University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Chancellor Michael Tee was conferred the prestigious Doctor Honoris Causa by Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad (UVVG) in recognition of his leadership in health sciences education, public service, and international academic cooperation.

In his acceptance speech, Tee reflected on the powerful connection between Romanian politician and academician Vasile Goldis and national hero Jose Rizal — both reformists, educators, and symbols of national awakening through intellect and integrity.

"That moment reminded me of Jose Rizal... whose life, like Goldis', is a testament to how the written word, moral clarity, and civic purpose can become the foundations of nationhood," the Chancellor shared during the ceremony at UVVG.

"Goldis helped articulate the soul of a people ready to declare their future at Alba Iulia. Rizal wielded his pen to awaken a subjugated people, exposing the injustices of colonial rule," he emphasized.

Under Tee's leadership, UP Manila has formed strategic partnerships with key government agencies, including the Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Commission on Higher Education, to improve the quality of medical education in the Philippines.

These partnerships also led to the development of a curriculum that effectively prepares health professionals to meet the evolving challenges of the healthcare sector.

As UVVG's newest honorary alumnus, Tee also emphasized the opportunity this recognition creates for a deeper partnership between the Romanian and Filipino academic communities.

"As it was during Rizal's time, when he led the Propaganda Movement — uniting Filipino intellectuals in Europe to call for reform and dignity for our people — I, too, now stand in Europe to open new gates for my fellow Filipino academics — to engage with the global academic community, contribute to international discourse, and bring home knowledge that uplifts our people and strengthens our institutions," he added.

The conferment affirms Tee's valuable contributions to medical science and the deepening ties between UP and UVVG through platforms such as Erasmus+, a program that provides opportunities for Filipinos to study in European Union member countries, including Romania.

The program is funded by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education.