PHINMA University of Iloilo strengthens its connection with the Ilonggos by collaborating with the Iloilo City Government to help fight malnutrition among children and make communities better prepared for disasters.
This partnership is made official at the signing of
agreements between PHINMA UI and the local government, represented by Mayor
Jerry P. TreƱas and Ms Ofelia Odilao-Bisnar, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of
PHINMA UI, on Tuesday, 8 November 2022, in the City Mayor’s Office at the
Iloilo City Hall.
“We believe that partnering with the Iloilo City Government
in implementing programs on reducing child malnutrition and better disaster
risk reduction and management will ground us to the realities in the
communities,” said Ofelia Odilao-Bisnar, COO of PHINMA UI.
Ms. Odilao-Bisnar, is enjoined by the other PHINMA
UI officers at the agreements signing; John Rey Olpoc, Dean - College of Allied
Health and Sciences; Marie Joyce Simpas, Clinical Coordinator- College of
Allied Health and Sciences; Churchille Montealto-Pasague, Community Engagement
Officer; Sheryl Cordero, Manager for Center for Student Development and
Leadership; and Sylvia Infante, Senior Marketing Manager.
“This will allow us, an Iloilo City-based
institution, to better engage with the beneficiaries and share resources with a
government institution that’s equally committed to the mission of keeping
Ilonggo communities healthy and resilient,” Odilao-Bisnar said.
One of the agreements is about the implementation
of the First 1000 Days of Life Program Community Extension Project, or F1KD.
Initiated via its Center for Student Development and Leadership, this is part
of PHINMA UI’s commitment to provide assistance in enhancing, accelerating, and
expanding nutrition interventions in the Philippines, particularly in Iloilo
City.
The University seeks to implement the F1KD program
in barangays Maria Clara, Ortiz, and Rizal Ibarra in City Proper from 2022 to
2025. They need the help of the city government in introducing the program to
the beneficiary barangays. They also seek a designated local health official
coordinating with the University staff during implementation.
Meanwhile, through the partnership agreement on
disaster risk reduction and management, or DRRM, PHINMA UI seeks to better
equip its students in disaster management through a volunteer system that gets
them involved in DRRM initiatives of the city government.
The LGU, on the one hand, shall create avenues
and/or platforms for and share knowledge with PHINMA UI students to develop
disaster risk management competencies and apply these in barangays. The
University, on the other hand, shall support the disaster preparedness and
response activities of the LGU and augment their operations when resources are
available, and activate the University of Iloilo Evacuation Center.
Aside from these initiatives, PHINMA UI has
previously sought to partner with the Iloilo City Government in implementing
programs on marine environmental protection through mangrove planting and
coastal cleanup, and Family Care Nursing and Community Health Nursing through its
College of Allied Health and Sciences.
Comments
Post a Comment