FIERCE rivals on the basketball court, the University of the Philippines Manila, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University are now teammates in a different arena — public health.

The three universities have forged a partnership to strengthen healthcare and health education initiatives across Southeast Asia through a newly signed memorandum of agreement (MOA). The collaboration supports the upcoming 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) University Network (AUN) International Advisory Committee Meeting and the 4th International Health Promotion Conference, set for Nov. 27–28 in Pasay City.

In a statement released Thursday, UPM highlighted the significance of the alliance, noting that despite being competitors in the UAAP Season 88—with identical 4-3 records—the schools chose to unite for a cause beyond sports.

DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca, FSC, described the partnership as a “milestone” that embodies the Lasallian mission of improving lives through education.

“Through our shared efforts, we hope to move closer to achieving truly accessible and universal healthcare, especially for the poor and marginalized,” Oca said.

UP President Angelo Jimenez called the collaboration “a beacon of hope” that unites leading minds in health and higher education throughout the ASEAN region. He also pointed out that many systemic healthcare challenges persist five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, citing that only about 200 of the 600 Department of Health (DOH)–built health centers are currently operational, and the country continues to face a shortage of medical professionals.

“Innovation alone cannot drive change. Real transformation requires accountability, collaboration, and compassion so that health and wellness reach even the most remote and underserved communities,” Jimenez said.

He emphasized that while UP, Ateneo, and La Salle may compete in collegiate sports, they remain bound by a shared mission to uplift Filipino communities.

Ateneo President Fr. Roberto Yap, S.J., said the collaboration shows how higher education institutions can become key drivers of sustainable health systems through research and innovation.

“The goal of this conference is to bring together ASEAN University Network member universities to strengthen collaboration, exchange knowledge, and share best practices,” Yap said. “With a unified purpose, we can shape an AUN-HPN work plan that builds healthier and more resilient universities across the region.”

The initiative was spearheaded by UPM Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee as part of the university’s continuing leadership in medical and public health education.

The twin events will take place at Conrad Manila under the theme “Advancing Health Promotion in the ASEAN Region: Championing University Innovations for Equity and Resilience.” Delegates from ASEAN universities are expected to participate and present innovations that promote health and sustainability.