Zuellig Family Foundation and Notre Dame of Jolo College Discuss Collaboration
News | by Krizzia Esperanza
Representatives from the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Board of Trustees visited Notre Dame of Jolo College (NDJC) to discuss potential collaborations in health and leadership programs. The visit was a chance to understand the challenges faced by communities in Sulu and explore ways to make a lasting impact.
Father Eduardo Santojo shared insights about NDJC, which offers 19 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs. The school is deeply involved in community extension services, including operating primary schools for Badjaos in Jolo and Panglima Tahil. NDJC has mission areas not only in Sulu but also in Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato, Iloilo, and even Caloocan City.
Daniel Zuellig expressed his appreciation for NDJC’s warm welcome. To him, every visit to Sulu reinforces ZFF’s goal of peace and progress. He provided an overview of ZFF’s work, particularly in public health leadership, addressing teenage pregnancy, and improving nutrition during the First 1,000 Days of life (F1KD). He highlighted the importance of working closely with local government units (LGUs) to address health challenges effectively.
Dr. Manuel Dayrit, ZFF Chairman, shared that ZFF is eager to explore collaboration opportunities, particularly in strengthening leadership at the local level. Austere Panadero, ZFF President and Executive Director, shared that ZFF’s approach is different from other NGOs, and that it focuses on partnerships with academic institutions and LGUs to ensure long-term impact.
NDJC’s nursing program plays a vital role in the local community. Nursing is an important career path for Tausugs (both male and female) since NJDC opened the program in 1990. Many graduates serve in Jolo and nearby islands. With more than 500 students in nursing and midwifery and a growing pharmacy program, NDJC continues to contribute to the healthcare sector. The school also introduced a Medical Technology program last year and is expanding its facilities.
ZFF and NDJC discussed the possibility of NDJC becoming a hub for health leadership and governance programs in Sulu. Daniel Zuellig stressed that data-driven research is key to making informed decisions—every life counts, and every investment in health matters.
Potential areas of collaboration include:
- Research and program development in nutrition, public health leadership, and teenage pregnancy prevention.
- Strengthening partnerships between NDJC, ZFF, and LGUs.
- Expanding leadership programs to equip local leaders with the skills needed to improve healthcare services.
The next steps will involve deeper discussions on these initiatives, ensuring that both organizations can work together to create meaningful change in Sulu’s health sector. The visit marks the beginning of an exciting partnership, focused on empowering communities and improving lives.
