Turning Data into Action for a HEALTHIER Benguet
News
Harnessing better health data to improve planning, strengthen investments, and deliver better health outcomes took center stage during the second Bayang Malusog Leadership and Governance Program (BMLGP) Executive Session for Benguet on July 2, 2026.
Guided by Governor Melchor Diclas’ HEALTHIER Benguet agenda (Health Equity and Access across all Life-stages Towards Healthier I-Benguet through Efficient and Responsive Health Systems), the Province of Benguet reaffirmed its commitment to building a more responsive and data-informed health system that advances Universal Health Care (UHC).
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Collaborative Leadership for Health Transformation
The Executive Session brought together the Provincial Government of Benguet, national government partners, and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) to revisit commitments from the first Executive Session in 2025 and align on priority actions for the next phase of health systems transformation.
The Province of Benguet was led by Governor Melchor Diclas, together with the Provincial Health Office headed by Dr. Meliarazon Dulay. Also joining the discussions were Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep, Chief of Hospital of Benguet General Hospital; Dr. Mercedes Calpito, Provincial Health Team Leader of the Baguio-Benguet Department of Health (DOH) Office; and Ms. Marilyn Dizon, representing PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office Benguet. The ZFF delegation was led by Chairman Dr. Manuel Dayrit.
Photo above: ZFF Chairman Dr. Manuel Dayrit and Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas tackle how to turn health data into better services for the province.
Building on Progress
The Provincial Health Office highlighted key milestones achieved since the first Executive Session, including:
- The enactment of the Provincial-wide Health System (PWHS) Ordinance.
- The development of the Special Health Fund (SHF) Manual of Operations.
- Ongoing efforts to strengthen electronic medical records (EMR), telemedicine, and community-based health services through the HEALTHIER Benguet Caravans.
The province also shared continuing challenges, including fragmented health information systems, delayed fund releases, medicine availability, and the realities of delivering services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.
Strengthening Data for Better Health Governance
Recognizing that better health data leads to better decisions, Governor Diclas highlighted the importance of strengthening the province’s EMR system to improve care coordination, monitor service utilization, and support more strategic resource allocation across the province.
He also noted the need to clearly demonstrate how public investments translate into better health services and outcomes—strengthening the province’s ability to advocate for continued investments in health.
Alongside these efforts, Governor Diclas identified completing hospital and dialysis infrastructure, as well as sustaining investments in nutrition and noncommunicable disease prevention, as key priorities under the HEALTHIER Benguet agenda.
From Investments to Measurable Outcomes
Supporting this direction, Dr. Manuel Dayrit encouraged the province to move beyond tracking expenditures and focus on measuring how health investments improve access, service delivery, and population health. He underscored the importance of documenting progress, strengthening health information systems, and using disaggregated data to identify gaps and guide future investments across municipalities.
“You are more clear with what you want to do. You are aware of your bottlenecks,” Dr. Manuel Dayrit said, emphasizing that a clear understanding of both the province’s progress and remaining challenges provides a strong foundation for more focused and measurable health systems transformation.
Photo above: Participants unite during the Executive Session to reaffirm their shared commitment to a data-informed and collaborative health system for a healthier Benguet.
Sustaining the Momentum
The Executive Session concluded with renewed commitments from the Provincial Government of Benguet, the Provincial Health Office, DOH, PhilHealth, and ZFF to strengthen health governance through better data, collaborative leadership, and sustained partnerships.
By advancing stronger health information systems, operationalizing the Special Health Fund, and improving equitable access to quality healthcare, Benguet continues to lay the groundwork for a healthier future for every I-Benguet.