Ilocos Region Celebrates Success in Universal Health Care Journey

In a joint effort to advance health governance and strengthen Universal Health Care (UHC) systems in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos Regional Office, the University of the Philippines-College of Public Health (UP-CPH), and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) celebrated the completion of the Bayang Malusog Provincial Leadership Development Program (PLDP) in a regional colloquium held in Heritage Hotel, Manila. The event brought together leaders and health officers from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan to share insights and accomplishments, marking a milestone in their UHC journey.

The colloquium gathered Governors Jeremias Singson of Ilocos Sur and Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David of La Union, along with Provincial Health Officers Dr. Cielo Almoite of Pangasinan and Dr. Rickson Balalio of Ilocos Norte, each presenting the strides their provinces have made toward more inclusive, accessible healthcare.

Reflections on a Shared Vision for Health

Dr. Cielo Almoite, Pangasinan Provincial Health Officer, highlighted two main takeaways from Pangasinan’s UHC journey: the importance of a shared vision and the value of trust and transparency. “By nurturing a shared vision, bridging leaders can create a powerful force for positive change, ensuring that everyone is working together towards a healthier future for all,” Dr. Almoite said. She also emphasized the impact of building trust, stating, “Increased transparency leads to greater trust and buy-in, and ultimately more satisfied stakeholders.”

Similarly, Ilocos Norte’s Dr. Rickson Balalio reflected on the value of resilience, continuous learning, and teamwork. “Setbacks are inevitable, but we’ve learned to see each challenge as a stepping stone and an opportunity to refine our strategies. Every struggle has been an opportunity for growth, pushing us to enhance our capabilities and improve service delivery,” he shared, underscoring the essential role of collaboration in navigating UHC challenges.

Leaders Committed to Community-Centered Health

For Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson of Ilocos Sur, teamwork and adaptability are vital for achieving UHC goals. “Working as a team does not rely solely on the leader. Recognizing each team member’s expertise creates synergy, accountability, and empowerment. We aim to become responsible ancestors to the Bayang Malusog we envision,” he said.

Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Raffy” Ortega-David of La Union expressed pride in her province’s progress, having achieved high levels of UHC implementation. “UHC is not a race. We hope that our numbers inspire our neighboring provinces. We need empathy; our people should feel the government’s care at the barangay level,” she noted.

A Shared Commitment to Health for All

The colloquium highlighted the collaborative efforts across the four provinces, emphasizing that the journey towards UHC is a collective responsibility. The panel discussions focused on overcoming challenges in governance, integrating public and private health services, and sustaining the gains made through the program.

As the event concluded, it was clear that the dedication of local leaders, health officers, and partners like ZFF, UP-CPH, and DOH-Ilocos would continue to drive positive changes in the region’s health systems. Each province left with a renewed commitment to make healthcare accessible and equitable for every Filipino in Ilocos.