Progress is spurred by ideas born out of creativity, breaking beyond the confines of what is deemed as conventional. To continually develop, society needs more innovative minds – thinkers who refuse to stagnate, and citizens who act towards advancement.
In “improving man as man”, Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) believes that innovation powers the nation; hence its dedication to creating modern, empowering spaces for the promising learners and future visionaries.
Very recently, OLFU once again affirmed its commitment through the blessing and inauguration of the Research, Innovation, Science and Enterprise Tower, better known as the RISE Tower. Situated in Marulas, Valenzuela City, the RISE is a highly advanced facility housing simulation laboratories and collaborative areas with cutting-edge equipment and technologies.
“This facility was envisioned to serve as an integrated academic space where theories taught in the four walls of the classroom will be experienced and put into play”, University President Dr. Caroline Marian S. Enriquez said. Notably, the eight-story building features the Clinical Simulation Center furnished with training units and hi-fi manikins that teach pediatric care, obstetrics care, intensive care, surgical procedures, IV therapy and more; the Air Fatima, a mock airplane cabin; the Seven on the 6th, a mock hotel; and the Robotics Center, among others.
Another highlight is the Learning Commons which is a series of learning spaces for study, research, collaboration and discussion, as well as a repository of print and digital resources. Some of its amenities are the amphitheater-styled Lecture Hall, a spacious Reading Area, and Discussion Rooms. It is also home to the Research Development and Innovation Center, the University’s capital for new discoveries.
“We hope to build up creative and innovative thinking, encourage interactive discussions, and at the same time, develop confidence and professionalism in our students”, added Dr. Enriquez.
Several distinguished guests graced the event, including Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian; Valenzuela City officials, Mayor Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorena “Lorie” Natividad-Borja, District 1 Congressman Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian; Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Aldrin Darilag, and CHED NCR Regional Director IV, Dr. Virginia Akiate. Senator Gatchalian applauded the facility’s ability to provide “hands-on experience”, counting it as “one of the most advanced facilities in the entire country”.
He likewise acknowledged how the City of Valenzuela and OLFU are historically intertwined since the school’s founding in 1967. “As Fatima progresses, develops, and expands, so does Valenzuela”, he said.
About OLFU
Starting as a 25-bed hospital in 1967 in the City of Valenzuela, OLFU evolved to become the esteemed, progressive institution that it is now – an ISO 9001:2015 Certified university known as the “Home of the Topnotchers” owing to its standing in licensure examinations, year-on-year. With over 50 years of perpetuating its quality brand of education, it has also established presence in Quezon City, Pampanga, Antipolo, Nueva Ecija, and recently, Laguna.
The RISE Tower is located on Fatima Avenue corner MacArthur Highway, Marulas, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila.
For more information, you may visit its official website, www.fatima.edu.ph, or its official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/fatima.university