Text by: Brian Floyd Andrewmer B. Albitos
Photo by: Ehcel S. Hurna
(From top left to bottom right): Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho, Director of Office of International Linkages; Asst. Prof. Kristoferson G. Mendoza, UP-CAMP College Secretary, Assoc. Prof. Jocelyn Christina B. Marzan and Asst. Prof. John Patrick R. Lentejas, Members of Community-Based Rehabilitation Program; Asst. Prof. Kristel Faye M. Roderos, Head of Community-Based Rehabilitation Program; Ms. Morena P. De Jesus, MSWDD External Affairs Division Head; Prof. Esmerita R. Rotor, Dean of UP-CAMP; Dr. Michael L. Tee, UPM Chancellor; Ms. Joseline P. Niwane, MSWDD Officer-in-Charge; and Ms. Nanet C. Tanyag, MSWDD Consultant.
The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and Makati Social Welfare and Development Department (MSWDD) have formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 27, 2024, at the UP Manila Board Room.
By pooling resources and expertise from both institutions, this MOU focuses on developing a comprehensive program to enhance rehabilitation services and expand training and research efforts for vulnerable populations. Key focus areas include developing a service provision for individuals with or at risk of disabilities, capacity building for stakeholders, service learning opportunities for students, and collaborative research and advocacy initiatives.
“It is necessary that even in the urban areas… there are still things that we have to learn and the people have to see and to be really empowered to the point that they will be returning back without expecting anything. Itong mga students natin may be the link to open the eyes of everyone,” MSWDD Officer-in-Charge Ms. Joseline P. Niwane said, emphasizing the ongoing need for learning, empowerment, and awareness within urban communities.
UPM Chancellor Michael L. Tee expressed his hope that this partnership serves as a bridge to address the shortage of PT-OT professionals in the country. “Bukod dito sa isang community development, maging tulay sana ang MSWDD upang makagawa tayo ng programa para naman sa mga dagdag na mga PT-OT (Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy) courses in UMak (University of Makati). Dahil kung magagawa natin ang pagtutulungan na yan, makakatulong kami sa paggawa niyan, ay mas mapaparami natin ang PT-OT na ngayon ay limang libo lang yata and dami sa buong Pilipinas. And I’m sure, kung galing sa Makati [at] naturuan sa UMak, ay mas tatanggapin din ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
UPM College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP) Dean Esmerita R. Rotor believes that this partnership is mutually beneficial, as it will provide opportunities for students to apply their skills in real-world settings while addressing community needs. “CAMP under UP, our goal really is to mold health professionals. Hindi lang magaling at competent yung mga students na galing sa CAMP, but more importantly, they are more inclined to give service to the Filipino. That’s what we want to instill with them. And so, I believe this partnership is very beneficial for both of us,” she said.
This ceremonial signing signifies a significant step towards enhancing community welfare and support services in Makati, demonstrating the power of collaboration between educational institutions and local government agencies.
The MOU was signed by Dean Rotor, Chancellor Tee, Ms. Niwane, and MSWDD Consultant Ms. Nanet C. Tanyag.
