Zuellig Family Foundation Receives Gawad Kalusugan Award from DOH-Cordillera
News
The Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-Cordillera) honored the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) with the Gawad Kalusugan Award for its contribution to advancing Universal Health Care (UHC) in the region. The recognition took place during the Am-among for Health and Gawad Kalusugan on October 28–29, 2025, in Baguio City.
DOH-CAR recognized ZFF for its partnership in implementing the Bayang Malusog Leadership and Development Program (BMLDP), a joint initiative that builds the capacity of local leaders to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes. The Bayang Malusog program continues to make an impact in its Community of Practice member areas, including Apayao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, and current Bayang Malusog Leadership and Governance Program sites Benguet and Baguio City, where empowered leaders sustain health reforms and deliver better services for their communities.
In her message, DOH-Cordillera Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan commended the efforts of partners like ZFF in empowering local government units (LGUs), saying, “The LGU is the lifeline of reform.” She encouraged continued collaboration to strengthen primary health care, improve facilities, and invest in the health workforce.
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DOH Undersecretary Glenn Mathew Baggao urged participants to view UHC “not merely as a law, but as a commitment to collective effort for better health access.” He added that a ‘Healthier Cordillera’ requires building an inclusive, accessible, and resilient health system.
Through the Gawad Kalusugan, DOH-Cordillera also recognized outstanding LGUs, national agencies, civil society organizations, and private partners who help advance UHC in the region.
The recognition affirms ZFF’s commitment to work with DOH and LGUs in strengthening leadership and governance for health toward the shared goal of ensuring equitable and quality health care for every Filipino.
Main photo from: DOH-Cordillera