The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has entered into a partnership with Capital Health – Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital (SRH) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that opens new global pathways for nursing education and professional development.
Through this collaboration, Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) students from UPOU will have the opportunity to complete their clinical practicum and preceptorship at SRH’s world-class rehabilitation facilities—the first arrangement of its kind in the Middle East. Under the mentorship of SRH’s multidisciplinary healthcare team, students will gain hands-on clinical experience and exposure to international standards of patient care, enriching their academic learning through real-world application.
In her message during the signing ceremony, UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano expressed heartfelt appreciation to both institutions’ teams for making the partnership possible, acknowledging the key individuals from UPOU and SRH who contributed to its realization.
“This partnership reflects our shared vision of excellence in education, research, and service,” Dr. Serrano said. “Through this partnership, UPOU’s qualified graduate students who intend to complete the requirements of the Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) will be given the opportunity to engage in their clinical practicum through face-to-face engagement at SRH’s world-class rehabilitation facilities in the United Arab Emirates. This experience will enrich their academic training and ensure that they are exposed to the highest standards of patient care, professional conduct, and global health practices.”
She further emphasized that this collaboration strengthens UPOU’s mission as the country’s pioneer in open and distance e-learning by extending learning opportunities beyond borders, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet both local and international demands in their professions.
“For SRH, this is an avenue to mentor future healthcare professionals who will carry forward the values of patient-centered, ethical, and evidence-based practice,” she added. “We are confident that this partnership will provide long-term benefits to both our students and the communities they will serve. This MOU also connects the Philippines and the UAE through education, innovation, and our shared responsibility to advance health and well-being. We at UPOU are honored to be working with SRH and look forward to nurturing this partnership into even more collaborations in the future.”
This partnership supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Beyond providing training opportunities, the collaboration between UPOU and SRH serves as a bridge between the Philippines and the UAE, advancing shared values of education, innovation, and compassionate care. It marks a significant step toward preparing globally competent Filipino nurses who are equipped to serve diverse communities and uphold the highest standards of healthcare practice.
Dr. Mishal Al Qasimi, Chief Executive Officer of Capital Health, likewise underscored the importance of the partnership:
“By partnering with the University of the Philippines, we are creating new opportunities for the next generation of nursing leaders while advancing our shared commitment to clinical excellence, education, and innovation.”
The MOU signing was attended by Dr. Aurora V. Lacaste, UPOU Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dr. Rita C. Ramos, Program Chair of the Master of Arts in Nursing Program; Ms. Anne-Marie Schreuder, Chief Operating Officer; Ms. Jannet Tenebro, Director of Nursing; Ms. Candice Tomas, Clinical Resource Nurse; and Mr. Mahmoud Abusarhan, Senior Training and Development Specialist of SRH.
Written by Dona Lyn M. Piamonte • Edited by Larry N. Cruz
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