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
Nine Cities Recognized as Global Self-Reliant Cities in Reproductive Health
The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) celebrated the graduation of nine Global Self-Reliant Cities under The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines: General Santos, Iriga, Isabela de Basilan, Lapu-Lapu, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Tacurong, and Tagum. Held on October 14, 2025, this TCI-Philippines’ Batch 3 Colloquium showcased how these cities are advancing family planning and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) through data-driven leadership and community innovation.
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The Challenge Initiative-Philippines Webinar Series Day 3: Reaching Adolescents through Youth-Friendly Services (Las Piñas, Iloilo)
Day 3 of the The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines Webinar Series (May 30, 2025) featured Las Piñas and Iloilo’s efforts to make health services more responsive to adolescents. Speakers highlighted referral networks, safe spaces, and youth participation. Invited reactors from the Commission on Population and Development emphasized that cities must sustain progress and ensure services remain engaging, respectful, and youth-centered.
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The Challenge Initiative-Philippines Webinar Series Day 2: Expanding Family Planning through Outreach (Biñan, Mandaue, Manila)
Day 2 of the The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines Webinar Series (May 28, 2025) focused on how the cities of Biñan, Mandaue, and Manila are reaching more women through community-based family planning. Speakers emphasized shared leadership, house-to-house services, and mobile health caravans. Dr. Manuel Dayrit of the Zuellig Family Foundation pointed to leadership, technical skills, resources, and community engagement as key success drivers.
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The Challenge Initiative-Philippines Webinar Series Day 1: Cities at the Forefront (Iligan, Naga, Santiago)
Day 1 of the The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines Webinar Series (May 26, 2025) featured Iligan, Naga, and Santiago Cities showing how strong leadership drives systems change. Mayors prioritized family planning, youth empowerment, and community collaboration to tackle teen pregnancy. “Our cities aren’t just predicting change; they’re creating it,” said Dr. Anthony Faraon, Chief of Party of TCI-Philippines at Zuellig Family Foundation, urging everyone to move beyond BEST practices and toward NEXT practices.
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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