Strengthening Inter-Institutional Collaboration in Community Health Service
📅 July 12, 2024
📍 City Camp Proper, Baguio City
On July 12, 2024, students from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) joined forces with the Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine to conduct the “Operation Libreng Tuli” circumcision drive in City Camp Proper. This community-based health initiative provided free circumcision services to residents, particularly young boys, emphasizing the shared commitment of both institutions to public health and service.
The collaboration not only extended essential healthcare to underserved families but also offered UC-CON nursing students meaningful hands-on experience in community engagement, teamwork, and healthcare delivery. Through the initiative, students strengthened their clinical competencies and deepened their sense of social responsibility in promoting health equity.
The successful implementation of “Operation Libreng Tuli” highlighted the power of inter-institutional partnerships in advancing health promotion, preventive care, and community well-being within Baguio City.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 3.8 – Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services.
Through Operation Libreng Tuli, UC-CON and SLU contribute to providing accessible and safe health services to the community, promoting holistic well-being.
SDG 4.4 – Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and decent work.
The activity offered experiential learning opportunities for nursing students, equipping them with clinical skills and community engagement experience vital for professional practice.
SDG 17.17 – Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil-society partnerships.
The partnership between UC-CON and SLU demonstrates the impact of academic collaboration in strengthening public health initiatives and promoting community service.
