By Michael Visaya

Mariano Marcos State University and Guangxi Health Science College (GXHSC) are set to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Home Care Management (HHCM) by July 2026, following an exchange forum held on July 9–10 to prepare for the China-Philippines Institute of Modern Craftsmanship in Household Service.

During the forum on the first day, both parties explored the provisions and guidelines of the Tripartite Cooperation Agreement of the institute. The agreement aims to cater to the program for incoming first-year college students who passed the MMSU College Admission Test.

The program aims to target students who aspire for a career in home and health care services, mid-career professionals seeking to upgrade their skills, and International students seeking quality, affordable education in health and care services.

MMSU will provide facilities, along with support. Faculty members from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Industrial Technology (CIT), College of Teacher Education (CTE), and the College of Medicine (COM) will handle courses with assistance from faculty members from the GXHSC Department of Nursing.

Upon graduation, students will receive an undergraduate diploma, along with an occupational skill level certificate from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and a Chinese government-recognized skill level certificate.

A needs assessment forum was also held where staff and teachers of the institute discussed the construction requirements for the training center to be constructed by GXHSC, finalized the equipment list, and understood the university’s functional needs for the center.

MMSU and GXHSC officials also led the placing-nameplate ceremony for the institute at the Nursing Arts Laboratory Building at CHS and a discussion meeting for the second half of 2025 with its staff and teachers.
Dr. Manzano highlighted that the project supports the university’s goal of providing excellent, quality programs that develop globally competitive students. He also expressed appreciation for the presence of Guangxi school officials, noting that their participation demonstrates a strong commitment.

“Your presence here today shows your commitment to pursue the partnership, and the university will absolutely support this endeavor,” Dr. Manzano told the GXHSC officials.

GXHSC Vice President Zheng Zhongping acknowledged the partnership, emphasizing its potential to promote international knowledge exchange, industrial growth, economic development, and mutual trust between the two countries.

“Our university has years of experience in health and family care. This partnership will certainly advance key developments in China and the Philippines,” Dr. Zhongping added.
Representing GXHSC at the forum were Associate Professor Wang Tao, Deputy Dean of the School of Nursing; Ms. Zhou Yuhua, Head of Teaching Section; Ms. Li Pingxia, Director of the Department of Women and Children Nursing; and Nong Yunduan, Clerk of the International Exchange and Cooperation Center.

Attending from MMSU were Vice President for Resource Generation and Management Bjorn Santos, Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, Technical Working Group Chair Mayla Veronica Madrigal, project focal Robert Salvador, Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnership Director Jeanette Dials, Curriculum Development and Innovative Learning Director Luvee Hazel Aquino, college deans, and faculty members.

Before the forum, five MMSU-College of Health Sciences faculty members visited GXHSC in Nanning, Guangxi, China for consultative meetings, benchmarking, and institutional visits.

Established in September 2022 through former MMSU president and now CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and Prof. Yang Xiaobo of GXHSC, the partnership aims to promote direct engagement and collaboration among faculty and students, facilitate joint academic and research exchanges, initiatives, discussions, and resource sharing.

Reaffirmed by former MMSU OIC–President Prima Fe Franco in 2024 and by MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr. last March, the agreement led to the formation of a joint project management committee to oversee the development and operation of the institute.