Ateneo signs MOA with Unilab Foundation to strengthen local health financing systems

Ateneo de Manila University, through the Ateneo School of Government, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Unilab Foundation Inc, through the Center for Health Policy, to study and optimize local government fiscal performance for health budgets last 7 May 2025. The MOA solidifies the partnership between Ateneo and Unilab to strengthen local health financing systems in pursuit of a shared aspiration for universal health care.

The agreement was signed by key representatives from both institutions: Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, PhD, Vice President for Higher Education of Ateneo de Manila University; Dr Philip Arnold P Tuaño PhD, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government; Dr Maria Eufemia “Marife” C Yap, Senior Research Fellow of the Ateneo Policy Center; Atty Jose Maria “Joey” A Ochave, Executive Director of the Unilab Foundation; and Ruben “John” A Basa, Program Director of the Unilab Center for Health Policy.

In his opening remarks, Atty Ochave underscored the importance of investing in local capacity to drive sustainable and homegrown solutions. He highlighted the value of independence from foreign aid and emphasized the critical role of strengthening local universities as both a strategic and essential move.

“This is a small room for big ideas,” said Basa, speaking on behalf of the Unilab Center for Health Policy. He emphasized the importance of creating spaces for innovation in health governance and reaffirmed the Center’s dedication to both research and practical implementation.

In her message, Dr Vilches reflected on the broader significance of the collaboration: “Our noble goal is health assurance and well-being, but we must also attend to the mundane like budget and money to move the lever.” Quoting Amartya Sen, she reminded the audience that true freedom includes freedom from illness.

Closing the event, Dean Tuaño framed universal health care as both a policy objective and a moral imperative. “The signing is not just a ceremonial gesture; it is a promise. A promise to engage with local governments, to listen to their realities, and to co-create solutions that are context-sensitive and sustainable,” he said.

The collaboration between Ateneo de Manila University and the Unilab Foundation marks a significant step towards bringing research closer to implementation, and policy closer to people — toward a healthier, more just Philippines.