Posted on by Information Officer

Manila, Philippines — The University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila officially sealed their partnership through a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for Health Program on January 17, 2024 at the 8th Floor, President’s Office, Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Main Building, Manila.

MarSU officially sealed its partnership with UP Manila. (Photo by J. Breganza)

The event began with the preliminaries, featuring opening remarks and a short message from the UP Manila Chancellor, Dr. Lee, who articulated, “A series of capacity-building initiatives will be organized and implemented to enhance the capabilities and frameworks in disaster risk reduction and management at Marinduque State University.”

MarSU and UP Manila officials who were present during the MOU signing. (Photo by J. Breganza)

The MoU between UP Manila and MarSU aims to strengthen disaster risk reduction and management in health programs. Given the growing susceptibility of communities to natural and man-made disasters, a strong response strategy that incorporates health and disaster risk reduction is more important than ever. By pooling their resources, skills, and efforts, both institutions hope to greatly improve community resilience, ultimately encouraging better ecosystems in the face of calamities in the Marinduque community.

UP Manila counterparts who expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with MarSU. (Photo by J. Breganza)

UP Manila was represented by its esteemed Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee together with Dr. Johanna Patricia Canal (Vice Chancellor for Admin & Finance), Dr. Carlos Primero D. Gundran (Chairman of the DRRMH Program), and Ms. Trisha May Hilario (Project Technical Assistant II).

On the other hand, the Marinduque State University President was led by its University President, Prof. Diosdado P. Zulueta together with Ms. Lenie Z. Rodriguez (Executive Assistant III and DRRMO Focal Person), and Asso. Prof. Alfredo M. Ofrecio III (Director, Financial Services/Chief, PMS).

This partnership not only aligns with national and global efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response but also exemplifies the role of academic institutions in addressing pressing societal challenges.

Officials from UP Manila are looking forward to visiting Marinduque State University in February 2025 for an ocular inspection and planning.

(J. Breganza)

#SDG4QualityEducation #SDG11SustainableCitiesandCommunities #SDG17PartnershipsfortheGoals #EmpoweringMindsTransformingLives #MarinduqueStateUniversity