Bayang Malusog Program Empowers Ilocos Health Leaders in Redesigning Health Services

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.