The Quezon City Government is launching an internship program for veterinary medicine students from various universities and colleges across Luzon.
The QC Veterinary Department (QCVD) will offer internship training or an experience-based training program, for its services such as clinical practices including animal care and adoption, rabies prevention and control, and spay and neuter. Training positions on Food Hygiene and Meat regulation will also be offered.
“Part of the curriculum of Veterinary Medicine is exposure to off-campus learning experiences. Through our comprehensive internship program, we hope to provide valuable hands-on and actual experience to soon-to-be veterinarians. Our QCVD will serve as their training ground until they graduate and practice their profession. Iba ang nagagawa ng actual practice bukod sa theories lang. Mas marami silang matututunan kung nahahasa sila ng husto habang nag-aaral pa,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
QCVD has already discussed partnerships with universities and is now finalizing the needed documents. The department is also reaching out to other colleges and universities with veterinary medicine for possible tie-ups that will be sealed through a memorandum of understanding.
According to City Veterinarian Dr. Ana Maria Cabel, other activities such as joint academics, research, training, and seminars will also be conducted with partner universities.
“This will be the first time that an LGU is offering its services for the internship of soon-to-be veterinarians. Their school teaches them concepts, and the city will let them gain practical knowledge and skills that will complement their theoretical learning,” Cabel explained.
“It is a win-win situation for the students and for the city because we can further extend our services and at the same time provide them with necessary knowledge and skills that make a positive impact on the lives of the animals and contribute to the well-being of the residents and communities,” Cabel added.
QCVD is also collaborating with Quezon City University for learning modules that can also be incorporated into the training.
In 2021, the city established the QC Animal Care and Adoption Center in Barangay Payatas which provides temporary homes for impounded and neglected animals. It has a surgery room for cats and dogs that need to be castrated, and for other animals that need medical attention.
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