𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐔𝐉𝐈𝐀𝐍
𝐅𝐔𝐙𝐇𝐎𝐔, 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐀 — While Gov. Pam Baricuatro will be cutting short her official trip to China due to the looming tropical storm in Cebu, it was still a productive day for the Cebu delegation as the governor led the delegation in a visit to the Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (FJTCM), for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing medical education, professional training, and community health systems in Cebu.
The MOU reaffirms an existing agreement on the shared intention of both parties to promote academic exchanges and cooperation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The center is envisioned to serve as a hub for cultural promotion, clinical practice, health management, and research collaboration while complementing existing modern healthcare approaches in the province.
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that the partnership directly supports her administration’s priority to strengthen healthcare services and expand learning opportunities for Cebuano medical professionals.
“Healthcare remains a cornerstone of our governance. Partnerships such as this allow us to bring global knowledge to Cebu, invest in our health workforce, and ultimately deliver better services to our people,” the governor said.
During the discussions, several high-impact opportunities were explored, including specialized training for nursing and medical students of Cebu Normal University, the creation of a platform for healthcare professionals from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center to undergo TCM training in Fujian Province, and the rollout of short-term capability programs for community health workers.
Provincial Board Member Dr. Stanley S. Caminero, Chairman of the Committee on Health, Environment and Energy, and Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan conveyed firm support for the initiatives, adding that since their last discussion with FJTMC, they have already started discussions with potential partners, assuring that the Provincial Government stands ready to back programs that elevate the province’s healthcare standards.
Governor Baricuatro expressed gratitude to the university for its openness and collaboration, recalling that representatives from FJTCM had previously visited Cebu — a gesture that laid the groundwork for the strengthened partnership.
She also assured university officials that she would work closely with the Provincial Board to ensure the successful implementation of the programs.
FJTCM likewise opened the possibility of accepting students from Cebu to study Traditional Chinese Medicine, following an inquiry from Provincial Board Member Michael Joseph T. Villamor, Chairman of the Committee on Higher Education — a move seen to further expand academic pathways for Cebuano learners.
Joining the governor were Provincial Board Members Malcolm A. Sanchez, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign and Local Relations, and Lakambini Reluya, Chairman of the Committee on Commerce and Industry, underscoring the province’s unified push toward global collaboration across sectors.
The MOU outlines cooperation in promoting TCM culture, developing medical and training bases, integrating research outcomes into academic and hospital systems, and expanding community-based health services. It will take effect upon signing and remain valid for five years, with provisions for renewal through mutual agreement.
The visit signals Cebu’s growing presence in international health partnerships and reflects the province’s proactive approach to innovation — ensuring that as healthcare evolves globally, Cebuanos remain at the forefront of its benefits. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
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