QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The University of the Philippines (UP) hosted an academic delegation from Rowan University and the Philippine Consulate General in New York on 4 February 2026 at the Institute of Biology, UP Diliman, to advance potential partnerships in biomedical engineering and health-related fields.
The meeting brought together key officials from both institutions. Representing the Consulate was Consul General Senen Mangalile. The Rowan University delegation included Anthony Lowman, Professor and Chancellor; Richard Jermyn, Dean of the Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine; Lita Marcelo Abele, Creator of Rowan College of South Jersey’s LMA Women’s Institute for Business Studies; Roberto Dumaual, Private Consultant; and Samantha Angela Mata, first UP exchange student.
From UP System were Lorraine Pe Symaco, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ian Kendrich Fontanilla, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Faculty Development); Gino Angelo Velasco, Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director of the Office of International Linkages (OIL); Guillian Mecate, Head of Program Development and Strategy; Chynna Louise Riego, Head of External Affairs; Ivan Kurt Monasterial, Public Affairs and Information Officer; and Racel Kary Pinas, External Affairs Associate.
UP Diliman participants included Maria Antonia Tanchuling, Dean of the College of Engineering; Cynthia Saloma, Dean of the College of Science; Manuel Joseph Loquias, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Betchaida Payot, Associate Dean for Research and Extension; Leslie Diaz, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; and Prospero Naval, Coordinator of the AI Graduate Program. Representing UP Manila was Bernadette Heizel Manapat-Reyes, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Both sides identified strong alignment in biomedical engineering, health sciences, and related research areas. UP units signaled interest in student mobility initiatives, including hosting and sending interns, with the UP Office of International Linkages confirming the availability of funding mechanisms to support exchanges.
Potential academic pathways were also explored, including “sandwich” and “twinning” program models. UP Manila presented its existing program frameworks as possible references, while discussions on medical and engineering education covered opportunities for foreign physicians to pursue postgraduate training in the Philippines and for continuing medical education in both countries.
The parties likewise agreed to move beyond the existing system-level memorandum of understanding by initiating its renewal and expanding it to cover more specific collaborative areas. Among the proposals were joint research projects, potential commercial engagement involving UP Manila’s National Institutes of Health products in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with the Department of Health’s interest in advanced training programs.
Participants noted that the opening of a School of Medicine at UP Mindanao could provide an additional platform for partnership. A targeted follow-up visit to UP’s Biology Department is also being arranged, with both institutions expressing openness to future collaboration in the humanities alongside the current science and engineering focus.
The meeting reflects a shared commitment by UP and Rowan University to deepen academic cooperation, strengthen research linkages, and expand global learning opportunities for their respective communities.