The province of Catanduanes has taken a step in improving sexual and reproductive health services by partnering with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) for the Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health (MISP for SRH). Catanduanes is one of the first provinces in the Philippines to officially work with ZFF and UNFPA on this initiative.

On February 27, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the Provincial Capitol Dome. This agreement aims to strengthen the local healthcare system, especially during disasters, by ensuring that quality, life-saving sexual and reproductive health services remain accessible. The MOU was signed by Governor Joseph “Boboy” Cua, Department of Health (DOH)-Bicol Regional Director Dr. Rodolfo Antonio Albornoz, represented by Local Health Support Division Chief Dr. Gladys Escote, and ZFF President and Executive Director Austere Panadero, represented by Deputy Executive Director Dr. Anthony Faraon.

Before the signing, the Provincial Reproductive Health Coordinating Team, with ZFF’s support, held a coaching session on February 26. The session allowed local health teams to review their progress, identify challenges, and improve strategies for better implementation of the MISP for SRH program.  Discussions covered plan integration, information sharing, and reporting processes to strengthen reproductive health programs.

To better understand community needs, a Deep Dive—guided community immersion—was also held in Barangay Palta Salvacion, Virac. Local officials, including Governor Cua, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Hazel Palmes, Dr. Escote, and ZFF representatives visited the area, where they met Jenalyn Reyes Cerdenia, a mother who gave birth during Super Typhoon Pepito with the help of local health workers. This visit provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by families in remote areas, especially during emergencies.

Following the site visit, officials gathered for a discussion at the Governor’s Office Conference Room to analyze data and develop solutions to improve MISP for SRH services in the province. Among those present were PHO representatives and DOH-Bicol officials.

Governor Cua stressed the importance of turning commitments into action. “We must ensure that policies are implemented well, resources are used efficiently, and every sector of our community is actively involved,” he said.

This partnership builds on previous efforts to strengthen reproductive health in Catanduanes. The Municipal Executive Course, Bridging Leadership (BL) for MISP for SRH, was introduced to Catanduanes, Laguna, and Maguindanao provinces in 2021, and reintroduced to Catanduanes, alongside Eastern Samar and Southern Leyte, in 2024. In 2023, the Catanduanes Government passed an ordinance mandating MISP for SRH. This year, the partnership expands efforts to improve reproductive health services and make them a permanent part of the province’s health system.

As Catanduanes continues to face natural disasters, this collaboration with ZFF ensures that communities will have better access to healthcare, especially in times of crisis. With stronger policies, trained local leaders, and better service delivery, the province is taking concrete steps to protect and support its people’s health and well-being.

Photos from: Catanduanes Government

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Pook Malusog Community of Practice (CoP) continues to serve as a space for learning and sharing among nutrition governance practitioners. Since its launch in June 2024, it has provided local leaders with a platform to discuss challenges, share insights, and support each other in improving nutrition programs.

On March 6, 2025, an online Kumustahan was held with CoP Moderators from five Pook Malusog provinces: Sarangani, Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Samar, and Northern Samar. The session allowed local government representatives to reconnect, reflect on their progress, and exchange ideas on how to address common challenges.

Participants shared updates on their nutrition programs, noting both successes and difficulties faced since June 2024. Through open discussions, they identified opportunities for collaboration and new strategies to tackle malnutrition more effectively.

One key outcome of the Kumustahan was the establishment of a monthly engagement mechanism among CoP members. This regular interaction aims to deepen understanding, promote innovation, and sustain the momentum in improving nutrition governance at the local level.

Looking ahead, the team is gearing up for the Pook Malusog CoP Webinar in June 2025. This event will feature policy recommendations, showcase successful innovations, and provide a venue for discussions on critical nutrition and public health issues.

The journey of Pook Malusog CoP is just beginning, and with continued collaboration, local leaders are finding new ways to strengthen nutrition governance and improve health outcomes in their communities.

“We are zeroing in on nutrition. All of these efforts, we want to boost the health and nutrition status of all our constituents,” said Mayor Alfredo Coro II, noting Del Carmen’s progress in reducing stunting from 22.3% in 2010 to below 2% in 2024.

Last March 5, 2025, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) held an information session on data resiliency, introducing the Pook Malusog Dashboard to strengthen the town’s health and nutrition programs. The dashboard helps local government units (LGUs) collect, visualize, and analyze health, nutrition, and social data, particularly for First 1,000 Days (F1KD) families.

Del Carmen’s 20 barangays—including four island barangays—face unique challenges, especially during natural disasters. Mayor Coro stressed the need to continuously prepare, monitor, and adapt to evolving health and nutrition concerns. For him, it is important to ensure that programs remain effective before, during, and after disruptions.

Key local officials attended the session, including representatives from the Municipal Nutrition Action Office (MNAO), Social Welfare and Development (MSWDO), Agriculture and Fisheries (MAFO), and Planning and Development Office (MPDO). Sam Malayao from Protected Area Management Office (PAMO)-Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also participated in the activity.

With the Nutrition and Health Leadership Program for Resilience under the Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilient and Sustainable Communities) in motion, ZFF is exploring new learning tracks focused on digital tools and evidence-based solutions. They aim to enhance leadership and governance for health and nutrition, ensuring a more resilient future for Del Carmen.

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Representatives from the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Board of Trustees visited Notre Dame of Jolo College (NDJC) to discuss potential collaborations in health and leadership programs. The visit was a chance to understand the challenges faced by communities in Sulu and explore ways to make a lasting impact.

Father Eduardo Santojo shared insights about NDJC, which offers 19 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs. The school is deeply involved in community extension services, including operating primary schools for Badjaos in Jolo and Panglima Tahil. NDJC has mission areas not only in Sulu but also in Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato, Iloilo, and even Caloocan City.

Daniel Zuellig expressed his appreciation for NDJC’s warm welcome. To him, every visit to Sulu reinforces ZFF’s goal of peace and progress. He provided an overview of ZFF’s work, particularly in public health leadership, addressing teenage pregnancy, and improving nutrition during the First 1,000 Days of life (F1KD). He highlighted the importance of working closely with local government units (LGUs) to address health challenges effectively.

Dr. Manuel Dayrit, ZFF Chairman, shared that ZFF is eager to explore collaboration opportunities, particularly in strengthening leadership at the local level. Austere Panadero, ZFF President and Executive Director, shared that ZFF’s approach is different from other NGOs, and that it focuses on partnerships with academic institutions and LGUs to ensure long-term impact.

NDJC’s nursing program plays a vital role in the local community. Nursing is an important career path for Tausugs (both male and female) since NJDC opened the program in 1990. Many graduates serve in Jolo and nearby islands. With more than 500 students in nursing and midwifery and a growing pharmacy program, NDJC continues to contribute to the healthcare sector. The school also introduced a Medical Technology program last year and is expanding its facilities.

ZFF and NDJC discussed the possibility of NDJC becoming a hub for health leadership and governance programs in Sulu. Daniel Zuellig stressed that data-driven research is key to making informed decisions—every life counts, and every investment in health matters.

Potential areas of collaboration include:

• Research and program development in nutrition, public health leadership, and teenage pregnancy prevention.
• Strengthening partnerships between NDJC, ZFF, and LGUs.
• Expanding leadership programs to equip local leaders with the skills needed to improve healthcare services.

The next steps will involve deeper discussions on these initiatives, ensuring that both organizations can work together to create meaningful change in Sulu’s health sector. The visit marks the beginning of an exciting partnership, focused on empowering communities and improving lives.

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The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) joined the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) Southeast Asia Summit 2025 in Singapore, a gathering of social investors and changemakers working to create meaningful impact across the region, last February 24-25, 2025.

AVPN has been a key player in connecting organizations, driving collaboration, and shaping a stronger ecosystem for sustainable solutions. In the Philippines, it brings together foundations, corporations, and stakeholders to support lasting development efforts.

On the first day, ZFF Chairman Dr. Manuel Dayrit met with Philanthropy Asia Alliance, World Mosquito Program, Centre for Exploratory Altruism Research (CEARCH), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In these conversations, Dr. Dayrit shared how ZFF’s Health Change Model is helping improve health and nutrition outcomes in local communities.

Day two of the summit focused on impact investments in health and nutrition. Discussions also touched on climate resilience, women’s empowerment, peace and social cohesion, and leadership—important pillars for long-term, sustainable development.

During the breakout session “Investing in Micronutrient Nutrition – A Vision for Southeast Asia”, experts from Thousand Days Fund, Micronutrient Forum, and Helen Keller International stressed the importance of ensuring people have access to essential nutrients. Dr. Dayrit joined the plenary discussion, noting the challenges of providing nutrition services in remote areas of the Philippines. He said that leaders must consider these realities when planning and budgeting for health programs to ensure equitable access.

ZFF remains focused on collaboration, innovation, and policy transformation to ensure that every Filipino—especially those in vulnerable communities—has access to essential health and nutrition services. The main takeaway? Real change happens when organizations, leaders, and communities come together with a shared vision for better health.

Catbalogan, home to 113,879 residents, has set up the first Primary Care Facility (PCF) in Samar—bringing essential health services closer to the people. On December 12, 2024, Catbalogan’s new PCF was officially recognized.

A key aspect of this transformation is Catbalogan’s involvement with the Zuellig Family Foundation and UNFPA partnership under the Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP) in 2023. Part of the support provided to local governments is technical assistance and guidance in reaching targets outlined in their local health roadmap, including accreditation and licensing to ensure that all 10 sites in the province meet the required health standards to become fully licensed PCFs.

Catbalogan’s efforts are now inspiring other local governments to follow suit, pushing for a province-wide Health Care Providers Network (HCPN). This network is crucial in making Universal Health Care a reality for Samar’s residents.

Catbalogan is leading by example, showing that investing in healthcare is a necessity. As Mayor Dexter Uy’s slogan says, “Derecho Uswag”—sustained progress is the way forward.

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Health workers in many communities often struggle with outdated and incomplete health records. Important data about pregnant women and young children—especially those in the First 1,000 Days (F1KD)—can be hard to track. Without clear and updated information, it becomes difficult to provide the right help at the right time.

To address this, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) developed the Pook Malusog Dashboard—a digital tool designed to make health and nutrition monitoring easier, faster, and more accurate.

The ZFF Pook Malusog Dashboard is a digital health and nutrition information system that helps local health workers track pregnant women and young children in their communities. Instead of relying on scattered paper records, Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs), midwives, and other Rural Health Unit (RHU) staff can now collect and update data in one organized digital platform.

How Does It Help?

1. Easy Data Collection: Health workers can input data on pregnant women, newborns, and children up to five years old using a mobile phone, tablet, or a computer.
2. Real-Time Updates: Local governments can instantly see who needs urgent care and which areas have nutrition problems.
3. Automatic Computation: The system calculates height, weight, and other health indicators to detect malnutrition early.
4. Geo-Tagging: Helps track families and ensure they receive proper nutrition support.
5. Offline Capability: Data can be collected even without the internet and uploaded once a connection is available.

In Pilar, Siargao, Mayor Liza Resurreccion described the Dashboard as “a dream come true” for her municipality. During the pilot run, 428 children (0-59 months), 36 pregnant women, and 357 households were monitored using the system. In 2025, Pilar fully integrated the Dashboard into its annual Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+) survey. With this, all 15 barangays in Pilar now benefit from real-time health and nutrition data.

In Basilan, two ZFF Municipal Nutrition Governance Program (MNGP) areas—Tipo-Tipo and Lamitan City—have started using the system. Municipal Health Officers have committed to integrating the tool into their local health programs and securing additional resources, such as Android phones for BNSs, to make implementation smoother.

Why Nutrition Data and Technology Matter

Having accurate health and nutrition data means local governments can make better decisions. Instead of guesswork, they can plan food programs, medical missions, and financial support based on real needs. The goal is to create healthier communities where health workers are better equipped, and every family gets the support they need.

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Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the power to transform healthcare. The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) recently joined the Southeast Asia Access to Medicine Summit 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, where experts from different sectors discussed how collaboration can strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes.

One of the biggest barriers in the Philippines is the decentralized healthcare system, where local governments handle procurement and distribution of medicines. However, many lack the technical expertise, personnel, and resources to do this effectively. ZFF has been working since 2008 to address these gaps, training, coaching, and mentoring over 700 municipalities, 41 cities, and 37 provinces to strengthen their leadership and governance capacities in healthcare.

During the summit’s opening panel, Dr. Catherine Chung, ZFF Local Health Systems Portfolio Director, joined Vanessa Daniel of DNDi based in Malaysia, Kamonwan Sirilup of the Medical Benefits Division of Thailand’s Comptroller General’s Department, and Soleine Scotney of Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) based in Cambodia, who moderated the discussion. Dr. Chung stressed that good leadership leads to good governance, which results in better health outcomes. 

She shared that ZFF’s approach is unique because it requires local governments to invest their own resources in health system reforms. By not accepting government funds, ZFF ensures its technical assistance is independent and aligned with local needs. This approach has led to successful partnerships, such as in Aklan and Bataan, where improved health governance attracted further collaborations with organizations focused on medicine access and health financing.

One of the main discussions at the summit revolved around the factors that contribute to successful PPP models in Southeast Asia. Three key elements emerged:

1. Commitment from local governments: For partnerships to work, governments must be willing to invest in healthcare and prioritize long-term system improvements rather than short-term gains.
2. Sustainable financing mechanisms: Risk-sharing agreements and innovative financing models can help ensure that partnerships last beyond election cycles and shifting political priorities.
3. Community engagement: While ZFF has traditionally worked with local leaders, empowering communities to take part in health system improvements fosters greater accountability and long-term sustainability.

Reflecting on over a decade of collaboration with local governments, ZFF recognized that partnerships must be flexible and responsive to local needs. Initially, ZFF’s focus was on training government leaders, but the foundation now sees the need for structured community participation to make health programs more effective and sustainable.

A major challenge in the Philippines is the lack of alignment between national health agencies and local governments. National programs, such as PhilHealth’s benefit claims and the Department of Health’s medicine distribution, need stronger coordination with local health offices to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. More engagement from private sector players could also improve access to essential medicines, particularly for long-term care of non-communicable diseases and infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

There is also a need for governments to view healthcare as a long-term investment. Many local officials hesitate to invest in preventive health measures because the benefits are not immediately visible within their political terms. However, building resilient health systems is more cost-effective than responding to health crises. Organizations like ZFF play a key role in helping local governments understand the financial viability of investing in healthcare.

Successful PPP should not only focus on providing short-term aid but should also work towards improving government capacity for sustainable financing. This includes enhancing processes, training health personnel, and ensuring local governments can independently manage health programs. Ultimately, reducing reliance on foreign aid and prioritizing long-term health investments will be crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access across Southeast Asia.

The conversations at the Southeast Asia Access to Medicine Summit underscored a vital truth: collaboration is key to transforming healthcare systems. By fostering strong public-private partnerships, improving governance, and ensuring sustainable financing, we can pave the way for a healthier future for all.

In the Happy City of Isabela de Basilan, the local government is making family planning more accessible, ensuring families can make informed decisions for a better future. The City Population Management and Development Office, under City Population Officer Jesielyn Puno, has been conducting Family Development Sessions using the Usapan Module Series and Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) approach.

Despite the challenges of rough roads and cultural hesitations about reproductive health and family planning, the team has reached the far-flung barangays of Diki, Masula, Tabiawan, Maligue, and Kapayawan from January 16 to 30, 2025. Many women in these areas had limited knowledge about birth spacing due to misconceptions and misinformation. 

These discussions, called Usapang Maginoo, Usapang Kontento Na, and Usapang Pwede Pa, along with RPFP, have helped parents and relatives understand family planning and responsible parenthood better.

The city government holds these sessions every month, aiming to increase the number of family planning acceptors or modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) beyond the national standard of 30% and reduce unplanned pregnancies, especially among adolescents. With continued efforts and partnerships with the Zuellig Family Foundation and The Challenge Initiative, Isabela de Basilan is steadily improving its family planning programs as part of its broader efforts towards achieving Universal Health Care.

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