Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit
Her Excellency Răduța Dana Matache, Ambassador of Romania to the Philippines, explored the possibility of joint academic and research partnerships between UP Manila and Romanian universities for the advancement of higher education during her visit to the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila on July 8, 2025, at the Medical Sciences Building, Henry Sy Sr. Hall, UP College of Medicine.
She expressed her support for this initiative particularly in relation to the upcoming European Higher Education Fair 2025 and the development of academic and research partnerships between UP Manila and Romanian universities.
Student mobility and the potential for official student exchange programs were discussed. Ambassador Matache highlighted Romania’s medical and dental universities, which currently accept students from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She noted that these institutions now offer programs in English, making them more accessible to international partners.
“The pharmacy over there is world-class. The biggest Romanian company that exports pharmaceuticals, and I think, speaking about the links between our two countries, one of the most logical investments is into a production unit in the Philippines. But in order to get there, you need to set the basis by cooperating closer in pharmacy and technologies,” Ambassador Matache added.
Chancellor Michael Tee underscored UP Manila’s strong commitment to translational research and innovation, pointing out that while the university has sold or licensed royalties to Filipino companies, the scale remains limited due to the relatively small domestic market. He expressed openness to potential collaborations, saying that if a Romanian company were to pursue a joint venture in the Philippines, UP Manila would consider establishing a knowledge-based equity fund to support such partnerships.
“We have been doing that industry engagement to learn what the industry will demand from our workforce development. But now, we’re looking at how industry and academe can co-develop products for marketing and for the benefit of the people,” emphasized Chancellor Michael Tee.
The visit underscored UP Manila’s commitment to AGILE (Academe, Government, Industry Leadership Engagement) expanding partnerships with international institutions in line with its academic, research, and public service thrusts.
Joining Ambassador Matache was Mr. Gerald L. Nuñez, Trade and Development Officer at the Romanian Embassy in Manila. They were received by Chancellor Tee and other key university officials including Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Bernadette Heizel Reyes; Office of International and Local Linkages Director Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho; University Registrar Asst. Prof. Jean Flor Casauay; and Dr. Teresa Luisa Gloria-Cruz of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine.
Previously, Chancellor Michael Tee was conferred a Doctor Honoris Causa by “Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad of Romania on May 22, 2025.
“In Romania, Doctor Honoris Causa is a distinction that’s very difficult to give—it has to be approved by several layers. So we thought this is really big, and this is really important. And I think it bodes well for your future cooperation with Vasile Goldiș Universitate de Vest, Western University,” said Ambassador Matache.
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