Building on the success of the Bayang Malusog Community of Practice (CoP) in 2024, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) hosted the first session for the year last March 27, 2025 focused on Health Care Provider Network (HCPN). From nine Bayang Malusog sites engaged last year, the session gathered representatives from 15 areas: Aklan, Apayao, Baguio, Benguet, Eastern Samar, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Northern Samar, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, Pangasinan, and Quirino.

HCPN is a system of interconnected health facilities and providers within a province or city, working together to deliver continuous and coordinated care to patients. Under the Universal Health Care , HCPNs ensure that individuals have access to comprehensive health services, from primary care to specialized treatments. These networks streamline referrals, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery by reducing service fragmentation.

Key Discussions and Lessons

Participants from different provinces shared their experiences:

• Noland Sabling of PhilHealth Benguet provided an overview of HCPN contracting guidelines, processes, and requirements. He also shared strategies for ensuring smooth coordination between healthcare facilities and PhilHealth.
• Dr. Maria Vivian Villar-Espino, OIC, Provincial Health Officer (PHO) II of Pangasinan, how they developed a referral manual for their HCPN.
• Dr. Leslie Ann Luces-Sedillo, PHO II of Aklan, shared their approach to restructuring their health system into zones and managing pooled health funds.

Communication as a Key Strategy

Effective communication emerged as a crucial factor in accelerating HCPN contracting. Participants discussed strategies such as:

• Engaging Local Chief Executives to champion UHC efforts and set clear priorities.
• Building trust among stakeholders to foster collaboration and long-term commitment.
• Using clear and consistent messaging to ensure healthcare policies and processes are well understood.
• Leveraging digital platforms to improve coordination between health facilities and agencies.

Dr. Joanne Christine Solon, Vice President, Quality Assurance, Research Extension Department of the Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas, expanded on these insights during her facilitated discussion. Some participants noted that simplifying technical terms and focusing on practical applications helped stakeholders better understand HCPN. Others stressed the need for continuous dialogue among health leaders, local officials, and the community to ensure alignment of goals.

Reflections and Insights

Dr. Manuel Dayrit, ZFF Chairman, acknowledged the participants as pioneers in UHC implementation. While there is no single formula for success, he encouraged continuous adaptation, saying, “Going forward, it’s just being open to what works and communicating with each other so that we can get things to work better.”

In his synthesis, Dr. Carlo Panelo, Professor at the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health,  pointed out that even after five years, UHC Act implementation is still just gaining traction. He was upfront about the costs, saying, “There is no such thing as a cost-saving UHC.” Still, he acknowledged the progress, including streamlined government processes and higher health spending. HCPN implementation is complex and always changing, but efforts to improve the system and tap into expertise are crucial to making UHC a reality.

Moving Forward

The session concluded with a call for continuous collaboration. They committed to strengthening their health systems and working together to achieve the vision of a truly inclusive UHC. A Facebook group was set up for discussions, and Bayang Malusog CoP sessions will be scheduled throughout the year.

The Bayang Malusog Community of Practice provides an important platform for learning, reflection, and action. As one participant put it, “The Department of Health can guide us, but we are the implementers. We know what our people need.” With this mindset, the journey toward stronger healthcare systems continues.

Related articles:

• ZFF Bayang Malusog Community of Practice in 2025: A Renewed Commitment to UHC Learning
• Insights from the 2024 Bayang Malusog Community of Practice Sessions
• Connecting the Dots: Overcoming Health Information System Challenges in Achieving Universal Health Care
• Navigating Health Financing Challenges with Bayang Malusog: Insights from Quezon and Aklan

On March 18, 2025, key stakeholders met at the Provincial Governor’s Office in Southern Leyte to discuss the Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health (MISP for SRH). They aimed to align strategies and ensure the effective implementation of MISP for SRH in the province.

MISP for SRH provides essential health services that protect people’s well-being during humanitarian emergencies. With support from the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), UNFPA, and the Australian Government, local officials and health leaders in Southern Leyte are institutionalizing these services at the local government level. This meeting played a crucial role in ensuring that plans and policies align effectively for 2025.

Participants focused on aligning goals and milestones to maintain a unified approach. The team reviewed the project’s roadmap and identified key targets for the year. By setting clear expectations, all stakeholders can collaborate more effectively. They also shared updates on their technical roadmap highlighting both progress and challenges. Identifying obstacles early allows for better planning and solutions.

Stakeholders also clarified their roles to strengthen teamwork and ensure that everyone contributes effectively to achieving MISP for SRH’s goals. They explored strategies to incorporate MISP for SRH into the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) and disaster response frameworks, further integrating it into local policies.

Looking ahead, this alignment meeting reinforced Southern Leyte’s dedication to improving sexual and reproductive health services, especially in times of crisis. With concrete plans in place and a strong network of stakeholders, the province is making progress toward ensuring that lifesaving SRH services remain accessible to all who need them.

Child malnutrition is a persistent issue in the Philippines, affecting millions of children. In the province of Surigao Del Norte,  14.87% of children under five years old suffer from stunting due to limited access to food, healthcare, and proper nutrition programs. To address this, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) introduced the Municipal Nutrition Governance Program (MNGP), an initiative aimed at strengthening local nutrition systems through leadership training and multisectoral collaboration.

At the Centre for Holistic Initiatives for Learning and Development (CHILD) Conference 2025 in Singapore, Denise Sisante, Nutrition Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Associate at ZFF, presented insights from the MNGP’s implementation in Siargao. The program, which ran from 2023 to 2024, focused on rebuilding nutrition systems that were severely impacted by Typhoon Odette and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tackling Malnutrition through Local Governance

The MNGP was designed to help local governments create more effective nutrition policies and programs. It introduced the First 1,000 Days Roadmap, an evaluation tool based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) health system framework. The roadmap assessed key areas, including governance, financing, human resources, service delivery, and social determinants of nutrition.

Through the MNGP, municipal mayors and local department heads from health, agriculture, social welfare, and planning offices worked together to improve child nutrition indicators. The program provided training, coaching, and mentoring sessions to enhance leadership and governance skills, ensuring long-term, sustainable improvements.

Measurable Impact

The results of the program were promising. Baseline assessments revealed that nutrition systems in the participating municipalities were weak, relying on unsustainable solutions and short-term, band-aid approaches, while battling for scarce resources. However, after a year of implementing the MNGP, significant improvements were recorded. The First 1,000 Days Roadmap showed better performance across governance and service delivery, while key informant interviews confirmed that local officials were more engaged in addressing child malnutrition.

Municipal mayors highlighted the importance of working together across different sectors to address nutritional challenges. They recognized the need for strong leadership, good data collection, and continuous training for their teams to sustain these improvements.

Lessons for the Future

The MNGP experience in Siargao offers valuable lessons for policymakers and program implementers:

1. Multisectoral collaboration is key. Bringing together leaders from different sectors ensures that resources and expertise are maximized.
2. Good data drives better decisions. An efficient health and nutrition information system helps track progress and allows timely interventions.
3. Training and leadership development matter. Providing local leaders with the necessary skills empowers them to implement lasting nutrition programs.

The CHILD Conference 2025 provided a platform for sharing best practices in early child development. Beyond the presentation, ZFF used the event to build partnerships with academic institutions and organizations that share the same goal: improving health and nutrition systems for children worldwide.

By linking research, policy, and action, ZFF hopes to inspire more communities to develop localized solutions to child malnutrition. Their work in Siargao is proof that with strong governance and collaboration, better nutrition outcomes for children are achievable.

Related article:

• Building Stronger Nutrition Systems in Siargao: The Ahon Siargao Experience

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Board of Trustees met with the Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) to discuss pressing health system challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Dr. Nhamier Jikiri, IPHO officer-in-charge, and Dr. Reynaldo Pescadera, Medical Officer, led the discussions, highlighting key health issues in the province and ongoing efforts to improve services at the Sulu Provincial Hospital and Rural Health Units (RHUs).

2025 will be a transitional year for IPHO as it is set to be transferred from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the Provincial Government of Sulu. While the transition is mandated for full implementation by 2026, there is a strong desire among local health leaders to remain under BARMM due to the Ministry of Health’s support, which has facilitated improvements in the province’s health sector. Dr. Jikiri expressed concerns about the preparedness of the IPHO for this transition and the risks associated with its separation from BARMM at this time. 

Expanding Hospital Services and Addressing Medicine Shortages

Dr. Jikiri shared that efforts are underway to enhance the Sulu Provincial Hospital’s capacity, including the establishment of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However, a persistent challenge is the shortage of medicines, particularly for tuberculosis (TB). Dr. Pescadera, who is also  the TB Program Coordinator, shared that delays in medicine deliveries have led to an increase in drug-resistant TB cases, posing a serious public health risk.

Nutrition Challenges and Community-Based Interventions

On nutrition, Dr. Jikiri explained that the hospital primarily provides curative care for severely malnourished patients, while RHUs manage Operation Timbang to identify and monitor malnourished children at the community level. However, nutrition programs in the province face stock-outs of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and other nutrition commodities. Quality concerns with key ingredients, such as peanuts, have further complicated the issue.

Teenage Pregnancy and Cultural Considerations

Teenage pregnancy remains a concern, though it is not widely perceived as a critical issue due to cultural norms surrounding early marriage. Dr. Jikiri emphasized the need for advocacy efforts to prevent repeat pregnancies and to promote delayed marriage age. Engagement with Muslim Religious Leaders (MRLs) has been initiated to integrate messages on responsible parenthood into community discussions.

Universal Health Care (UHC) Implementation

Dr. Jikiri also raised concerns about the uneven implementation of UHC in the province. While hospitals receive PhilHealth reimbursements, RHUs do not receive the same level of financial support. Additionally, limited awareness about UHC and Konsulta programs affects enrollment and utilization of services.

Next Steps

ZFF will build on the insights gathered from the IPHO visit to explore ways to support Sulu’s health system. To ensure a smooth and beneficial transition, discussions will be facilitated on the best way forward for Sulu’s health governance structure. Other efforts include hosting dialogues with national agencies to address medicine shortages, improve nutrition supply chains, and strengthen community health governance, and  increasing awareness and uptake of UHC and Konsulta services in the province.

ZFF remains committed to working with the Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office to support sustainable health improvements for the people of Sulu.

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• Zuellig Family Foundation Explores Health Opportunities in Sulu Province

The Pook Malusog Community of Practice (CoP) of the Zuellig Family Foundation continues to be a space where local nutrition leaders come together to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and celebrate successes. The recent Online Kumustahan activity last March 6, 2025, provided a valuable opportunity for moderators from five Pook Malusog provinces—Sarangani, Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Samar, and Northern Samar—to reconnect and share their experiences in improving nutrition programs.

From July 2024 to the present, many provinces have made significant strides in their nutrition programs. Some of the highlights shared during the session include:

• Samar: The HangKop (hangkop, “to hug” or “to embrace”) stunting rehabilitation program is actively supporting at-risk households with children under two. HangKop also stands for two Visayan words: hangyo, meaning “request”, and kupkop, meaning “adopt” or “take custody”. In this context, the program seeks to place stunted children under specialized care, providing supplementation and addressing other sectoral needs such as food access and livelihood opportunities, while ensuring frequent health and nutrition status monitoring.  The province also earned its second Green Banner Award and is striving for the CROWN (Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition) Award. The inspiring story of Hayden, a malnourished child from an abusive household, showcased how government programs can help transform lives through integrated support.

• Northern Samar: The province has achieved a 90% coverage rate for facility-based deliveries and skilled birth attendance in 2024. The governor’s leadership played a crucial role in securing the Green Banner Award and organizing the first BNS (Barangay Nutrition Scholars) Convention last year. To protect the positions of BNSs and BHWs (Barangay Health Workers), officials are lobbying for a provincial ordinance. Meanwhile, Catarman was recognized for its accredited outpatient therapeutic care under PhilHealth.

• Zamboanga del Norte: The province appointed a full-time Provincial Nutrition Action Officer and provided incentives for BNSs. They have successfully rolled out training programs on food and nutrition security for both BNSs and BHWs, with a focus on the First 1,000 Days of life. The HAPAG (“table”, Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas At Gulay: “Let’s Plant Fruits and Vegetables) initiative, aimed at food security, has rehabilitated nearly 70% of malnourished children in its pilot area by the end of 2024, prompting plans to expand to two more municipalities.

• Sarangani: The province implemented extensive training for health workers across various health units and hospitals. A Barangay Health and Nutrition Welfare Ordinance was enacted in 2024 to increase the honorarium for BNSs, and retiring BNSs now receive recognition and financial benefits. The Paglambo sa Katilingban (“development of community”) project supports 450 households through training, food assistance, and livelihood support. Additionally, a provincial nutrition information system was developed to enhance health and nutrition data management deployed to the seven municipalities of Sarangani. The first branch of Nutrition Bakery “NutriBak” in tripartite agreement with Municipality of Alabel, and Mahintana Foundation, gained partnership with the Department of Education to supply nutribun to and generate income to sustain nutrition programs. The province will be launching its expansion site at Kiamba, Sarangani this March.

The Online Kumustahan reaffirmed that collaboration is key to improving nutrition governance. By continuously sharing experiences, learning from each other, and working together, local leaders are making a real impact in their communities. The journey is just beginning, but with a strong commitment to working together, the future of nutrition governance looks promising.

Related articles:

• Online Kumustahan: Catching Up with ZFF Pook Malusog Community of Practice Moderators
• Building One Community for Nutrition: Zuellig Family Foundation’s Pook Malusog Community of Practice in Nutrition
• Provincial Efforts for Nutrition: Pook Malusog Community of Practice Insights

Issues of malnutrition, maternal health, adolescent pregnancies, and financial and logistical struggles of local health systems become apparent during the recent scoping visit of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) in Sulu last February 11-12, 2025. ZFF, led by Chairman Dr. Manuel Dayrit and Board of Trustees member Daniel Zuellig, along with other members and staff, visited three Rural Health Units in the province—Jolo, Hadji Panglima Tahil, and Indanan.

Addressing Malnutrition

Malnutrition emerged as a critical health issue across multiple municipalities. In Jolo, the Rural Health Unit (RHU) implements nutrition programs, including deworming, Vitamin A supplementation, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) administration, and anthropometric measurements. While these efforts have led to an increasing cure rate for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), challenges remain due to frequent shortages of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and vaccines. Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) play a crucial role in tracking pregnancy, monitoring child growth, and referral to health facilities.

In Hadji Panglima Tahil, where 236 out of 1,225 children aged 0-5 years are stunted and 18 suffer from wasting as of the time of the visit, malnutrition remains a problem. The predominantly Badjao population faces erratic food availability, and cultural beliefs that discourages participation in health promotion activities such as prenatal care and micronutrient supplementation. Supply chain challenges persist, with stock outs of essential items.

Challenges in Maternal Health 

Maternal health remains a pressing issue in Sulu, particularly in Jolo and Hadji Panglima Tahil. In Jolo, teenage pregnancy is a growing concern, with 207 recorded cases last year. However, only one teenage mother completed the recommended four prenatal visits and postnatal care. To address facility-based delivery gaps, Jolo RHU provides maternity packages and incentives—offering 300 pesos to traditional birth attendants, locally called panday or hilot, for referring mothers and 200 pesos to mothers who opt for facility-based deliveries. Despite these measures, home births remain prevalent due to deep-rooted trust in traditional practices.

In Hadji Panglima Tahil, only 25 out of 145 recorded deliveries took place in health facilities, with many newborns left undocumented. Adolescent pregnancy remains high, with a recorded case of a 13-year-old mother. The RHU faces challenges in postnatal care, as only two teenage mothers returned for follow-up consultations. Strengthening maternal health programs that are culturally-sensitive and inclusive, promoting facility-based deliveries, and improving birth registration are necessary steps to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the province.

Adolescent Pregnancy and Youth Health

Jolo RHU implements programs aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancies, including an annual Adolescent Health Summit and school-based lectures on the risks of early pregnancy. Despite these efforts, teenage pregnancies remain widespread, with limited postnatal follow-ups among adolescent mothers. Monthly mothers’ classes offer ongoing maternal and child health education, but behavioral and cultural barriers continue to challenge progress.

Hadji Panglima Tahil faces similar issues, with adolescent pregnancies contributing to high maternal and child health risks. Due to limited access to reproductive health services and strong cultural influences, only a small fraction of teenage mothers receive adequate prenatal and postnatal care. Targeted health education and improved access to adolescent health services are necessary to address these gaps.

Financial and Logistical Struggles in Local Health Systems 

Local health systems in Sulu face financial and logistical constraints that hinder service delivery. Hadji Panglima Tahil RHU operates on a monthly budget of 30,000 pesos from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and an additional 17,000 pesos from the local government for operational expenses. However, delayed fund releases and unprocessed PhilHealth reimbursements since 2021 have placed financial strain on the facility. The RHU also faces challenges in vaccine distribution, particularly among Badjao children who lack formal birth records, making immunization tracking difficult.

Indanan RHU operates under similar constraints, receiving a 30,000-peso monthly budget from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and an additional 30,000 pesos from the local government. Despite its accreditation with the Maternal Care Package (MCP), it has not received any PhilHealth reimbursements since 2019. Limited funding has affected outreach programs, particularly immunization efforts and mental health services, where 90 patients are currently under community-based care. Additionally, drug abuse is emerging as a concern, requiring integrated health and social interventions.

Strengthening Health Leadership and Governance

The RHUs in Sulu face broader governance challenges as the province is considered no longer part of BARMM, leaving uncertainties about health service continuity. There is a pressing need to develop local leadership and governance capacity to ensure sustainability. Training programs for local health leaders and policymakers could strengthen the implementation of health programs and improve service delivery.

Moving Forward 

The visit to these RHUs reinforced the importance of sustained support for local health systems. Addressing stockouts of essential supplies, improving nutrition education, and enhancing health service delivery are crucial steps in improving health outcomes in these communities. 

Strengthening leadership and governance, particularly in areas where health is not a local priority, will also be key to ensuring that these RHUs can continue serving their populations effectively. ZFF hopes to work alongside local health leaders to create lasting improvements in health systems across Sulu.

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• Zuellig Family Foundation Explores Health Opportunities in Sulu Province

From March 10-13, 2025, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) visited the provinces of Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Dinagat Islands. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with local government leaders and nutrition teams under ZFF’s Nutrition Leadership and Equity Acceleration Program (NutriLEAP), finalize program strategies, and align next steps for improving nutrition governance in these provinces.

Governors and key provincial health and nutrition officers welcomed the ZFF team:

• In Cotabato, Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza discussed the importance of strengthening values and moral responsibilities within households to ensure sustainable child-rearing and nutrition. “Providing proper nutrition is a fundamental obligation of the family,” she said. Alongside provincial health officials, she suggested ways to enhance nutrition programs through governance and community engagement. 
• In Dinagat Islands, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. stressed the long-term benefits of investing in nutrition, stressing that it plays a crucial role in shaping a productive and competitive future generation. “By prioritizing nutrition, we can raise healthier children who excel both academically and physically. This not only benefits individual well-being but also contributes to a more efficient and sustainable economy,” he shared. The team worked closely with local officials to update their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Action Plan and explore the inclusion of NutriLEAP activities in their supplemental budget to Local Government Units (LGUs).

• The visit to Davao del Sur focused on introducing the ZFF’s nutrition programs under Pook Malusog, to the province. Dr. Reden Bersaldo, Provincial Health Officer, noted that “nutrition is a whole package approach to governance,” reinforcing the need for comprehensive strategies. A follow-up presentation is scheduled in April to confirm the province’s commitment, with plans to present the initiative to the Governor after the local elections.
• In Davao Oriental, provincial leaders finalized their learning tracks and implementation plans, ensuring alignment with their nutrition priorities. The province is set to conduct their first Nutrition and Health Leadership for Resilience (NutriHeaL) Module in late April, followed by a Health and Nutrition Summit in August.

Throughout the visits, the team facilitated coaching and mentoring discussions. They also established communication and coordination mechanisms between LGUs and assigned staff, identifying potential schedules for signing Memorandums of Understanding to formalize partnerships. By working closely with local leaders and health officials, ZFF through NutriLEAP ensures that each province’s strategy aligns with its unique needs, paving the way for stronger and more effective nutrition governance.

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• NutriLEAP: A Pathway to Healthier Provinces
• Dinagat Islands Strengthen Nutrition Governance Through NutriLEAP

Last March 14, 2025, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) celebrated a milestone as the provinces of Aklan, Davao de Oro, Dinagat Islands, and Kalinga graduated from the Roberto R. Romulo (RRR) Fellowship for Public Health Leadership and Governance. This marks the end of a year-long journey where governors and health leaders sharpened their leadership skills to tackle real-life health challenges in their provinces towards the realization of Universal Health Care (UHC).

The RRR Fellowship Program was established in honor of ZFF’s founding chair, Roberto R. Romulo, in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Public Health (CPH) and the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance. Dr. Anthony Faraon, Deputy Executive Director of ZFF explained that the program combines specialized training, mentorship, and coaching to help leaders develop a clear vision and drive systemic health improvements. “The late Roberto Romulo believed in addressing health inequities in rural areas. This program continues his legacy by equipping leaders with the skills to create meaningful change,” he shared.

Each of the graduating fellows presented their province’s health challenges and breakthroughs:

• Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores (Aklan) focused on UHC implementation, securing PhilHealth accreditation for primary care facilities, and improving digital health records. His leadership ensured all 18 primary care facilities in Aklan are fully licensed, making the province a model in Western Visayas.
• Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga (Davao de Oro) prioritized improving child immunization rates and reducing teenage pregnancy. She emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and government accountability in strengthening the healthcare system.
• Gov. Nilo Demerey, Jr. (Dinagat Islands) tackled malnutrition, maternal health, and limited hospital services. His initiatives included door-to-door healthcare services, a zero-billing policy, and a senior citizen health and wellness program.
• Gov. James Edduba (Kalinga) focused on reducing maternal deaths, improving emergency health response, and strengthening mental health programs, embracing the ZFF Bridging Leadership concepts he learned even when he was still the Mayor of Pasil.

The event also included a panel discussion where health and governance experts shared insights on sustaining health leadership initiatives beyond the fellowship program. The panelists included Dr. Manuel Dayrit, ZFF Chairman; Dr. Leizel Lagrada, Health Equity Program Coordinator at UP-CPH; and Dr. Anthony Cordero, Community Health Development Program Director at UP Manila. The discussion stressed the need for continuous capacity-building, policy alignment, and community engagement to ensure long-term success.

Liana Romulo shared a heartfelt tribute to her father, Roberto R. Romulo, recalling his resilience and optimism, even in illness, and the lessons he imparted—humor for emotional strength, perseverance through the right tools, and clarity in one’s contributions to society. She expressed gratitude to ZFF for honoring his legacy through the fellowship. Daniel Zuellig, speaking for ZFF, congratulated the graduates, noting the crucial role of strong local leaders in public health. He encouraged them to confront challenges with courage and vision, remain data-driven, and connected, reinforcing the power of collaboration in achieving lasting health improvements.

Former ZFF Chairman Prof. Ernesto Garilao challenged the governors to think beyond their terms and align their goals with Ambisyon 2040, the national long-term vision for a better Philippines. “Governors can be game changers in local government performance. The challenge is to think long-term and set ambitious targets that will create lasting impact,” he said.

As the first batch of RRR fellows, these governors have set the stage for future leaders. ZFF and its academic partners will continue to support the fellows and ensure that the gains from this leadership program translate into sustainable improvements in the country’s healthcare system.

Related article:

• Transforming Public Health: Governors and Health Officers Convene at Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship 2 for Universal Health Care

Representatives from the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Board of Trustees visited the office of Governor Abdusakur “Sakur” Tan at the Sulu Provincial Capitol to discuss potential collaborations in health leadership and governance in February 2025. The discussions centered on addressing healthcare challenges, improving health services, and strengthening governance mechanisms in the province. 

The ZFF delegation comprised Chairman Dr. Manuel Dayrit, President and Executive Director Austere Panadero, and Board of Trustees members Daniel Zuellig and Dr. Jaemin Park, along with ZFF staff from Manila and Mindanao. They were accompanied by resource persons and guests, led by Jonas Zuellig and Pascal Gueissaz.

Sulu’s Historical Challenges and Health Priorities

Governor Tan provided insights into Sulu’s past, particularly the impact of armed conflicts on local communities. He recalled the 1974 war in Jolo, which led to widespread destruction, displacement, and a lasting brain drain. Many families fled Sulu and resettled in Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, Manila, and other parts of the country, contributing to a slow recovery process of all sectors, including health. The diaspora affected key sectors where skilled professionals left the province, further straining its health system.

Plans for Health Infrastructure and Access

During the discussion, Governor Tan outlined his administration’s priorities for healthcare, including:

• The establishment of a new health center focused on women and children, which will provide free medicines, laboratory tests, and maintenance medications for indigent families.
• The procurement of a dialysis machine and the construction of a “super health clinic” to expand healthcare services in the province.
• Addressing the gap in medicine accessibility, as many patients struggle to obtain necessary treatments despite PhilHealth coverage.

Addressing Health Data Challenges

A key concern raised was the need for improved data collection and management. Governor Tan pointed out that different government offices maintain separate databases, leading to inefficiencies in tracking health outcomes. He suggested a centralized data system to streamline health program implementation and ensure better decision-making.

Moving Forward

ZFF will continue to explore working with the Sulu Provincial Government to enhance health governance in the province. Governor Tan also expressed support for piloting ZFF’s health and nutrition programs in municipalities with the highest need.

ZFF looks forward to fostering a long-term partnership with the Sulu Provincial Government to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for the people of Sulu.

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• Zuellig Family Foundation Explores Health Opportunities in Sulu Province