The University of the Philippines Manila – College of Public Health (UP-CPH) is a premier academic institution dedicated to training professionals and leaders in public health. For over a decade, it has partnered with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) to strengthen the capacities of local government leaders in delivering better health services to their communities.

Dr. Ernesto “Jun” Gregorio Jr., Associate Professor and focal person for UP-CPH’s Health Leadership and Governance Program (HLGP), has been part of this collaboration since its early stages. “We were tapped by ZFF in 2013 to become their academic partner for Region 4A (Calabarzon),” he said. “The Department of Health (DOH) was scaling up the HLGP nationwide, and ZFF needed academic institutions to help with implementation. We were endorsed by then DOH Region 4A Director Dr. Ed (Edgardo) Gonzaga, who was also our alumnus.”

Since then, UP-CPH has trained multiple batches of local leaders from municipalities across Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, and Laguna. The goal: to equip mayors, municipal health officers, and other local leaders with the knowledge and tools to improve local health outcomes.

One standout example of success was San Luis, Batangas. “They had creative initiatives like an ‘alkansya’ (“piggy bank”) system for pregnant women, so they could save money during prenatal visits and have funds when they give birth,” Dr. Jun shared. “Even the mayor personally drove the ambulance when no one else could. That level of involvement really made an impact.”

Another remarkable transformation happened in Noveleta, Cavite, a third-class municipality. “From a mostly red scorecard, they improved dramatically in just under two years,” he explained. “They didn’t just improve health indicators—they addressed social determinants of health. They trained out-of-school youth for call center jobs and even accompanied them to Manila for interviews. They boosted income and community pride.”

Noveleta also cleaned up its polluted coastline, previously a garbage site, and revived it into a thriving fishery and tourist area. “They reduced coliform levels, saw fish and even turtles return, and built a fish port,” said Dr. Gregorio. “They showed that improving the environment can uplift public health and the local economy.”

This partnership has not only improved communities—it has also enriched teaching and curriculum at UP-CPH. “The lessons we learned in the field have become part of our coursework. I now use real stories from Noveleta and San Luis in my classes on health promotion and social determinants of health,” Dr. Jun said.

Another product of this partnership is the Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship, which supports emerging leaders from local government units to gain deeper expertise in public health leadership and governance. This fellowship strengthens capacity building by providing additional opportunities for advanced learning and mentorship. The first batch of fellows graduated last March 2025.

The collaboration has even led to new academic programs. “We’re developing a ladderized curriculum—starting with a certificate course in public service, then moving to diploma and eventually a master’s degree,” he said. “This gives local leaders a clear academic path while applying what they learn in real-world settings.”

Beyond programs and training, Dr. Gregorio stressed the value of ZFF’s support: “ZFF provided a platform where theory meets practice. We learn from the mayors just as they learn from us. That two-way exchange has been powerful.”

Looking ahead, he sees room to grow the partnership. “We want to help revise the Barangay Health Leadership and Management Program (BHLMP) and align it with the new DOH initiative, Purok Kalusugan. The indicators need updating to include social and educational determinants.”

Ultimately, Dr. Jun believes that public health must be community-centered and multi-sectoral. “Our health system remains hospital-centric. Strengthening local public health leadership is essential. If we can institutionalize these programs and scale them up, we’ll move closer to achieving real health equity.”

Related articles:

• Sustaining the Legacy: First Batch of Roberto R. Romulo Public Health Leadership and Governance Fellows Graduate
• Health Equity in Focus: UP-CPH and ZFF Lead Webinar on Universal Health Care

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines concluded a three-day webinar series titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning (FP) and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH).” Held on May 26, 28, and 30, the series showcased the work of eight local government units (LGUs): Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas.

Kate Graham, Deputy Director of the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, co-implementer of the TCI program, framed the event as a new chapter for local leadership: “This event marks not only a culmination, but a new beginning—one where cities take the lead in building stronger, more responsive systems for FP and ASRH.”

Day 1: Cities at the Forefront

Iligan, Naga, and Santiago shared how strong leadership fosters systems change. Mayor Frederick Siao of Iligan treated FP as a governance priority, while Naga Mayor Nelson Legacion institutionalized grassroots collaboration to address teen pregnancy. Santiago Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan, represented by Population Program Officer Johanna Gabriel, highlighted youth empowerment through peer-led education programs. Adding depth to the discussions, Joyce Dela Paz, Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region V Director, and Theresa Soriano, CPD Region II Director, served as reactors.

“Our cities aren’t just predicting change; they’re creating it, one policy, one partnership, and one empowered young person at a time,” said Dr. Anthony Faraon, Chief of Party of TCI-Philippines at Zuellig Family Foundation, as he challenged participants to move from “best practices” to “next practices”.

Day 2: Expanding Family Planning Through Outreach

The second day began with opening remarks from Dr. Ann Ysabel Andres, OIC-Division Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Division of the Department of Health (DOH). Biñan Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Jr. emphasized co-ownership in tackling health system weaknesses. Mandaue City Health Officer Dr. Debra Maria Catulong presented their Women’s Health Caravan, which delivers life-stage appropriate services directly to communities. Manila Family Planning Coordinator Dr. Evelyn Rimando explained how they reconnected with women through house-to-house family planning services.

Reacting to these presentations, Marilyn Ogaya, CPD Regional Director for CALABARZON, and Reynaldo Wong, CPD Regional Director for MIMAROPA, highlighted the importance of community outreach, data-driven programming, and integrated strategies that address both demand and service delivery gaps in family planning.

Dr. Manuel Dayrit, ZFF Chairman, identified four drivers of success: strong leadership, technical excellence, adequate resources, and community engagement.

Day 3: Reaching Adolescents through Adolescent-Friendly Services

On the final day, Iloilo and Las Piñas presented their adolescent health strategies. Dr. Justine Hernandez, Medical Officer of the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program at Las Piñas City Health Office, shared how a referral network streamlined services among adolescent-serving agencies. Richard Magullado, Information Officer and AHD Focal Person at Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VI, described how Iloilo created safe spaces that encouraged youth expression and participation.

“As a continuous commitment to lead and sustain, graduating from TCI is not an end point. It is now your city’s duty to sustain your progress and motivate others to guide, support, and proactively create an efficient and equitable health system,” said Mylin Mirasol Quiray, Division Chief of Knowledge Management and Communications Division at CPD.

Adding further insights, Jackylin Robel, CPD National Capital Region Director, and Harold Alfred Marshall, CPD Region VI Director, responded to the city presentations emphasizing that adolescent-responsive systems must go beyond access—they must provide consistent, youth-friendly engagement that respects the rights and realities of young people.

Celebrating Local Innovation and Ownership

Over the three days, the webinar emphasized local ownership, integration of services, and community-driven change. Dr. Faraon praised the eight cities for their leadership and encouraged others to scale up proven models and build partnerships across sectors.

The eight featured cities—now TCI graduates—will serve as models for other LGUs working to improve family and adolescent health outcomes. Their stories underline a clear message: responsive governance saves lives.

Eight cities will take center stage next week in a three-day webinar series hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) through The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, a global program supporting high-impact practices in family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH).

The event, titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health”, aims to showcase how local governments have taken bold, data-driven actions to improve access to reproductive health services. The webinar series will run on May 26, 28, and 30, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, via Zoom.

Launched in 2020, TCI is a five-year global platform co-managed with the William S. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. In the Philippines, TCI has worked closely with city governments to support policies and programs that reduce adolescent pregnancies and improve access to FP services. The program encourages cities to adopt self-reliant, gender-responsive strategies that empower women and youth.

The cities of Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas have been recognized as Global Self-Reliant Cities in FP and AYSRH under the program.

Each city’s approach reflects local leadership and innovation:

• Iligan City expanded FP and AYSRH services by empowering women and girls with access to information and health services.
• Naga City focused on youth-centered policies and community mobilization to address teenage pregnancy.
• Santiago City promoted peer education and youth leadership as a tool for reproductive health education.
• Biñan City tailored FP services to meet the real-life needs of women through integrated outreach.
• Mandaue City launched a Women’s Health Caravan to bring services closer to communities.
• Manila City used its Bayanihan Outreach Program to reach underserved areas with FP services.
• Iloilo City created adolescent-friendly healthcare environments using culturally sensitive, gender-aware strategies.
• Las Piñas City developed a multisectoral approach by aligning efforts across health, education, and social services.

The webinar series will allow participants to hear directly from local officials, program leaders, and partners about their experiences in building responsive and sustainable systems. Participants will also gain insights into effective strategies that can be applied to other cities and towns across the country.

Webinar Details:

• Day 1 – May 26: Cities at the Forefront (no CPD units applied)
  Join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar1
• Day 2 – May 28: Expanding Family Planning Services to Priority Populations through Targeted Outreach
  (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 3; Midwifery: 1)
  Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar2
• Day 3 – May 30: Expanding Access to Adolescents through Adolescent-friendly Health Services
  (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 2; Midwifery: 1)
  Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar3

The webinar marks both a culmination and a new chapter for these cities as they continue to strengthen systems that protect and promote reproductive health. ZFF encourages health workers, local policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to join the discussion and explore how these stories can inspire wider change.

Related article:

• Five Cities Celebrate Milestone in Adolescent Health and Family Planning Efforts

Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte — Local leaders from the pilot barangays of Cantutang, Santa Sofia, and Poblacion presented their efforts to address adolescent pregnancy during the rollout of Module 2 of the Barangay Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (BEYLGP) held on May 20–21, 2025. The two-day training involved workshops and peer-sharing sessions for 30 barangay and youth leaders to strengthen their roles as advocates for adolescent health.

Medeline Razon, a Barangay Health Worker from Santa Sofia, shared her community’s initiatives to raise reproductive health awareness during a gallery walk that featured outputs from the three barangays. Leaders highlighted both achievements and ongoing challenges in their local campaigns.

Since the program’s launch in 2023, Cantutang recorded a rise in adolescent pregnancy cases from one in 2023 to four in 2024, including a 12-year-old. Santa Sofia also saw an increase, while Poblacion reported its first case in two years. In 2025, however, all three barangays reported no new cases in recent months, which leaders view as a sign of progress.

Cantutang is the only barangay where adolescents have accessed contraceptives from the Barangay Health Station, though the number remains low. Leaders consider this a positive development and a step toward improving access to reproductive health services.

Mayor Hermenegildo C. Culpa, in his message of support, stressed the importance of preventing early pregnancies to secure a bright future for young people. He called for stricter curfew enforcement, a joint intervention with adolescents’ parents. He encouraged more inclusive consultations with parents, schools, out-of-school youth and community members. He also highlighted the need for comprehensive reproductive health education.

Santa Sofia’s Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson Razel Rose Iballa presented their redesigned Behavior-Centered Design (BCD) plan, “Session for Kumustahan: Sama-sama ang mga Kabataan”, which uses peer education to connect with at-risk youth and discourage early sexual activity.

The BEYLGP is implemented by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) under the Joint Program on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte and the Municipal Government of Padre Burgos, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of sustained community involvement and local leadership in creating long-term solutions to adolescent reproductive health issues. The Municipal Guiding Coalition reaffirmed its support for barangay-led initiatives to sustain and scale the progress made.

Author: Floro Acaba Jr., ZFF EYLGP Provincial Account Officer for Samar

Catbalogan City is strengthening its efforts to reduce adolescent pregnancy through the rollout of the Barangay Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (BEYLGP) Module 2. The two-day training, held on April 22-23, 2025, was organized by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) under the Joint Program on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar (JPARAP). It is supported by the Provincial Government of Samar, the City Government of Catbalogan, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The training brings together local officials, youth and community leaders to learn new strategies to prevent teenage pregnancies. Over the past nine months, Catbalogan City has already seen improvements in four pilot barangays. Barangay San Andres reduced its adolescent birth rate from 50 births per 1,000 teens in 2023 to 27 in 2024. Barangay Mercedes dropped from 67 to 39, Barangay Payao from 16 to 9, and Barangay Canlapwas from 95 to 83. While these numbers show progress, Barangay Canlapwas still records a high number of adolescent pregnancies and remains a top priority for the city.

Young leaders are also stepping up. In Canlapwas, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Official Paul Lawrence Tizon is planning new activities to raise awareness among families. He also plans to use SK funds to make sure these programs are sustained and can reach more young people.

Access to modern contraceptives has also changed across the barangays. In Canlapwas, the number of adolescent contraceptive users grew from 2 in 2023 to 13 in 2024. However, San Andres saw a small drop, from 10 users in 2023 to 6 in 2024. In Payao, there were no users before, but now there are 2. Mercedes showed a big jump, from 2 users in 2023 to 24 in 2024.

Across Catbalogan City, which has 6,198 females aged 15 to 19, the adolescent birth rate improved from 98 per 1,000 teens in 2023 to 81 in 2024. This progress is important because Catbalogan, as the capital of Samar, plays a big role in setting an example for the province. Along with Calbayog City, Catbalogan is a focus of the JPARAP program. If these cities can lower their adolescent birth rates below the national target of 37 per 1,000, it could lead to bigger changes in health programs and funding for the whole province.

Mayor Dexter Uy, who later joined the event after the opening of the city’s new Dialysis Center, reminded everyone that real progress takes time and persistence. “We are still far from our desired results, but every journey begins with small steps. Let us continue working together and be grateful for the assistance we receive from our partners,” he said.

With its growing momentum and strong partnerships, Catbalogan City is becoming a key player in promoting adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and could set an example for other cities facing the same challenges.

Data Source: Catbalogan City Health Office

Authors: Floro Acaba Jr., ZFF EYLGP Provincial Account Officer for Samar; Krizzia Esperanza, ZFF Corporate Communications Associate

Related article:

• Catbalogan Youth Leaders Tackle Adolescent Pregnancy

Pangasinan’s Referral Network Management and the Development of its Referral Manual

In the Philippines, many people still face a hard time getting the medical care they need. Often, they must jump from one hospital or clinic to another, wasting time, repeating tests, and spending more money. This problem is even worse in rural areas where hospitals and doctors are fewer.

In Pangasinan, leaders are working hard to change this. During the Bayang Malusog Community of Practice (CoP) session last March 27, 2025, Dr. Maria Vivian Villar-Espino, the Acting Provincial Health Officer, shared how the province has been building a better health system since 2016. Pangasinan’s goal is to make sure that patients get the right care at the right place and time. Their plan helps avoid duplicate procedures and high out-of-pocket costs, making healthcare easier to reach and more affordable for everyone.

The province fully supports the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, which promises health services for all Filipinos. As of March 2025, Pangasinan has already finished the first two stages of setting up its local health system and is close to completing the third. A big sign of success: all 47 towns and cities have passed laws supporting UHC. This shows strong leadership and commitment at every level.

One of Pangasinan’s big achievements is the creation of the Pangasinan Health Care Provider Referral System (PHCPRS) Manual of Operations. This manual will guide doctors, nurses, barangay health workers, and health leaders on how to properly refer patients to the right hospitals and clinics. The manual is now being shared and tested by health workers across the province to get their feedback.

Of course, Pangasinan still faces challenges. There is still no formal group at the provincial level to fully manage the referral system. Not all groups are always cooperative. Some communities also need more involvement and information. On top of that, complex processes and frequent loss of trained health workers make things harder.

Engaging Key Stakeholders

What sets Pangasinan apart is how it works together with everyone. Barangay health workers, hospital staff, finance officers, and local officials are all helping build the system. Regular meetings and partnerships have kept progress on track. The province is also making sure that funding is available through its Special Health Funds (SHF), money dedicated to supporting UHC.

Pangasinan’s Vision

Pangasinan dreams big: it wants to become a model for a strong, complete healthcare system that the whole Philippines can follow. While the journey is far from over, Pangasinan is already leading the way. Dr. Espino also honored Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman, the former Provincial Health Officer, for her strong leadership that helped lay the foundation for these health reforms.

Author: Trishia Justine Battung

Related articles:

• Bayang Malusog Community of Practice: Advancing Health Care Provider Networks for Universal Health Care
• ZFF Bayang Malusog Community of Practice in 2025: A Renewed Commitment to UHC Learning
• Insights from the 2024 Bayang Malusog Community of Practice Sessions

Forty-two barangay and youth leaders from Pabanog, Poblacions 3, 5, and 6, and Lawaan 1 in Paranas, Samar gathered together on April 7-8, 2025, for the Barangay Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (BEYLGP) Module 2 rollout of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF). This event was a chance to celebrate the progress made since the first module and to refocus on the fight against adolescent pregnancy, an issue that continues to affect many communities.

The leaders reflected on what they had accomplished so far and used the opportunity to improve their plans to tackle the persistent challenges their communities face. A key point of agreement across the five barangays was that even a single case of adolescent pregnancy is a cause for concern and should be prevented at all costs. With this in mind, the barangay leaders reshaped their plans, working under the guiding principle that “one case is one too many”.

Local Leaders Take Action

In Poblacion 6, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson Bryll Babon took the lead. He introduced a new initiative to install CCTV cameras in the barangay, aiming to discourage adolescents from wandering at night, knowing that their activities are being watched. Alongside this, symposiums and peer discussions are being held to raise awareness and encourage young people to make responsible choices about their future.

Lea Delmonte, a parent leader from Poblacion 3, has become a symbol of resilience and dedication. Lea’s story is a testament to overcoming adversity—she had to leave school at the age of 16 due to poverty, but later returned to education, earned her college degree, and now actively works to address adolescent pregnancy in her barangay. As a member of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), Lea helps facilitate discussions with other parents during Family Development Sessions. These discussions serve as a platform for parents to share ideas and strategies to guide their children and prevent adolescent pregnancies.

Impact and Progress

The collective efforts of barangay leaders and the community are starting to show real results. The number of adolescent pregnancies has decreased in many areas. In Pabanog, for instance, cases dropped from seven in 2023 to just one in 2024. Similar reductions have been seen in Poblacion 5, Poblacion 6, Lawaan, and Poblacion 3. On a broader scale, Paranas as a whole has seen a decrease in adolescent pregnancies, from 69 cases in 2022 to 26 in 2024.¹

Recent data also suggest a positive shift in the use of family planning (FP) practices. Among young people aged 10 to 19, there were 51 FP users recorded in 2023. This number increased in 2024, with 80 FP users in the same age group—a 57% increase.¹ This growth reflects not only better awareness but also improved access to reproductive health services.

Sustained Efforts Toward a Brighter Future

The training sessions, organized by ZFF under the Joint Program on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar (JPARAP), are helping local officials gain the knowledge and skills they need to continue tackling this issue. The program is supported by the Provincial Government of Samar, the Municipal Government of Paranas, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

With ongoing collaboration and action, these communities are on their way to creating a future where adolescent pregnancy is no longer a widespread concern, and young people have the tools and support to make informed decisions about their lives.

¹ Source: Municipal Health Office, Paranas

Authors: Floro Acaba Jr., ZFF EYLGP Provincial Account Officer for Samar; Krizzia Esperanza, ZFF Corporate Communications Associate

Barangay leaders in Santa Rita, Samar, have come together once again to show their commitment to the youth through the Barangay Expanded Youth Leadership and Governance Program (BEYLGP) Module 2 Rollout, held in Tacloban City last April 3-4, 2025. 

This training by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), under the Joint Program on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar (JPARAP), helps local officials gain knowledge and practical tools to tackle adolescent pregnancy—an issue that affects many families in their communities. The program is supported by the Provincial Government of Samar, the Municipal Government of Santa Rita, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). BEYLGP is rooted in ‘loob’—a Filipino value that reflects inner purpose, compassion, and the desire to serve others.

For many barangay leaders, this work is deeply personal. Barangay Secretary Chello Aboy from Tominamos shared that her experience in public service has taught her to lead with empathy. “Serving my barangay has helped me better understand our people’s struggles. Compassion should always guide our decisions,” she said. Barangay Chairman John Ruel Guiuan of Rosal added that, for him, public service is more than a duty, but a calling. Though he once dreamed of becoming a priest, he now sees his role in the barangay as a way of serving others through faith. “Serving my community is also a way of serving God,” he said.

Michelle Casel, Barangay Secretary of Maligaya, shared her journey of finding purpose in local governance, even without a college degree. She hopes her story can inspire young people to pursue education and dream beyond what they think is possible. “I want our youth to aim high. Education can open so many doors,” she said.

These leaders are turning their words into action. Together with their Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils, the barangays of Tominamos, Rosal, Lupig, and Maligaya have set aside funds to support programs focused on adolescent health and pregnancy prevention. Despite limited resources, their efforts are already making an impact. In just one year, adolescent pregnancy cases have dropped in all four barangays: Tominamos saw a decrease from five cases in 2023 to four in 2024; Rosal from nine to two; Lupig from seven to four; and Maligaya from eight to two.

At the same time, the number of adolescents using modern contraceptives has generally increased. Tominamos saw contraceptive users double from five to ten, Rosal slightly increased from five to six, while Maligaya rose from seven to nine. Lupig, however, experienced a decrease from seven to four, showing the need for continued support and outreach.

Part of what makes these improvements possible are the community-based efforts led by health workers. In each barangay, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) visit homes to speak directly with teens and young mothers, offering guidance and explaining modern contraceptive options. Daily services are available at Barangay Health Stations, where midwives and BHWs focus on the specific needs of adolescents. Rural Health Units (RHUs) keep a steady supply of contraceptives like subdermal implants, which many young parents prefer. These services are made more effective through strong coordination between RHU staff and BHWs, all under the guidance of the Municipal Health Officer and Doctor to the Barrios.

These local efforts are supported by the broader commitment of the municipal government, which has allocated 1.5 million pesos this year to strengthen adolescent health programs and ensure long-term support for the youth.

Through their actions and dedication, these barangay leaders show that real leadership is not just about rules or roles, but about care, connection, and the will to help young people thrive. In living out the value of ‘loob’, they are proving that when leaders lead with heart, real change happens.

Authors: Floro Acaba Jr., ZFF EYLGP Provincial Account Officer for Samar; Krizzia Esperanza, ZFF Corporate Communications Associate

At this year’s International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAAND) Global Conference, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) shared a powerful story—one that puts local leadership at the center of solving malnutrition.

Held virtually from April 2 to 9, 2025, the conference gathered nutrition professionals from around the world to discuss the theme: Building Global Nutrition and Dietetics Workforce Capacity. Topics ranged from sustainable food systems to clinical nutrition, and leadership development was a key highlight—right where ZFF’s work in Manila took the spotlight.

ZFF’s Barangay Leadership for Nutrition and Development (BL4ND) program was one of five entries from its Nutrition Portfolio accepted into the conference. Among these, one was selected for oral presentation, delivered by Rio Fe Del Valle, Monitoring and Evaluation Learning Expert at ZFF. Her talk focused on how empowering local barangay leaders creates long-lasting improvements in nutrition systems.

A Closer Look at Manila’s Nutrition Challenges

Rio’s presentation zoomed in on the city of Manila—an urban jungle of over 1.8 million people and one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Malnutrition here is a growing concern: 18% of children are stunted and 6% are wasted, based on 2022 data. But that is just the tip of the iceberg—only 39% of children were even assessed that year through Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus. While there was some progress in 2023, challenges remain.

To address this, ZFF partnered with the Manila City Health Department and Samaritan’s Purse-Philippines to roll out the BL4ND program. Over six months, the program trained and supported local leaders in five pilot barangays to build better systems for nutrition governance guided by ZFF’s Health Change Model.

Results You Can See

By the end of the training period, all five barangays showed significant improvements—at least 59% based on ZFF’s nutrition systems assessment tool. The change was not just in data, but was visible in real actions:

• Functional Barangay Nutrition Committees were set up or revitalized
• Barangay Nutrition Action Plans were developed
• Budgets for nutrition programs were secured
• Barangay Nutrition Action Officers were officially designated
• Nutrition tools and equipment were purchased
• Feeding programs and vitamin distributions took off
• Child growth monitoring coverage improved
• Awareness campaigns and community activities boosted demand for nutrition services

More than numbers, these are proof that when local leaders are empowered, they can take real steps toward healthier communities.

ZFF Among Global Voices

ZFF’s oral presentation was in good company. The conference featured a small group of selected speakers tackling some of the most pressing issues in global nutrition. The oral presentations included:

• Ilonah B. Pomay, MSCN, RDN (Philippines) – Nutrient Intake and Wound Healing Status of Adult ICU Patients with Pressure Injury at a Tertiary Hospital
• Carlos Ordóñez Rosero (Ecuador) – Gut Microbiota of Children at Risk of Malnutrition Show Depletion in Butyricimonas
• Tatyana El-Kour, PhD, MA, MS, RDN, FAND (Jordan) – Adapting AI from Various Sectors to Strengthen Nutrition and Dietetics Workforce Capacity

Each speaker offered a unique lens on how systems, science, and leadership can work together to address different nutrition challenges worldwide.

Global Connections and Learning

ZFF’s team also joined educational sessions and engaged in virtual networking with professionals from different regions and practice areas. In the Asia breakout room, conversations sparked ideas on how grassroots leadership models—like BL4ND—could be adapted in neighboring countries. 

For some attendees, this was their first encounter with ZFF’s work, and it struck a chord. Many appreciated how the Foundation goes beyond traditional program delivery and works to strengthen systems through local governance and leadership development.

Why Local Leadership Matters

More than anything, the conference reinforced one key idea: real change in nutrition starts in the community. When local leaders have the tools, support, and space to lead, they can drive lasting improvements that go beyond short-term fixes.

ZFF’s work in Manila is just one example of what is possible when leadership, collaboration, and community come together. And as more cities and barangays join this movement, the hope is that more children will grow up healthier—and communities will be better equipped to make that happen.

Authors: Samantha Morales, ZFF Nutrition Knowledge Management and Communications Associate; Krizzia Esperanza, Corporate Communications Associate