Bearing identical initial team standings of 4-3 on the first round of the UAAP Season 88, the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila), Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), and De La Salle University (DLSU) set aside their competitive spirits and banded together to promote improved healthcare in the ASEAN region.
This week, the three Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) signed a Memorandum of Agreement that sealed their collaboration in advancing health promotion for the 10th ASEAN University Network (AUN) International Advisory Committee Meeting and the 4th International Health Promotion Conference in November 2025.
“Today marks a special moment not only for our respective institutions but for the collective pursuit of health and well-being across our region. On behalf of De La Salle University, I formally accept the honor of co-hosting the 10th ASEAN University Network International Advisory Committee Meeting and the fourth International Health Promotion Conference,” Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, President of De La Salle University, said during the MOA signing on Oct. 20, 2025, at UP Manila.
Not only is the partnership a “milestone” for the three institutions involved, it also aligns with the Lasallian mission of improving lives through education. “At the core of our Lasallian mission is our desire to improve the quality of life of our people through education… We hope that through our collective efforts, we will journey closer to realizing a true, accessible universal health care for our people, especially the poor and the marginalized,” he added.
The 10th AUN International Advisory Committee Meeting and 4th International Health Promotion Conference will take place on Nov. 27 to 28, 2025, at Conrad Manila, Pasay City. Under the theme of “Advancing Health Promotion in the ASEAN Region: Championing University Innovations for Equity and Resilience.” The event is expected to bring together representatives from ASEAN universities to exchange innovations and best practices in health promotion.
Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, President of the University of the Philippines, said the upcoming AUN event is a beacon of hope as it brings together the expertise of the brightest minds in the academic field.
“This really gives us a reason to celebrate a new hope. Today marks a milestone as the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University join hands to advance health promotion in the ASEAN region,” he said.
He noted that five years after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of the country’s health systems, many challenges persist, with only 200 of 600 DOH-built health centers functional and a continuing shortage of doctors and nurses nationwide.
“We know that innovation alone is not enough. Real transformation demands accountability, collaboration, and compassion—so that healthcare and well-being can reach even the farthest and most underprivileged in our society,” he emphasized.
Atty. Jimenez also underscored the deeper intent of the partnership, saying, “During UAAP season, we wear different colors and cheer for different teams—but beyond competition, beyond rankings, we remain most importantly united in championing excellence and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people. This event highlights exactly that—the collaboration, not competition.”
Meanwhile, Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J., AdMU President described the partnership as a vital step toward advancing health promotion and sustainability in higher education.
“This conference serves as a vital platform that highlights the crucial role of partnerships and collaborations among higher education institutions in health promotion,” he said. “Our goal for this conference is to convene representatives from ASEAN University Network member universities to foster collaboration, share expertise, and exchange best practices. With a single purpose and clear direction, we will be able to shape the AUN-HPN work plan that promotes healthier and more sustainable universities across ASEAN.”
The MOA signing was held at UP Manila, the country’s leading health sciences center, upon the initiative of Chancellor Michael Tee.#
