The Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Philippines was launched in 2017 with the support of TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. Since then, it has been working to identify and advance social innovations in health in the Philippines through research, capacity strengthening, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. In 2024, SIHI Philippines transitioned to the Program for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Health (PSIEH) under the Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health (UP Manila-NIH), and is now progressing toward institutionalization as an independent institute.

On August 8, 2026, the SIHI Global Secretariat, led by Dr. Meredith del Pilar-Labarda, together with representatives from SIHI Malawi, SIHI Philippines, SIHI South Africa, SIHI Uganda, and SIHI UNC, paid a courtesy call on UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee at the Henry Sy Sr. Medical Sciences Building. The visit followed the Towards Unity for Health (TUFH) 2026 Conference, hosted by UP Manila from August 4 to 7, 2026, which included the SIHI Summit.

The delegation was welcomed by members of the UP Manila community, including Dr. Leslie Dalmacio, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension; Dr. Marissa Alejandria, Director of the UP Manila National Institutes of Health; Dr. John Mark Velasco, NIH Deputy Director; and Dr. Mary Ann Lansang, SIHI champion.

The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange updates and perspectives on the continuing growth of SIHI, particularly its ongoing transition toward institutionalization within the NIH. It also strengthened the connection between the global SIHI network and UP Manila, as partners reflected on how social innovations can be further supported as sustainable approaches to improving health and promoting health equity.

More than a meeting, the courtesy call was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with SIHI’s shared purpose and the communities at the heart of its work. As SIHI continues to grow within the University, the discussions emphasized the importance of remaining grounded in its original purpose, serving communities, honoring the vision of those who came before, and ensuring that its roots continue to grow deeper.