De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI), through its Academic Partnerships and External Relations (APER), formally strengthened its international academic linkages with the Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR) through a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing held on September 28, 2026. The ceremony brought together institutional leaders and representatives from DLSMHSI, CUR, and the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, marking a significant step toward collaboration in education, research, healthcare, and cross-cultural learning. Representing DLSMHSI were Dr. Antonio B. Ramos, President; Mr. Ferdinand L. Berba, Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer; Dr. Naomi M. de Aro, Vice Chancellor for Academics; and Dr. Cheyen E. Molon, Director of APER. CUR was represented by Fr. Dr. Laurent NTAGANDA, Vice Chancellor; Br. Dr. Albert NZABONALIBA, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research; Dr. Aimable SIBOMANA, Director of Quality Assurance; and other university officials. Embassy representatives included Mr. Bonny Musefeno, First Counsellor; Mr. Eric Kabalisa, Executive Assistant; and Ms. Celine Uwineza, Skills and Cultural Officer/Diaspora. In his opening message, Dr. Ramos welcomed the CUR delegation and emphasized the importance of international partnerships in advancing education, research, and healthcare. The program also featured the DLSMHSI Omnibus Video Presentation, showcasing the Institute's history, programs, community, and commitment to excellence in health sciences education and service. Fr. Dr. Laurent NTAGANDA expressed CUR's commitment to the partnership, while Dr. SIBOMANA presented the university's academic programs, institutional initiatives, and areas of development. The highlight of the ceremony was the formal signing of the MOU, which opens opportunities for academic exchanges, collaborative research, and initiatives supporting health sciences education and global academic cooperation. In her closing remarks, Dr. Molon thanked CUR and the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda for their participation and partnership, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the relationship between the two institutions. The virtual MOU signing marks another milestone in DLSMHSI's efforts to strengthen international academic partnerships and global collaboration in health sciences education, research, and healthcare. Both institutions look forward to translating the agreement into meaningful initiatives that foster academic excellence, cultural exchange, and shared contributions to the health and education sectors.
In an institution as dynamic as De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI), communication is more than simply sharing information. It is how people stay connected, make informed decisions, and Move As One toward the same directio n. Recognizing the important role of our outsourced partners in the DLSMHSI community, the Institution conducted an Email Orientation for Outsourced Partners to strengthen their access to timely and official information. Held across eight sessions on July 30 and August 11, 2026, at the De La Salle Villarosa Function Room, the orientation emphasized the importance of using official communication channels to ensure that everyone receives accurate, relevant, and timely institutional updates. As part of the initiative, outsourced partners were also provided with an official email address to facilitate direct access to institutional communications and other important updates. The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Information and Communication Technology Department, Human Resource Management Department, and Communications and Marketing Department. At its core, the orientation aims to create a more connected and informed community. When people know where to find official information and how to access it, communication becomes clearer, and everyone is better equipped to respond to the needs of the Institution. Keeping a community informed is a shared responsibility. When communication reaches everyone, we become better connected in Nurturing Life.
Better heart care goes beyond advanced technology. It also means creating spaces where patients feel comfortable, supported, and cared for. On August 25, 2026, De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) celebrated the ribbon cutting and blessing of its newly renovated Cardiovascular Laboratory (CVS Laboratory) on the 3rd floor of DLSUMC Building 1. The blessing was officiated by Rev. Fr. Marlon Dolar, MS, DLSUMC Chaplain. More than a renovated facility, the CVS Laboratory reflects DLSUMC’s commitment to making cardiovascular care more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. Its improved environment and access to advanced cardiovascular diagnostics enable the healthcare team to better respond to the needs of every patient and every heart they serve.
On August 18, 2026, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) hosted the Project MILES (Ministry Innovations in Lasallian Education) Roadshow at The Learning Commons. Project MILES is a strategic initiative of De La Salle Philippines, aiming to redefine Lasallian education to adapt to the evolving needs of education. It is basically the updated version of Project 2022, the previous strategic framework introduced to the network. The event gathered DLSMHSI leaders for a meaningful discussion on the future directions of the Lasallian educational mission. DLSMHSI Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Ferdinand Berba, welcomed the Project MILES Convenors and Transformation Team. This was followed by the informative presentation of the DLSBI President and the Brother Visitor of Lasallian East Asia District, Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC. He discussed the key directions of Project MILES and their implications for Lasallian institutions. The discussions covered areas such as governance, school clustering, leadership and formation, educational directions, shared services, and other strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the Lasallian network. Through this session, the DLSMHSI administrators gained a deeper understanding of the project and reflected on their own roles and responsibilities in achieving its success. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration, shared resources, and collective efforts in strengthening the Lasallian mission and responding to emerging opportunities in education. DLSMHSI’s participation in Project MILES reflects its commitment to being part of one Lasallian community—working together, sharing resources and ideas, and pursuing a common mission.
On August 5, 2026, the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) welcomed Ms. Agnes Malobela, Clinical Trial Manager from the Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) in Heidelberg, Germany, together with the administrative heads of Research Services and the study team of the Rapid Research Diagnostic Development for HIV+ (R2D2HIV+) Philippine site. The R2D2HIV+ study is part of the broader R2D2 Research Network and builds on five years of research focused on developing new tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics. The study now expands this research into HIV point-of-care diagnostics, supporting efforts to make HIV testing more accessible and efficient. From August 5 to 10, 2026, Ms. Malobela and the R2D2HIV+ team conducted site protocol orientations and visited the DLSUMC HIV Treatment Hub and enrollment sites. The team also conducted capacity-building activities for the local research team, including Good Clinical Practice training for diagnostic research. The visit also included a cooperative meeting and laboratory tour at the National Reference Laboratory – STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila. The team reviewed laboratory processes relevant to the study and discussed agreements for viral load and CD4 reference testing. The visit focused on assessing the R2D2HIV+ Philippines Study Site at DLSMHSI to ensure it was ready to conduct the study. This collaborative research initiative aims to improve HIV diagnosis and management, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), by accelerating diagnostic results and supporting accessible and affordable HIV testing in marginalized communities.
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI), through the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) Department of Physical Therapy, welcomed delegates from Kyoto Tachibana University (KTU), Japan, for a two-day international academic learning visit on September 9-10, 2026. The delegation included 3 faculty professors and 17 BS Physical Therapy students. The visit provided opportunities for academic exchange, clinical observation, research sharing, and cultural integration, supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The delegates then explored various clinical and educational facilities, including the De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) Neurodevelopmental Center, DLSUMC’s inpatient and outpatient areas, Dr. Romeo P. Ariniego Library, and key campus sites. On the second day, the KTU delegates visited the CRS Sports Training Center at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde for a sports physical therapy immersion. The learning visit culminated in a closing ceremony and the awarding of certificates to the visiting professors and students. The international collaboration provided the Japanese students with firsthand perspectives on pediatric, inpatient, outpatient, and sports rehabilitation. It also created meaningful opportunities for Filipino and Japanese educators and students to exchange knowledge, experiences, and insights toward more globally responsive physical therapy education.
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) participated in the 2026 Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation (FLAIR) – NCR and Southern Luzon Leg, held on September 22–23, 2026, at Twin Lakes Tagaytay, with the theme “Beyond Rankings: Strengthening Global Reputation.” The Comission on Higher Education-led program gathered higher education leaders to discuss internationalization, research productivity, global rankings, sustainability, innovation, and institutional impact. Representing DLSMHSI were Asst. Prof. John Michael B. Medina, RMT, Chair of Affiliations, Networks, and Linkages; Assoc. Prof. Diana Dalisay Orolfo, RPh, Program Director of the Master of Public Health; and Instr. Roxandra Grace V. Ceburon, RCh, Chair of Academic Compliance and Accreditation. The sessions highlighted strategies for navigating Quacquarelli System (QS), World University Ranking for Innovations (WURI), and Times Higher Education (THE) frameworks, improving research visibility and Scopus-indexed output, strengthening institutional data systems, and preparing universities for global benchmarking. Discussions emphasized that internationalization should go beyond rankings and serve as a means to improve educational quality, research impact, institutional governance, and graduate readiness for the global workforce. Sustainability was also a major focus, particularly the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into teaching, research, institutional operations, and community engagement. THE sustainability frameworks assess university impact through research, resource stewardship, outreach, and teaching across the 17 SDGs. The second day featured institutional readiness workshops for QS, THE Sustainability, and WURI, encouraging participating institutions to move from activity-based reporting toward demonstrating measurable innovation and real-world impact. DLSMHSI’s participation supports SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Through FLAIR 2026, the Institute reinforces its commitment to internationalization not simply to raise institutional visibility, but to ensure that its students and graduates are better seen, recognized, connected, and prepared for opportunities in an increasingly global academic and professional environment.
The Alumni Center for Engagement and Services (ACES) marked another milestone in its Alumni Perks Program through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with The Lake Hotel Tagaytay on August 14, 2026, at the Dr. Romeo P. Ariniego Library Auditorium. This partnership grants exclusive privileges to DLSMHSI alumni, including discounted room rates, long-stay deals, complimentary breakfast, dining discounts, and flexible check-in and check-out arrangements. In recognition of the wider DLSMHSI community, these perks are also extended to employees. With support from Academics Partnerships and External Relations (APER), the initiative was successfully organized. The event also included the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between DLSMHSI and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Dasmariñas. Through this partnership, PhilHealth provides assistance in registration and enrollment, record updating, issuance of Member Data Records and IDs, and assignment to YAKAP facilities. This assistance is carried out as agreed by both parties, ensuring that graduating students and alumni who are Filipino citizens receive convenient access to essential healthcare support as they transition into professional life. To date, the Alumni Perks Program has already partnered with Angel’s Pizza Dasmariñas, So, It Goes Café, and Sarabia Optical. With the addition of The Lake Hotel Tagaytay, alumni can now enjoy even more exclusive privileges. Notably, perks at Angel’s Pizza Dasmariñas and The Lake Hotel are also extended to employees, underscoring ACES’ commitment to supporting the wider DLSMHSI community. Together, these partnerships highlight the institution’s mission to nurture lives and create meaningful opportunities for alumni, employees, and the broader community, while strengthening an expanding network of benefits, with even more exciting partnerships ahead. For full details and updates, visit https://simplebooklet.com/alumniperks.
On July 29, 2026, the DLSMHSI Pavilion Meeting Room became a hub of convenience and care as the Alumni Center for Engagement and Services (ACES) organized a one-stop event titled "We Care, We Serve: Bringing Government Services to Our Community." Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, and the Social Security System (SSS) came together to provide alumni, employees, and community members with easy access to essential services—all in one place. The initiative went beyond streamlining transactions. It strengthened alumni ties, supported employee welfare, and advanced institutional development, ensuring that government programs were not only accessible but meaningfully integrated into daily life. The success of the event reflected the dedication of the ACES team and the active collaboration of partner agencies. Together, they created a milestone that highlighted the power of service and community. By bringing vital services directly to the people, ACES reaffirmed its mission of care, engagement, and connection—values that continue to guide the Institution in nurturing lives.
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.
