In conjunction with the 400th Valenzuela City Anniversary celebration and continued effort of striving to expand medical research in the city, Our Lady of Fatima University's (OLFU) Fatima Medical Center and Soonchuhyang University (SCH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, through the support of Valenzuela City Government and the Local Government of Bucheon, at the OLFU RISE Tower, November 12, 2023.

Tracing back, prior to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, a delegation from Valenzuela City, together with City Mayor WES Gatchalian, have visited Bucheon City, South Korea. A conglomerate of heads from Valenzuela City government conducted a study tour last August 2023. They were accompanied by Bucheon’s Local Government and went on a tour to some of their city establishments with a purpose of accumulating governing ideas that could be applied to Valenzuela City’s existing programs. They have visited Sangdong Library, Bucheon University, Civil Service Office, Charm Medical Clinic, and Soonchunhyang University.

Currently, SCH is affiliated to four University Hospitals from four different cities in South Korea – Bucheon City, Cheonan City, Gumi City, and Seoul City. 

Through the virtue of the Memorandum of Understanding, OLFU and SCH are expected to work arm in arm in order to formulate programs that will cause medical breakthroughs to both universities. Apart from this, both universities have the privilege of studying each of their best practices and existing medical advances. The purpose of the signed agreement is to strengthen their relationship while simultaneously pulling each other towards the pinnacle of success in their fields.

In his remarks during the momentous event, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon (SCHB) President Dr. Shin Eung-jin expressed his extreme gratitude for the opportunity of having a firm relationship with OLFU. On the other hand, Dr. Shin made an effort preparing for a tagalog speech. He said, “Ang Soon Chun Hyang University ay isang sikat na medikal na paaralan sa (South Korea) na may apat na ospital. Isa na rito, ang Bucheon Hospital ay top-tier na ospital na may 1,000 na silid. Masayang-masaya akong nakipag-ugnayan sa Fatima Hospital ngayon. Umaasa akong ipagpapatuloy ang pakikipagtulungan sa Fatima Hospital para sa pangkalahatang medikal na pananaliksik. Salamat.” [Soon Chun Hyang University is a popular medical school in South Korea with four hospitals. One of them is Bucheon Hospital, a top-tier hospital with 1,000 rooms. I am very happy to be one with Fatima Hospital today. I hope to continue the collaboration with Fatima Hospital for general medical researches. Thank you so much.]

OLFU President Dr. Caroline Marian Enriquez and SCHB President Dr. Shin signed the Memorandum of Understanding. Witnessing the signing event were OLFU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Heracleo Lagrada, Valenzuela City Health office Head Dr. Marthony Basco, Bucheon City Mayor Cho Yong-eek, delegations from Bucheon City, and several OLFU representatives composed of Deans and administration members.

 

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