The National Institutes of Health (NIH), University of the Philippines Manila welcomed representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and UP System Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) on 5 August 2026 for a meeting on the proposed Health and Life Sciences Advanced Product Research and Quality Control Center (HLARQC) project, a sub-component of the UP System Advancing Skills, Competitiveness and Enterprise Development (ASCEND) project.

The meeting opened with welcome remarks from NIH Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives and Emerging Programs Dr. John Mark S. Velasco, followed by an overview of the NIH by NIH Executive Director Dr. Marissa M. Alejandria, who presented the Institute's background, mandate, mission, vision, and strategic direction in advancing health research, innovation, and translation in the Philippines.

Professor and University Scientist II Dr. Raul V. Destura, then presented the proposed HLARQC project, highlighting its objectives, planned facilities, and envisioned role in strengthening the country's capabilities in advanced product research, quality control, pharmaceutical development, and clinical research. The presentation was followed by a discussion, during which representatives from DTI and ADB exchanged insights and raised questions on the project's implementation, funding mechanisms, procurement readiness, development timeline, and opportunities for collaboration.

Following the meeting, the delegation briefly viewed the new NIH Building from outside the project site to gain an appreciation of the ongoing infrastructure development that will house the future HLARQC facilities.