Cebu City, Philippines — In a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across Cebu, officials of Cebu Normal University (CNU), led by President Dr. Daniel Ariaso Sr., visited Governor Pamela Baricuatro at the Capitol on Tuesday, August 26. The visit sought to explore potential collaborations in education and medical services, signaling a promising partnership between the provincial government and one of the country’s leading universities.
CNU: A Legacy of Excellence in Education and Healthcare
Cebu Normal University is long celebrated for producing top-performing educators and healthcare professionals. Its nursing program has consistently graduated topnotchers in licensure exams, reflecting the school’s dedication to academic excellence and community service.
CNU expanded with a law school and the CNU-VSMMC School of Medicine, showing its commitment to producing skilled professionals for Cebu and the Philippines.
Governor Baricuatro’s Vision for Improved Healthcare
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the partnership to improve Cebu’s doctor-to-patient ratio and healthcare accessibility.
During the meeting, the governor announced plans to send medical scholars to the CNU-VSMMC School of Medicine, reinforcing her administration’s commitment to cultivating more doctors for local communities. This initiative is part of a broader vision to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and services throughout Cebu’s towns and cities.
CNU’s Commitment to Public Health Initiatives
Dr. Daniel Ariaso Sr. thanked the Capitol and pledged CNU’s support, sending nurses and students to assist in medical caravan programs.
Gov. Baricuatro praised CNU graduates as skilled and service-oriented, making them ideal partners in provincial healthcare.
The Capitol–CNU Collaboration: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The partnership between the Capitol and CNU is expected to benefit both medical education and public health delivery. Key components include:
- Medical Scholars Program: Sending promising students from Cebu to undergo advanced training at the CNU-VSMMC School of Medicine.
- Healthcare Deployment: Mobilizing nurses and medical students for the Capitol’s medical caravan programs, offering check-ups, consultations, and essential services to underserved communities.
- Capacity Building: Collaborating on training programs for healthcare personnel in Cebu to ensure quality service delivery.
- Community Health Research: Jointly conducting studies to identify healthcare gaps and develop solutions that respond to the needs of Cebuano residents.
Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility Across Cebu
The collaboration is particularly significant in the context of Cebu’s ongoing public health challenges. Many towns and remote barangays still face limited access to medical professionals, and this partnership aims to bridge that gap by deploying qualified healthcare workers directly to communities.
The Capitol’s medical caravan, aided by CNU students and faculty, provides healthcare services and trains future doctors.
Governor Baricuatro’s Commitment to Health and Education
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that quality healthcare is a fundamental priority for her administration. “By working with esteemed institutions like Cebu Normal University, we can ensure that our communities receive competent, compassionate, and accessible healthcare. This partnership is a win-win: it strengthens our province’s medical services while providing invaluable training for future medical professionals,” she said.
The governor’s healthcare strategy revolves around three core principles:
- Accessibility: Bringing medical services closer to the people through mobile clinics and health missions.
- Quality: Ensuring medical practitioners deployed in the province are well-trained and capable.
- Sustainability: Investing in medical education programs that produce long-term benefits for Cebu’s healthcare system.
CNU’s Role in Cebu’s Healthcare Landscape
CNU’s contributions extend beyond medical training. Its nursing and allied health programs produce graduates serving hospitals, rural health units, and government programs. Through the partnership, the university reinforces its mission to support public service and community development.
Dr. Ariaso said the partnership will boost student and faculty involvement in public service while strengthening healthcare delivery.
Looking Ahead: A Healthier Cebu
The Capitol–CNU partnership represents a strategic investment in Cebu’s healthcare future. Combining academics, student engagement, and provincial support, Cebuano communities gain better healthcare access and services.
Governor Baricuatro reaffirmed her commitment to health and education, aiming for quality healthcare access for all Cebuanos.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Cebu Provincial Government and Cebu Normal University marks a significant milestone in improving healthcare delivery in Cebu. By merging the province’s resources with CNU’s expertise, Cebuanos can look forward to better access to medical services, more trained professionals, and stronger community health programs. This partnership underscores the importance of education and public service working hand-in-hand for the benefit of society.
