CHED and DOH Forge Stronger Partnership to Develop Next-Generation Healthcare Professionals

News | National Posted on 2026-06-14 01:22:37

MANILA – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) have strengthened their collaboration to address the country’s growing healthcare workforce needs through a new agreement aimed at enhancing health education and workforce development.

The partnership comes as the Philippines continues to expand healthcare services under the Universal Health Care Act, increasing the demand for highly skilled, responsive, and adequately distributed health professionals nationwide.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to address healthcare workforce gaps, CHED and DOH signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during CHED’s 32nd anniversary celebration on June 10. The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation in workforce planning, educational quality improvement, and healthcare sector development.

The memorandum was signed by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis and Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, formalizing efforts to ensure that health-related academic programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of the Philippine healthcare system.

“Healthcare begins with people. By strengthening the link between higher education and the health sector, we can better prepare the next generation of Filipino health professionals and ensure that our institutions produce graduates equipped to respond to the nation’s healthcare needs,” Agrupis said.

Under the agreement, both agencies will work closely to improve the quality, relevance, and responsiveness of healthcare education programs while supporting strategic workforce planning and development initiatives.

The collaboration will also promote evidence-based policymaking in health professions education, enabling academic institutions and government agencies to make informed decisions that address current and future healthcare challenges.

Officials said the strengthened partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the implementation of Universal Health Care by helping establish a sustainable pipeline of qualified healthcare workers, improving health outcomes, and expanding equitable access to quality healthcare services throughout the country.

The MOU further underscores the shared commitment of CHED and DOH to align educational programs and workforce development strategies with national health priorities. Through this collaboration, higher education institutions are expected to play a more active role in preparing professionals capable of responding to emerging public health needs and advancing healthcare innovation.

The agreement was among several strategic partnerships unveiled during CHED’s anniversary celebration, highlighting the agency’s commitment to building stronger interagency linkages and ensuring that higher education remains responsive to the nation’s development agenda.

By strengthening the connection between education and healthcare, CHED and DOH aim to cultivate a future-ready workforce that can support a healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive Philippines for generations to come.

NPO News Team I CHED / PNA-PR

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