Fatima University Medical Center celebrates 50 years
The Fatima University Medical Center (FUMC) and Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) commemorate their 50th founding anniversary with the coffee table book 50 Years: A Glorious Journey
to Greater Heights. Along with this, the SPARKS International Academic Conference of OLFU was formally launched.
This year also marks 100 years since Our Lady of Fatima appeared to three shepherd children in Portugal, sparking the devotion worldwide.
Founded in 1967, OLFU and FUMC are institutions dedicated to developing individuals through a legacy of excellent education and compassionate value formation. OLFU consistently produces board top-notchers, while the FUMC is the only ISO-certified hospital with modern facilities in the Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela (CAMANAVA) area.
Written by Robert Bjorn Santos, one of OLFU’s administrators and board of trustees, the book narrates the valuable history of these institutions from its humble beginnings of a 25-bed general hospital along McArthur Highway in the then underdeveloped town of Valenzuela. Santos encapsulates the story of the establishment, development, and achievements of OLFU and FUMC through the experiences of their different leaders, pioneer and current employees, alumni and students.
The book also discusses the accomplishments of Fatima as evidenced by the various recognitions and accreditations here and abroad. It also details the expansion of the university from Valenzuela to Quezon City, Antipolo, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija; and the medical center from Valenzuela to Antipolo. Furthermore, it summarizes the contributions of the institutions in the field of research, and the impact in society through quality education, health care, extension services, scholarships and charitable works of the founders and current administrators.
At the launch, Fatima’s socio-civic projects were also presented, including the 50,000 employee volunteer hours and the search for the 50 scholars from the maiden batch of senior high school graduates. Fifty homes are also being funded and built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Currently, 28 homes are in the pipeline at Northville 2, while the remain- ing 22 will be constructed at Bistekville in Quezon City. The 50 houses will be completed in three years. Setting off SPARKS (Synergizing Partnerships in Advancing Research Knowledge and Services), OLFU highlighted “academic diplomacy” as the new buzz phrase in the educational arena. In this connection, there will be an international conference on Sept. 15 to 16 at Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City. The learning event brings together global and local academicians and professionals, all aligned to the theme “Fusing Strengths in Building Academic Diplomacy in Higher Education in Asia.” SPARKS aims to: 1) forge a common understanding of academic diplomacy in higher education, 2) explore how academic diplomacy supports the university’s role in the creation of a better global citizen, 3) strengthen the academic networks in Asia so that they can fully capture the potential of academic diplomacy, 4) consolidate and broaden perspectives on international academic partnerships focused in the development of international teaching and learning programs through joint research and innovation projects, and 5) appreciate the significance of strategic plans and diplomatic approaches in the internationalization of higher education institutions. For information, visit www.fatima.edu.ph for Our Lady of Fatima University, and www.fumc.com.ph for the Fatima University Medical Center.