In a significant move towards fostering international academic cooperation, the UP Manila College of Nursing and Gunma University have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This renewal marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two esteemed institutions.

The MOU was signed by Chancellor Michael Tee, Dr. Takayuki Saitoh, Dean of Gunma Graduate School, Dr. Takatoshi Makino, Overseas Training Program Chair, and Dr. Sheila Bonito, Dean of UP College of Nursing. Also present during the signing were Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Bernadette Heizel Manapat-Reyes, Office for International Linkages Director Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho, Professor Josephine Cariaso of UP College of Nursing, and UPM Office for International and Local Linkages Coordinator Professor Julienne Ivan Soberano.

The MOU signifies a mutual commitment to advancing nursing education, research, and practice. It provides a framework for collaborative activities such as faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and shared academic materials. The renewal of this MOU reaffirms the dedication of both institutions to work together to achieve their shared goals.

The UP Manila College of Nursing, a leading nursing institution in the Philippines, has always been at the forefront of nursing education and research. Its partnership with Gunma University, a prestigious university in Japan known for its advanced research in health sciences, has resulted in numerous successful collaborative projects.

The renewal of the MOU is a testament to the successful collaboration between the two institutions. It is a commitment to continue working together in the pursuit of academic excellence and the advancement of nursing science. This renewed partnership is expected to bring about more opportunities for collaborative research, enrich the educational experience of students, and contribute to the improvement of healthcare practices.

After the MOU renewal signing, it was followed by a courtesy visit to the new Deputy Director for Nursing of UP Philippine General Hospital, Mrs. Cecille Punzalan. This visit served as an opportunity for the representatives from Gunma University to formally introduce themselves and express their intentions for future collaborations.

Following the courtesy visit, an exploratory meeting was held to evaluate the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. The meeting focused on assessing the progress of the existing collaborations and identifying areas for improvement. Discussions were also held on potential future collaborations in education, training, and research. These discussions underscored the commitment of both institutions to foster a productive and mutually beneficial partnership.

The series of activities concluded with a Fellowship Dinner attended by the College officials, members of the UPCN International Study Program Committee, and UPCN faculty members. The dinner provided a platform for informal discussions and networking, further strengthening the bond between the two institutions.

The continuing collaboration between UP Manila College of Nursing and Gunma University is a shining example of international academic cooperation. It is a partnership that transcends geographical boundaries and unites two institutions in their shared mission of advancing nursing education and research. As we look forward to more fruitful years of collaboration, we celebrate this renewed commitment to working together in the pursuit of academic excellence.