Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Ronald M. Verceles
The University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health (CPH) welcomed delegates from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) on June 2, 2026, for a benchmarking visit and exploratory meeting aimed at formalizing academic partnerships and expanding opportunities for collaboration in public health education, research, and scholarly exchange.
Held at the CPH Annex II Building in Ermita, Manila, the meeting brought together faculty members, administrators, and students from CUHK to discuss possible areas of cooperation and review plans for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The proposed partnership seeks to strengthen collaboration through joint research activities, consultancy services, faculty and student exchanges, and participation in academic events and projects.
CPH Dean and SEMEO TROPMED Regional Centre for Public Health, Hospital Administration, Environmental and Occupational Health Centre Director Dr. Fernando Garcia Jr. noted that partnerships are often initiated through benchmarking visits and professional interactions, highlighting the importance of maintaining connections among institutions committed to advancing public health education and research.
The program also featured a message from Prof. Samuel Wong, Director of the School of Public Health and Primary Care of the CUHK Faculty of Medicine, who expressed support for strengthening academic linkages between the two universities.
Providing an overview of public health education at CUHK, Dr. Tony Yung, Senior Lecturer at the School of Public Health and Primary Care, shared the major areas covered in their curriculum, including control of infectious diseases, control of chronic diseases, environmental health, food safety, occupational health, health improvement, global health challenges, health services, bioinformatics, machine learning, and big data. Dr. Yung discussed the structure and distinctive features of CUHK’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health program. He highlighted the program’s overseas exchange opportunities and its four-year process model, which incorporates study tours, field activities, practical workshops, experiential learning, and mentorship throughout a student’s academic journey.
Representing CPH, Dr. Paulyn Jean Claro, Assistant to the Dean for Planning and Development, presented an overview of the college’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health program. She discussed the history of the program, its outcomes, and its curriculum framework. While, Asst. Prof. Myra Mistica, College Secretary and Assistant Professor, delivered a presentation on student relations and alumni monitoring. She also highlighted various student support initiatives, including alumni-funded scholarships, research grants, and wellness nooks that provide counseling and other support services to students.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sharon Yvette Angelina Villanueva, Associate Dean for Research, Extension Services, and Chair of the Quality Assurance Committee, presented the college’s research initiatives and accomplishments. She discussed ongoing research projects, publication outputs, professional memberships, and journal reviewer engagements of faculty members. She also introduced the UP Manila and CPH research agendas and priority research themes, emphasizing the college’s commitment to addressing pressing public health concerns through evidence-based research.
Following the discussions, the visiting CUHK students participated in a tour of the College of Public Health facilities, providing them with a closer look at the university’s academic environment and public health programs.
The benchmarking visit marked an important step toward strengthening international cooperation between UP Manila and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. By fostering collaboration in education, research, and academic exchange, both institutions aim to contribute to the development of future public health leaders and generate knowledge that addresses local and global health challenges.
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