EIGHTEEN years ago Professor Tomas B. Lopez, Jr., President of the University of Makati (UMak), started the Dualized University Education System or DUES together with then Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.
Since 2000, nearly 1,000 institutional partners are now involved in DUES.
“The role of UMak’s partners has become even more crucial as the university is challenged to venture into collaborations that will ensure the readiness of UMak graduates to engage in the international workplace,” Professor Lopez told over 200 partner institutions during the Recognition Day ceremonies, including the Jubilant Dental Learning Foundation and So Earth TCM.
The Jubilant Dental Learning Foundation is working towards providing scholarships to deserving students of dentistry. The same is true for So Earth TCM which, along with Si En TCM Institute, will support UMak’s Traditional Chinese Medicine diploma programs.
Dr. Kenneth Lim of the Jubilant Dental Learning Foundation and So Earth TCM and UMak signed contracts that cover curriculum intervention, faculty and student development, on-the-job training and learning experience internship.
In 2000, Professor Lopez invited respected companies to collaborate in the development of UMak’s curriculum, student ands and faculty and the continuous upgrade of facilities. UMak recast its courses to specific specialties so that “students know what they knew” and companies were confident about the qualification of graduates.
UMak’s partnerships with industry and institutions is now being emulated by other colleges and universities “as the culture of linkaging and networking spread,” observed Professor Lopez who taught at the Asian Institute of Management for 23 years before becoming UMak President.
“The institutional partnerships have been directed towards strategizing and institutionalizing a new education paradigm, building an innovative nationwide agenda for the youth, taking education to higher horizons in navigating the professional world, paving the way for UMak graduates to thrive in the global landscape,” Professor Lopez remarked.
Makati Mayor Mar-Len Abigail Binay-Campos, accompanied by Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, expressed appreciation to the institutional partners for their support to UMak students challenged by a high-tech workplace.
“By bridging the gap between students and industry, education is more meaningful for students,” said Atty. Jewel D. Bulos, University Secretary. Amid fast changing technologies, UMak and its students “need to innovate,” she said.
“UMak is what it is today because of its partners,” said Dr. Elyxzur C. Ramos, Vice President for Academic Affairs, adding that one of UMak’s blueprints is to open its doors to industry partners. “Education in the workplace is the best education beyond school.”/PN
Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
