The Philippine Embassy reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Administrative Officials and Academic Staff of the Faculty of Pharmacy from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) visited Brunei Darussalam from 30 May to 2 June 2012 and met with their counterparts from the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to discuss collaboration in the areas of instruction, community extension service and research.

The similar and complementary strengths of the collaborating ASEAN universities suggest future academic and research partnership in biomedical science, medical technology, biochemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. The visit initiated productive discussions with the intention of promoting exchanges and mutual understanding between UST and UBD faculty staff and students as well as to undertake research projects in the health-sciences based on the principles of mutual beneficence.

On 30 May 2012, a delegation of 12 academic officials and faculty staff headed by Associate Professor Maria Elena DJ Manansala, MSc. Assistant Dean of the UST Faculty of Pharmacy held exploratory talks with Dr. Hajih Asrin Tengah, Program Leader of Biomedical Sciences of UBD.

Areas of common interest included laying the groundwork for the exchange of both faculty and students in biomedical research, pre-formulation and formulation of natural products, community immersion of students in public health, collaboration and data sharing in research and publication.

Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam (Ret.) Lieutenant General Nestor Z. Ochoa and Associate Professor Maria Tomasa Eleazar-Ochoa facilitated the meeting in which substantive discussions were held between officials of the two universities.

The meeting concluded on a high note, with both sides expressing optimism that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be forthcoming and inked between the two universities to enable them to achieve common goals in the areas of education, research and extension service in health, and social sciences.

Ambassador Ochoa hailed the positive outcome of the initial meeting between UST and UBD officials, noting that during his watch as envoy the Philippine Embassy has began initiatives to strengthen academic linkages between institutions of higher learning in both countries. END

Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa and Madame Mayie Ochoa E. Ochoa with the visiting members of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Santo Tomas.

Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa and Madame Mayie Ochoa E. Ochoa with the visiting members of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Santo Tomas.

Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa and Madame Mayie Ochoa E. Ochoa with the visiting members of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Santo Tomas in the main lobby of the Philippine Chancery.

Associate Professor Maria Elena DJ Manansala, MSc. Assistant Dean of the UST Faculty of Pharmacy with Dr. Hajih Asrin Tengah, Program Leader of Biomedical Sciences of UBD.

Madame Mayie Ochoa E. Ochoa accompanying the UST delegation during their visit to the UBD campus.

Madame Mayie Ochoa E. Ochoa with the UST delegation during their visit to the UBD campus.