The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, implemented by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), will hold its Batch 3 Colloquium on October 14, 2025, bringing together nine cities that have made strides in improving family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH).

The event, themed “Sustaining Momentum: Transformative Reproductive Health Impact through Data-Driven Leadership,” celebrates the achievements of General Santos, Iriga, Isabela de Basilan, Lapu-Lapu, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Tacurong, and Tagum, the final cohort of TCI-Philippines.

Over the past three years, these cities have shown how innovation, local leadership, and data use can translate into tangible gains—raising modern contraceptive prevalence rates (mCPR) and reducing adolescent birth rates (ABR). Their experiences highlight that locally led and evidence-based programs can drive lasting impact, even amid political and social changes.

Through the support of TCI-Philippines and ZFF, local governments designed and implemented tailored initiatives addressing their communities’ specific needs:

• Tagum City engaged men and youth as advocates, increasing awareness and participation in FP.
• General Santos City expanded access to modern contraceptives by deploying FP Itinerant Teams to reach underserved communities.
• Lapu-Lapu City strengthened service continuity by empowering barangay health workers to deliver FP services.
• Iriga City and Isabela de Basilan improved inclusivity by tailoring FP efforts to indigenous peoples through localized communication strategies.
• Mandaluyong City reduced  adolescent pregnancies through community group engagement 
• Quezon City institutionalized adolescent pregnancy prevention through an ordinance, creating a coordinated network for youth health and development.
• Pasig City improved adolescent-friendly health services through a comprehensive Information and Service Delivery Network (ISDN).
• Tacurong City integrated adolescent needs into regular health services, ensuring continued access to reproductive health care.

These innovations build on the lessons of previous TCI-Philippines batches in Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Puerto Princesa, Baguio, San Jose, Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas, whose experiences affirm that sustained political commitment, data use, and community engagement are key to improving reproductive health outcomes.

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As TCI-Philippines concludes its final cohort, the Colloquium aims to showcase city achievements, share best practices, and inspire other local governments to adopt scalable and sustainable approaches to FP and AYSRH.

Related articles:

• Batch 1: Five Cities Celebrate Milestone in Adolescent Health and Family Planning Efforts
• Batch 2: Eight Cities Share Success in Family Planning and Adolescent Health

As we celebrate the Zuellig Family Foundation’s (ZFF) founding anniversary this September, we honor the values of Bridging Leadership—ownership, co-ownership, and co-creation—that continue to inspire change in our health and community work.

Through the I Am A Bridging Leader campaign, colleagues and friends share their reflections on what being a Bridging Leader means to them and how it has shaped their journey in building healthier communities.

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Eight cities will take center stage next week in a three-day webinar series hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) through The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, a global program supporting high-impact practices in family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH).

The event, titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health”, aims to showcase how local governments have taken bold, data-driven actions to improve access to reproductive health services. The webinar series will run on May 26, 28, and 30, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, via Zoom.

Launched in 2020, TCI is a five-year global platform co-managed with the William S. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. In the Philippines, TCI has worked closely with city governments to support policies and programs that reduce adolescent pregnancies and improve access to FP services. The program encourages cities to adopt self-reliant, gender-responsive strategies that empower women and youth.

The cities of Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas have been recognized as Global Self-Reliant Cities in FP and AYSRH under the program.

Each city’s approach reflects local leadership and innovation:

• Iligan City expanded FP and AYSRH services by empowering women and girls with access to information and health services.
• Naga City focused on youth-centered policies and community mobilization to address teenage pregnancy.
• Santiago City promoted peer education and youth leadership as a tool for reproductive health education.
• Biñan City tailored FP services to meet the real-life needs of women through integrated outreach.
• Mandaue City launched a Women’s Health Caravan to bring services closer to communities.
• Manila City used its Bayanihan Outreach Program to reach underserved areas with FP services.
• Iloilo City created adolescent-friendly healthcare environments using culturally sensitive, gender-aware strategies.
• Las Piñas City developed a multisectoral approach by aligning efforts across health, education, and social services.

The webinar series will allow participants to hear directly from local officials, program leaders, and partners about their experiences in building responsive and sustainable systems. Participants will also gain insights into effective strategies that can be applied to other cities and towns across the country.

Webinar Details:

• Day 1 – May 26: Cities at the Forefront (no CPD units applied)
  Join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar1
• Day 2 – May 28: Expanding Family Planning Services to Priority Populations through Targeted Outreach
  (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 3; Midwifery: 1)
  Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar2
• Day 3 – May 30: Expanding Access to Adolescents through Adolescent-friendly Health Services
  (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 2; Midwifery: 1)
  Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar3

The webinar marks both a culmination and a new chapter for these cities as they continue to strengthen systems that protect and promote reproductive health. ZFF encourages health workers, local policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to join the discussion and explore how these stories can inspire wider change.

Related article:

• Five Cities Celebrate Milestone in Adolescent Health and Family Planning Efforts