Janriel Lavadia, Cagayan Valley’s Emerging Health Leader

Working for the Department of Health (DOH) is Janriel Lavadia’s first job. A nurse by profession, Lavadia recalls, “My dream was to go into a clinical setting and be a nurse abroad. I was encouraged by some family members to join the DOH, and after some time, I realized that this is my calling.” Born and raised in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley, it was only natural for Lavadia to serve his community.

Lavadia’s journey is marked by dedication and growth. His public health career began in 2013 as support staff for the DOH’s Kalusugan Pangkalahatan program. This initial role gave him a comprehensive understanding of DOH programs and the intricacies of public health. His exemplary performance led to his promotion to health program researcher, where he managed the immunization and disaster response programs of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).

By 2019, Lavadia was promoted to Universal Health Care (UHC) Regional Coordinator in his region. Lavadia says of his career path, “I guess with the experience I’ve had throughout the years and as a leader, if there’s a way for me to implement the program and how we engaged the different units, they saw I had the potential.” His administrative insights and ability to engage various stakeholders, including national agencies and local government units (LGUs), were recognized. Despite initial apprehensions due to the novelty and complexity of UHC, Lavadia embraced the challenge. “I was afraid to be part of the UHC,” he recalls. “Usually, doctors head the UHC, and there are no clear instructions, but I guess they saw that I don’t give up, so I took on the role.”

A Refreshing Take on Leadership

Leading the UHC initiative was a formidable task that required overcoming numerous hurdles. The transition to UHC needed to be improved, including resource allocation issues and resistance to change. However, appointing a dedicated unit for UHC under a new Regional Director helped streamline the process. This unit became the central hub for coordinating UHC activities, providing technical assistance, and building the capacities of LGUs. His leadership ensured this unit’s effectiveness, fostering collaboration between the central office and LGUs. “The dedicated unit helped push the UHC forward, because there was a way for all stakeholders to understand what was going on and to convene,” Lavadia says. 

Implementing UHC is no small feat, especially in a region with diverse needs and challenges. Janriel Lavadia recognized early on that the key to success lies in building trust and fostering a collaborative spirit among all stakeholders. He understood that effective communication was crucial in addressing the concerns and misconceptions surrounding UHC. By organizing regular forums and dialogue sessions, he ensured that every voice was heard and every concern addressed. His ability to foster a sense of ownership among his team members and partners was vital in maintaining motivation and ensuring continuous progress in UHC programs. His active engagement with LGUs and other government agencies advocated for a collaborative approach to health governance, reinforcing his commitment to making UHC a reality in his region.

One of the significant challenges Lavadia faced was the resistance to change. Many local officials and healthcare providers were accustomed to the system and apprehensive about the new UHC framework. To counter this, Janriel helped initiate capacity-building programs. These initiatives aimed to equip local healthcare providers and administrators with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement UHC effectively. He transformed skepticism into support, gradually building a solid foundation for UHC in Region 2.

A Crucial Part of UHC Implementation 

In 2022, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) partnership became instrumental in advancing UHC in Region 2. The programs, focusing on leadership and governance, addressed technical and adaptive challenges. He says, “We’ve included the best practices that we learned from ZFF. What to teach, what to adapt, how to transform those implementing UHC.”

Lavadia acknowledged the significant impact of ZFF’s Bayang Malusog program, emphasizing transformational leadership and adaptive strategies. It provided valuable insights into effective governance and political dynamics, crucial for UHC implementation. “It was a way to make our co-leaders feel that UHC is not just about technical know-how. It’s a way to approach a better way to implement it. I consider it a big help for them.”

Navigating the political landscape of Region 2 was one of Lavadia’s significant challenges. The region’s political rivalries often got in the way of the otherwise smooth integration of UHC programs. Lavadia worked diligently to help bridge these divides, advocating for a unified healthcare approach transcending political affiliations. His and the region’s efforts have resulted in increased cooperation and progress toward UHC goals. 

Vision and Legacy

Looking ahead, Lavadia is focused on helping further strengthen the healthcare system in Region 2. Realizing UHC would mean even the most remote and underserved communities can access quality healthcare. He is also keen on building stronger partnerships with private sector stakeholders, recognizing that a collaborative approach is vital for sustainable health improvements.

Lavadia is also committed to continuous learning and adaptation. He believes that staying abreast of global best practices and innovations in healthcare is crucial for successfully implementing UHC. Through encouraging learning and innovation within his team and the broader healthcare community, he aims to help ensure Region 2 remains at the forefront of healthcare advancements.

Janriel Lavadia’s story is about resilience, dedication, and visionary leadership. His journey inspires all those who aspire to make a difference in the field of public health, reminding us that with vision and perseverance, transformative change is possible. “I always have hope. I have always had this vision and will not stop until I get there. I want to create an environment where everyone accepts change.” He says, “No one should be afraid of it. It moves us to where we want to be. What we do now will affect our families and those around us. That’s what motivates me.”