| SMU holds orientation for Project Maalaga participants

SMU holds orientation for Project Maalaga participants

Saint Mary’s University officially welcomed the 20 candidates of Project Maalaga through a Welcome Program and Orientation held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Balai na Alumni. The event marks the beginning of the 6-month Dutch language training course led by Mr. Diederik Van Gorp, a visiting instructor from Belgium.

Mrs. Venica S. Acosta, VP for Finance and Treasurer, instilled the value of Project Maalaga to the candidates as she expressed in her welcome message, “We, therefore, advise you, our dear Marian nurses, to focus on your training for this is a rare, good opportunity. Right from the start, the end goal of this undertaking should inspire you to give it your best shot.”

Project Maalaga, a program that supports international training and employment opportunities for Marian nurses, is the first enrollment-to-employment program of SMU. Exploratory talks with foreign partners started as early as 2023, culminating with the partnership signing on Feb. 14, 2025.

The orientation program began with the introduction of university administrators and the Belgian instructor by Dr. Joman Baliton, dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences (SHANS).

“It will be a very intensive six months, but hopefully it will be a very rewarding one, and it’s only the first step,” Mr. Van Gorp said in his message to the candidates.

Dr. Clara Gonzales, head of the Promotions, External Relations, and Internationalization Office (PERIO), presented the timeline of Project Maalaga and formally introduced the 20 candidates. She said the Dutch class officially begins on Tuesday, July 1, and the delegates are expected to fly to Belgium in January 2025.

Closing the first part of the program, Dr. Sherylou Benig, Department Head of Nursing, extended her heartfelt gratitude to all who initiated the program. She described the undertaking as the students’ stepping stone to their dreams and aspirations in a foreign land.

The orientation proper covered key guidelines and policies related to accommodations, behavioral expectations, and class conduct. Speakers included Ms. Queen Nessellyn Galicia from Balai na Alumni; ADSAS for Women, Mrs. Alona Costales; and Mr. Van Gorp, who discussed class expectations. Dr. Gonzales also gave an overview of Project Maalaga’s management and policies. Ms. Madonna Blando, PERIO staff, presented the forms to be used during the program. The orientation concluded with an online session led by Mr. Jean-Baptist Vandeneede, Project Maalaga Manager.

Mr. Martin Gabriel Manuel, SHANS PL Coordinator, hosted the activity.