PUP, UP Manila Sign MOU for Academic and Public Service Initiatives

July 28, 2026

Text by Jennifer Manongdo
Photos by Jaira Purificacion

Officials of the University of the Philippines Manila and Polytechnic University of the Philippines, led by (from left, front row) Chancellor Michael Tee and PUP President Dr. Manuel Muhi, sign an agreement that brings together two of the country’s leading universities in pursuit of a shared goal: advancing public health and medical education.

The University of the Philippines Manila and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) entered into a strategic partnership on July 23, 2026, establishing several areas of cooperation, including clinical preceptorship arrangements and training opportunities for the students of PUP Leyte.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) also paves the way for collaborative research initiatives, joint academic programs, sharing of research publications and educational materials, and shared conferences and workshops aimed at strengthening the professional development of faculty and students from both institutions.

“This signing of the MOU is the first step of a long and fruitful journey. The value of this agreement lies in the lives we will keep up, the innovations we will inspire, and the future leaders altogether. Thank you to the leadership and the working committees of both institutions for making this partnership a reality,” PUP President Dr. Manuel Muhi said during the signing ceremony held at the PUP campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

“Together, we are creating a powerhouse of collaborative growth. Through this MOU, we commit to a comprehensive framework of cooperation that will redefine our institutional capabilities. This partnership translates into actionable, high-impact initiatives across several areas like collaborative research, machine programs, conferences, and workshops to enhance the professional development and competencies of both parties, sharing resources on the job training, internship opportunities, and many more,” he added.

Through the MOU, officials from both universities will study the creation of an informatics framework to address gaps in Leyte’s Health Information System. The proposed system would link the Health Care Provider Network with the Primary Care Provider Network to close these gaps.

Also in the program, Chancellor Michael Tee unveiled his vision of creating courses that integrate health promotion and health marketing to advance public health.

The signing ceremony was also attended by UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Bernadette Heizel Reyes; Dean of UP Manila School of Health Sciences, Dr. Charlie Labarda; Director of the School of Health Sciences Extension Campus, Tarlac, Asst. Professor Joel Valencia, and PUP Director for Leyte Campus, Associate Professor Mecmack Narte, who delivered the message of PUP Vice President Dr. Armando Torres.

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