MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila campus has partnered with Monash University of Australia for the conduct of forensic science training and research activities in the Philippines, with the goal of offering specialized forensic science degrees in the country’s colleges and universities by next year.
In a press statement, the Commission on Higher (CHED) announced that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on Friday in Australia between UP Manila, represented by its chancellor Michael Tee, and Monash University, represented by its deputy vice chancellor and senior vice president Craig Jeffrey.
Under the MOA, forensic experts and doctors from Monash University will be deployed to the Philippines, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), to help UP develop programs and expertise in forensic science, with the end goal of increasing the number of forensic experts in the country.
“Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has specific instructions to facilitate initiatives for the development and offering of forensic science education and training in the Philippines particularly for the skills development of law enforcers in the country having recognized the forensics crisis in the country,” CHED chairman J. Prospero De Vera III, who facilitated the MOA signing, said.
The signed MOA will be presented to Bersamin, who is closely monitoring the development of the initiative, according to the CHED.
“The long-term objective of this partnership is to build forensic science institutes in the country and increase Filipino forensic experts who will teach and train in these institutes,” the CHED said.
“Through this partnership, Monash University will deliver two-year master’s degree and short-term certificate programs in forensic science with the University of the Philippines Manila through a hybrid set-up,” it added.
UP Manila and Monash University aim to launch the degree program in February next year.
“We are happy to work and help the Philippines develop your framework and manpower in forensic science and medicine. The framework of forensic science of Monash University has a global applicability which can expand internationally specifically in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines,” Jeffrey said after the MOA-signing.
“This partnership with Monash University is an important faculty development process that will boost the number of our forensic experts who will not only look into crimes, but also other public health issues that affect specific sectors in the country,” Tee said.