Dr. Manuel M. Dayrit, a respected leader in public health, has been elected the new Chair of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF). With a career spanning 48 years, Dr. Dayrit brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, having served on the ZFF board for the past nine years.

Dr. Dayrit takes on the role of Ernesto D. Garilao, who served as ZFF Chairman for three years, and has retired from the Foundation. Garilao, started as President of ZFF in 2008, initiated the capacity development for mayors and governors towards equitable outcomes through health leadership and governance. Under Garilao’s leadership, ZFF’s work was implemented and replicated in 37 provinces, 41 cities, and 772 municipalities.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Dayrit expressed his pride and humility in taking on this new responsibility, reflecting on his long-standing commitment to improving health systems. He acknowledged the trust the Zuellig family has placed in him, and shared his excitement about the direction ZFF is headed. “It feels right,” he said, “as it takes me back to my roots of working in health programs and communities.”

Dr. Dayrit’s vision for ZFF includes strengthening its work in leadership development and governance, with a focus on scientific rigor and effective communication. He hopes to further ZFF’s mission of improving the health of Filipinos by building on its past successes and scaling up impactful programs across the country.

Dr. Dayrit’s distinguished career includes serving as the Secretary of Health in the Philippines from 2001 to 2005, working with the World Health Organization, and holding key academic and organizational roles. His leadership has been instrumental in numerous public health initiatives, and his work continues to inspire the next generation of health professionals. As Dr. Dayrit takes on this new leadership role, he is committed to guiding ZFF towards even greater success in improving health outcomes for all Filipinos.

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) is championing local actions to address malnutrition, specifically stunting and wasting, focusing on the critical window for child development which is the first 1000 days of life. 

The Philippines remains to have high levels of child stunting with 26.4 percent, which means that 1 in every 4 children under five years of age are short for their age. The national government is pushing for more robust and sustained LGU actions—especially in capitalizing on LGU’s powers in driving nutrition improvements—starting in 34 priority provinces identified in the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., LPP President, emphasized that provinces can take the lead in these efforts in response to the call of the President.

LPP has partnered with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) to strengthen critical leadership and governance competencies of provincial nutrition teams and establish province-wide systems necessary for an effective and sustained nutrition and food security programs. LPP President, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., and ZFF President and Executive Director Austere A. Panadero made the partnership official with a Memorandum of Understanding to operationalize the partnership.  

For over a decade, ZFF has been implementing health and nutrition leadership and governance development programs in collaboration with selected provinces, national government agencies, and international development partners.  Province–led efforts showed that stunting rates in program areas have been reduced by approximately 2 percent per year.  

Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Local Health System Universal Health Care (UHC) Learning Forum on December 10, 2024 gathered over 1,500 participants via Zoom and Facebook Live to discuss breakthroughs and challenges in implementing UHC across the country. The event marked the culmination of the Bayang Malusog Provincial Leadership Development Program (PLDP), one of the flagship initiatives of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), implemented in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH)-Centers for Health Development.

Austere Panadero, President and Executive Director of ZFF, opened the forum by emphasizing the significance of the UHC Law, a landmark legislation that ensures every Filipino has access to affordable and quality healthcare. The Bayang Malusog PLDP, implemented in five regions (Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON and Eastern Visayas) and two provinces (Agusan del Sur and Aklan), aims to accelerate UHC implementation by equipping local leaders with the tools to improve health systems. Dr. Catherine Chung, ZFF’s Local Health Systems Portfolio Director, shared the key to the program’s success: collaboration and leadership. She said, “The Bayang Malusog Program and experience was a collaborative feat marked by the resourceful and leadership skills of dynamic regional and provincial health teams.”

DOH Undersecretary for UHC Health Cluster Services Abdullah B. Dumama Jr. acknowledged the program’s impact, sharing how participating LGUs significantly enhanced their health systems and service delivery. “If we wish to finish stronger, we need to work together. Collaboration is key,” he said.

Sharing Lessons and Breakthroughs

Participants shared insights and experiences during the panel discussion. Key speakers highlighted both successes and obstacles faced in advancing UHC.

Challenges in Health Systems

Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, Regional Director of DOH-Ilocos, shared the complexities of health financing, fragmented information systems, and low primary care facility accreditation rates, which limit UHC progress. Addressing these requires partnerships, she said, citing initiatives like the KONSULTA caravan with PhilHealth that provided primary care services while educating communities on UHC benefits.

For Aklan, Dr. Leslie Ann Luces-Sedillo, Provincial Health Officer II, underscored the importance of unity among municipalities. “If we don’t work together as one province, UHC cannot move forward,” she said. She also discussed innovations in patient navigation systems and the private sector’s role in improving electronic medical records (EMRs), leading to better health services for communities.

Local Leadership Driving Change

Leaders like Aklan Governor Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores and health workers in Aklan  were celebrated for adopting a whole-of-province approach. These efforts ensured that local governments, regardless of political affiliations, aligned their goals to improve health outcomes.

Janriel Lavadia, UHC Coordinator at DOH-Cagayan Valley, noted a shift in mindset among LGUs, from programmatic thinking to investing in long-term UHC pillars. “It’s only when we achieve the goals of the UHC law that we can truly create an impact,” he said.

Moving Forward: A Shared Responsibility

The reactors, Dr. Carlo Irwin Panelo, Professor at the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health, and Dr. Manuel Dayrit, former Secretary of Health and member of the ZFF Board of Trustees, stressed the importance of collaboration, proper fund management, and public communication. “Money is oxygen,” said Dr. Dayrit. “If we manage the Special Health Fund well, we can attract partners, investments, and workers to strengthen health systems.”

As the forum concluded, participants reflected on the importance of shared responsibility in achieving UHC. From local chief executives to community health workers, everyone has a role to play. The collective efforts of leaders, health workers, and partners, supported by ZFF, PhilHealth and DOH, continue to drive progress toward the vision of Health for All. As Dr. Dayrit aptly said, “This is a long journey. We have provinces leading the way. We must ensure no one is left behind.”

Watch the event livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AcfMqEhvF/

Five cities—Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Puerto Princesa, Baguio, and San Jose—celebrated their graduation from The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines program on November 28, 2024. The event, held during the TCI Graduation Colloquium, showcased the remarkable achievements of these cities in addressing adolescent health and family planning challenges.

Since 2020, TCI-Philippines, co-managed by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health (Gates Institute), has collaborated with local government units (LGUs), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD). This partnership empowered leaders, health workers, master coaches, and youth advocates to create adolescent-friendly communities and expand access to quality health services.

The graduating cities have seen substantial improvements in key health indicators. Adolescent birth rates (ABR) significantly declined, with San Jose reducing its ABR from 43 (per 1,000 births) in 2020 to an estimated 28 in 2024, Cagayan de Oro from 39 in 2020 to an estimated 30 in 2024, and Dipolog from 50 in 2020 to an estimated 32 in 2024. Puerto Princesa and Baguio, which have maintained an ABR below 30 since 2020, sustained this level through 2024.

Modern contraceptive prevalence rates (mCPR) also showed notable progress. Cagayan de Oro’s mCPR increased from 29% in 2020 to an estimated 36% in 2024, Baguio from 21% in 2020 to an estimated 30% in 2024, and Dipolog from 48% in 2020 to an estimated 57% in 2024. These gains highlight the impact of collaborative, evidence-based interventions in family planning and adolescent health services.

ZFF President and Executive Director Austere Panadero, in his opening address, commended the cities for tailoring their approaches to their specific contexts. “Walang one-size-fits-all. Each city has its own flavor, and the learnings and innovations we’ve seen today should inspire other groups to join in our shared advocacy for better adolescent health outcomes.” Each city then shared how their unique efforts brought about significant improvements:

Dipolog City

“Adolescent health and family planning are more than just health concerns, they are matters of equity, education, and economic opportunity. Inclusive leadership allows us to tackle the interconnected challenges, ensuring that every adolescent, woman, and family are informed, empowered, and supported.” Mayor Darel Dexter Uy and Dr. Benson Panaguiton, Assistant City Health Officer, highlighted their use of TCI’s approach to track progress in ABR and mCPR. By engaging barangay leaders and empowering health workers, they fostered inclusive leadership and improved health outcomes.

Baguio City

“We own the problem and we take accountability from this, and this fuels us to move closer to our stakeholders and attain these indicators and outputs.” Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Health Officer, and Dianne Aurora Delizo, Family Planning Coordinator for DOH-Cordillera Administrative Region, shared how Baguio secured 20.5 million pesos in funding for adolescent development and upgraded its health facilities, achieving Level 2 status for several centers. She emphasized the role of family and community in addressing adolescent health.

Cagayan de Oro

“TCI helped us look at the weaknesses in our health system, and tackle health issues with co-ownership with partners built on trust and synergy. With the City Leadership Team being a product of TCI now taking the helm, we are confident that the local government can better confront challenges ahead.” Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, City Administrator, and Lord Saver Centina, City Youth Development Officer, discussed their success in increasing the number of teen centers and adolescent-friendly health facilities (AFHFs). Through collaboration with barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan leaders, and the Department of Education, they built a stronger referral system for adolescents.

Puerto Princesa

“TCI challenged us to improve and make better ways.” Analiza Herrera, Population Management Division Head, introduced their Comprehensive Household Information System, which tracks reproductive health data in real-time, ensuring efficient service delivery.

San Jose City

“Nakita natin ‘yung problema. Nakita na hindi natin kayang mag-isa. Sanga-sanga ito, at kailangan ng tulong ng bawat isa.” Nathaniel Vergara, City Population Officer, and Dr. Rizza Esguerra, City Health Officer, highlighted the power of collective responsibility in addressing health challenges. Leaders and community members worked together to create sustainable solutions for adolescent reproductive health.

ZFF Chairman Ernesto Garilao emphasized the importance of analyzing data to drive impactful interventions, while CPD Regional Director for the National Capital Region Jackylin Robel, representing Usec. Lisa Grace Bersales, CPD Executive Director, highlighted the necessity of youth participation for revolutionary change. Kate Graham from the Gates Institute lauded TCI’s community-driven approach for fostering local ownership and amplifying youth voices. 

All five cities were awarded the Global Self-Reliant City designation. This recognition celebrates their outstanding efforts in creating sustainable, locally-driven solutions to adolescent health and family planning challenges. By achieving this milestone, these cities are now considered models of self-sufficiency and innovation, paving the way for other localities to follow. 

Glenn Bede Benablo, TCI-Philippines Chief of Party, announced that TCI will support the remaining 19 cities which are part of the program next year. TCI will continue documenting its successes, expanding services, and integrating efforts to other maternal, newborn and child health areas, such as immunization, nutrition, and mental health.

Watch the event livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18CHSD9CfZ/ 

Aklan has reached a turning point in its journey to improve healthcare. On November 27, 2024, the Provincial Leadership and Governance Program Cycle 4 (PLGP 4) of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) wrapped up with a celebration at Seda Atria Hotel in Iloilo City.

The event was a chance to look back on how the province has strengthened its healthcare system, making it more accessible and better for everyone. Attendees included representatives from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Department of Health (DOH) Office, together with DOH-Western Visayas Regional Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an, and Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores.

Governor Miraflores spoke about the importance of working together. He shared how the province’s success was built on partnerships—with government agencies, organizations, and even the most vulnerable communities. He encouraged everyone to keep using evidence-based approaches and bridging leadership to ensure that progress includes everyone.

Dr. Leo Ismael of the PHO and Provincial Universal Health Care (UHC) Coordinator J-Lorenz Dionisio presented key achievements under PLGP 4. These included the growth of Aklan’s local health system and the training of health leaders. Over three years, the program provided technical sessions and hands-on activities that helped participants understand and improve the province’s UHC  implementation. Thanks to these efforts, Aklan is now one of only four Health Care Provider Networks (HCPN) in the Philippines.

Primary care indicators also saw impressive improvements. In 2023, Aklan had only one licensed health facility, but by 2024, this number grew to 18. The number of individuals registered in primary care facilities grew by 56%, from 178,615 in 2023 to 277,966 in 2024.

Dr. Suba-an highlighted areas where Aklan can further strengthen its healthcare governance, such as digital systems and transparent funding. He praised the leadership and determination of the PHO and the provincial government, saying their work sets an example for other provinces.

The celebration ended with the awarding of certificates to individuals and organizations who played a role in Aklan’s healthcare transformation. It was a powerful reminder of how collaboration can lead to lasting change and a healthier, more resilient future for Aklan.

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

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

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

Abra

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

Benguet

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

Ifugao

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

Kalinga

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

Mt. Province

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

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

Rural Health Unit (RHU) staff, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) in Sumisip, Basilan gathered on November 13, 2024, to assess progress in addressing child malnutrition. The third day of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Family Stunting Reduction (FaStR) Monitoring Series focused on updates and reflections from Barangay Tumahubong and Barangay Mangal. 

ZFF’s FaStR program empowers families to adopt health and nutrition practices critical for reducing stunting among children in the First 1,000 Days (F1KD). Through education, tools, and regular monitoring, FaStR equips families to make sustainable changes that improve overall well-being. 

Participants shared experiences and strategies to improve the program’s reach. Discussions centered on the gains made through the FaStR Program, key challenges, and plans to expand its coverage.

Dr. Ali de Guzman, Sumisip’s Rural Health Physician, praised the group’s efforts, describing their work as both a privilege and a responsibility. “Being a pilot site is an honor, but it also challenges us to set an example in improving child nutrition in Sumisip,” she said.

A key highlight of the meeting was the increase in Operation Timbang (OPT) coverage in the two barangays. By closely monitoring malnourished children, local implementers have been able to provide targeted interventions to address nutritional gaps.

Participants reviewed health and nutrition data, identifying ways to strengthen services. Plans included engaging barangay leaders in future reviews and exploring a Barangay Leadership Program to build local capacity in managing nutrition initiatives.

The session highlighted the dedication of health workers and volunteers in driving the program forward. As they look ahead, their shared goal remains clear: to sustain community-driven solutions for better health and nutrition in Sumisip.

In a joint effort to advance health governance and strengthen Universal Health Care (UHC) systems in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos Regional Office, the University of the Philippines-College of Public Health (UP-CPH), and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) celebrated the completion of the Bayang Malusog Provincial Leadership Development Program (PLDP) in a regional colloquium held in Heritage Hotel, Manila. The event brought together leaders and health officers from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan to share insights and accomplishments, marking a milestone in their UHC journey.

The colloquium gathered Governors Jeremias Singson of Ilocos Sur and Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David of La Union, along with Provincial Health Officers Dr. Cielo Almoite of Pangasinan and Dr. Rickson Balalio of Ilocos Norte, each presenting the strides their provinces have made toward more inclusive, accessible healthcare.

Reflections on a Shared Vision for Health

Dr. Cielo Almoite, Pangasinan Provincial Health Officer, highlighted two main takeaways from Pangasinan’s UHC journey: the importance of a shared vision and the value of trust and transparency. “By nurturing a shared vision, bridging leaders can create a powerful force for positive change, ensuring that everyone is working together towards a healthier future for all,” Dr. Almoite said. She also emphasized the impact of building trust, stating, “Increased transparency leads to greater trust and buy-in, and ultimately more satisfied stakeholders.”

Similarly, Ilocos Norte’s Dr. Rickson Balalio reflected on the value of resilience, continuous learning, and teamwork. “Setbacks are inevitable, but we’ve learned to see each challenge as a stepping stone and an opportunity to refine our strategies. Every struggle has been an opportunity for growth, pushing us to enhance our capabilities and improve service delivery,” he shared, underscoring the essential role of collaboration in navigating UHC challenges.

Leaders Committed to Community-Centered Health

For Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson of Ilocos Sur, teamwork and adaptability are vital for achieving UHC goals. “Working as a team does not rely solely on the leader. Recognizing each team member’s expertise creates synergy, accountability, and empowerment. We aim to become responsible ancestors to the Bayang Malusog we envision,” he said.

Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Raffy” Ortega-David of La Union expressed pride in her province’s progress, having achieved high levels of UHC implementation. “UHC is not a race. We hope that our numbers inspire our neighboring provinces. We need empathy; our people should feel the government’s care at the barangay level,” she noted.

A Shared Commitment to Health for All

The colloquium highlighted the collaborative efforts across the four provinces, emphasizing that the journey towards UHC is a collective responsibility. The panel discussions focused on overcoming challenges in governance, integrating public and private health services, and sustaining the gains made through the program.

As the event concluded, it was clear that the dedication of local leaders, health officers, and partners like ZFF, UP-CPH, and DOH-Ilocos would continue to drive positive changes in the region’s health systems. Each province left with a renewed commitment to make healthcare accessible and equitable for every Filipino in Ilocos.

On October 30-31, 2024, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and Barangay Health Workers (BHW) gathered in Gandara, Samar, for a refresher training and pre-implementation session on Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Family Stunting Reduction (FaStR) Program. Participants from the three pilot barangays—Adela Heights, Minda, and Burabud II—learned practical skills and strategies for delivering the program’s modules, equipping them to bring the FaStR Program to their communities.

The first day included a hands-on module delivery to families in Barangay Adela Heights. This practice session helped participants apply what they learned with real families, supported by municipal health workers and their peers. Afterward, a feedback session allowed the team to share their experiences, recognizing both successes and areas needing improvement.

The second day focused on planning and setting up concrete next steps for implementing the FaStR Program. The group emphasized continuous training for BNSs and BHWs to prepare for a broader rollout across Gandara’s 69 barangays. Key steps discussed included integrating FaStR activities into each barangay’s nutrition action plan and engaging barangay leaders for added support.

With the highest stunting rate among Samar’s 26 local government units, Gandara’s need for an effective stunting reduction program is urgent. The FaStR Program aims to address this by promoting healthy nutrition and growth for young children. Support for Gandara’s FaStR initiative comes from the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) and the National Nutrition Council in Region 8, with technical assistance from the Zuellig Family Foundation.

Region 8’s broader rollout plan also includes the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), which will cover 70 municipalities. By coordinating FaStR’s goals with the PMNP, Region 8 hopes to drive major improvements in health and nutrition for families across Samar.