Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit, Charmaine A. Lingdas

The University of the Philippines Manila’s commitment to quality education, excellence in the health sciences, and institutional development was highlighted during the closing ceremony of the 521st ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Programme Assessment on June 4, 2025, at the Museum of A History of Ideas.

The assessment covered four academic programs: the Bachelor of Science in Biology, the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Doctor of Medicine program.

AUN-QA Chief Assessor Prof. Tan Chin Hon underscored that quality assurance goes beyond meeting standards and serves as a platform for institutions to strive for higher levels of excellence and innovation.

“On behalf of AUNQA, I once again thank you for your continued trust. Your support has been a driving force behind our continued efforts to uplift the quality of the work we serve to our member universities like you. It is only with this period of collaboration and partnership that we can raise the bar of academic quality and excellence,” he said.

Quality Assurance Office Director Dr. Bhabita Murjani said the successful completion of the assessment reflected UP Manila’s unwavering commitment to excellence and was made possible through the collective efforts of faculty members, administrators, and staff who share the responsibility of delivering high-quality, transformative education.

She noted that the assessors provided valuable insights and constructive recommendations that would help strengthen the programs further and build on their existing strengths.

“The assessors provided valuable insights and constructive recommendations that will guide the further development of these programs. These recommendations offer opportunities to build on existing strengths, address areas for enhancement, and unlock the full potential of our academic offerings as UP Manila continues to advance its mission and strengthen its position as the national leader in the health sciences,” Murjani said.

For the UP College of Pharmacy, the assessment affirmed the college’s commitment to quality assurance, academic excellence, and the advancement of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences education. He expressed gratitude to faculty members, staff, students, alumni, industry partners, and other stakeholders whose participation and feedback contributed to the external quality assurance process and the college’s continuing pursuit of excellence in education, research, and public service.

“As the national leader in pharmacy education, the College remains committed to fostering transformative learning, advancing translational research, and producing competent, ethical, innovative, and socially responsive graduates who will contribute meaningfully to national development and global health. We will continue to pursue evidence-based quality assurance practices, strengthen partnerships with industry and professional organizations, and cultivate an environment that supports academic excellence, inclusivity, and lifelong learning,” Gloria said.

Meanwhile, College of Medicine Dean Charlotte Chiong highlighted the significant progress made by the UP College of Medicine since its previous AUN-QA assessment in 2018. She noted that sustained investments in infrastructure, laboratory facilities, academic resources, and support systems for faculty, staff, and students had contributed to the positive assessment results.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement and to uphold the highest standards of medical education, advancing our goal of becoming a world-class institution. Beyond that, we are cognizant that at the very core of UPCM is the passion to serve the Filipino people with honor, excellence, and integrity,” Chiong said.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Ma. Teresa T. De Guzman likewise thanked faculty members, staff, students, alumni, and partners for their dedication and contributions to the assessment process. She emphasized that quality assurance reflects both the college’s identity as a scholarly community and its aspirations for the future.

“For the College of Arts and Sciences, quality is not defined solely by scores or certifications; it is a continuing commitment to empathy, excellence, and honor in teaching, research, and service,” De Guzman said. She added that regardless of the final results, the college welcomes the findings as valuable insights that will help strengthen its programs, enrich learning experiences, and deepen its impact on society while remaining globally benchmarked and locally responsive.

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bernadette Heizel Reyes thanked the AUN-QA team for its valuable insights and reaffirmed UP Manila’s commitment to strengthening its programs and institutional systems. She shared that several initiatives are already underway, including infrastructure development projects, improved learning facilities, and efforts to enhance support for teaching, research, and public service.

“In this university, we do believe that what we do matters far beyond the confines of our tiny campus,” she said. “What we do matters beyond the improvement of the graduation of our students, beyond the achievements of our faculty.” She emphasized that quality assurance efforts are closely linked to UP Manila’s broader mission of serving the nation and advancing health outcomes for Filipinos. Reyes further underscored the university’s role in shaping future leaders, emphasizing that “Our business in the university is to develop leaders for the nation.”

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