Manila: Rivals on the basketball court but partners in public health, the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), and De La Salle University (DLSU) have joined forces to promote improved healthcare and health education across Southeast Asia.

According to Philippines News Agency, UPM noted in a news release on Thursday that the three universities, which currently have identical 4-3 standings in the first round of the UAAP Season 88, have set aside their competitive spirits to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA). This agreement is for the upcoming 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) University Network (AUN) International Advisory Committee Meeting and the 4th International Health Promotion Conference scheduled for November 27 to 28.

DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca FSC expressed that the partnership aligns with the Lasallian mission of improving lives through education. He emphasized the hope that collective efforts would advance toward realizing accessib
le universal healthcare, especially for the poor and marginalized communities.

UP President Angelo Jimenez called the event a “beacon of hope,” highlighting its role in uniting the brightest minds in health and higher education across ASEAN. He pointed out the persistent challenges in the healthcare system, noting that only a fraction of the health centers built by the Department of Health are functional, and there remains a shortage of healthcare professionals nationwide. Jimenez stressed the need for accountability, collaboration, and compassion to ensure healthcare reaches the most underprivileged sectors of society.

Ateneo President Fr. Roberto Yap, S.J., emphasized the partnership as a demonstration of how higher education institutions can act as catalysts for sustainable health systems through shared innovation and research. He noted the conference’s goal to bring together representatives from ASEAN University Network member universities to foster collaboration and share best practices.

The MOA signi
ng was initiated by UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee, reinforcing the university’s leadership in medical and public health education in the country. The events in November, themed “Advancing Health Promotion in the ASEAN Region: Championing University Innovations for Equity and Resilience,” will be held at Conrad Manila in Pasay City. They are expected to gather representatives from ASEAN universities to exchange innovations and best practices in health promotion.