Gov. Pamela Baricuatro signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of San Carlos (USC) Fine Arts and Interior Design Departments on Wednesday, Sept. 24, to strengthen healthcare services in the province.
The agreement covers two projects. The first is a Visual Health Literacy Campaign to be implemented by the USC Fine Arts Department. This initiative will develop and distribute posters, infographics, and other visual materials to raise awareness on key health concerns such as stroke, HIV, cancer, vaccine-preventable diseases, and other priorities identified by the Provincial Health Office.
By using compelling visuals and accessible messaging, the campaign aims to improve health literacy, encourage preventive measures, and support broader public health goals.
The second project will focus on beautifying and enhancing wayfinding in provincial and district hospitals, with the USC Fine Arts and Interior Design Departments leading the work. They will repaint and redesign reception areas with more welcoming elements, improve signage, and set up accessible information displays to create a functional, patient-friendly environment.
Under the MOU, the Capitol will provide funds for materials and logistics, while USC faculty and student volunteers will contribute labor and design expertise.
“I know it’s aesthetic but it also signals change and reform gyud,” said Dr. Nikki Catalan, Piso Public Health Consultant of the Capitol.
For USC, the partnership reflects its long-standing commitment to community service, which has built the university’s reputation—as also the governor’s alma mater.
“It’s really a community extension service for us. We want to instill ‘devotio’ or service to the community to our students sa San Carlos, and we cannot do that if we cannot go down gyod sa grassroots sa community,” said Carla Marie Adlawan, a faculty member of USC’s Fine Arts Department.
“Nindot kaayo ni sa school nga makatabang sad mi sa mga taw, especially sa health,” she added. | CAPITOL PIO
