The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga celebrated its 2025 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on September 19, 2025 in Butuan City. The gathering honored the dedication and achievements of partners advancing nutrition in the region. During the ceremony, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) received the Leadership Award for Nutrition Governance Capacity, a recognition of its commitment to strengthening governance systems that prioritize health and nutrition.

ZFF began its nutrition governance work in the region in 2022 in partnership with the four island municipalities of Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte, and the Asian Institute of Management Alumni Association under the Ahon Siargao initiative with support and assistance from NNC Caraga. This collaboration has since expanded through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement) in the municipalities of Del Carmen, San Francisco, Pilar, and Burgos.

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This year, ZFF also sustained leadership interventions for health and nutrition by onboarding Governor Neil Demerey of the Province of Dinagat Islands, together with NNC Caraga. These efforts continue to highlight the foundation’s mission to equip local leaders with the knowledge and skills to design and implement sustainable programs that address the root causes of malnutrition.

The recognition given to ZFF underscores the vital role of civil society in building stronger partnerships for nutrition. By investing in leadership and capacity-building, ZFF stands as a partner to government and communities alike in realizing the vision of a healthier, well-nourished, and empowered Caraga.

Authors: Samantha Morales, ZFF Nutrition Knowledge Management and Communications Associate; Loriegrace Mindoro, ZFF Provincial Account Officer for Catanduanes and Surigao del Norte

“Health is not just the government’s job—it’s everybody’s concern.” – Hon. Nilo Demerey, Jr., Dinagat Islands Governor

The province of Dinagat Islands graduated from the Roberto R. Romulo (RRR) Fellowship for Public Health Leadership and Governance last March 2025, joining three other provinces—Aklan, Davao de Oro, and Kalinga—in celebrating the end of a year-long journey to improve local health systems. With the support of 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, the RRR Fellowship equipped local leaders with the tools to transform their health governance and make Universal Health Care (UHC) a reality in their communities.

 
Governor Nilo Demerey, Jr. led the province’s efforts with bold ideas and concrete actions. “Our province, though small, has faced significant challenges,” he said. “But with the right leadership, collaboration, and innovative strategies, we have made great progress in ensuring better health care for our people.”

Dinagat tackled major health concerns, including malnutrition, maternal deaths, low immunization coverage, and lack of access to hospital services. In 2024, stunting stood at 11.6% and wasting at 2.5%. There were also three maternal deaths recorded in the first quarter of 2025. In response, Governor Demerey’s team introduced several programs—most notably, a zero-billing policy on health services.

Under the fellowship program, the province launched the Remedy Aksyon Center to handle emergencies across all 100 barangays. They also expanded the Provincial Health Board and rolled out the Senior Citizen Health and Wellness Caravan, door-to-door healthcare services, and weekend medical missions. The province also distributed Remedy Cards—smart IDs with QR codes—to track every resident’s health history and services received. “We realized that those who need health care most are the ones who can’t reach hospitals,” Governor Demerey shared. 

Dinagat also invested in nutrition-sensitive policies, making backyard gardening a requirement for government aid. The province is also enrolled in ZFF’s Nutrition Leadership and Equity Acceleration Program (NutriLEAP) to further improve its nutrition governance and address malnutrition more effectively. 

Thanks to the RRR Fellowship, Governor Demerey said Dinagat’s health governance matured significantly. “This program helped us implement evidence-based policies that are practical and impactful,” he said. “We’ve moved from being a 4th class to a 2nd class province.”

“The public health tradition is not just about policies and programs,” Governor Demerey said in closing. “It is about commitment, collaboration, and compassion.”

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) celebrates the graduation of the first batch of fellows from Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship for Public Health Leadership and Governance. Leaders from Aklan, Davao de Oro, Dinagat Islands, and Kalinga share their breakthroughs, challenges, and lessons in transforming local healthcare. Hear their inspiring stories, policy recommendations, and commitment to making Universal Health Care (UHC) a reality. This program, in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Public Health and the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, continues to shape leaders who work toward better healthcare for all.

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Sustaining the Legacy: First Batch of Roberto R. Romulo Public Health Leadership and Governance Fellows Graduate