11 Municipal Health Teams in Cordillera Complete Bayang Malusog Leadership Program

On November 27, 2024, 11 municipal health teams from the Cordillera region graduated from the Bayang Malusog Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP). The event, held in Baguio City, was a collaboration between the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR), Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF).

DOH-CAR Regional Director Dr. Ferdinand Benbenen stressed the moral responsibility behind Universal Health Care (UHC), saying, “Every life is valuable. Tunggal biag ket napateg. And every Filipino deserves quality healthcare. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that this promise becomes a reality, and no one regardless of their background or circumstances is left without the care they need.”

The event brought together health leaders from 11 municipalities across the Cordillera region. These include Lagayan in Abra; Atok, Bokod, Buguias, and Mankayan in Benguet; Aguinaldo, Asipulo, and Hingyon in Ifugao; Balbalan in Kalinga; and Bontoc and Sagada in Mt. Province. Through MLDP, these municipalities developed tailored health strategies to address their unique challenges while working toward UHC.

Abra

Mayor Edmark Crisologo of Lagayan highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in health governance, stressing that health systems require the involvement of all sectors. Lilibeth Martin of the Provincial DOH Office reminded leaders of their critical role in governance, saying, “What’s the use of governance when the people you govern are sick?” She urged them to be guiding lights in their communities.

Benguet

Benguet mayors shared their strategies for achieving UHC. Mayor Franklin Smith of Atok, Mayor Thomas Jr. Wales of Bokod, Mayor Ruben Tinda-an of Buguias, and Mayor Dario Banario of Mankayan emphasized partnerships, policy advocacy, and placing families at the heart of health systems. PHO Dr. Meliarazon Dulay encouraged the mayors to sustain their progress, benchmark their efforts, and inspire other leaders to join programs like MLDP to build a healthier Benguet.

Ifugao

Mayors from Ifugao shared their experiences in tackling health challenges. Mayor Gaspar Jr. Chilagan of Aguinaldo reflected on addressing vaccine hesitancy through collaboration and communication. Mayor Archie Lee Quindo of Asipulo stressed the importance of shared vision and leadership in driving health system improvements. Mayor Florencio Nalula of Hingyon highlighted their aim of achieving low morbidity across illnesses. PHO Dr. Priscilla Pagada encouraged all mayors to work together toward a unified, province-wide health system under Ifugao’s vision for a happy and healthy community.

Kalinga

Mayor Almar Malannag of Balbalan focused on the whole-of-society approach to tackling health issues like malnutrition. He emphasized understanding the perspectives of communities and working collectively to accelerate UHC. PHO Dr. Edward Tandingan praised the mayor’s dedication, reminding him and everyone that sharing knowledge and resources will help uplift other municipalities in the province.

Mt. Province

Mt. Province mayors underscored collaboration as a key driver of health progress. Mayor Jerome Jr. Tudlong of Bontoc spoke about the importance of active participation from families and building a strong network to support UHC. Mayor Felecito Dula of Sagada committed to ensuring no one in his community is left behind, pledging to remove barriers to healthcare access. PHO Dr. Carolyn Yawan emphasized the need for collective effort to achieve better health outcomes for the province.

The Bayang Malusog MLDP graduates now carry the responsibility of transforming their health systems and improving the lives of their constituents. Their commitment to collaboration, governance, and public service is a step closer to achieving UHC in the Cordilleras. As CCDC President Dr. Sherry Junette Tagle said, “The challenges we face are evolving, and addressing them will require our collective effort.”