TO ADDRESS the shortage of forensic experts and medico-legal investigators in the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Manila has signed a memorandum of agreement with Monash University of Australia to conduct forensic science training and research in the Philippines.

The agreement was facilitated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), led by Chairman Prospero De Vera. UP Manila was represented by Chancellor Michael Tee, while Monash University was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice President Craig Jeffrey.

“Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin has specific instructions to facilitate initiatives for the development and offering of forensic science education and training in the Philippines, particularly for the skills development of law enforcers in the country, recognizing the forensics crisis here,” De Vera said.

Craig Jeffrey emphasized Monash University’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in building forensic expertise: “We are happy to work and help the Philippines develop your framework and manpower in forensic science and medicine. The framework of forensic science of Monash University has a global applicability which can expand internationally, specifically in Southeast Asia including the Philippines.”

Chancellor Tee expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “UP Manila thanks CHED Secretary De Vera for allowing us to join in this education mission in Australia. This partnership with Monash University is an important faculty development process that will boost the number of our forensic experts who will not only look into crimes but also other public health issues that affect specific sectors in the country.”

Consul General Ma. Lourdes Salcedo also voiced strong support, highlighting the Philippine government’s enthusiasm for this partnership. She stated, “There’s a lot of encouragement and excitement from the Philippine government towards this partnership on forensic science. On the part of the Embassy of the Philippines in Australia, we will support the fast-tracking of this partnership to ensure that the MOU will be translated into action.”

Forensic experts and doctors from Monash University, with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), will be deployed to the Philippines to support program development and increase the number of local forensic experts.

The collaboration will introduce a two-year Master’s Degree and short-term certificate programs in forensic science through a hybrid setup between Monash University and UP Manila, set to launch as early as February next year. The signed memorandum will be presented to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who is closely monitoring the program’s development.

CHED and UP Manila are inviting faculty from state universities and colleges (SUCs) with medicine programs to participate in the initial training program.

Looking ahead, UP Manila and Monash University plan to develop a robust framework and curriculum for forensic science education in the Philippines, enabled by Republic Act 11448 or the Transnational Education Law. This partnership will allow the joint delivery of degrees by both institutions, with a long-term goal to establish forensic science institutes across the country and train Filipino experts who can in turn teach future forensic science students.

Tee added, “We will utilize the existing program of Monash University on forensic science in training Filipinos. That same program will be adopted and have it approved by the UP Board Regents so that, later, when our faculty are already trained, we can jointly offer the Master’s degree in forensic science through a transnational education portal by Monash University and UP Manila.”