Ceremonial Signing of MoU Marks Exciting New Partnership between Velez College and VRO through IJOMAHIP
Cebu, Philippines — In a significant step towards advancing Allied Health Science education, research, theory and practice, Velez College in Cebu, Philippines, has entered into a formal partnership with the Virtual Realia Organization (VRO), which operates its International Office in Muscat, Oman, and its National Office in Laguna, Philippines. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on March 14, 2025, via Microsoft Teams, with the International Journal of Medicine and Health Innovations Perspectives (IJOMAHIP) overseeing the event. Dr. Edsel P. Inocian, the Chief Editor of IJOMAHIP and a proud alumnus of Velez College’s Medical Technology program, was instrumental in bringing this collaboration to life. The signing ceremony took place from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Philippine Time and kicked off with a series of warm introductory activities, including doxologies and the national anthems of both the Philippines and Oman. Following that, video presentations from Velez College and VRO set an inspiring tone for the formal proceedings.
Dr. Rene Y. Paquibut, a member of the VRO Board, delivered the warm welcoming remarks that highlighted how important collaboration is for driving innovation. After that, the participants were introduced, including Benedict Al Candia, LPT, PhD (c), who represented Velez College. Mr. Candia shared messages from Dr. Carmen M. Velez, the President of Velez College, and Mrs. Ma. Nona A. Velez, the Vice President for Academic Affairs. These messages really underscored the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and its hopes for a fruitful partnership.
The gathering was attended by a remarkable group of individuals, including the VRO Board of Directors, the Editorial Board of IJOMAHIP, and various Deans and Department Heads from Velez College, along with other representatives from both organizations. Some of the notable attendees were Mrs. Ma. Nona A. Velez (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Dr. Ma. Carol Kangleon (Dean of Nursing), Mrs. Hazel Maglinte- Joyohoy (Dean of Medical Technology), Mr. Romel V. Cabazor (Dean of Physical and Occupational Therapy), Ms. Yves Quino (Dean of Arts and Sciences), Mrs. Bellavic Tropezado (Director of OSSA), Mrs. Josefina Minoza (Head Librarian), Mr. Ariel Valle (Registrar), Ms. Maria Rowela P. Aleo (HR Manager), Mrs. Christine Ruedas (Director of Community Extension Services), and Mrs. Lara C. Llenos- Baculi (Guidance Counselor), along with other Research Coordinators, faculty and non-teaching staff from Velez College. Additionally, guests from VRO and IJOMAHIP came from various places, including Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the USA, and the Philippines, showcasing the global reach and collaborative spirit of this partnership.
The ceremonial signing of the MOU was the highlight of the event, representing a strong commitment to working together and making strides in both education and research. This agreement lays out several important goals and initiatives focused on educational innovation, allied health research and development, faculty and student growth, and community involvement.
Dr. Don Anton Robles Balida, the Chairman of VRO, shared his vision for this partnership, emphasizing how it could enhance educational experiences and medical research by incorporating virtual realia and other advanced technologies.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Majed Aldahdooh, a member of the VRO Board from Oman, stressed the importance of this collaboration in building a global community of educators and researchers. This partnership aims to harness the strengths of both institutions, fostering innovative educational approaches and pushing forward medical research. The ceremony wrapped up with a feeling of hope and excitement for the future collaborations between Velez College and the Virtual Realia Organization, signaling a new chapter in their shared journey toward excellence in education and healthcare.