The University of the Philippines Open University-Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU-FMDS), through its Diploma in/Master of International Health (D/MIH) Program, held a roundtable discussion (RTD) on 21 August 2025 at the UPOU Headquarters and via Zoom. The activity gathered faculty, students, alumni, and partners to review and strengthen the D/MIH curriculum in response to emerging global health priorities.
From the discussion, five key themes were identified as central to strengthening the D/MIH program. First, participants reflected on the program’s goals and relevance, affirming its value in preparing professionals for international and cross-border health challenges while calling for clearer alignment with contemporary global health needs. Second, they examined program content and structure, noting the importance of updated references, integration of One Health concepts, the inclusion of emerging topics such as aging and mental health, and offering electives from related FMDS programs. Student advising and support were also raised, with calls for more proactive faculty engagement and better tracking of course deficiencies.
Third, student assessment was highlighted, with participants recommending the consistent use of grading rubrics, provision of timely and constructive feedback, and fairer approaches to group work. Fourth, the thesis requirement emerged as a pressing concern, prompting discussions on alternative pathways such as capstone projects or two academic tracks (thesis and non-thesis). Finally, participants emphasized the need for strategic alignment and global positioning, including debates on whether to define the program as a professional or academic degree, proposals to rename it as a master’s in global health or global health and development, and considerations for making the DIH an exit program with MIH as the primary entry point.
Insights from the RTD will inform the ongoing curriculum review of the D/MIH program.
The RTD forms part of UPOU’s efforts to align its programs with its strategic thrusts of open and distance e-learning innovation, interdisciplinarity, and global competitiveness. This initiative also supports the Sustainable Development Goal in Quality Education (SDG 4).
Written by Janele Ann C. Belegal • Edited by Myra D. Oruga & Larry N. Cruz
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