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UC Davis and CPU forge historic partnership to advance nursing education and healthcare access

by | Apr 4, 2025 | Centralian Link

By Gabriel Ortigoza, PhD, RN


Dr. Stephen J. Cavanagh (right) of UC Davis and Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (left) of CPU formalize a historic partnership to advance global healthcare education, equity, and nursing practice through a groundbreaking Agreement of Cooperation and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Sacramento, California – April 1, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move to enhance global healthcare collaboration, UC Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing (BIMSON) and Central Philippine University (CPU) signed a historic Agreement of Cooperation and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the UC Davis BIMSON Conference Room. The agreement, signed by Dr. Stephen J. Cavanagh representing UC Davis and Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy representing CPU, marks a significant milestone in international healthcare education and practice.

A Shared Vision for Healthcare Equity

UC Davis BIMSON is committed to achieving optimal health and healthcare equity for all. Through innovative research, education, and practice, the institution prepares leaders who drive systemic healthcare transformation both locally and globally. This mission aligns with CPU’s dedication to advancing health sciences education in the Philippines.

The collaboration seeks to address healthcare disparities in the Philippines, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The country’s Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, Republic Act 11223, aims to provide comprehensive health services, yet challenges persist due to geographic isolation, economic barriers, and an uneven distribution of healthcare resources. The partnership between UC Davis and CPU is poised to tackle these obstacles through advanced nursing education and practice.

Empowering Advanced Practice Nursing in the Philippines

One of the key aspects of this collaboration is the promotion and integration of the Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) role into the Philippine healthcare system. Senate Bill 1447, introduced in 2022, aligns with the UHC Act and seeks to establish APNs—nurses with specialized training and advanced clinical expertise. However, barriers such as the lack of a formalized framework, standardized practice guidelines, and structured competency verification have hindered the role’s development in the Philippines.

Through this partnership, UC Davis and CPU will work together to build a strong foundation for APN education and practice. This includes:

  • Inter-professional simulation education to improve clinical and advanced practice nursing skills.
  • Research collaborations to promote primary care access and policy development.
  • Annual global learning experiences for UC Davis and Philippine nursing students to enhance clinical competencies in resource-limited settings.
  • Engagement with policymakers to integrate the APN role into Philippine healthcare practice.
  • Sustaining primary care mobile medical camps in rural communities.

 Strategic Activities for Sustainable Impact

The partnership will implement several strategic initiatives, including:

  • Inter-professional education and research collaborations to develop innovative healthcare solutions.
  • Rural medical missions and home visits to reach vulnerable populations.
  • Policy advocacy for APN role advancement in Philippine healthcare.
  • Annual medical camps for primary care and chronic disease screening.
  • Ongoing university faculty and leadership collaboration for global healthcare education.

By fostering relationships between UC Davis BIMSON faculty, clinicians, fellows, and students with Philippine academic institutions, NGOs, and government agencies, this initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility and quality in the Philippines while providing valuable international exposure for both institutions.

A Bold Step Toward Transforming Healthcare

The signing of the MOU signifies a historic commitment to global healthcare collaboration. With the guidance of UC Davis Global Affairs, this initiative will pave the way for future educational exchanges, research partnerships, and policy innovations.

As UC Davis and CPU embark on this transformative journey, they set a new standard for international healthcare partnerships—one that empowers nurses, strengthens primary care access, and ultimately improves health outcomes for communities in need.