Learning, leading, and serving: Mayie Hilapad’s career at ZFF

Growing up in a small town in New Lucena, Iloilo, Marienelle Hilapad’s life was all about school. She didn’t have many childhood memories outside of academics, always prioritizing school work before anything else. “Wala akong masyadong matandaan, halos acads lang talaga ako. ‘Yung tipong diretso agad gumawa ng homework bago manood ng TV,” she recalls with humor.

Mayie excelled in elementary school, graduating as Salutatorian. It was during this time she first thought of becoming an accountant, but later, her path shifted toward science when she attended the Philippine Science High School in Western Visayas.

Finding a path in public health

Mayie had always aspired to study at the University of the Philippines (UP), so when she was accepted with a scholarship, it was a dream come true. “‘Di na rin ako nag-apply sa ibang college. UP or nothing.” She initially wanted to take up public health as a pre-med course, but her journey took her to community public health. This shift gave her a new perspective on healthcare, and it opened the doors to her current work in public health.

Her first encounter with Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) came through her thesis project, Project Halungan ang Tagipusuon sang mga Taga-Jolason (Protect the Hearts of the People of Jolason) or “Project HARTT”—a community-based health promotion program. ZFF’s involvement was a pivotal moment. After graduation, she quickly landed a role as a field assistant to Catherine Mandigma of the Strategy and Partnerships Unit at ZFF helping with key informant interviews and focus group discussions. This hands-on experience marked the beginning of her ZFF journey.

Thriving at ZFF

In October 2023, Mayie officially joined ZFF as a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant under the Provincial Leadership and Governance Program (PLGP). Initially, she felt overwhelmed, especially since she had to engage with people face-to-face despite being an introvert. “We have to outgrow our boundaries, because we have to provide the requirements of our job.”

With the mentorship of leaders in her unit, the ZFF Local Health Systems Portfolio, she learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and the standards ZFF holds itself to. “Walang pahapyaw lang na work, we always strive for the best implementation.”

One of the most fulfilling experiences for Mayie was seeing the impact of ZFF’s programs with local leaders. Through executive coaching and deep dive (guided immersion), she realized the importance of community participation and involvement in addressing health issues, including mental health. The way ZFF’s interventions empowered local leaders to improve healthcare outcomes truly inspired her.

Though Mayie is considering going to medical school, her work at ZFF has shown her that public health is not just a stepping stone to medicine—it’s a calling in itself. Helping communities achieve better health outcomes through preventive care and leadership training has been fulfilling for her. The lessons she’s learned and the mentors who guided her made her realize the importance of this work in the country’s overall healthcare system.

“Sa ngayon, nakikita ko ‘yung sarili ko sa ZFF. Nafu-fulfill ‘yung gusto ko na tumulong sa community kahit hindi ako mag-medicine.” She knows there’s still so much to learn and contribute, and she is driven by the thought that wherever she goes, she will carry the values and the ‘ZFF standards’. She often hears the affirmation, “Ah magaling ‘yan kasi ZFF,” reminding her of the impact she can make through her work.