Across Borders and Beyond: UP CAMP Hosts IUHW Study and Cultural Tour
The UP College of Allied Medical Professions (UP CAMP) hosted a 10-day study and cultural tour program for thirteen students and two faculty members from the International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) in Tokyo and Fukuoka, Japan. Held on February 19 to 28, 2026, the visit blended academic exchange, professional immersion, and cultural appreciation—strengthening ties between future health professionals from Japan and the Philippines.
The program opened with an orientation on the study and cultural visit, followed by an introduction of the University of the Philippines Manila and CAMP. A welcome lunch set a warm and collegial tone for the days ahead. Foundational lectures introduced the Philippine healthcare system and provided an overview of the allied health professions, highlighting the roles of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech pathology in local and national contexts.
Camaraderie flourished among participants during the Sports Fest, “The Most, The Merriest!”, where Filipino and Japanese students bonded over friendly games and team challenges. Laughter and shared victories fostered cross-cultural friendships beyond the classroom.
To deepen their understanding of Philippine history, the IUHW delegation visited Rizal Park and Intramuros. The visit was complemented by a cultural lunch show and tour of the National Museum of the Philippines, offering insights into the Philippines’ art, and identity.
Academic immersion continued with site visits to the UP CAMP Clinic for Therapy Services and the Augmented Experience eHealth Laboratory, where students were given a first hand view of client care sessions and use of innovations in simulation and digital health. A campus tour of UP Manila, including the College of Pharmacy and other colleges, showcased the University’s interprofessional environment.
The delegation also observed community-based rehabilitation initiatives, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to accessible and community-centered care. At the UP College of Human Kinetics in Quezon City, students visited the Sports Clinic and toured the UP Diliman campus.
Clinical exposure culminated in a visit to the UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH), particularly the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and its service units. The group also toured the College of Medicine, including its Simulation Laboratory, where technology-enhanced training supports future physicians.
The program concluded with “Tomodachi Hour,” a cultural exchange activity celebrating Filipino and Japanese traditions, followed by a farewell dinner. Over ten days, the IUHW students experienced not only the Philippine healthcare landscape but also the warmth of Filipino hospitality—leaving with new knowledge, lasting friendships, and a shared commitment to advancing health across borders.
