From March 13 to 14, 2024, at Oriental Hotel in Palo, Leyte, Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Bayang Malusog Provincial Leadership Development Program’s Module 2 unfolded, focusing on “Strengthening Collaboration for Universal Health Care (UHC), Nutrition, and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (ASRHR).” This two-day workshop, facilitated by the University of the Philippines Manila – School of Health Sciences, aimed to deepen the collaborative efforts of ten provincial leaders from Southern Leyte and Leyte in accelerating progress in health care and nutrition across their regions.

The module facilitated reflective learning and strategic planning sessions, enabling participants to revisit and refine strategies for implementing UHC, Nutrition, and ASRHR programs. Experienced facilitators guided discussions on ZFF’s Bridging Leadership Framework and Systems Thinking among others, empowering participants to address challenges and drive sustainable change.

In Southern Leyte, Napoleon Regis of the Committee on Health has shared crafted resolutions and ordinances to address teenage pregnancy, including the creation of the Policy Board for Adolescent Health, with implementation support through mobile clinics and hiring of nurses. Furthermore, there are efforts towards poverty alleviation through agriculture, budget allocation for services related to teenage pregnancy, and recognition and collaboration with the religious sector in honing character-building skills to prevent teenage pregnancy. Notably, there is no objection to the use of modern family planning methods within these initiatives.

Reflecting on the event, Department of Health Region 8 Director Exuperia Sabalberino emphasized the importance of Deep Dives and guided community immersion into understanding regional health challenges, highlighting the need for collective efforts beyond government agencies alone. She said, “A Deep Dive is an important process to have a deeper understanding of what’s happening on the ground. Hindi lang basta-basta maso-solve ang problema, we really need everyone. Health is everybody’s concern.”

The program’s emphasis on building synergy and strategic planning resonated during Day 2, as participants created action plans tailored to their provinces’ unique needs, aiming to enhance financial integration, fortify health information systems, and bolster workforce development.

As Module 2 concluded, participants left with strengthened leadership competencies and actionable plans to drive progress in UHC, Nutrition, and ASRHR initiatives. ZFF’s Bayang Malusog program continues to empower leaders, fostering partnerships for sustainable change and a healthier future for communities.

The Zuellig Family Foundations (ZFF)’s Bayang Malusog Provincial Leadership Development Program (PLDP), Module 3 training at Farmers’ Hall in Vigan City last March 12 to 14, 2024 marked a milestone in the Ilocos region’s journey towards Universal Health Care (UHC). Provinces under the program showcased remarkable accomplishments and a united front in addressing the region’s healthcare challenges.

Collaborating with the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Ilocos and University of the Philippines – College of Public Health (UP-CPH), health officers from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and La Union engaged in discussions, analyses, and practical exercises in this training aimed at addressing challenges and redesigning health services to meet the region’s UHC objectives.

The design of Module 3 facilitated cross-learning and resources sharing among provinces. This approach ensured that as one region, they leveraged collective expertise and experiences, maximizing the impact of their efforts towards the shared goal of achieving UHC. Dr. Dan William Dacanay, Provincial Health Officer of La Union remarked, “Healthcare is a dynamic process that we need to constantly calibrate.”

The provinces, uplifted by regional support, made significant progress in enhancing healthcare accessibility, quality, and responsiveness. Ilocos’ UHC preparatory phase achieved an impressive 100% target level, with organizational readiness reaching 81%. Moreover, across all provinces, the percentage of accredited primary care facilities increased from 35% to 42%.

The culmination of the program’s efforts was also evident in the tangible improvements in health outcomes in the region. Maternal mortality rates plummeted well below the threshold at 52%, while facility-based maternal deliveries reached a commendable 100%.

During the Executive Session for Ilocos Sur on the third and last day, Governor Jeremias Singson expressed trust in the region’s collective capacity in realizing UHC, stating: “Hopefully, through the completion of all the modules, we have achieved everything necessary for the successful implementation of UHC. Together with the other provinces of Region 1, we are confident that we will be fully prepared for the rollout of UHC. We are united as one in Region 1.”

Moving forward, the program will continue to support the provinces through practicum implementation, coaching, mentoring, and a forthcoming colloquium in September. This ongoing collaboration ensures that the momentum gained in UHC is sustained and that challenges are collectively addressed, reinforcing the region’s position as a leader in promoting equitable and accessible healthcare for all.

“Malnutrition-free community,” Malimono dreams for their town. Malimono is one of the three Municipalities, alongside Del Carmen and San Francisco, in Surigao Del Norte that undertook Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Nutrition and Health Leadership (NutriHeaL) for Resilience Module 1 training on February 13-16, 2024.

The NutriHeaL training is part of ZFF’s larger project, the Project Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multistakeholder Engagement (Project TRANSFORM), which seeks to foster resilient communities through improved health, education, and social protection. ZFF partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Peace Equity Foundation (PEF), and other civil society organizations to implement the project in Surigao del Norte.

NutriHeal for Resilience Module 1 focuses on “Deepening Ownership and Accountability for Nutrition,” inviting municipal health leaders to delve into community realities and the various factors influencing nutrition which would then enable them to craft individual visions and actionable plans aimed at improving health, food, and nutrition systems within their municipalities. Mr. Ray Banglos of ZFF led a discussion on understanding global and national malnutrition landscape, while Nutrition Officer Ms. Hare Britney Jasmin National Nutrition Council Caraga Region, delivered a session on nutrition systems in emergencies.

One of the key highlights of the training was the emphasis on holistic, systems-based approaches to addressing malnutrition. ZFF Nutrition Portfolio Director, Dr. Joyce Viar, MHA, navigated through the complexity of malnutrition, and introduced ZFF’s Bridging Leadership as a response to this challenge. Mr. Jescir Crescencio of ZFF also facilitated a session on harnessing the power of Systems Thinking. In these sessions, rather than viewing nutrition in isolation, participants were encouraged to consider the interconnectedness of various factors, including healthcare access, education, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic conditions, empowering local leaders to devise comprehensive strategies.

Moreover, the training emphasized multisectoral engagement processes, recognizing the need for collaboration across various domains to achieve optimal nutrition outcomes. Through dialogue and brainstorming, core teams generated innovative strategies to combat malnutrition, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and ownership. 

ZFF dreams with Surigao del Norte for a community “where every individual has access to adequate, nutritious and safe food.” Through collective action, we can create a future where every Surigaonon has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

In a diverse archipelago like the Philippines, ensuring equal access to healthcare and nutrition services is a significant challenge, particularly among Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who often face unique cultural and geographical barriers. Recognizing this imperative, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) has launched the IP Inclusive Barangay Nutrition Governance Program (IPIBNGP) to address the specific needs of IPs in marginalized communities.

The IPIBNGP is part of a broader initiative, the Provincial Nutrition Governance Program (PNGP), aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children and women in selected provinces across the Philippines. Collaborating with the Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Foundation (KGJF), ZFF is committed to enhance maternal, infant, child, and adolescent nutrition and health services, particularly within the critical First 1,000 Days (F1KD).

On February 13-14, 2024, ZFF initiated its pilot IPIBNGP roll-out training for the municipalities of Leon Postigo and Siayan, home to the Subanen, a large ethnic group in the Zamboanga peninsula area in Mindanao. 

The two-day training, led by experts from ZFF-KGJF and Davao Medical School Foundation Inc. (DMSFI), engaged barangay and indigenous leaders, health workers, and nutrition scholars in interactive discussions on holistic nutrition governance. The participants delved into the fundamental concepts of nutrition, insights into the root causes of malnutrition and child health issues within the Subanen communities. This foundational knowledge serves as their springboard for crafting locally relevant interventions.

At the core of the program’s framework lies a participatory approach that places utmost importance on amplifying the voices and agency of the Subanen people in crafting their own health journey. Sessions on community participation and engagement underscored the importance of inclusivity in driving sustainable change. By integrating indigenous practices and beliefs into formal governance structures—local planning and budgeting cycles—the program seeks to create a sense of ownership and accountability among community members.

Representatives from Barangay Mangilay, Siayan, in their vision board wrote: “Nagkahiusa nga kumonidad bisan paman sa nagkalain-lain nga kultura ug pagtuo tumong sa usa ka malambuon, malinawon himsog ug hamugaway nga barangay.” (A united community despite differences in beliefs and culture working together towards a peaceful, prosperous, healthy and comfortable barangay.)

In Zamboanga del Norte, the Subanen people are keepers of tradition and symbols of hope. With the IPIBNGP guiding them, they stride towards a healthier, brighter future—one deeply rooted in their rich heritage and nourished by collective action. As the program continues to expand its reach across the Philippines, it not only underscores inclusivity and cultural sensitivity but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength inherent within indigenous communities. With their traditions as a guide, they are building a tomorrow where health and culture thrive side by side.

Managing data effectively is crucial for delivering quality health services. The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) has introduced the ZFF Pook Malusog Dashboard, a user-friendly tool designed to streamline child and maternal health including adolescent pregnancy data collection and analysis, particularly focusing on the vital First 1,000 Days (F1KD) period. 

The dashboard simplifies tasks like data entry, validation, and visualization, making it easier for local healthcare professionals to access and utilize important health information. In the pilot launch in Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte last February 6-8, 2024, the dashboard demonstrated its practical use.

Sixty participants from three municipalities, all part of the Ahon Siargao Strategic Assistance Program (ASAP) of the Alumni Association of Asian Institute of Management, convened for this three-day event. These Ahon communities, identified as the most vulnerable to disasters and emergencies, stand to benefit greatly from the introduction of the Dashboard. 

Mayor Maria Liza G. Resurreccion of Pilar, Surigao del Norte, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It is a need to have accurate and valuable data to make timely and sound decisions especially when health and nutrition of people is on the line.​” Pilar, a fifth class municipality in Siargao, plans to fund the procurement of tablets for all its 15 Barangay Nutrition Scholars to support the technology.

The ZFF Pook Malusog Dashboard has the following key features:

• Offline/Online Functionality. It works even in areas with poor internet connection, allowing continuous data collection and analysis.
• Geo-Tagging. It tags households with precise locations, making profiling easier and enabling spot map features for better visualization, which helps in targeted interventions.
• Smart Calculation and Automatic Assessment. By entering key measurements like height, weight, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), the dashboard automatically provides treatment and referral recommendations.
• Relevancy. It filters questions based on data parameters, making data entry faster by removing unnecessary fields and saving time and resources.
• Security. It has strong security features that protect data integrity and confidentiality. Detailed logging ensures accountability and transparency in data encoding activities.

By integrating various health and nutrition datasets into one platform, the dashboard provides a comprehensive view of community health needs. This helps local leaders make informed decisions and allocate resources more effectively. Additionally, by reducing errors and improving data accuracy, the dashboard enhances the reliability of health information.

As the dashboard moves from pilot to full implementation, its impact is expected to grow. By empowering local healthcare providers with better tools and information, ZFF aims to improve healthcare delivery and ultimately, the well-being of communities. 

Looking ahead, the ZFF will continue to support municipalities in configuring accounts and transferring the technology, with its official deployment scheduled for the first week of March. 

The ZFF Pook Malusog Dashboard represents a practical step forward in healthcare management. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable asset for improving child health outcomes at the local level.

In the ongoing pursuit of healthier communities across the Philippines, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) has been at the forefront through its Family Stunting Reduction (FaStR) Program. This family-centered initiative is designed to uplift communities by enhancing health and nutrition practices, particularly among F1KD (First 1,000 Days) Families to combat stunting and promote overall well-being.

FaStR is built upon a comprehensive framework encompassing four main components tailored to the unique needs of F1KD Families:

1. Educating Families on Health and Nutrition: Families receive vital information on critical health and nutrition practices, covering areas such as Ante-natal Care, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Micronutrient Supplementation, Immunization, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, and Accessing Regular Health and Nutrition Services.

2. Adopting Family Nutrition Tools: Capacitating families to use essential tools like Family MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) Tapes for children and pregnant/lactating women, along with the FaStR Chart.

3. Strengthening Family Food Security: Providing families with options and referring them to the current food access strategy of the Local Government Units (LGUs).

4. Tracking of F1KD Families: Regularly identifying and tracking F1KD Families to ensure their consistent access to health and nutrition services.

By focusing on families with pregnant mothers and young children, the program aims to impart essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for preventing stunting and improving overall nutrition outcomes. FaStR goes beyond traditional health programs by placing the community at the center of change. The program recognizes the social capital and familiarity of local facilitators, emphasizing the importance of involving families in their health journey actively. 

For its pilot implementation across six municipalities in Samar (Tarangnan and Pagsanghan), Northern Samar (Bobon and Gamay), and Basilan (Tipo-tipo and Sumisip), FaStR aims to reach 1,060 households. Trained facilitators, including Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and Barangay Health Workers (BHW), who all play a crucial role in implementing the FaStR Family Module. Mayors and local leaders, including Mayor Danilo Tan of Tarangnan, Mayor Sed Hendrix Tan of Pagsanghan, Mayor Raquel Capoquian of Gamay, Mayor Reny Celespara of Bobon, Mayor Arcam Istarul of Tipo-tipo, and Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman of Sumisip, have expressed their support and commitment to the program.

In championing the cause of community health, ZFF’s FaStR Program emerges as a driver of positive change. Through its emphasis on community engagement, strategic tool provision, and collaborative efforts with local leaders, FaStR is not just a program but a transformative force for healthier communities. With every family reached, every commitment made, and every insight gained, FaStR inspires hope and resilience, leaving a mark on the journey towards lasting health and prosperity.

The Challenge Initiative (TCI) convened its fifth annual meeting from December 4-8, 2023 at Marriott Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. Themed “Built to Last,” the meeting brought together TCI global staff, funding partners, and representatives from 13 countries in Africa and Asia, including the Philippines through the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), to reflect on achievements, challenges, and set the course for sustainable impact in reproductive health and family planning.

TCI was conceptualized as a platform rather than a time-bound project, focusing on business unusual in the development space. More than just a program, it facilitates high-impact interventions in urban areas across Africa and Asia. In the past 6 years, TCI has engaged 178 cities and local governments, allowing them to lead, finance, and own implementation of health programs.

The meeting underscored the expertise of the Philippines, particularly in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) programming. Some of the Philippine health innovations highlighted were the digitalization of health information systems, creation of ASRH training institutions and pool of trainers, and integration of services in hospitals. ZFF is also specifically acknowledged globally for its leverage in leadership and governance as key drivers in strengthening local health systems through its Bridging Leadership Program.

The activity likewise engaged funding partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Bayer AG. BMGF pledged ongoing support beyond 2025, emphasizing the importance of addressing family planning commodity security. Bayer AG applauded TCI as a global platform adaptable to local contexts.

On the last day, TCI presented its key priorities for 2024 and beyond, taking from the lessons learned from the whole activity. These priorities involve attracting more partners, expanding into new geographies, exploring innovative funding mechanisms, implementing digital solutions for data analysis, maintaining a platform mindset, and accommodating additional health areas. TCI aims to leverage existing structures for integrated interventions, deliver impactful outcomes in graduated cities, and continue leading innovation and thought leadership for sustainable impact at scale. The ultimate objective is to empower local teams and generate internal success.

Reflecting on the five-day activity, the Philippine delegation expressed confidence in their growing momentum in health governance, marked by an increase in performance metrics. ZFF’s expertise in this field was recognized as a major advantage.

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) received a prestigious Plaque of Recognition from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on November 30, 2023. This accolade serves as a tribute to ZFF’s unwavering support, dedication, and significant contributions as an implementing partner in the critical missions of ending unmet need for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, and eradicating gender-based violence and harmful practices.

The recognition extends beyond ZFF’s pivotal role in these global initiatives. The award specifically acknowledges ZFF’s accomplishments and steadfast commitment to nurturing competent youth leaders through its Youth Leadership and Governance Program. This transformative program, initially implemented in Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and Lanao del Sur from 2019 to 2023, was later expanded to Samar and Southern Leyte in 2023.

Dr. Dorie Lyn Balanoba, ZFF’s Project Director for UNFPA-ZFF Partnerships, accepted the well-deserved recognition on behalf of ZFF during the UNFPA Closing Activity of the 8th Country Program of Assistance to the Philippines at Quest Hotel, Pampanga.

Beyond a mere commendation, the UNFPA expressed its profound appreciation for ZFF’s Youth Leadership and Governance Program (YLGP). Notably, the UNFPA highlighted the YLGP as a pivotal intervention to be implemented under Sub-output 3.2 of its 9th Country Program, emphasizing the importance of capacitating local governments in contextualizing, planning, ensuring adequate budget allocation and utilization, and operationalizing coordination mechanisms.

This recognition underscores ZFF’s enduring impact and commitment to creating positive change in communities and fostering sustainable development.