By Kathrina Antonio

Baylor University, a private Christian university in Waco, Texas, visited Mariano Marcos State University on May 23 as part of the flagship project, “Philippine Healthcare Delivery System: Ilocos Norte In Focus”.

Facilitated by the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. and the MMSU Department of Nursing, 14 Baylor University pre-health and nursing students underwent a four-day training in various healthcare institutions in Ilocos Norte, such as RHU Solsona, Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, and Shekinah Home in Dingras. Four of these students trace their roots in Ilocos Norte. Dr. Leilani Mercado and Dr. Marcel Demesa of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Baylor University accompanied the students.

In welcoming the faculty and students of Baylor University, Dr. Prima Fe Franco, MMSU vice president for academic affairs, expressed her enthusiasm for possible collaborations between the two universities to improve health programs and policies. 

To ensure the effectiveness of the training, faculty members and clinical instructors of the MMSU Department of Nursing supervised the students through the four-day training. These are Dr. Karen Marcelino, Dr. Elmer Santos, Prof. Alwin Santos, Prof. Judith Valenzuela, Mrs. Myra Fabian, Prof. Marvin Lutrania, and Prof. Josephine Seria.