By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

The Seirei Christopher University (SCU) in Hamamatsu, Japan has partnered with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to promote international exchanges in the field of health sciences instruction, research, and community development starting this year. 

This partnership was formalized through the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between SCU President Shohei Ohgi and MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis in a virtual ceremony held today, May 27. 

In the MOU, both universities committed to enhance their health sciences programs through exchange of faculty and scholars, academic information and materials, and periodic academic publications. 

Dr. Ohgi looks forward to enhancing health sciences programs of both institutions through organizing joint research and development programs, conferences and academic meetings. He said MMSU is now among the 10 overseas partner-institutions of the Japan university. 

“With the conclusion of the MOU, we hope to develop students as professionals who can contribute to society locally and globally,” he expressed. 

For her part, Dr. Agrupis said MMSU is privileged to partner with a foreign university “that was founded on the Christian ideal of selfless service to others.”

“With the partnership, we are very sure that our service to the community will expand and strategically respond to the needs of time,” she added. 

In the virtual ceremony, attendees from MMSU were Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Mee Jay A. Domingo, director for external linkages and partnerships; Dr. Marlowe U. Aquino, chief for international programs; Prof. Jeanette G. Dials, chief for international faculty & student mobility; Dr. Marlina L. Lino, chief of language center; Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang, OIC dean of the College of Health Sciences; Dr. Aileen O. Camangeg, chairperson of the department of pharmacy; Dr. Elmer A. Santos, chairperson of the department of nursing; Dr. Cherryl Didi Nellie N. Obra, chairperson of the department of physical therapy; Dr. Karen Raidis R. Marcelino, college secretary; and Ms. Julie Anne V. Gatoc, college’s planning and development coordinator. 

Attendees from SCU were Dr. Eiko Fujimoto, dean of the School of Nursing (SN); Dr. Naohito Shingu, dean of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRS); Prof. Junko Sato, dean of the School of Social Work (SW); Dr. Kazuko Ichie, director of SN Graduate Programs; Dr. Isamu Shibamoto, director of SRS Graduate Programs and representative of international committee; and Mr. Masato Fujita, senior director of the Office of Education and Leanings. 

Founded in 2002, SCU was institutionally accredited by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. Its ultimate goal is to “develop students who will go on to become healthcare professionals, and in turn, provide care through the lens of "Neighborly Love.” (StratCom)