Davao de Oro Pushes for Stronger Health Reforms After Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship Milestone

Davao de Oro joined Aklan, Dinagat Islands, and Kalinga in celebrating a key achievement last March 2025—the successful completion of the Roberto R. Romulo (RRR) Fellowship for Public Health Leadership and Governance, a program led by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Public Health and the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance.

For Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga, the year-long fellowship was a transformational journey. “Coming from the judiciary and only entering politics in 2022, I never imagined how complex the health system really is,” she said. “This program helped me understand the power of leadership in turning health challenges into opportunities.”

Davao de Oro faced five key health concerns:

1. Child immunization coverage remains critically low. Only 63% of children were fully immunized in 2024—far below the national target of 95%. This gap leaves many children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
2. Teenage pregnancy continues to rise. In 2024, the rate reached 51 per 1,000 adolescents, which is significantly higher than both national and global benchmarks. 
3. The province’s hospitals are overwhelmed. The four provincial hospitals have a 315% occupancy rate, far above the ideal 80–85%, putting strain on both patients and health workers.
4. The province struggles with limited funding to properly manage its hospital system. To address this, the provincial government has proposed the renationalization of one hospital to improve funding and governance. 
5. Enrollment in the PhilHealth Konsulta program is still low. Only 8.4% of residents have had their first patient encounter, showing the need for stronger public awareness and engagement.

Despite the gaps, the province has made important strides. It tapped Barangay Volunteer Sanitation Inspectors to improve sanitation monitoring and prevent disease outbreaks at the community level. An information system was also developed that profiles and helps track Barangay Health Workers. 

The KoboCollect digital tool is being used to collect and manage data on water, sanitation, and hygiene. A provincial communication plan was also rolled out to improve field registration for primary health services.

In terms of services, the province exceeded national targets in prenatal care coverage, skilled birth attendance, and family planning. “These wins give us confidence that we’re on the right path,” she said.

The RRR Fellowship emphasized Bridging Leadership—the idea that real change happens when leaders bring people together. “I learned I can’t do it alone,” Governor Gonzaga reflected. “We need our mayors, health workers, and citizens to co-create solutions.”

Governor Gonzaga credits the Fellowship for sharpening her sense of purpose as a public servant. “I now see health not just as a service, but as a platform for empowerment and equity.”