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

To help improve local health and development planning, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), recently completed a comprehensive mapping and scanning assessment in nine areas across Southern Leyte and Samar. The activity ran from March 17 to 21, 2025, and focused on helping local governments include population and development strategies in their plans, with the goal of making sure community programs match the real needs of people on the ground.

The assessment covered nine towns and cities:

• Southern Leyte: Tomas Oppus, Maasin City, Macrohon, and Padre Burgos
• Samar: Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, San Jose de Buan, Calbiga, and Paranas

Listening to Local Leaders

A crucial aspect of the assessment was the direct engagement of leaders of local government units (LGUs). Led by Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, ZFF Consultant, the team initiated discussions with key officials including Vice Mayor Maria Fe Crispina Poblete of Padre Burgos, Mayor Raymund Uy of Calbayog, and Mayor Eunice Babalcon of Paranas. All welcomed the support and expressed readiness to work closely on the next steps. 

Notably, Mayor Babalcon led discussions on addressing health, population, and adolescent pregnancy challenges in her municipality, and pushed for using a localized Health Development Index (HDI) to track progress.

Dr. Perez stressed that the work is not just about gathering data, but about helping communities use that data to make better decisions.

The LGUs showed strong interest in working together, with eight out of the nine sample barangays identified as most at risk of being left behind in local development. These areas will now be monitored more closely, using existing health, population, and nutrition indicators.

What’s Next

Following the assessment, representatives from the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) met with the ZFF team. They agreed that the next phase of the project should adopt a multi-stakeholder process—following successful models of ZFF-led initiatives.

A planning workshop will be held in late May 2025. This will help LGUs use the findings from the assessment to guide their upcoming plans and budgets, especially with new local officials taking office.

The assessment revealed that each town and city has its own unique challenges and priorities. It also confirmed that local leaders are ready to act and that good data is key to making real change.

ZFF and its partners are hopeful. With continued teamwork and support, LGUs in Southern Leyte and Samar can build stronger, more responsive health and development programs—ones that truly meet the needs of their communities.

Authors: Timmie Tuazon, ZFF EYLGP Project Assistant; Krizzia Esperanza, ZFF Corporate Communications Associate

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