Zuellig Family Foundation Welcomes Dr. Manuel Dayrit as Chairman of the Board of Trustees
News | by Krizzia Esperanza
Dr. Manuel M. Dayrit, a respected leader in public health, has been elected the new Chair of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF). With a career spanning 48 years, Dr. Dayrit brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, having served on the ZFF board for the past nine years.
Dr. Dayrit takes on the role of Ernesto D. Garilao, who served as ZFF Chairman for three years, and has retired from the Foundation. Garilao, started as President of ZFF in 2008, initiated the capacity development for mayors and governors towards equitable outcomes through health leadership and governance. Under Garilao’s leadership, ZFF’s work was implemented and replicated in 37 provinces, 41 cities, and 772 municipalities.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Dayrit expressed his pride and humility in taking on this new responsibility, reflecting on his long-standing commitment to improving health systems. He acknowledged the trust the Zuellig family has placed in him, and shared his excitement about the direction ZFF is headed. “It feels right,” he said, “as it takes me back to my roots of working in health programs and communities.”
Dr. Dayrit’s vision for ZFF includes strengthening its work in leadership development and governance, with a focus on scientific rigor and effective communication. He hopes to further ZFF’s mission of improving the health of Filipinos by building on its past successes and scaling up impactful programs across the country.
Dr. Dayrit’s distinguished career includes serving as the Secretary of Health in the Philippines from 2001 to 2005, working with the World Health Organization, and holding key academic and organizational roles. His leadership has been instrumental in numerous public health initiatives, and his work continues to inspire the next generation of health professionals. As Dr. Dayrit takes on this new leadership role, he is committed to guiding ZFF towards even greater success in improving health outcomes for all Filipinos.
