Kibungan and Kapangan’s Grand March Toward a Shared UHC Vision

During Module 1 of the Bayang Malusog Leadership and Governance Program (BMLGP) held on November 27–28, 2025, representatives from the municipalities of Kibungan and Kapangan in Benguet—including Kapangan Mayor Harris Dizon—came together to reflect on their leadership journeys and shape a shared vision for Universal Health Care (UHC).

By the end of the module, both groups had crafted messages that captured their hopes for their people: “Maksil ya maketing ay i-Kibungan” (Healthy and resilient people of Kibungan) and “Misyon man-aabat para sin salun-at for a healthier Kapangan” (Our mission for health—together for a healthier Kapangan).

Reflections Rooted in Community

The reflections from the group grew naturally from the Day 1 sessions, where participants explored their values, motivations, and lived experiences through the three-step Bridging Leadership framework of Ownership, Co-Ownership, and Co-Creation.

As part of the Ownership process, the group examined their “why” as leaders—what shaped them, what drives them, and how their stories connect to the health of their communities.

This grounding in personal purpose set the tone for the collective work that followed.

Bryan Alacdis, Kibinungan Municipal Accountant, explained that in their town, support for each other is deeply woven into their way of life. “Our main [quality in Kibungan] is we support each other. Awan ti milak-laksid, awan ti maibat-bati. (No one is left out, no one is left behind.)”

Dizon also connected their collective effort to a familiar cultural symbol in Benguet, the grand march, a traditional dance that brings people together across social, political, and religious lines. 

In the same way, leaders from both municipalities recognized that UHC is a shared movement—everyone stepping in rhythm, carrying their role, and supporting one another.

Co-Ownership, Co-Creation, and Action Planning

On the second day, the groups moved from personal awareness to shared responsibility. Guided by the Zuellig Family Foundation’s Local Health System and BMLGP team, they practiced trust-building, stakeholder mapping, and open dialogue—activities that helped them understand the bigger system they are part of.

With this stronger sense of co-ownership, the teams drafted action plans aligned with the Benguet UHC Roadmap. These plans focused on strengthening primary care, improving coordination between offices, supporting health financing, and making sure resources are used wisely and transparently.

The two-day module ended with a meaningful moment. Participants recited the Pledge of Commitment as Bridging Leaders, affirming their promise to lead with compassion, integrity, and shared responsibility. Afterward, they joined in the grand march—a symbol of unity, community spirit, and moving forward together.

Like the grand march, the UHC journey in Benguet is a collective movement. With visions strengthened by both personal purpose and shared commitment, Kibungan and Kapangan now step forward in rhythm, carrying with them a shared hope for a healthier and stronger Benguet.