Collaborations for Health: Insights from Bayang Malusog in Leyte and Southern Leyte

From March 13 to 14, 2024, at Oriental Hotel in Palo, Leyte, Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Bayang Malusog Provincial Leadership Development Program’s Module 2 unfolded, focusing on “Strengthening Collaboration for Universal Health Care (UHC), Nutrition, and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (ASRHR).” This two-day workshop, facilitated by the University of the Philippines Manila – School of Health Sciences, aimed to deepen the collaborative efforts of ten provincial leaders from Southern Leyte and Leyte in accelerating progress in health care and nutrition across their regions.

The module facilitated reflective learning and strategic planning sessions, enabling participants to revisit and refine strategies for implementing UHC, Nutrition, and ASRHR programs. Experienced facilitators guided discussions on ZFF’s Bridging Leadership Framework and Systems Thinking among others, empowering participants to address challenges and drive sustainable change.

In Southern Leyte, Napoleon Regis of the Committee on Health has shared crafted resolutions and ordinances to address teenage pregnancy, including the creation of the Policy Board for Adolescent Health, with implementation support through mobile clinics and hiring of nurses. Furthermore, there are efforts towards poverty alleviation through agriculture, budget allocation for services related to teenage pregnancy, and recognition and collaboration with the religious sector in honing character-building skills to prevent teenage pregnancy. Notably, there is no objection to the use of modern family planning methods within these initiatives.

Reflecting on the event, Department of Health Region 8 Director Exuperia Sabalberino emphasized the importance of Deep Dives and guided community immersion into understanding regional health challenges, highlighting the need for collective efforts beyond government agencies alone. She said, “A Deep Dive is an important process to have a deeper understanding of what’s happening on the ground. Hindi lang basta-basta maso-solve ang problema, we really need everyone. Health is everybody’s concern.”

The program’s emphasis on building synergy and strategic planning resonated during Day 2, as participants created action plans tailored to their provinces’ unique needs, aiming to enhance financial integration, fortify health information systems, and bolster workforce development.

As Module 2 concluded, participants left with strengthened leadership competencies and actionable plans to drive progress in UHC, Nutrition, and ASRHR initiatives. ZFF’s Bayang Malusog program continues to empower leaders, fostering partnerships for sustainable change and a healthier future for communities.