Japanese Students from IUHW Conclude 10-Day Immersion Program

September 11, 2025

Text by Jennifer Manongdo
Photo by January Kanindot

Students from the International University of Health and Wellness (IUHW) strike a pose with Chancellor Michael Tee on Sept. 11, 2025 at the UP Manila Boardroom.

A group of second-year Japanese university students from the International University of Health and Wellness (IUHW) completed their 10-day study and cultural program at the University of the Philippines Manila on Sept. 11, 2025, with a special message from Chancellor Michael Tee.

“Soon you will work as health professionals. The technology and tools will change, but one thing that should stay is how you will treat your patients with compassion and care. Remember to listen to them and respond the way they need, then you will be great health professionals,” Chancellor Tee said during a short meeting with the students.

The meeting comes a day before the group’s “Tomodachi Hour,” a special time set to socialize with students from the College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP).

“If you ever visit the Philippines again, visit us here in the university and show me the photo we have together so I will remember you,” Chancellor Tee quipped.

The visiting group consists of two faculty members and 17 second year college students from various allied health disciplines: medical technology, radiologic technology, physical therapy, speech pathology, pharmaceutical science, and nursing. They participated in various academic activities designed to expose them to the Philippine healthcare system and the practice of allied health professions in both public and private settings. These include lectures on the healthcare system in the Philippines and the roles and responsibilities of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses in public and private healthcare settings. Aside from lectures, the group also completed visits to community-based health facilities.

This academic and cultural visit is part of an ongoing partnership with IUHW that began in 2016 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions.

This year’s batch marks the fifth group of IUHW students to visit the Philippines under the agreement. They are composed of Moe Kurino, Natsuki Ishii, Airu Inuzuka, Misaki Inokubo, Kazuki Oishi, Misaki Ito, Kira Tanaka, Sana Hamada, Natu Ushiima, Haruto Sugihara, Ayana Uehara, Yusuke Amano, Juno Kitamura, Yumu Yoshitake, Soshi Eikawa, Kota Tashiro, and Soma Manabe. They were accompanied by faculty members Yuko Nogami and Yoshitaka Yamaguchi.

The 10-day study and cultural program was facilitated by a committee composed of faculty and staff members from CAMP: Aila Nica Bandong, John Patrick Lentejas, Michael Valdez, and Lindsay Paulino.#