Philippines, SKorea team up to boost veterinary medicine education

MANILA, Philippines – Veterinarians from the Philippines and South Korea have joined hands to advance veterinary medicine education.

Members of the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) and the Seoul Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Philippines and South Korea to signify a growing partnership in veterinary education.

Gabriel Paz, VPAP President and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, led the MoA signing during the 41st VPAP Annual Scientific Conference held in Pasig City.

The two-day event, which  also served as celebration of veterinary education, trade, and industry relations, featured informative scientific sessions for members of the veterinary medicine community, and various brand exhibitions that displayed the thriving industry.

Paz said it is through the heightened value of education as well as strong local and global ties that VPAP is able to successfully pioneer the practice of veterinary medicine in the Philippines.

"We believe that our efforts will see a more developed and holistic community that will produce the finest Filipino veterinarians throughout the country," Paz said.

Paz added that for the last 41 years, VPAP has formed strong and international networks that continue to allow the growth of the foundation and platforms of veterinary medicine in the Philippines.

Both VPAP and SVMA are poised to deliver scientific exchange and collaboration to expand and develop the scholastic and trade network.

As partner in education and in driving action toward responsible pet ownership in the Philippines, VPAP recognized the ongoing efforts of the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and its Well-fed, Well-Nurtured campaign through a presidential citation in this year’s conference.

In 2012, PFI and VPAP joined forces to roll out informative initiatives on overall pet care and wellbeing.

"VPAP has been an integral part in developing a well-informed pet community in the Philippines through setting educational programs in motion. As we embark on another year of milestones and progress, we will continue to work with VPAP to drive the values and vision of PFI and foster proper pet nutrition and animal welfare in the country," said Pet Food Institute President Duane Ekedahl.