ZFF’s 8 Critical Knobs on Nutrition Governance
To achieve better health and nutrition outcomes, systems must be strengthened intentionally.
Zuellig Family Foundation’s 8 Critical Knobs serve as key levers for change, helping local leaders and health workers improve governance, service delivery, and community engagement. These focus areas enable sustainable solutions in tackling malnutrition, reducing stunting, and enhancing access to essential health services.
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Nourishing Minds, Nurturing Lives: Zuellig Family Foundation Hosts Webinar on Nutrition Governance
Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship Program Leadership Forum and Colloquium
The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) celebrates the graduation of the first batch of fellows from Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship for Public Health Leadership and Governance. Leaders from Aklan, Davao de Oro, Dinagat Islands, and Kalinga share their breakthroughs, challenges, and lessons in transforming local healthcare. Hear their inspiring stories, policy recommendations, and commitment to making Universal Health Care (UHC) a reality. This program, in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Public Health and the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, continues to shape leaders who work toward better healthcare for all.
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WEBINAR: Breakthroughs in Implementing Universal Health Care
At the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Local Health System Universal Health Care (UHC) Learning Forum on December 10, 2024, leaders and experts came together to share breakthroughs in implementing UHC. The forum featured insights from key health leaders. Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, Regional Director of the Department of Health Center for Health and Development (DOH CHD)-Ilocos, and Janriel Lavadia, UHC Coordinator at DOH CHD-Cagayan Valley, discussed how regional offices play a critical role in supporting local government units. Dr. Leslie Ann Luces-Sedillo, Provincial Health Officer II of Aklan, shared how strong collaboration between leaders, health workers, and communities is addressing gaps in healthcare access. These inspiring stories showed that, despite challenges, progress toward “health for all” is achievable through united efforts and a shared vision for better healthcare.
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Towards Health for All: Breakthroughs in Implementing Universal Health Care
Bridging the Gap: Challenges and Progress in Philippines’ Universal Health Care Implementation
The Challenge Initiative Colloquium: Maximizing Responsive Leadership and Strengthening Systems
The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), through The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, proudly celebrates the graduation of five cities from the TCI program.
On November 28, 2024, during the TCI Graduation Colloquium, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Puerto Princesa (Batch 1), Baguio, and San Jose (Batch 2) shared their success stories, innovations, and lessons learned in addressing challenges related to adolescent health and family planning.
Since 2020, these cities have collaborated with TCI-Philippines, co-managed by the William S. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health and ZFF, along with the Department of Health and Commission on Population Development. Together, they have worked to create adolescent and youth-friendly communities by empowering local leaders, city teams, master coaches, and youth leaders in bridging leadership and governance. Here’s to their continued success in transforming communities!
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Five Cities Celebrate Milestone in Adolescent Health and Family Planning Efforts
WEBINAR: Lessons from Early Implementation of UHC in Selected Regions
Working and learning together to achieve health equity. The University of the Philippines College of Public Health and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) led the third Health Equity Learning Series on August 15, 2024, where key insights on Universal Health Care (UHC) were shared. The event featured ZFF’s Bayang Malusog Program supporting early UHC implementation, and highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring that every Filipino, especially the most vulnerable, can access the care they need.
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Bridging the Gap: Challenges and Progress in Philippines’ Universal Health Care Implementation
Learning Forum on Responsive Nutrition Leadership and Governance
Hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation on May 21, 2024, this event marked the completion of its two projects, the AHON Siargao Capacity Enhancement project (with Alumni Association of Asian Institute of Management) and the Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Foundation project. The forum featured real stories of leadership, resilience, and change. Mayors from Pilar, Burgos, and Sta. Monica in Siargao, along with Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, joined as panel speakers. They reflected on their experiences and shared practical lessons in nutrition governance.
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Building Stronger Nutrition Systems in Siargao: The Ahon Siargao Experience
WEBINAR: Insights from ZFF’s Nutrition Governance Program
Originally aired via Facebook Live on April 26, 2024, this webinar looked into how leadership and governance helped communities take on the challenge of malnutrition. The event introduced Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Nutrition Governance Program, Pook Malusog, and shared lessons from local experiences. Dr. Joyce Ann Viar from ZFF led the discussion, followed by Dr. Ma. Esmeralda Silva from UP Manila, who talked about nutrition work in Sarangani.
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Nourishing Minds, Nurturing Lives: Zuellig Family Foundation Hosts Webinar on Nutrition Governance
Roberto R. Romulo (RRR) Fellowship Program for Public Health Leadership and Governance Launch
The Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship for Public Health Leadership and Governance brings together the Zuellig Family Foundation, University of the Philippines (UP) College of Public Health, and the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance to support emerging leaders in health reform and innovation. This launch event features the first batch of Romulo Fellows—dedicated public servants from across the country—and shares insights from respected experts in the field.
Originally aired via Facebook Live, September 26, 2023
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Fau Sarani: ZFF Alumnus Harnesses Innovation in Health Solutions
Fau Sarani was the acting health officer and head of the rural health unit in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi when he first joined Zuellig Family Foundation’s (ZFF) Community Health Partnership Program (CHPP) in 2011. This ZFF program equips leaders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies to tackle complex health issues in their community effectively using the Health Change Model (HCM). The Health Change Model is premised on the assumption that local health leadership—the mayor, the municipal health officer and community leaders—is the key to changing systems and inclusive programs that lead to better health outcomes.
“The CHPP program has a significant contribution to knowledge skills and attitude in terms of leadership organization and management and helped me to connect with partners and stakeholders in the community. As head of rural health unit, I am the overall program in-charge of all public health programs. Technically and Administratively, ako po in charge running isang health unit in Simunul,” Sarani shared.
Currently, Sarani is a public health nurse and the head of the rural health unit in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. “I have been the acting health officer and head of the rural health unit. I stand alone as head of 15 barangays with a total population of about 37 thousand, in addition to the lack of manpower.”
“Fau has not only demonstrated a deep understanding of healthcare challenges but also shown a proactive approach in addressing them,” observed Deputy Executive Director Anthony Faraon, who met Sarani recently during the ZFF visit to Tawi-Tawi, thirteen years after Sarani finished the Community Health Partnership program. He demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and dedication to improving community health, embodying the values and skills of a Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Bridging Leader.
Collaborating with his mayor and a tri-leader team to complete ZFF’s Community Health Partnership Program (CHPP) in 2011 is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field of public health. By applying the insights gained from the CHPP, Sarani was able to drive positive change and sustainable health initiatives in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. His leadership, combined with a collaborative approach, improved access to quality healthcare services, raised awareness about health issues, and ultimately enhanced the well-being of the residents in this far-flung municipality facing unique health challenges.
Sarani has demonstrated a remarkable ability to sustain and further innovate essential health programs in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. One of the key areas where his impact can be seen is in the implementation of innovative programs such as pregnancy tracking, which plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of expectant mothers and promoting maternal health.
“Isa sa major programs ng public health ang maternal health. Our main objective is to promote safe motherhood among pregnant women in Simunul and increase awareness of all pregnant women on practices promoting proper antenatal care, facility-based deliveries, and child-rearing.
Part of our advocacy is a community-driven approach, we always emphasize that health is not just a DOH business. Everyone should be concerned and be engaged,” added Sarani.
By introducing and maintaining the pregnancy tracking program, Sarani has shown a proactive approach to monitoring and managing the health of pregnant women in the community. This initiative not only helps in providing timely and appropriate care but also contributes to reducing maternal mortality rates and improving birth outcomes in the region.
His commitment to utilizing data in decision-making processes has been instrumental in improving overall health service delivery in Simunul. By leveraging data-driven insights, he can identify health trends, prioritize interventions, and allocate resources effectively, ensuring that community health programs are targeted and impactful.
“We are also proud despite many challenges, facility-based deliveries significantly increased in our area. The knowledge we learned from the ZFF Bridging Leadership program is that it should be translated to the barangay level or other stakeholders to have larger ownership of the health problems or concerns of the community to ensure they are also part of the solution,” Sarani stressed.
Through his sustained efforts in implementing and enhancing these innovative programs, Sarani continues to make a significant difference in the lives of residents in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. His dedication to promoting evidence-based practices, utilizing data for strategic decision-making, and focusing on preventive healthcare measures exemplifies a holistic and forward-thinking approach to public health leadership.
