(From L–R) Dr. Jonathan Dunca, VP for Laguna Campus of De La Salle University, Lotis Ramin, Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC, President and Chancellor of De La Salle University, and Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Medical Affairs Director of AstraZeneca Philippines, formalize a landmark partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding focused on advancing healthcare innovation, research collaboration, and talent development within the DLSU KIST Park ecosystem.
The collaboration highlights the growing role of industry-academe partnerships in shaping the future of healthcare and scientific innovation in the Philippines.
AstraZeneca Philippines and De La Salle University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening healthcare innovation through research collaboration, talent development, and industry-academe integration.
Representatives from DMCI Technical Training Center, De La Salle University, and AstraZeneca Philippines gather at the DLSU KIST Park Open House, showcasing a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between industry, academe, and innovation partners to help drive future-ready solutions and sustainable development in the Philippines.
The initiative highlights the growing importance of cross-sector partnerships in advancing innovation, research, and healthcare transformation for future generations.
The partnership will be anchored at the DLSU KIST Park, a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-accredited innovation district designed to connect academic research with industry-driven solutions. The initiative seeks to create a collaborative ecosystem where students, researchers, faculty members, and healthcare industry leaders can work together on real-world healthcare challenges.
Under the agreement, both organizations will launch joint initiatives focused on scientific research, internship and training programs, academic-industry engagements, and operational opportunities within the innovation hub. The collaboration is expected to accelerate healthcare innovation, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases and improving patient outcomes in the Philippines.
Lotis Ramin said the partnership reflects the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in transforming healthcare systems through science, education, and innovation.
Meanwhile, Br. Bernard S. Oca emphasized that the DLSU KIST Park was created to turn academic ideas into practical solutions that contribute meaningfully to society.
AstraZeneca Philippines employees join Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC, President and Chancellor of De La Salle University, at the DLSU Laguna Campus as both institutions strengthen collaboration through the KIST Park—an innovation ecosystem designed to connect industry, research, and emerging talent in shaping future-ready solutions for the Philippines.
The partnership reflects a shared vision of advancing innovation, healthcare research, and talent development through stronger industry-academe collaboration.
The collaboration also marks a milestone for both institutions, coinciding with AstraZeneca Philippines’ 50th anniversary and the Golden Jubilee of De La Salle University’s University Charter.
Industry observers note that the partnership represents a broader shift toward integrated healthcare innovation ecosystems, where pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutions work together to develop future-ready healthcare technologies and solutions.
This collaboration is considered the first Philippine partnership between a global science-led biopharmaceutical company and a PEZA-accredited private university, signaling stronger alignment between healthcare innovation, research, and workforce development in the country.
