UP Manila, Samar Province, Samar State University, Sign Partnership Agreements for Improved Healthcare

August 28, 2026

Text by Jerico Tapia and Assoc Prof. Aila Nica Bandong
Photos by Provincial Government of Samar

The University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila), the Provincial Government of Samar, and Samar State University (SSU) formalized a partnership to strengthen healthcare through allied health workforce development, research, and public service initiatives.

Representatives from UP Manila, the Provincial Government of Samar, and Samar State University (SSU) hold copies of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Aug. 10, 2026. From left are Prof. Esmerita R. Rotor, PhD (Dean, College of Allied Medical Professions, UP Manila), Hon. Sharee Ann Tan (Governor, Province of Samar), Dr. Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes (Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, UP Manila), and Dr. Redentor S. Palencia (President, Samar State University).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between University of the Philippines Manila’s College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP), the Provincial Government of Samar, and Samar State University (SSU) was signed on Aug. 10, 2026, in Catbalogan City, Samar.

The tripartite MOU among UP Manila, Samar State University, and the Provincial Government of Samar establishes a broader collaborative framework to enhance healthcare education, research, and community service across the province. This initiative focuses on joint research, academic program development, capacity-building, student placements, and collaborative online teaching-learning without disrupting existing academic operations.

The ceremony was attended by UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes (representing Chancellor Michael L. Tee), CAMP Dean Prof. Esmerita R. Rotor, Samar Provincial Governor Sharee Ann T. Tan, and SSU President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia.

UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes delivers her message during the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing event. Addressing key officials from the Provincial Government of Samar and Samar State University as well as attending SSU students, staff, and Samar Provincial Government Scholars, Dr. Reyes highlighted the institutional partnership and their shared commitment to regional health and education initiatives as part of UP Manila’s commitment towards nation-building.

“All parties recognize the value of inter-institutional collaboration to further strengthen allied health education, research, extension, and community-based healthcare initiatives in Samar,” the agreements said, reinforcing the parties’ shared commitment to expanding equitable access to quality higher education and building a sustainable healthcare workforce for the province.

Samar Governor Hon. Sharee Ann Tan (seated, left) and UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes (seated, right) signed the Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government of Samar and UP Manila on Aug. 10, 2026.

A separate Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was also signed between UP Manila and the Provincial Government of Samar that aims to address critical gaps in specialized health services and bolster Samar’s local health infrastructure, ensuring long-term healthcare delivery for the province’s residents. Under the MOA, CAMP will admit and provide academic support and mentorship to two UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) qualifiers from Samar in undergraduate allied health programs such as occupational therapy and speech-language pathology.

In turn, the Provincial Government of Samar will provide scholarship funding, facilitate practice placements, community immersions, and internship opportunities, and establish mechanisms to integrate these scholars directly into the local healthcare system with standard benefits and matching salaries upon graduation. The agreement also emphasizes the scholars’ return service in Samar to address the critical need for occupational therapists and speech pathologists in the province.