PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

20 April 2026, MELBOURNE - Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales, commenced his official visit to Victoria with a meeting with Monash University to reinforce ongoing cooperation in forensic medicine education and institutional development.

Joined by Consul General to Melbourne Hon. Jesus Gary Domingo, the Ambassador met with Monash officials led by Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President, and Richard Bassed, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Deputy Director of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

They discussed the rollout of forensic medicine education in the Philippines, including the delivery of postgraduate courses in Manila. Through a MOU signed in 2025, Monash University and the University of the Philippines Manila have commenced the delivery of the first Master of Forensic Medicine program in the Philippines in March 2026, with support from the Australian Government. The course also reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen collaboration between government institutions and academia.

The meeting also highlighted the progress in the establishment of the Philippine National Forensics Institute scheduled for completion in 2027. Once operational, the institute will serve as a modern, large-scale forensic facility, significantly enhancing the country’s current capacity in areas such as pathology, toxicology, DNA analysis, and forensic anthropology.

Monash University underscored the broader public health implications of strengthened forensic capabilities, including the potential to generate critical data on mortality and injury trends that can inform national public health programs and research initiatives.

Ambassador Morales expressed appreciation for the continued support of Monash University and the Australian Government. He emphasized the vital role of forensic medicine in advancing justice, human rights, and institutional capacity in the Philippines. He also explored opportunities to expand transnational education cooperation, including potential partnerships in the creative industries and digital sectors, in line with Monash University’s growing engagement with ASEAN.

The Philippine National Forensics Institute Initiative, formally launched on 16 October 2025, is a landmark collaboration between Monash University, the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the University of the Philippines.

Under this initiative, Monash University will support the University of the Philippines over the next four years in establishing the Institute and training a core group of forensic specialists capable of investigating death and violence to international standards. In parallel, Monash University will provide advisory support on best-practice judicial processes and assist in developing a sustainable, locally led forensic education program. - END

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