By Archelyn Sumampong

To ensure access to health and wellness services, the MMSU Department of Nursing signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Local Government Units of Paoay and Solsona and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Batac City on February 19 at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning.

Titled "Service on Health for Indigenous People, Indigents, Elderly, and Liberty Deprived" (SHIELD)," the extension project aims to implement basic health services to support public health programs. It targets disadvantaged Filipinos in partnership with various agencies, government units, and organizations. 

Furthermore, project SHIELD provides health promotion and disease prevention strategies to mitigate morbidity and mortality and emerging incidences of injuries, mental health issues, and alcohol and drug abuse.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis  highlighted the university's commitment to extending essential healthcare services to the marginalized. "You are in good hands. You are partnering with the top-performing health science provider in the country", she assured.
Dr. Agrupis emphasized that the partnership initiates a movement to uplift the marginalized, amplify their voices, and uphold the fundamental right to health for all. 

Present in the MoA signing ceremony were Hon. Shiella Galano, Mayor of Paoay, Hon. Joseph De Lara, Mayor of Solsona, represented by Atty. Alfonso de los Reyes, and JInsp. Jayson DC Mabuti, District Jail Warden of the Batac District Jail.

Dr. Prima Fe Franco, MMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Marilou Lucas, MMSU Director for Extension; Dr. Doreen Domingo, dean of the MMSU Graduate School; Dr. Cheryll Didi Nellie Obra, dean of MMSU CHS; Dr. Roel Beljamin, chair of the Department of Nursing; Mr. Antonio Ganotisi, Municipal Administrator of Solsona; Dr. Ruth De Lara, Municipal Health Officer of Solsona; Mr. Jenar Buted, Public Health Nurse of Solsona; JO1 Kelvin Angelo Arcega of Batac District Jail; Prof. Mari Elaine Lorica, project leader of SHIELD; and other project staff and officials also served as attendees. (MKA_StratCom)