ASMPH welcomes incoming VPHE, honors the service of VP Marlu Vilches

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) recently held a transition meeting marking an important leadership shift within the University’s Higher Education cluster. The gathering brought together members of the ASMPH Dean’s Council and Associate Dean’s Council to get to know the incoming Vice President for Higher Education, Dean Czarina “Bo Peep” Saloma-Akpedonu, and to express gratitude to outgoing VPHE, Maria Luz “Marlu” Vilches. 

The Office of the Vice President for Higher Education (VPHE) plays a key role in shaping the direction of Ateneo’s Higher Education units, including ASMPH. Beyond oversight, the office enables alignment across schools, supports strategic initiatives, and creates opportunities for collaboration—allowing institutions like ASMPH to strengthen its academic programs, research initiatives and its engagement with communities. Through this integration, the school is better positioned to contribute to and benefit from the broader strengths of the University.

The meeting served as both an introduction and a moment of continuity. It began with a formal presentation of Dean Bo Peep to the ASMPH leadership teams, followed by an introduction of council members, who shared their respective roles and contributions within the School. This exchange provided an initial sense of the people and functions that drive ASMPH’s academic, administrative, research and community engagements. 

To situate the incoming VPHE, ASMPH also presented key highlights of the School—offering a snapshot of its programs, initiatives, and directions. While not intended to be exhaustive, the presentation underscored the School’s ongoing efforts in medical education, public health, leadership formation, research and community service. 

An open forum followed, allowing for questions and dialogue. The discussion emphasized the continued support of the Office of the Vice President for Higher Education for ASMPH’s initiatives, alongside a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration among Ateneo’s Higher Education units. Central to this was the goal of building stronger relationships across schools and identifying areas for integration, enabling each unit to contribute its strengths toward a more cohesive and responsive academic community. 

As part of the transition, VP Marlu Vilches addressed the group, offering her reflections and parting message. Her remarks marked the close of a distinguished chapter of service—having led the VPHE office since 2023 and, more broadly, having dedicated 40 years to Ateneo. Her leadership and steady guidance have helped shape the direction of higher education within the University, leaving a legacy that will continue to influence its future. 

The meeting concluded on a note of gratitude and anticipation—honoring the contributions of VP Marlu while welcoming Dean Bo Peep as she begins her role on 1 June. As ASMPH moves forward, it does so with a renewed sense of partnership within the Higher Education cluster, committed to collaboration, integration, and shared purpose.