Every year, hospitals across the Philippines come together to celebrate National Hospital Week—a time to recognize not only the work of healthcare professionals, but also the people at the heart of every hospital: the patients, their families, and the communities we serve. This year, De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) joined the celebration with the theme: Juan Health for Juan Nation: Makabagong Teknolohiya sa Ospital na Mapagkalinga. From August 12 to 14, DLSUMC turned National Hospital Week into three days of meaningful activities centered on care, wellness, generosity, and community. The celebration opened with a lively parade led by the DLSMHSI Marching Band, followed by an opening ceremony at the Medical Arts Center, formally opened by Vice Chancellor for Hospital Operations, Dr. Conrado P. Crisostomo. The event also featured the unveiling of a DLSUMC audiovisual presentation highlighting the DLSUMC’s commitment to accessible, compassionate, and people-centered healthcare through its preventive care, diagnostics, specialized treatment, and wellness services. The first day also featured the Ukay-Ukay for a Cause, where donated clothes, shoes, bags, toys, and other items were sold at affordable prices, with proceeds supporting the DLSUMC Charity Fund. Patients, relatives, and members of the institutional community also enjoyed free manicure and pedicure services, massage chairs, taho, ice cream, and a photobooth. Day two focused on wellness through a Live Cooking Show led by Ms. Vilma Reyes, RND, with Mr. Jack Maurice Camet, RND. The demonstration showed how simple, healthy, and budget-friendly meals can be prepared at home. The day ended with an energetic Zumba session that brought colleagues and community members together through movement and fun. The celebration concluded with recognition of exceptional patient relations. The Patient Relations Awards honored 31 DLSUMC personnel who received commendations through patient feedback for demonstrating outstanding customer relations. DLSUMC also recognized its Top 5 Performing Units: the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Mammography Unit, Combined Blue Dragon Security Services, Inc., Admitting and Information Unit, and Social Service Unit, which ranked No. 1. More than a celebration, National Hospital Week 2026 was a reminder that healthcare goes beyond treatment. Every smile, helping hand, kind gesture, and meaningful interaction contributes to a better patient experience. To everyone who made the three-day celebration possible, thank you for helping DLSUMC continue its commitment to Nurturing Your Health.

On August 13, 2026, a new era began at the Dr. Ariniego Library with the launch of its Media Commons on the third floor. Designed as a dynamic and innovative space, the Media Commons brings together technology, learning, creativity, and student well-being. In her opening message, Dr. Naomi de Aro, Vice Chancellor for Academics, highlighted how the Media Commons creates opportunities for professors and students to go beyond the traditional classroom by integrating technology into the learning experience. She also emphasized its role as a space where students can take a break, recharge, and continue nurturing their potential. Dr. de Aro expressed her appreciation to the team whose hard work and dedication brought the new space to life. Sharing his personal recollection, Mr. Ferdinand Berba, Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer, recalled how much he enjoyed spending time in the library as a student. For him, the library has always been more than a place for books; it is a space where students can clear their minds, focus on their goals, and be productive. The Media Commons builds on this experience by providing modern tools that support productivity, creativity, and learning. Designed to support both academic and recreational needs, the Media Commons features a range of amenities that encourage students to explore, create, and collaborate. These include an audiovisual studio with a green screen, a VR simulation room, and an audio and video recording studio, perfect for podcasts, video production, and other creative projects. Students can also enjoy board games and PS5 units, providing opportunities to unwind and connect with others. Also launched during the event was the ALMA Integrated Library System, which brings library services closer to students through a convenient online platform. Students can search for library resources, access online materials, reserve library spaces, and register to attend library events by visiting https://library.dlsmhsi.edu.ph/ . Leveraging robust technology, linked data, and AI integration, Dr. Ariniego Library makes innovative services possible for the DLSMHSI community. The system is now fully functional, with the installation of additional technologies such as the Smart Shelf, Self-Check Counter, Book Drop, and Remote Locker System happening soon. Through this new space, the Dr. Ariniego Library advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by promoting innovative learning, technology-driven services, accessible resources, and meaningful collaboration.

The De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) demonstrated its commitment to internationalization, global partnerships, and academic excellence by participating in the UP KAPIT-BISIG 2026 Training Workshop hosted by the University of the Philippines Office of International Linkages (UP OIL). Representing DLSMHSI were Asst. Prof. John Michael B. Medina, Chair for Academic Partnerships and External Relations, and Ms. Anna Lyn Ferma of Student Life and Engagement- Global Student Engagement Unit, who joined the two-day training held on July 13 - 14, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Clark, Pampanga. The workshop brought together higher education leaders, International Relations Officers (IROs), student affairs practitioners, and internationalization advocates from universities across the Philippines to strengthen institutional capacities, exchange best practices, and promote collaboration in advancing the internationalization of Philippine higher education. During the Foundational Training Program, the DLSMHSI representatives participated in sessions covering the fundamentals of higher education internationalization, the evolving role of International Relations Officers, intercultural communication and global competence, international partnerships and linkages management, and strategic internationalization planning. The workshop provided practical strategies for expanding institutional partnerships, promoting student and faculty mobility, and developing globally responsive academic programs. Beyond the learning sessions, KAPIT-BISIG 2026 offered valuable networking opportunities that enabled participants to exchange ideas, share institutional experiences, and explore future collaborations with higher education institutions across the country. These engagements further support DLSMHSI’s ongoing efforts to expand its global academic network and create more opportunities for its students, faculty, researchers, and staff. DLSMHSI’s participation also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting inclusive and globally relevant education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strengthened institutional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships. As DLSMHSI continues to advance its internationalization agenda, the knowledge gained and professional connections established through UP KAPIT-BISIG 2026 will further strengthen the Institute’s mission of Nurturing Life by developing globally competent healthcare professionals, advancing academic excellence, and building partnerships that create meaningful impact in the Philippines and beyond.