De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) continues to advance its global engagement through the Taiwan Learning Visit and Academic Services Benchmarking 2026, held from July 7 to 9, 2026.  The three-day visit brought together a 22-member delegation to explore innovative practices at leading health sciences universities in Taiwan and identify opportunities for future collaboration. Led by DLSMHSI Chancellor Ferdinand L. Berba together with Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Naomi de Aro and Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Development Br. Aikee Esmeli FSC, the delegation, composed of academic leaders and directors from colleges and key support units, gained insights into educational technology, curriculum development, research, simulation-based learning, quality assurance, and student services. Organized by the Academic Partnerships and External Relations Department, the initiative reflects DLSMHSI’s commitment to strengthening academic excellence through global partnerships and adapting practices that enhance the student learning experience.

Image courtesy of Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CU

Spearheaded by Ms. Kathleen Nepomuceno, Ms. Emerald Dulay, Ms. Joan Saramines, Ms. Virgie Dela Cruz, and Mr. Benjie Bencolado, the initiative aimed to inspire future healthcare professionals to embrace creativity, empathy, and self-expression alongside academic excellence. The highlight of the masterclass was the talk of renowned physician and multi-awarded Filipino writer Luis P. Gatmaitan. Drawing from his experiences in both medicine and literature, Dr. Gatmaitan shared valuable insights on how passion and vocation can coexist, encouraging students to appreciate the role of storytelling and the arts even within scientific and medical fields. During the session, Dr. Gatmaitan emphasized that stories have the power to heal, connect, and deepen one’s understanding of people’s experiences. He reminded students that healthcare professionals are called not only to treat illnesses, but also to understand the emotions, struggles, and personal stories behind every patient encounter. Adding a creative dimension to the masterclass, participants were challenged to write their own literary pieces and share them with the group, proving that every future healthcare professional has a story worth telling. Through initiatives like PANITIKAlusugan, DLSMHSI continues to nurture students not only as future medical and allied health professionals but also as compassionate individuals who value storytelling, human connection, and the healing power of the arts.

The solemn blessing ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Jansen Ronquillo MS, and attended by distinguished guests, including former DLSMHSI President Br. Gus Boquer FSC and the Orbeta family, whose generosity and support made the prayer room possible. The meaningful connection behind this initiative traces back to Mr. John Philip Orbeta, a former student of Br. Gus from La Salle Greenhills High School Class 4C ‘78. DLSMHSI extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Orbeta family and all those who contributed to making the Our Lady of the Star Prayer Room a meaningful gift to the Lasallian Community.

Conducted in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the program brought together representatives from the Hospital, Academics, Research, Lasallian Mission and Development, Administrative, and Executive Services to strengthen the Institute’s preparedness for disruptions and ensure the continuity of essential operations. Throughout the program, participants engaged in a series of collaborative activities, including Business Impact Analysis (BIA) workshops, departmental Business Continuity Plan (BCP) development sessions, and executive validation meetings with the Chancellor/Chief Administrative Officer and the Vice Chancellors for Hospital, Research, and Lasallian Mission and Development. A validation session with the Vice Chancellor for Academics is scheduled in July to complete the Institute-wide consultation process. The findings and recommendations generated from these activities now serve as the foundation for DLSMHSI’s Institutional BCP, which is currently being developed by the Business Continuity Department. Once finalized, these plans will provide a comprehensive framework for maintaining critical services during emergencies, minimizing operational disruptions, and enabling faster, more coordinated recovery. By investing in proactive risk management and institutional preparedness, DLSMHSI reinforces its commitment to delivering uninterrupted education, healthcare, research, and community service. The initiative reflects DLSMHSI’s continuing efforts to build a resilient organization capable of adapting to emerging challenges while remaining steadfast in its mission of Nurturing Life.

The Lasallian mission is more than a tradition to preserve—it is a vocation to be lived. Guided by this understanding, the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) sent two Lasallian Partners to participate in the Return to Vaugirard (RTV) Program of De La Salle Philippines, held from May 24 to 30, 2026, at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas, Cavite. Bringing together delegates from 16 Lasallian schools across the Philippines, the week-long formation program invited participants to return to the roots of the Lasallian educational mission, deepen their understanding of the Lasallian vocation, and renew their commitment to the shared mission of providing a human and Christian education. Representing DLSMHSI were Ms. Shiela Marie M. Ferre of the Romeo P. Ariniego, MD, AFSC Library and Mr. John Michael D. Young of the Internal Collection/Patient Financial Support Department. Alongside fellow Lasallians from different ministries and institutions, they embarked on a journey of prayer, dialogue, historical reflection, community immersion, and meaningful encounters that deepened their appreciation of the Lasallian vocation and strengthened their commitment as partners in the educational mission inspired by Saint John Baptist de La Salle. More than revisiting the history of Vaugirard, the program invited participants to recognize that the Lasallian mission is not simply inherited—it is continually embraced and lived. Throughout the assembly, the delegates encountered stories of faith, witnessed communities transformed through collaborative leadership, and reflected on what it means to become witnesses of hope in today's world. The experience affirmed that every profession, every responsibility, and every act of service can become a response to God's call when carried out with faith, compassion, and zeal. For Mr. John Michael D. Young, the RTV Assembly became a journey of spiritual renewal that transformed his understanding of vocation. What he initially expected to be a series of formation sessions became a profound encounter with his own calling as a Lasallian Partner. He came to realize that vocation is not limited to one's profession or ministry but is expressed through the ordinary yet meaningful acts of kindness, integrity, compassion, and dedicated service offered each day. The assembly strengthened his conviction that every Lasallian Partner contributes to building a community rooted in faith and hope. For Ms. Shiela Marie M. Ferre, the experience revealed the richness of belonging to the global Lasallian Family. Through encounters with fellow delegates, reflections on the life and legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, and the community immersion experience, she gained a deeper appreciation of the fact that authentic Lasallian service is rooted in compassion, justice, and a preferential concern for those most in need. She also recognized that the simple yet faithful work of assisting students in the Romeo P. Ariniego, MD, AFSC Library is itself a meaningful expression of the Lasallian mission when carried out with generosity, patience, and genuine care. The experiences of the DLSMHSI delegates highlight that the Return to Vaugirard is more than a formation program—it is an invitation to renew one's vocation as a Lasallian Partner. Their journey reminds us that the mission entrusted to every Lasallian is lived not only during moments of formation but also in the ordinary places where we serve each day. Whether in classrooms, offices, clinics, libraries, laboratories, or chapels, every act of service becomes an opportunity to witness God's presence and contribute to the transformative mission of Lasallian education. The reflections that follow offer a glimpse into the personal journeys of DLSMHSI's delegates during the Return to Vaugirard Program. More than a recounting of activities, they reveal how the experience renewed their sense of vocation, strengthened their commitment to the Lasallian mission, and inspired them to continue serving with faith, compassion, and hope. The story of Vaugirard does not end with those who have already made the journey. It continues in every Lasallian Partner who responds to the call to serve with faith, compassion, and hope. As DLSMHSI prepares for another year of Lasallian formation, the Institute looks forward to sending its next delegates to the Return to Vaugirard Program for School Year 2026–2027. Until then, may the reflections shared in these pages inspire more members of our community to embrace the Lasallian mission and, perhaps, become the next to carry the spirit of Vaugirard home. Live Jesus in Our Hearts... Forever!

The first agreement was signed with Angel’s Pizza Dasmariñas, represented by Store Head Mr. Dean Maverick Marquez. The partnership provides qualified DLSMHSI alumni and employees with exclusive discounts and special privileges on food products and services while opening opportunities for future collaborations through institutional events, alumni activities, and community engagement initiatives. DLSMHSI also formalized its partnership with So, It Goes Cafe–Dasmariñas, represented by Store Manager Mr. Mark Anthony Legaspi, offering DLSMHSI alumni a 10% discount on single-receipt purchases, a buy-5-get-1-free drink promo, a bring-your-own-cup discount, and a birthday-month treat. The ceremonial signing reflects the collaborative efforts of ACES and APER to strengthen institutional linkages and expand partnerships that create valuable opportunities and exclusive benefits for their alumni and the Lasallian community. Through these collaborations, the Institute continues to promote community engagement, lifelong connections, and mutually beneficial partnerships for the Lasallian community.

On March 20-21, 2026, a delegation from the Center for Community Development and Service-Learning (CCDSL), led by Director Julieta M. Damian, RN, MSN, together with Br. Lawrence Aikee R. Esmeli FSC, Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Development, conducted a two-day immersion and site visit to explore strategic areas of collaboration focused on community development, healthcare, and education. The visit provided firsthand insights into the needs of indigenous communities across Bamban, Tarlac, extending to neighboring areas near Pampanga and Zambales. In partnership with the Hann Foundation, led by Ronnel T. Golimlim, RSW, MSW, the DLSMHSI team engaged with Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Roel B. Pamintuan, local leaders, and residents from Sitio Mabilog, Sitio Malasa, and four surrounding Aeta sitios in Barangay Anupul. Advancing Community Health and Indigenous Care The immersion began in Sitio Mabilog, where the delegation traveled through rugged terrain to reach remote indigenous communities and assess existing healthcare services and infrastructure. Among the key findings was a community health center originally constructed by the local government but left unused due to the lack of personnel and equipment. Recognizing this need, the Hann Foundation facilitated the renovation of the facility and provided medical equipment and supplies to support its operations. The proposed partnership seeks to continue DLSMHSI’s expertise in healthcare education, clinical services, student immersion, and Service-Learning with the Hann Foundation’s community development initiatives and the support of the Provincial Health Office. The collaboration aims to strengthen primary healthcare services, empower local health workers and community leaders, and establish a sustainable model for rural and indigenous healthcare delivery. Expanding Educational Opportunities Through Service-Learning Beyond healthcare, the delegation also visited the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Community Learning and Resource Center, established by the Hann Foundation within the Malasa Integrated School (K-10) campus. The center serves as an educational hub for non-traditional learners in the area. Through future Service-Learning initiatives, DLSMHSI aims to expose students to the social determinants of health, reinforcing the connection between education, wellness, and community development. The exploration of medical scholarship opportunities was likewise discussed, recognizing the importance of developing future indigenous healthcare professionals who can contribute to the long-term sustainability of healthcare services within their communities. The two-day immersion provided valuable opportunities for engagement, learning, and collaboration with community stakeholders through the following key activities: Hann Foundation Orientation The DLSMHSI delegation met with Hann Foundation representatives at Widus Hotel and learned about the foundation’s history, growth, programs, and four key pillars: Education, Environment, Cultural Heritage and Community, and Disaster Relief. Community Immersion The team traversed remote areas and engaged directly with Aeta communities to understand the geographical and social barriers affecting access to essential services. Stakeholder Consultations Discussions were held with Hann Foundation representatives, the IPMR, barangay officials, and community leaders to ensure culturally sensitive and community-driven development initiatives. Sitio Mabilog and Malasa Integrated School Visit The delegation met with students, educators, daycare personnel, and the school principal, witnessing the resilience, culture, and aspirations of the Aeta community. Bamban and Barangay Anupul Health Center Visits The team visited the ongoing renovation and expansion of the Bamban Super Health Center and toured the newly constructed Barangay Anupul Health Center, both funded by the Hann Foundation to improve healthcare accessibility. Building a Sustainable Future Through Service-Learning This exploratory visit marks the beginning of a promising partnership between DLSMHSI and the Hann Foundation. The proposed Service-Learning initiatives aim to deliver meaningful and sustainable impact across the Aeta communities of Bamban, Tarlac, while helping shape future Lasallian healthcare professionals committed to serving the least, the last, and the lost.

GREENroute combines an informative online session with an immersive on-site campus tour, allowing participants to gain an understanding of academic and student life at DLSMHSI. The program is designed to provide a more accessible and flexible way for prospective students and their families to experience the Institution. The GREENroute experience is still ongoing, welcoming aspiring students and applicants who wish to discover what makes DLSMHSI a leading institution in medical and health sciences education.