CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

Autonomous Status granted by CHED – Sept. 16, 2024 – Sept. 15, 2027
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CPU and CPD Region VI strengthen collaboration on population and reproductive health research through MOA signing

by | Oct 24, 2025 | Centralian Link

By Mikee Natinga Norico


From left to right Prof. Melba C. Sale, Dean of the College of Nursing; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Harold Alfred P. Marshall, Regional Director of CPD Region VI; and Fe Rose P. Sindingan-Lemi, Accountant II of CPD Region VI; at the back from left to right Dr. Gabriel Ortigoza, College of Nursing Adjunct Professor from the University of California, Davis; Prof. Nenalyn Abioda, Program Coordinator, NCC Kabalaka RHC; Prof. Rosita Saldajeno, Administrator, CPU Birthing Center; Prof. Alvin John Gustilo, College of Nursing Linkages and Extension Coordinator; and staff from CPD pose for a group photo during the MOA signing ceremony held at the Admin Conference Room.

On October 21, 2025, Central Philippine University (CPU) and the Commission on Population Development (CPD) Region VI formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at the Admin Conference Room.

The partnership aims to strengthen collaborative research and program initiatives focusing on key population and health issues in Western Visayas. Among the goals of the collaboration are research proposal development aligned with priority agendas, particularly addressing higher rates of unplanned fertility among women and girls with less education, lower income, and those living in rural areas.

Both institutions also committed to pursue health promotion and education activities, as well as joint programs under the Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center and Birthing Center.

The program opened with remarks from Harold Alfred P. Marshall, Regional Director of CPD Region VI, followed by a message from CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, emphasizing the importance of academic-government collaboration in addressing pressing population and health concerns.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally signed by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, and Harold Alfred P. Marshall, Regional Director of CPD Region VI, and witnessed by Prof. Melba C. Sale, Dean of the College of Nursing, and Fe Rose P. Sindingan-Lemi, Accountant II of CPD Region VI.

A photo opportunity concluded the event, marking the start of a promising partnership dedicated to advancing research and promoting reproductive health and well-being in the region.