from both institutions to coordinate implementation, monitor compliance, and address operational concerns.
CAPSU President Efren Linan said the university sought the meeting to resolve the remaining financial and operational questions surrounding the proposed program.
The parties discussed appointing qualified CAPSU faculty members as UP Manila adjunct faculty members, particularly for general education courses. The arrangement would allow CAPSU faculty members who meet UP Manila’s requirements to contribute to the program while remaining part of the local academic workforce. The participants also considered identifying UP Manila SHS graduates living in the area who could potentially become faculty members, particularly for specialized courses.
Provincial government support
A key issue during the meeting was how the provincial government could finance the proposed program while keeping the roles and financial obligations of the three parties clear. The participants discussed a tripartite arrangement involving the provincial government, CAPSU, and UP Manila.
Under the proposed model, the provincial government could provide funding directly to UP Manila for expenses related to the academic program while separately supporting CAPSU for facilities and operational requirements.
The group discussed the breakdown of tuition, student allowances, faculty costs, facilities, and other expenses before presenting the proposed funding requirement to the provincial government. Student support was also discussed as part of the financial planning, including subsistence, books and uniforms. Participants emphasized that financial assistance should take into account the costs students incur beyond tuition.
Building the health workforce
The proposed partnership is intended not only to provide a degree program but also to strengthen the local health workforce.
The meeting covered faculty and clinical requirements for midwifery and nursing, including the need for qualified faculty members to supervise students during clinical practice.
The participants also discussed training requirements for faculty who would supervise students in clinical settings and the need to comply with applicable national standards.
The proposed ladderized pathway would require careful consideration of the existing SHS curriculum, particularly its service-learning and return-service components.
A potential model for other SUCs
The proposed Capiz partnership could also serve as a model for future collaborations between UP Manila and other state universities and colleges.
“We want this to succeed,” said Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bernadette Heizel Reyes. “This will be a very great help for the province of Capiz. And it’s going to be a good model for our SUCs.”
The initiative is consistent with the SHS’s broader role in extending health sciences education and strengthening partnerships with communities and other institutions. UP Manila currently operates SHS extension campuses in several regions, including Baler, Tarlac, Palo, and Koronadal.
“For us, this is also important because it addresses the human resource for health,” added Vice Chancellor Reyes.
Moving the Partnership Forward
The two institutions agreed to continue coordinating on the proposed memorandum of agreement, with the UP Manila Office of International and Local Linkages, together with the legal, budget, and accounting offices, expected to assist in finalizing the arrangements.
The meeting ended with the parties expressing their commitment to move the proposal forward, while recognizing that the program still requires the necessary institutional and regulatory processes before implementation.
The UP Manila delegation was led by Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee and included Vice Chancellor Reyes, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Dr. Johanna Patricia Cañal, Office of the University Registrar Director Jean Flor Casauay, OIC Director of the Office of International and Local Linkages Dr. Geraldine Dayrit, Chief Accountant Erwin Dando, and Acting Chief of the Budget Office Kathleen Montesines.
Joining the meeting online from the SHS were Dean Dr. Charlie Labarda, Linkages Coordinator Prof. Meredith Del Pilar-Labarda, College Secretary Asst. Prof. Tatyana Lauren Poblete-Ajero, and faculty member Dr. Angelita Jaya.
CAPSU was represented by President Linan, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Annalie Campos, OIC of the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance Atty. Toche Vic Doce, and Director for Instruction Dr. Hazel Joaquin, who attended on-site. Joining online were consultant Dr. Abundio Balgos, Quality Assurance Director Rossandrew Villaruel, PhD, Roxas City Campus focal person Cleo Jude Joaquin, Designated Budget Officer Marvielenc Doce, Roxas City Campus Accountant Francis Lopez, and Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages Dr. Salvacion Legaspi.
The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Geraldine Dayrit, OIC Director of the UP Manila Office of International and Local Linkages.
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