Zuellig Family Foundation Explores Health Opportunities in Sulu Province

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), in its ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes in underserved communities across the Philippines, recently conducted a scoping visit to Sulu Province. From February 11 to 12, 2025, the ZFF team, led by its Board of Trustees and key staff, embarked on a mission to better understand the province’s health challenges and opportunities. The visit aimed to lay the groundwork for potential collaborations and program implementations tailored to Sulu’s unique healthcare needs.

The delegation included ZFF Chairman Dr. Manuel Dayrit, President and Executive Director Austere Panadero, and Board of Trustees members Daniel Zuellig and Dr. Jaemin Park, along with Manila-based and Mindanao-based ZFF staff. They were joined by resource persons and guests, led by Jonas Zuellig and Pascal Gueissaz, who brought valuable insights and expertise to the discussions.

Over three days, the team engaged in dialogues and site visits to explore partnerships with local stakeholders. The itinerary included meetings with key leaders such as Sulu Governor Abdusakur “Sakur” Tan and other local government unit (LGU) officials. The team also visited rural health units (RHUs) and hospitals, gaining firsthand insights into the province’s healthcare infrastructure and services.

A key highlight of the visit was the engagement with the academic community, including meetings with Notre Dame of Jolo College and representatives from the Mindanao State University-Sulu Campus. These discussions provided an opportunity to explore how education and community extension services can contribute to addressing health challenges. Additionally, a dialogue with the Philippine Army Brigade underscored the importance of security and stability in ensuring the success of health programs in the province.

This visit marks a significant step in ZFF’s mission to strengthen local health systems and improve community well-being. By gaining a deeper understanding of Sulu’s health landscape, the foundation aims to identify opportunities for partnerships and sustainable interventions that can enhance health outcomes.

Main photo by Dr. Manuel Dayrit