The benchmarking visit was attended by key administrators of DLSMHSI, including Assistant Professor Dan Clarence A. Diaz, Dean of the College of Medical Imaging and Therapy (CMIT); Dr. Cheyen E. Molon, Director for Academic Partnerships and External Relations; and Assistant Professor Alfred Benedict A. Bayan, Program Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine Technology. They were warmly received by the administrators of Saint Louis University, namely Dr. Ann P. Opina, Dean of the School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences; Dr. Allan Jay Espiritu, Associate Dean of the same school; and Professor Dionisio Noel Valbuena, Head of the Radiologic Technology Department. This initiative forms part of the College’s broader strategy to continuously enhance the quality of its academic programs, particularly the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology. The benchmarking activity aimed to provide a platform for the meaningful exchange of knowledge and best practices between institutions. Specifically, the visit focused on gaining insights into SLU’s approaches in curriculum design, teaching and learning strategies, assessment methodologies, and licensure examination preparation. In addition to learning from SLU’s established practices, the benchmarking activity also provided an opportunity for the College to present its Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology program. During the discussion, the CMIT administrators shared key aspects of the program, including its structure, goals, and anticipated impact, and explored potential areas for collaboration should SLU express interest in offering a similar program in the future. Overall, the benchmarking activity at St. Louis University proved to be a valuable endeavor in reinforcing academic excellence, strengthening institutional linkages, and promoting innovation, particularly in the field of medical imaging and therapy. More importantly, these efforts contribute to the continuous advancement of healthcare education in the country, supporting the development of highly competent and globally competitive professionals who can respond to national and international healthcare needs.

The collaboration connects the Institute’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) with the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy to expand opportunities for students and faculty. Planned initiatives include visiting student programs, participation in the USC Chan Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI), and guest lectures by international experts. Through this partnership, DLSMHSI continues to grow its global academic network while enhancing the preparation of future occupational therapy practitioners committed to excellence and service.

During the program held at the De La Salle-Villarosa Function Room, Dr. Tony Ramos, President of De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI), and Mr. Nanjo Berba, Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer, highlighted the importance of collaboration within the Lasallian community. Both leaders emphasized that the establishment of these facilities reflects the Institution’s shared vision of advancing healthcare services through innovation, compassion, and collective effort. The Digital Mammography Unit enhances DLSUMC’s diagnostic capabilities by providing advanced breast imaging technology to support early detection of breast cancer. Meanwhile, the DLSUMC Oncology Care Center expands the hospital’s cancer care services by providing a much bigger dedicated space for patients undergoing treatment and consultation. The Center officially began operations at its new location on the Ground Floor of the Medical Arts Center on March 2, 2026. It will be open from Mondays to Saturdays, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, ensuring accessible, compassionate service for patients and their families.

With support from the Center for Educational Effectiveness and Accreditation (CEEA), DLSMHSI welcomed AUN-QA assessors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Van Thuyen, Dr. Pawitra Liamruk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vimolvan Pimpan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Setyawati Yani, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anan Mungwattana, and Prof. Dr. Muhamad Saiful Bahri Bin Yusoff. The opening ceremony on February 24 commenced with a warm welcome from DLSMHSI President Dr. Antonio B. Ramos, followed by Dr. Thuyen's opening remarks on behalf of the AUN-QA, and concluded with a symbolic exchange of plaques. The first day was packed with interviews with college leadership and a comprehensive campus tour to showcase the Institute’s advanced facilities. On the second day, the assessors met with alumni and their employers. These sessions provided vital insights into how DLSMHSI graduates perform in the professional world and how the curriculum aligns with the evolving needs of the global healthcare industry. The three-day visit concluded on February 26 with a closing ceremony where the AUN-QA team presented their preliminary findings and commendations. These insights provide a strategic roadmap for continuous improvement, ensuring that the Colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Medical Imaging and Therapy remain at the forefront of medical education. DLSMHSI Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Ferdinand L. Berba expressed his gratitude to the assessors and recognized the collective efforts of faculty, administrators, students, alumni, and staff who contributed to the successful evaluation. The 505th AUN-QA Programme Assessment marks another milestone in DLSMHSI’s journey toward continuous quality improvement, strengthening its vision to become the leading health sciences institution in the Philippines and the ASEAN region.

The ceremonial signing was organized by the Academic Partnerships and External Relations (APER) Department of DLSMHSI, whose efforts ensured the smooth and meaningful conduct of the ceremony. The program formally opened with a prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the United States National Anthem, symbolizing unity and mutual respect between the two institutions. Representing DLSMHSI were President Dr. Antonio B. Ramos; Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Ferdinand L. Berba; Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Naomi M. de Aro; Director of APER Dr. Cheyen E. Molon; and Dean of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences Dr. Ma. Cecilia D. Licuan, together with the Vice Dean, program directors, and the NTP Senior Supervisor. From Lewis University, the delegation was led by President Dr. David Livingston, together with Dr. Arvie Vitente, Dr. Michael Gerard Maninang, Tyler King, and Dr. Daisy Sherry. The highlight of the ceremony was the formal signing of the MOU, signifying the official partnership between DLSMHSI and Lewis University. Despite the virtual format, the moment carried great significance, symbolizing trust, cooperation, and a shared vision of global academic engagement. A virtual photo opportunity followed, capturing the milestone event and commemorating the beginning of a promising collaboration. The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Cheyen E. Molon, Director of APER, who expressed gratitude to all attendees and reaffirmed APER's commitment to fostering sustainable international partnerships that will benefit the academic community. The ceremonial signing between DLSMHSI and Lewis University represents a meaningful step forward in expanding global networks and strengthening academic ties. Through this partnership, both institutions look forward to developing collaborative programs that will advance health sciences education and contribute to the preparation of competent, compassionate, and globally engaged professionals.