University of Luzon and DOH-DTRC Ink Partnership for Academic and Community Advancement

The University of Luzon (UL), through its College of Liberal Arts, officially formalized a strategic partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) Dagupan Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DTRC) during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on March 05, 2026. Convening at the DPG Hall at 10:00 AM, this landmark collaboration establishes a robust framework for academic exchange, clinical training, and community-based intervention, reinforcing the university’s commitment to providing high-quality, experiential learning opportunities for its students while addressing critical public health needs in the region. The event served as a formal assembly of key officials from both institutions to solidify a shared vision of rehabilitation, psychological wellness, and professional development.

The ceremony commenced with an opening invocation, followed by significant addresses from the leadership of both organizations. Dr. Rosalina N. Caoile, Medical Center Chief II of DTRC Dagupan, and Dr. Carmelita S. Quinto, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, delivered messages emphasizing the mutual benefits of the pact. The University of Luzon delegation included Dr. Ma. Emma J. Tuvera, Program Head; Prof. Jesus S. Aquino, Research Coordinator; and Mr. Raymond Albert Esguerra, OJT Coordinator for the Psychology Program. Also in attendance were Ms. Maria Czarina G. Caoile, Extension Services Coordinator, and Dr. Susan S. Guevara, a member of the faculty. Representing the DOH-DTRC alongside Dr. Caoile were Dr. Mary Ann D. Montemayor, Chief Health Program Officer; Dr. Naomi Sanchez, Psychological Section Head; and Atty. Elyza R. Sibayan, Legal Officer, who also facilitated the presentation of the MOA. The proceedings were skillfully moderated by Mr. Patrick Jesus Q. Poserio, who served as the Master of Ceremony.

This partnership is particularly significant for Luzonians enrolled in the Psychology and Liberal Arts programs, as it opens doors for supervised internship placements and on-the-job training within a premier government facility. Following the formal signing and a commemorative photo opportunity, the program concluded with thank you remarks from Dr. Montemayor. By immersing students in the therapeutic community approach utilized by the DOH-DTRC, the university ensures that its graduates are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and equipped with the practical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of mental health and addiction recovery. Furthermore, the agreement facilitates collaborative research initiatives and extension services, allowing the university to contribute evidence-based insights to the field of rehabilitative science while directly supporting the center’s mission to transform lives.

The collaboration between the University of Luzon and the DOH-DTRC is deeply rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By providing a platform for specialized training in substance abuse rehabilitation, the partnership directly supports the target of strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Moreover, it exemplifies the university’s dedication to inclusive and equitable quality education by integrating real-world clinical experience into the academic curriculum. Ultimately, this synergy between a higher education institution and a government health agency demonstrates the power of multi-sectoral partnerships in building a more resilient, healthy, and informed society.