ASOG inks MOU with La Union province and PNBI

On 19 March 2025, Ateneo de Manila University, through the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), formalized a strategic partnership with the Provincial Government of La Union and the Partnership for Health, Nation Building, and Socioeconomic Upliftment, Inc. (PNBI) by signing a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement was signed by Ateneo de Manila University’s Vice President for Higher Education, Maria Luz Vilches, PhD; La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David; and PNBI Executive Director Oscar Picazo. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing health governance and policy development in the region. The partnership was made possible through PNBI’s dedicated efforts in bridging ASOG and the Office of the Provincial Governor, strengthening their collective mission to drive impactful health initiatives.

This partnership laid the groundwork for the successful implementation of the Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control (LGTC) Executive Course, which Ateneo Policy Center (APC) launched in November 2024. The program was designed to enhance local leadership and health governance by providing collaborative learning sessions on developing, executing, and sustaining effective public health policies at the local level. The pioneer cohort of the course included local government units (LGUs) from La Union and Metro Manila, creating an avenue for sharing best practices while considering the unique strengths and challenges of each locality.

Through formal partnerships like these, local leaders are further empowered to champion evidence-based policies that promote healthier communities. By fostering cooperation between the academe, government, and civil society, this initiative strengthens institutional capacity and ensures that tobacco control and public health efforts remain sustainable and impactful in the years to come.