Kalinga’s Health Breakthroughs Take Root through Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship

The Province of Kalinga proudly graduated from the Roberto R. Romulo (RRR) Fellowship for Public Health Leadership and Governance last March 2025, joining Aklan, Davao de Oro, and Dinagat Islands in completing a year-long journey of transformative leadership. The program, led by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Public Health and the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, helped local leaders sharpen their governance skills and tackle real health system challenges.

“Our leadership journey has not been easy—it mirrors the long and winding road of achieving Universal Health Care,” said Kalinga Governor James Edduba. “But along the way, we’ve seen real progress, and we celebrate both the small and big wins.”

Governor Edduba’s fellowship journey focused on three critical areas: reducing maternal deaths, improving emergency response, and strengthening mental health programs. His team finalized a province-wide referral manual and mobilized Community Health Action Teams (CHATs) to serve as on-the-ground health coordinators. “We capacitated our health workers to identify knowledge gaps and improve services where it matters most,” he explained.

To address the rise in road traffic injuries, Kalinga established an emergency response team and developed a province-wide accident reporting system. “Before, reports were fragmented. Now we use standard forms for all vehicular incidents—this allows us to make better, evidence-based decisions,” he said.

For mental health, the province passed an executive order mandating government offices to support mental health initiatives. A technical working group was formed to lead suicide prevention efforts, ensure data privacy, and guide media reporting. “We’re building systems to support the mental wellness of our people,” Gov. Edduba added.

Partnerships have been key to Kalinga’s progress. The province secured over 200 million pesos in medical assistance and signed agreements with apex hospitals to expand access to specialized care. “We engaged nearby provinces, private clinics, and national agencies. Our success is built on collaboration,” said the governor.

Governor Edduba’s commitment to health leadership started long before the RRR Fellowship. “When I was still Mayor, my nephew got sick and was sent to the ICU. I remember praying in the chapel beside him, promising I’d do everything in my power to improve health in our province. That moment changed me,” he shared.

Now, with better systems in place and a stronger network of partners, Kalinga is more equipped than ever to continue its health reform journey. As Governor Edduba said, “No single leader can do it all. But together, we can truly do great things.”