Bayang Malusog Community of Practice: Advancing Health Care Provider Networks for Universal Health Care

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