Mapúa University has launched the Mapúa School of Medicine, positioning itself as a significant new player in the country’s medical education landscape. This groundbreaking initiative is supported by a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), recognized as the most innovative university in the United States for ten consecutive years, and Cintana Education, a global organization managing 26 medical schools worldwide.
The launch event was attended by Mapúa chairperson Helen Yuchengco Dee and leaders of iPeople, the university’s parent company and a joint venture with Ayala Corporation and the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC).
The Mapúa School of Medicine is set to transform medical education in the Philippines. Its curriculum incorporates advanced digital and simulation tools, inter-professional training, and global exposure. These innovations are designed to produce healthcare professionals who are fully equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly complex global healthcare environment.
Building on the strong reputation of Mapúa University, the flagship institution of the 75,000-student iPeople school system, the new medical school underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and global competitiveness. Mapúa’s inclusion as one of only five Philippine universities in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings further cements its standing as a leader in the country’s education sector.
This initiative is seen as a bold response to the growing demand for highly skilled healthcare professionals in the Philippines, particularly as the country continues to address post-pandemic challenges.
The program’s success hinges on its partnership with ASU and Cintana Education, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with global best practices in medical education. This collaboration offers Filipino medical students unparalleled opportunities for learning and professional growth, including access to cutting-edge technology and exposure to international healthcare standards.
“I am thrilled about this partnership and its potential to revolutionize healthcare education in the Philippines," Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala shared in a social media post. "By integrating modern tools, inter-professional training, and global exposure, we are preparing healthcare professionals with the 21st-century skills they need to excel in an ever-evolving field.”
The Mapúa School of Medicine is part of the university’s broader vision to lead in innovative, globally competitive education, further solidifying its role as a trailblazer in the Philippine education sector. With its launch, Mapúa continues its mission to develop future-ready professionals and ensure that Filipino talent remains competitive on the global stage.
The school is set to welcome its inaugural batch of students soon, promising a transformative medical education experience for aspiring healthcare professionals.