Office of International and Local Linkages

The University of the Philippines Manila Office of International and Local Linkages (UPM OILL) upholds the university’s mandate to serve as a leader in higher education, research, and public service. In alignment with the vision of the UP System, our office is committed to cultivating partnerships that extend beyond borders—both within the Philippines and across the global academic community.

Through sustained collaboration with government agencies, local institutions, and international universities, UPM OILL facilitates student and faculty exchanges, joint research and development initiatives, academic consortia, conferences, and capacity-building programs. By harmonizing local and international linkages, we ensure that partnerships are strategically aligned with UP Manila’s strengths in health, social sciences, and allied disciplines, while remaining responsive to national and community needs.

The outcomes of these efforts are evident in the expansion of training programs, the establishment of enduring partnerships, and the active role of UP Manila in shaping responsive policies, programs, and practices. As we continue to build bridges of cooperation, UPM OILL reaffirms its commitment to advancing the university’s mission and amplifying its contribution to national development and beyond.

Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho, MPH, FPAFP

\\The Office of the International Linkages (OIL) was established under the OVPAA during the 986th UP BOR Meeting on March 20, 1986, and was approved during the BOR Meeting on October 29, 2015.

In line with this, the UPM Office of International Linkages (UPM OIL) was created as approved by the Board of Regents (BOR) in 2015. Since then, the UPM OIL has taken a leadership role in the unit to initiate and implement a vigorous internationalization program.

Renaming of the Office of International Linkages to the Office of International and Local Linkages

UPM Colleges have expanded their linkages to National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), organizations, and private sector. This calls for the need to rename the UPM OIL to the Office of International and Local Linkages (OILL) to correctly capture and embody its additional functions.

UP Manila’s engagement with the local and national agencies is grounded on the following:

1. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022: “Maximize government-academe-industry collaborations and international partnerships to ensure alignment of competencies and labor requirements.” (Chapter 10, Human Capital Development Towards Greater Agility)
2. The Sustainable Development Goals: Encourage and Promote Effective Public, Public-Private and Civil Society Partnerships.” (SDG 17)
3. The UP System Strategic Plan 2023-2029: “Active and Collaborative Partnerships with SUCs, LGUs, other HEIs, NGAs, Private Sector, and Civil Society.” (Flagship Program #6)
4. The Commission on Higher Education: The UPM Manila heeds the call for collaboration, solidarity and inclusivity for all SUCs during the first-ever UP State Universities Colleges (SUC) Summit dated September 15, 2023.” (CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III’s address).
   

The renaming of UPM OIL to UPM OILL aims to:

1. align with the mandate of the UP OIL which covers linkages to both local and foreign institutions;
2. enhance, support, and monitor local and international linkages and activities of the various colleges;
3. facilitate sharing of resources and academic enrichment; and
4. allow UP Manila to actively contribute to and be influenced by the development of local and global quality benchmarks in education, research, and public service.

Mission
The University of the Philippines Manila Office of International and Local Linkages serves as a dynamic catalyst in fostering local and global academic, research, and public service collaborations, driving equitable and impactful initiatives for the benefit of the Filipino people.

Vision
A national health sciences university in the forefront of local and international engagements embracing both regional and global excellence

Mandate

It is mandated to identify and explore areas of cooperation and linkages with foreign and local institutions. It promotes academic collaboration with local and foreign universities in the form of student and faculty and student exchange, joint research, exchange of publication, sponsorship of conferences and other academic activities. The office is engaged in the initiation, planning, implementation, and monitoring of linkage activities with the other autonomous campuses through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Functions/Services

1. MOU/MOA processing and ceremonial signing
2. Collaborative activities coordination
3. UP System OIL administered grants processing
4. Local and international collaborative activities monitoring
5. Provision of transportation services

Service Pledge

We commit to:

1. deliver prompt and efficient service;
2. treat you with the highest degree of respect and courtesy;
3. give you fair and equal treatment regardless of your social status; and
4. welcome your comments/suggestions for the improvement of our service delivery.